Brighton, CO – United Power, Inc. is partnering with Kindle Energy LLC (Kindle) to add 162 megawatts (MW) of peaking natural gas capacity on its system in Keenesburg, CO. As the state of Colorado transitions away from coal-fired energy production, this project will provide United Power greater flexibility when power costs are at their highest and ensure reliability and resource adequacy in times of low renewable energy production and extreme weather conditions.

“The integration of this peaking natural gas unit is key to our ongoing energy transition,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “To remain responsive to our members’ needs as we move away from a single wholesale power supplier, this project will provide the necessary flexibility we need on our system. It is just one more tool in our toolbox that will help us better meet the varied needs of our members and provide more predictable costs in the future.”

The natural gas units will be installed at the Mountain Peak Power plant in Keenesburg, which is adjacent to United Power’s Tesla Substation. The proximity of a natural gas pipeline to the substation property was key to making this installation an economical one for the cooperative, and a quicker construction project for Kindle Energy. Additionally, the unit is considered “hydrogen-ready,” which means it is also designed to run on fuels with hydrogen content once commercially viable, increasing the unit’s versatility. When in operation, which is planned for June 2025, Mountain Peak Power is expected to deliver up to 162 MW, to support the ongoing energy transition in the state. 

Lee Davis, CEO of Kindle Energy, said, “Kindle is excited to partner with United Power on the Mountain Peak Power project, supporting their transition to cleaner energy sources. The Mountain Peak Power project is important to Kindle because it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bring strong solutions with flexible, reliable generation to support the ongoing transition to a greener energy portfolio.”

United Power transitioned away from a single wholesale power supplier in May of this year, with a vision to create a more flexible power delivery system that would provide cooperative members with predictable costs and allow for the integration of various local energy sources. In addition to this peaking unit, the cooperative has invested in batteries at eight substations throughout the service territory to help balance load during high use periods and to provide critical back up generation.

“We appreciate how quickly Kindle is able to make this installation a reality,” said Gabriel. “Thanks go out to all our working partners at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and leaders in Weld County for their coordination and foresight.” 

To learn more about United Power’s energy transition and our varied sources of power, visit the cooperative’s website at www.unitedpower.com. 

About United Power

United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 112,000 meters. Its 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Kindle Energy

Kindle Energy is a power generation development and asset management firm based in Princeton, NJ.  With over 11GW currently under management, Kindle Energy offers customized approaches to investing in, operating, and managing power generation assets in North America. Supporting Utilities, Co-Ops, Municipals and other energy facility owners, Kindle Energy is focused on providing creative solutions to the complex energy issues of today to allow customers to focus on their core business.

Please visit https://kindle-energy.com/ to see more details.

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BRIGHTON, CO and FRAMINGHAM, MA – July 29, 2024 – United Power, Inc., an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, today announced the successful completion of construction of multiple Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in collaboration with Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. These battery energy storage systems underscore significant advancements in utility infrastructure, enhancing both resiliency and energy security as the industry shifts toward a more sustainable future. Together they also represent the largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio in Ameresco’s history.

The assets are designed to provide 78.3 MW, 313.34 MWh of battery storage capacity to the United Power electric distribution system across multiple sites. Five of the sites have been placed in service and the remaining three sites are expected to be placed in service by the end of the summer. Strategically positioned throughout United Power’s service territory, these eight advanced battery systems are pivotal in enabling United Power to enhance load balancing and integrate renewable resources seamlessly.

“The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power grid, and we are excited to be moving ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such systems. These battery energy storage systems will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power.

The Ameresco-owned assets consist of four 11.75 MW and four 7.84 MW battery energy storage systems across the eight different substation sites owned by United Power, located in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties. In addition, Ameresco integrated Stem’s AI-driven clean energy software to efficiently operate and maintain the systems. These batteries will allow the cooperative to store and dispatch power efficiently during periods of high consumption. By leveraging this innovative technology, United Power optimizes its energy resources, enhances its grid resilience, and ensures a reliable electricity supply for its members.

“Partnering with United Power on these transformational battery energy storage systems has been incredible – in just under a year of working together we have accomplished so much,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President, Ameresco. “The inclusion of this expansive set of assets in Ameresco’s portfolio is an amazing milestone for our team, as our largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio to date. Energy storage plays – and will continue to play – a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, optimizing renewable energy utilization, and fostering a resilient and efficient energy future. We look forward to continuing to help support utility companies in meeting increasing demand.”

Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate completing construction of the BESS assets. The event took place at United Power's Bromley Substation located in Brighton, CO.

To learn more about United Power’s industry leading energy transition outlined in its long-term vision for the future, read Our Cooperative Roadmap at www.unitedpower.com/roadmap.

For additional information on Ameresco and its energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com.

About United Power: United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 112,000 meters. It’s 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

About Ameresco, Inc.: Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

The announcement of the development of a renewable energy asset by Ameresco is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such asset, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s overall total assets in development or operation. This project was included in our previously reported assets in development as of March 31, 2024.

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Brighton, CO –- A project sponsored by United Power was among those selected by Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to receive a grant from the more than $2 million awarded through the Microgrids for Community Resilience Grant Program. The program, established by House Bill 22-1013, is designed to enhance community resilience during electric grid disruptions through the development of microgrids. United Power was awarded $700,696 to offset the cost of microgrid systems to support rural emergency services in the cooperative’s territory.

United Power’s project represents one of the initial projects funded since the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) formally awarded the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and DOLA $17.2 million for the first two years of a five-year funding program. Grant funds will be used to support the study of the potential role of microgrids in advancing state energy goals, such as increasing the resiliency and reliability of the electric grid; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and supporting the state’s transition to clean energy and beneficial electrification.

“This project, developed in coordination with four of our local fire departments, is a win for the first responders and the communities they serve,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “The battery systems we have proposed will allow these fire stations to operate uninterrupted in the event of a power outage, so they can provide critical services to our members during an emergency. Cooperatives, which are governed locally, are ideally situated to test and deploy local energy solutions.” 

The $700,696 award will offset the cost of microgrid systems, placing batteries at four facilities in the United Power service territory: Blue Mountain Fire Station #3 (Coal Creek Canyon); Frederick Firestone Fire Protection District Station #4 (Del Camino); Hudson Fire Protection District Station #3 (Lochbuie); and Mountain View Fire Rescue Station #7 (Dacono). 

“This partnership with the communities we serve is at the heart of what makes the cooperative business model unique,” said Trista L. Fugate, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We worked with each community to develop a solution that would meet their most critical needs. It is just one of the many ways United Power is working to make sure the safety and best interests of every member is met.” 

“We are honored and pleased to continue our collaborative efforts with United Power to bring resiliency within our emergency services network and into the community power grid enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses alike,” said Fire Chief Jeremy A. Young, Frederick-Firestone Fire District. “We are fortunate to have partners such as United Power that remain diligent behind the scenes to ensure essential services remain a collaborative effort for all those we serve.”

The batteries will ensure these critical response facilities continue to operate should a widespread outage occur in the area. During non-emergency conditions, the batteries will provide additional benefits to cooperative members as a load balancing tool. They will also reduce the need to activate fossil fuel backup generation during outages. 

“Hudson Fire Protection District is honored to have been selected as an award recipient for the Microgrids for Community Resilience Grant Program,” said Alan Anderson, Assistant Chief. “This initiative is a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring uninterrupted service and safety for our community, particularly in times of crisis. We are grateful to the Colorado Energy Office and the visionaries behind House Bill 22-1013 for their support and investment in grid reliability and resiliency. We also sincerely thank United Power for their work and for facilitating the grant process. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for our community.”

The project complements United Power’s ongoing efforts to build a more resilient and responsive local grid that incorporates a variety of local generation resources, while allowing for local balancing of system demand. To learn more about United Power’s industry leading energy transition, check out the guiding principles of Our Cooperative Roadmap. 

About United Power

United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 112,000 meters. Its 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.

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United Power's offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Our dispatch center and crews remain on-call 24 hours per day for outages and emergencies.

Members can access their account online, or pay by phone by calling 866-999-4485 24 hours per day. 

We hope all of our members enjoy a relaxing and safe 4th of July holiday.