United Power is More Than Your Electric Provider. We’re Part of Your Community.

What sets cooperatives apart from our for-profit counterparts is our emphasis on the communities and members we serve. When United Power celebrated its 80th anniversary earlier this year, the story was not about us, but each of you and the strength of the communities that make up who we are. Without you, there would be no United Power. We’re invested in making each and every one of our communities the best version of itself and empowering our members to be a part of that vision. 

This October, United Power invites our members to join with us in honoring National Co-op Month, a celebration of the commitment cooperatives play in their communities. There are more than 64,000 co-ops in the United States stretching across almost every industry that touches our daily lives. 

Nearly 1,000 cooperatives are electric utilities established to deliver power to parts of the country larger investor-owned companies had no interest in serving. Electric cooperatives were birthed out of the hard work of our members who recognized a need and set out to find a way to meet it. We were formed by our community, for our community. 

As our communities have grown, so have we. So too has our commitment to you. United Power is an active presence in the cities and towns we serve. Our employees live, work, play and serve here. Their faces are recognizable on local chambers of commerce boards, at nonprofits fundraisers, youth sporting events and fairs and festivals across the nearly 900 square miles we serve. 

Your cooperative puts money back into the community in the form of sponsorships, scholarships and youth leadership development. In August, United Power partnered with the Touchstone Energy balloon program to highlight two local nonprofits, Foster Source and Food For Hope, and present them with check donations to continue their incredible work in our community. 

Operation Round-Up, a foundation that wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our members, provides thousands of dollars to service organizations each year. Over its 20-year history, the foundation has distributed more than $1.5 million to organizations that provide for the necessities and urgent needs of residents in our territory. Operation Round-Up is truly an example of member-driven commitment to giving back. 

In May, the board of directors approved a $5.5 million capital credit refund. Those refunds don’t just go back to individual families within our territory. They are also distributed to schools districts and local governments. 

This year, United Power has also re-emphasized its commitment to its members with the addition of Meghan Dewey as its Member Engagement Officer. In this newly created position, Dewey is responsible for developing and implementing United Power’s member engagement strategy. Read more about Meghan here. 

Ultimately, though, the larger community benefits from these programs because of our members, who empower us through your membership, participation and support. 

Members can play an even larger role in setting the direction of the cooperative. Our democratically elected board of directors are members, just like you. Each year, members vote for board members in our director election at our Annual Meeting in April, and any member may be eligible to run for a seat. Our board and leadership team also hold occasional listening sessions to hear the concerns of our membership to make sure our policies reflects your needs. 

While United Power exists to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy, we hope you think of us as more than your energy provider, but as a local business that supports the economic development and prosperity of its communities and members – by the community, for the community.
 

October 2^nd is National Energy Efficiency Day—a day to be reminded of the easy ways we can all reduce our energy use and save money. By being as efficient as possible with the energy we use, we help our pocketbooks and the environment. Remember: the cleanest, most efficient energy is the energy we never have to generate.  

In honor of Energy Efficiency Day, here are 10 simple ways to reduce energy waste, at home and at work:

1. Make the switch to LED

LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.

Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually.  Buy LEDs in 2019 and you can earn a rebate from United Power for every bulb.

2. Seal Those Leaks

On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. In fact, all the little leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window.

Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.  

3. Heat and Cool Efficiently

Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty home. Install a programmable thermostat and in colder weather schedule your home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep and increase when you are returning home or waking-up. In warm weather, schedule the thermostat to raise the temperature when you are away or asleep, and lower it at other times.

Tip: Follow the U.S. Department of Energy recommended temperatures and be energy-efficient all year.  

4. Maintain Your HVAC System

Make sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow down air flow, making the system work harder to keep you warm (or cool) and costing you more money.

Tip: Consider getting a winter tune-up. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a semi-annual or yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can be vital to improve efficiency, saving you money and making your home more comfortable.  

5. Look for the ENERGY STAR® Label

ENERGY STAR® labeled windows can cut heating costs by as much as 30% compared to single-pane windows, while increasing indoor comfort and lessening fading of home furnishings.

Tip: If you are undertaking a major home remodel or new build, consider installing ENERGY STAR® qualified HVAC equipment and appliances.  United Power offers rebates on the purchase of new ENERGY STAR® air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.

6. Turn the Electronics Off

That sounds easy, but too often we forget and leave electronics plugged in that are not in use.

Tip: Turn off unnecessary/idle lights, appliances and electronics. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once, and new Smart Powerstrips have timers and app controls to make it even easier. (Sometimes the simplest things are really effective!)  

7. Winter Tip: Invite the Sun In

It feels like the sun abandons us during the winter, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore it during the shorter days.

Tip: Open curtains/shade on your west-and south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and save 2%-12%.  

8. Summer Tip: Close Blinds and Shades

This tip is easy to forget, but vital: excess sunlight will make it harder to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Tip: During the day, keep your blinds and shades closed to prevent warm air from building up in your home.  

9. Clean Your Clothing Efficiently

That’s an easy one. A washing machine spends 90% of its energy to heat water.

Tip: Consider using cold water instead. In addition, try to run full loads as much as possible, because the machine uses roughly the same amount of energy regardless of the load size. Also, consider air-drying.

10. Clean Up Your Dishes Efficiently

If there’s one thing that has the power to unite people, it’s food. And with food comes dishes to clean. Fear not – there really is a more efficient way to use your dishwasher.

Tip: Avoid the “rinse hold” cycle and skip heated drying – simply open the door at the end of the washing cycle and let the dishes air dry!

The early morning sun shining off the Touchstone Energy hot air balloon provided the perfect backdrop for United Power at the Adams County Fair in early August. 

United Power partnered with Touchstone Energy Cooperative’s national balloon program to present two donations to local nonprofits that are doing incredible work in our community:

Food for Hope

There are thousands of children in Adams County who receive little to nothing to eat when they are not at school. Food for Hope seeks to empower and nourish the future of our community by providing nutritious food to children in need. 

Foster Source

Provides relevant training, resources and support to foster parents from a trauma-informed approach, giving them the skills and confidence to spark healing in vulnerable children.