Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system? 

Our distribution electric system, or grid, is a network of poles, wires, transformers and substations – all interconnected to deliver the power you need, when you need it. The system is carefully engineered to meet the needs of the energy consumers connected to it, while ensuring the installation, operation and maintenance is economical. 

Costs to maintain the system aren’t just based on the power you buy, system infrastructure costs are also attributed to how much power you use at a given time. When you use more power at once, you’re creating a higher demand on the system. These surges in demand have a greater impact on the grid, so they cost more money. 

With the traditional blended rate where the impact of demand surges is rolled up into a charge based on the power used, some members have been paying more than they should, while others aren’t paying enough. But here’s the thing: whether you use a lot of energy, a little energy, or generate your own, we all need a reliable grid to be there when we need it. 

By separating demand and energy components on your bill, we are more fairly distributing these costs to members based on how they use power. Each member will now pay their fair share of the cooperative distribution system they rely on.

If you want more information on how you use power, login to the Power Portal to view your usage and demand trends. Visit www.unitedpower.com/powerportal to begin. Find your high demand periods, think back to what was running in your home, and then stagger those appliances moving forward. The grid, and your wallet, will thank you. 

If you have additional questions about the demand rate and how it will impact you, email unitednewsline@unitedpower.com.

Demand for Electricity is like Demand for Water

You can fill the same 5-gallon bucket with either a garden hose, or a fire hose. A garden hose will not fill as quickly – but the hose costs less to operate, and the impact on the water system is minimal. Fill that same bucket with a fire hose, and it will fill up very quickly, but the surge of water from a fire hose requires larger pipes and a more expensive hose. In the end, both buckets would be full with the same amount of water, but filling a bucket more slowly – smoothing the water use over time – creates less demand on the system and costs less to do. 
 

Earlier this month, United Power went live with its much anticipated battery storage facility at its new west office, located on the I-25 Frontage Road south of state Highway 119. The project, developed in collaboration with ENGIE, is the largest utility battery storage facility in Colorado. 

The introduction of battery storage to United Power’s portfolio will allow the cooperative to save an expected $1 million each year in wholesale capacity charges. Energy generated from all sources on United Power’s grid will be stored during low-demand hours to be discharged during high-peak periods throughout the year. 

United Power’s primary goal for its battery storage facility is peak shaving, but it also better positions the cooperative to respond to future innovation and development within the energy environment. 

“Understanding storage is the next logical step in the progression of renewable generation,” said Jerry Marizza, United Power’s New Business Director. “Without the ability to store energy, renewables will have an artificial cap placed on its utilization.” 

On bright days when the sun is shining, solar fields may collect more energy than can be immediately used. Without proper storage capabilities, that excess energy is lost. Allowing the capture of both wind and solar energy produced at off-peak times when demand is low conserves energy and saves money.

“As a co-op, we have an obligation to our communities and individual members to explore these new options to meet this ever changing energy environment,” Marizza said. 

The Tesla battery system United Power and ENGIE utilized for this project is a larger version of the lithium ion battery found in Tesla’s popular electric vehicles. Through years of testing and refinement, Tesla batteries have become the industry standard in energy storage. 

The system has the capacity to store and distribute up to four megawatts of energy, or enough to power up to 700 homes simultaneously. Size and duration of the batteries used was determined during a study of United Power’s monthly load profile.

“As one of the fastest growing co-ops in Colorado, United Power wants to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to integrating new technology that can help boost reliability and keep costs down,” said John Parker, United Power CEO, during the project announcement this past year. “Energy storage will play an important role in the grid of the future, and we’re excited to be starting now.”

The new battery storage facility builds on United Power’s reputation for adopting and implementing innovative technology, such as the Sol Partners Cooperative Solar Farm – the first of its kind in Colorado – and Methane to Megawatts Project at the Erie Landfill – only the second of its kind in the state. More than just renewables, these projects also make economic sense for our members while providing reliable energy. 

In October, United Power connected its 3,000th member-owned rooftop solar installation, celebrating a significant milestone for the cooperative. 

United Power has seen rapid growth and adoption of solar power as a renewable energy option among its members over the past few years. According to the 2017 Smart Electric Power Association (SEPA), only Xcel Energy ranks higher in connected solar among electric utilities in Colorado. United Power also ranked 5th among cooperatives nationally for connected solar.

Member-owned solar connections account for more than 3 percent of United Power’s total meters, and produce almost 30 million kWhs of energy annually. 

Since powering Sol Partners, Colorado’s first community solar farm, in 2009, United Power has been at the forefront of adopting solar energy projects that both reduce carbon emissions and make economic sense. 

Today, the cooperative has four utility-scale solar farms powering our members. These systems provide local solar energy 
system-wide, purchased at a predictable cost – providing an environmental benefit and adding some rate stability for members.
 

Providing commercial members with efficient ways to help them save money and conserve energy is one of the many ways United Power partners with and gives back to its communities. In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year. 

The rebate program is in partnership with Tri-State Generation & Transmission, the cooperative’s wholesale power provider. 

Before the installation of new lighting, the facility was using fluorescent lighting, which can dim over time creating “dark spots” throughout the work floor. This can result in inadequate lighting for workers and cause potential safety concerns. 

In total, Vestas replaced lighting in five sections of its plant, including the main work areas. The clean quality of LED lighting provides workers with more consistent, reliable light, and because LED lighting is so efficient, also cuts energy use. The overhaul cut energy use in some areas of the plant nearly in half. 

United Power makes energy savings easy through its commercial energy audit programs and rebates on select energy improvement projects. The cooperative also offers no-cost services to commercial members, including energy efficiency walkthroughs and analyses. 

These incentives and programs from Tri-State G&T and United Power are available to all commercial and industrial members. Similar rebates are also available to residential members. Learn more at www.unitedpower.com/rebates.