Annual Regulatory Meeting Planned for November 8, 2019

Meeting Agenda

Every year, the United Power board takes a deep dive into the rates we charge for electricity and considers both the revenue requirements of the cooperative and the anticipated load growth for the cooperative in setting rates for the upcoming year. The United Power board will be considering some adjustments in current rates and adding an additional rate for 2020 at its November 8 Regulatory Meeting.

Recommendations from staff for the upcoming year include a modest 1.5-2% increase for residential members. Similar to last year’s rate changes, the adjustment being proposed would slightly increase the demand component and reduce the cost of energy. In 2019, the cooperative incorporated a demand charge into their residential rate, while reducing the cost of energy.

“When United Power rolled out the advanced metering infrastructure several years ago, we were able to collect better data about how each member uses power in their home or business,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “Using this data, we constructed a rate that considers not only how much power a member consumes, but we can also measure their impact on the grid that supplies that power. By breaking apart these separate components members are billed more accurately for their use and impact.”

The rate structure not only allowed the cooperative to charge members more fairly for their impact on the electrical system, but it also put more power into the hands of members to control their costs by shifting the way they use electricity in their homes. For instance, by spreading out the use of household appliances like dryers and dishwashers through the course of the day, members can have a direct impact on their demand and reduce their costs.

This year, the board is also considering a new rate that would help lessen the impact on members who utilize electric heating technology in their homes. Homes utilizing electric thermal storage units experienced a larger impact from the rate change in 2019 when compared with the average household. A group of members concerned about the increase met with staff and board members to voice their concerns and ask the board to consider their unique situation.

“One of the best things about being served by a cooperative is that members have direct access to their regulators – the board of directors,” stated Hubbuck. “In response to our members concerns we hosted public meetings, and the new rate being considered in November is in response to these meetings.”

The changes are planned to be in effect for consumption beginning January 1, which means members would see the changes on their February bills. Once the rate adjustments are decided, the changes will be communicated via the United Newsline and on the cooperative’s website.

Careers in Energy Week is Oct.14-20, 2019 and celebrates the workforce that provides a vital service to our communities and to raise awareness of the rewarding careers available in the energy industry. From line workers to construction project managers to electrical engineers and beyond, these men and women work tirelessly to ensure that businesses and homes across the country always have the energy they need.

To celebrate the people behind your power, we’ve featured a small sampling of the many employees who have found careers in energy at your local electric cooperative.

Jared
Senior Planning Engineer

United Power’s engineering team is hard at work behind the scenes designing a system able to efficiently deliver reliable power to our members. That includes monitoring system performance and forecasting for growth and future load – the amount of energy the cooperative must distribute to provide enough power for all our members.

“There’s never a dull moment working in the field of power engineering. We get to work with large scale projects that set the direction for the future of the cooperative. Advances in system software allow us to better map our system, identify and resolve weaknesses and put in redundancies to ensure our system is better equipped to deliver reliable power to members. Technological innovations allow us to more quickly identify and isolate faults (outages), reducing the impact of events. It’s kind of like solving a complex puzzle, but that’s what makes it exciting. There’s a lot of opportunity in the power industry for young, talented engineers to come in and have an immediate impact.”

Kirsten
Senior Right-of-Way Agent

When United Power builds new infrastructure – the lines, poles, and equipment that deliver power to our members – we work within existing agreements with cities or counties or obtain new agreements with property owners to build on that property. Our right-of-way agents are responsible for obtaining those permissions so we can build our infrastructure safely, affordably and efficiently.

“Working in right of way, you’re going to meet a lot of people and work on a lot of different kinds of projects. No two projects are the same, and that means being willing to learn about new industries. It requires a level of conscientiousness, accuracy and an ability to negotiate effectively. I’m thankful for the mentors I’ve had and the professional organizations I’ve been a part of along the way, but also those I’ve been able to mentor.”

Eliana
Energy Management Specialist

United Power’s energy management specialists are available to help empower members to take control of their energy usage. Through carefully researched energy audits, our team educates members about what behaviors are having the biggest impact on their usage, how small changes can save them time, energy and money, and what programs the cooperative offers to help them make those changes.

“You can never assume you know what the member needs. Listening is crucial because every member is trying to find solutions for their own unique challenges, and sometimes they don’t realize the solution can be simple and easy. Asking the right questions helps us narrow down their true needs. Our goal is to craft a positive member experience that leaves them armed with the information necessary to make meaningful changes to their energy usage.”

Bryce
Project Coordinator II

When new development moves into United Power’s service territory, our project managers and coordinators work with those developers to facilitate the electrical system design and construction process from start to completion, while also coordinating conversation across teams inside and outside the cooperative.

“Our ultimate responsibility is to ensure we design an electrical route that meets both our system’s needs and our member’s needs. We begin that process by meeting with members and obtaining detailed project plans to pass along to designers. To succeed in this field, you need to be able to adapt quickly to different situations, wear multiple hats and stay organized. Our digital-first approach to new construction projects has made managing jobs quicker, easier and more efficient, but we still prioritize meeting with members. Each day I’m able to see or do something different to help a member resolve their needs. It’s also been exciting to see some of the new development moving into our territory.”

Brittany
Apprentice Lineman - Step 5

United Power lineworkers are responsible for maintaining the lines, poles, and equipment that deliver power to our members. In the event of an outage, they are our “boots on the ground” working diligently to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. They work in high voltage and often dangerous situations, regardless of the weather. For them, linework is something of a passion project.

“If you decide to go into linework, you have to know it’s something you want to do. Not many people are getting into it because it’s challenging, but if you love what you’re doing and are willing to stick it out no matter what, you can do it. It just takes time. If you’re a woman interested in going into linework, don’t be intimidated. You’re going to have to work harder and find different techniques that work for you, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. If it’s something you really want to do, you can do it.”

Energy jobs offer promising opportunities to both experienced workers and those just starting their careers. These jobs are active, hands-on, rewarding, and available in every state, in an industry that is stable and growing. Learn more at www.getintoenergy.com.

United Power offers competitive salaries and first-class benefits for nearly 200 energy-related positions. If you’d like a rewarding career at a member-owned electric cooperative where we power what matters to over 93,000 members who live, work and play in our rapidly growing service territory, visit www.unitedpower.com/careers to view current openings.

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!

2020 Youth Leadership Applications Available at Year’s End

As your cooperative we believe in contributing to the well-being of the communities that make up who we are, including building up tomorrow’s leaders in those communities. Each summer, United Power selects local youth from within our service territory to represent the cooperative for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado at the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp or an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. 

Applications will be available on our Youth Trips page at the end of the year. .

CYLC: Camp, Cabins & Cooperatives

The Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp isn’t a camp in the traditional sense. There are no tents, no campfires, no s’mores. Business begins as soon as the buses and vans roll in to deposit campers from their respective cooperatives. Campers establish and manage their own cooperative for the week, including election of a Board of Directors and holding regular meetings for “members.” In between, days are filled with cooperative-focused activities, leadership training and collaborative group projects. 

However, being part of a cooperative isn’t all business all the time. Whether it was building camaraderie while rafting down the Colorado River or enjoying the majestic Fish Creek Falls, campers had ample opportunity to build friendships and have fun. 

This summer, three area youth represented United Power at camp: Xavier Galyardt, Mead High School; Audrey Thompson, Prospect Ridge Academy; and Karlen Ruybal, Ft. Lupton High School.

Youth Tour: Colorado Youth Visit Capitol Hill

The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been a proud tradition among cooperatives since 1957 when Lyndon B. Johnson, speaking at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting, suggested sending youth to the capitol to see “what the flag stands for and represents.”

Local electric cooperatives throughout the country sponsor approximately 1,500 high school students from small towns and cities for and incredible week in the nation’s capital with the objective of providing an educational experience for young people on the organization and operation of a cooperative. 

Each day of the Youth Tour is packed full of memorable moments for youth from across the country. Between meeting with elected officials, learning the value of the cooperatives they represent and developing leadership skills, students are able to spend time touring some of Washington D.C.’s landmarks and memorials. 

Each year, United Power selects three ambitious high school students to attend Youth Tour: Catera Gagna, Brighton High School; Brooklyn Stubby, Mapleton Early College; and Bethany Flanagan, Weld Central High School.

Meet Your 2020 Camp Ambassador: Xavier “X” Galyardt

Xavier, who goes by “X,” was a United Power representative at the 2019 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. Each year at CYLC, youth campaign throughout the week and are elected  by their peers to return to camp the following year as an ambassador. 

What did you enjoy most about camp?

Although the activities were fantastic – rafting, learning, dancing, adventuring – they are trivial in comparison to the friends I acquired. They are easily what I enjoyed most. The hardest part of camp was leaving them behind.

How did it prepare you for being a leader in your school and community?

The camp was incredible at presenting leadership ideas and displaying leadership ideals. These ideas reignited my passion for leadership and demonstrated the true influence of leaders. I have adopted a new philosophy on leading, and can’t wait to see how it plays out.

What does it mean to be elected a 2020 camp ambassador?

Being elected ambassador is a tremendous honor. To become a camp ambassador one must go through two stages of speeches and voting. After all that, my peers selected me because they trust me to represent them next year.

Why should others high school students attend camp in 2020?

For every reason someone could choose not to attend camp, I could list two reasons to come. For one, it’s a vacation away from normal life. You’ll also meet some of the most compassionate people you may ever now. There is no downside.