VendorsVendor Information
United Power contracts with vendors to provide products or services that allow United Power to perform reliably, efficiently and effectively throughout its various departments and service territory. Many products and services are acquired by issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) and requests for quotes (RFQs), which facilitates bidding processes to obtain quality services, products and supplies at favorable prices.
Business Interest Information
Vendors interested in working with United Power and to be considered for bidding on open requests should complete the business interest form below. Vendors who provide goods/services that do not require competitive bidding may also be contacted directly by a United Power representative.
Wildfire MitigationProactive. Prepared. Engaged.
The allure of Colorado's dense national forests and mountainous terrain also makes it susceptible to factors that increase the risk of wildfires. As your cooperative, United Power takes these growing threats seriously and has continuously engaged in progressive, proactive risk mitigation efforts to prevent the ignition and growth of wildfires due to its infrastructure, particularly within our Mountain Territory. Portions of Gilpin, Boulder, and Jefferson Counties reside within this part of our territory and include heavily forested parts of Golden Gate State Park and parts of both the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests.
United Power has a formal Wildfire Mitigation Plan in place to protect United Power’s infrastructure and reduce the risk of fire ignitions. The plan is continuously evaluated to address the environmental, political, financial, and other factors that influence those risks. Our primary objective is safety; to protect lives and property by reducing the risk of a utility-involved wildfire.
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Youth TripsDeveloping Tomorrow's Leaders
Each summer, United Power selects local youth within its service territory who stand out from among their peers to represent the cooperative for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado at the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp or on an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Students are able to build resumes, craft new friendships and develop important leadership skills to become leaders in their communities, school and among their peers. These youth trips also teach the youth the importance of cooperatives and the principles that govern them. United Power, along with other rural electric cooperatives in Colorado, are helping develop tomorrow's brightest leaders.
For more information, contact United Power.
2026 Youth Camp & Youth Tour Application
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100,000 Meter Celebration
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Wednesday | July 14, 2021
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United Power invites members to join us for our 100,000 Meter Open House celebration at the Carbon Valley Service Center on August 28.
Thanks to Members Like You, United Power is 100,000 Meters Strong
United Power invites members to join in celebrating this meter milestone with the cooperative and with each other at our 100,000 Meter Open House celebration at the Carbon Valley Service Center on August 28. The event will provide members with an opportunity to learn more about the cooperative and see how its newest facility and office location are effectively serving members on the west side of the service territory.
United Power 100,000 Meter Celebration
Saturday, Aug. 28
Open House | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Carbon Valley Service Center - 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, LongmontEvent Features:
Touch-a-Truck, Safety Demos & Safety Booths. Get a close look at United Power's line trucks and learn more about United Power programs.
Batter Storage Tours, Free Food & Prizes. Tour Colorado's largest battery storage installation. Enjoy free refreshments and enter prize drawings.
Food Drive to Fill the Bucket. Support the Carbon Valley Help Center by bringing a non-perishable food item or cash donation.
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2017 Scholarship Recipients Announced
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Friday | April 14, 2017
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United Power proudly announces the 2017 Scholarship awards. Sixteen different scholarships are granted for a total of $18,500.
United Power proudly announces the 2017 Scholarship awards. Sixteen different scholarships are granted for a total of $18,500. United Power awards the scholarships each year to outstanding students served by the cooperative. The United Power Scholarship Committee gives these awards based on grades, test scores, extracurricular participation, and a short essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year. Visit www.unitedpower.com for more information.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative – $1,000 Award
Riley Juenemann is a senior at Frederick High School and plans to major in Computational and Applied Mathematics in the fall. Riley is very active at her high school, serving on the Academic Advisory Council, Link Crew and the Athletic Leadership Council, just to name a few. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering on various projects in her community. She is also an accomplished guitarist.
United Power Colorado College Scholar – $2,000 Awards
Elena DeAndrea will graduate from Ralston Valley High School and plans to attend the University of Colorado in the fall, where she will major in Biochemistry and Business Management. At her high school she is active in Student Government and Choir. She is a member of the National Honor Society. Elena has also volunteered at Lutheran Hospital for the past three years.
Jacob Kriska plans to study engineering at the University of Colorado after graduating from Eagle Ridge Academy. Jacob is in student council and is the Study Body President. Jacob strives to be a leader at his school and works hard to make all students feel accepted.
Tri-State Generation & Transmission – $1,000 Scholarship (Photo not Available)
Caitlin B. is very active in sports at her high school and has been awarded many academic awards during her four years of high school. Caitlin volunteers countless hours in her community and is still deciding on her future plans.
Lois Lesser Education Scholar – $1,000 Scholarship
Clarissa Shelley will graduate from Legacy High School and has been awarded the Lois Lesser Scholarship for her interest in pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Clarissa is very active at her high school and is the Student Body President. She has volunteered for many organizations that focus on children.
Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship – $1,000 Scholarship
Lindsey Hamblin has been awarded the inaugural Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in the engineering field. Lindsey attends Skyline High School. She is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Art Society. She plays tennis and has competed in robotic competitions. Lindsey will attend the University of Colorado in the fall majoring in chemical and mechanical engineering.
United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship – $1,500 Award
Samuel Escamilla from Weld Central High School has been awarded the Youth Leadership Scholarship for his dedication to his community and his involvement in his high school. Samuel was awarded the Youth of the Year Award at the Shopneck Boys & Girls Club in January 2017. He plans to attend college and major in mathematics and secondary education.
United Power Book Awards – $1,000 Book ScholarshipsBrighton High School: Caitlin O’Callaghan will graduate from Brighton High School in May. She is a member of the National Honor Society and plays varsity volleyball. Caitlyn has received numerous academic honors and plans to pursue a career in Biology. Caitlyn has been awarded a coveted Daniel’s Fund Scholarship and this scholarship has been reawarded to another student.
Denise Ocampo is a senior at Brighton High School and plans to pursue a career in Nursing to help those in need in her community. Denise has received many academic awards and in her spare time volunteers at her church. She is still deciding on her college.
Prairie View High School:Andrew Her plans to pursue a degree in Biology and will graduate from Prairie View High School in May. Andrew is a member of the National Honor Society and HOSA. He has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll multiple times.
Eagle Ridge Academy: Chaz Okada will graduate in May from Eagle Ridge Academy. He plans to pursue a career as a pilot. Chaz plays baseball and is an accomplished musician.
Frederick High School: Alicia Orr is active in the National Honor Society and has received the Presidential Award all four years. She is a volunteer tutor at Thunder Valley Elementary. Alicia plans to work in the Atmospheric Sciences.
Fort Lupton High School:Gerardo Millan Jr. plays basketball and soccer and is a member of the Robotics Club and the Outdoors Club. Upon graduating from Fort Lupton High School, he plans to attend college and work in the Computer Science field.
Mead High School: Sydney Blackburn will be attending the University of Northern Colorado in the fall and will major in Elementary Education. Sydney is active in 4H and the National Honor Society. She is an outstanding volleyball athlete and has received many academic letters. In choosing her career, Sydney plans to make a difference and a positive impact in the lives of children.
Weld Central High School: Lesli Calderon will pursue a Pre-Med degree at the University of Northern Colorado and plans specialize in Pediatrics. Lesli is the Student Council Senior Representative and Treasurer. She is also a member of LULAC and FCCLA.
At Large: Tiana Linkus attends Erie High School where she plays varsity soccer and is a cheerleader. She will attend Montana State University in the fall to major in Cell Biology and Neuroscience to ultimately become a trauma surgeon.
Mountain Territory:Benjamin Hoppes will be attending the Colorado School of Mines upon graduation from the Summit Academy, to study Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. Benjamin is on the swim team and competes in piano competitions.
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2018 Director Election: Meet the Candidate Forums
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Monday | February 5, 2018
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Attend a Meet the Candidate Forum to learn more about each of the candidates vying to serve on the Board of Directors in the 2018 Director Election to be held on April 18th.
Attend a Meet the Candidate Forum to learn more about each of the candidates vying to serve on the Board of Directors in the 2018 Director Election to be held on April 18th. The following events are free to members. Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are not required.
Monday, March 19, 2018 | 6:30 p.m.
Adams County Fairgrounds – Waymire Dome
9755 Henderson Road Brighton, CO 80601
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 | 7:30 a.m.
Fort Lupton Recreation Center
203 S. Harrison Ave. Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Thursday, March 22, 2018 | 7:30 a.m.
Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
31528 Highway 72 Golden, CO 80403
Friday, March 23, 2018 | 7:30 a.m.
E.L.F. Grill
102 8th Street Dacono, CO 80514
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2018 United Power Scholarship Recipients Announced
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Wednesday | May 23, 2018
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United Power proudly announces the 2018 Scholarship awards. Sixteen different scholarships were granted for a total of $18,500. United Power awards the scholarships each year to outstanding students served by the cooperative.
United Power proudly announces the 2018 scholarship recipients. Sixteen scholarships were granted for a total of $18,500. United Power awards the scholarships each year to outstanding students served by the cooperative. The United Power Scholarship Committee gives these awards based on grades, test scores, extracurricular participation and a short essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year. Visit www.unitedpower.com for more information.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship – $1,000 Award
Jacqueline Chavez Sandoval
Weld Central High School’s senior class president has built a stellar academic resume as she heads to CU Denver in the fall. Jacqueline is vice president of the National Honor Society, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, participates in drama club, band and dance and serves regularly at her local food bank. She plans to pursue a medical degree in pediatrics to help children in a field she loves.
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship – $1,000 Award
Sydney Bowman
Sydney, a senior at Brighton High School, has a strong academic record and a background in agriculture, and hopes to use that experience as she pursues a Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition. She has run her own cattle company since 2010, and her accolades include: Adams County Junior Livestock Superintendent, Brighton FFA Chapter Executive Committee Chair and Adams County 4-H Member’s Council President, among many others.
Lois Lesser Education Scholarship – $1,000 Award
Fabienne Kelm
Eagle Ridge Academy senior Fabienne Kelm has a passion for teaching, and will major in secondary education at Metro State University in the fall. Fabienne is treasurer of the Interact Club, which develops leadership skills while discovering the power of “Service Above Self,” a member of the National Honor Society, and has been active with the school’s student council and drama club.
Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship – $1,000 Award
Brock Gagna
Brock Gagna, also a senior at Brighton High School, has big dreams, beginning with his pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines. As class valedictorian and National Honor Society president, Brock has a variety of academic honors on his resume, but also spends his time giving back to the community through tutoring elementary students and volunteering at the Food Bank of the Rockies.
United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship – $1,500 Award
Abigail Alvarez
Abigail has taken proactive steps toward reaching her goal of becoming a lawyer by age 22 since she was a freshman at Eagle Ridge Academy. In the fall, she’ll take the next step at CU Denver, armed with her high school diploma and an associate degree in criminal justice. Over the past four years, she’s been actively involved with the Adams County and Brighton Teen Courts and her church while earning a variety of academic honors.
United Power Colorado College Scholarship – $2,000 Award
Anna Estrada
Anna will graduate from both Weld Central High School and Aims Community College (as a state certified nursing assistant) in May before enrolling at CU Denver in the fall. She plans to pursue a degree in biology before continuing her education to become a physician assistant. While at Weld Central High School, Anna has been actively involved with the National Honor Society and lettered in concert band.
United Power Colorado College Scholarship – $2,000 Award
Emily Fitzjohn
High school has been a busy experience for Erie senior Emily Fitzjohn, who has participated in a variety of school clubs and organizations while staying active in and around her community. Her involvement includes National Honor Society, student council, drama club, Teens-with-Wings and the Longmont Humane Society. In the fall, Emily will attend Colorado State University in hopes of becoming a wildlife biologist.
United Power Book Awards – $1,000 Scholarships
Brighton High School: Josie Pomrenke
Josie Pomrenke is team captain for Brighton's swim team and enjoys serving in her community. In the fall, she will attend the University of Wyoming and pursue a career in medicine. She views it as her way of giving back to small, rural communities.
Prairie View High School: Rose Mendoza
Rose Mendoza is set to pursue a career in the demanding field of nuclear engineering, and will begin her path toward that goal at Oregon State University in the fall. Rose has been a part of the Technology Student Association, National Honor Society and the STARS mentor program.
Eagle Ridge Academy: Madison Mellin
Senior class president Madison Mellin has been actively involved in her school, participating in National Honor Society, student council, dance and drama. She will continue her education at Colorado State University, majoring in either journalism or business, with a minor in dance.
Frederick High School: Erica Kolanowski
Erica Kolanowski has a passion for the arts, and plans to major in art animation and graphic design at either CU Denver or Pomona College. A decorated visual artist, Erica hopes to one day join DreamWorks or Pixar Animation Studios and become and advocate for the arts.
Ft. Lupton High School: Yeilin Benitez
Yeilin Benitez plans to pursue a biomedical engineering degree at Colorado State University in the fall, and hopes to contribute to the advancement or improvement of medicine. Yeilin has participated in the Upward Bound, National Honor Society and Spanish Club, among other activities.
Mead High School: Derek Edwards
Derek Edwards hopes to mirror his desired major in petroleum engineering with a university that provides an opportunity to succeed athletically at the next level. He was a 2017 First-Team All-State selection in football and earned Academic All-State honors five times.
Weld Central High School: Silvia Sanchez
Silvia Sanchez plans to continue her education at CU Denver, pursuing a career in pediatrics. At graduation, she'll have earned an associate degree and nurse aid certification. Silvia volunteers at Platte Valley Hospital, church, and serves on student council and National Honor Society.
At-Large Book Scholarship: Cyndie O'Brien
Cydnie O'Brien hopes to become a leader in the field of forensic chemistry and help improve the justice system following her graduation from the University of Northern Colorado. The Erie High School senior has been active in student government, National Honor Society and choir.
At-Large Book Scholarship: Sean Glaister
In addition to his academic success, Legacy High senior Sean Glaister has helped shape his school through developing and/or chairing multiple service organizations. Sean plans to pursue biomedical engineering at one of several prestigious universities he's applied to.
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2018: A Year in Review
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Friday | January 25, 2019
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United Power works tirelessly behind the scenes year after year to bring our members safe and reliable power and the tools they need to monitor and control usage patterns that could save them money.
United Power works tirelessly behind the scenes year after year to bring our members safe and reliable power and the tools they need to monitor and control usage patterns that could save them money. This past year has been no different for the cooperative, which took steps to be among the first to adopt utility scale battery storage and rolled out several exciting programs for members to utilize in their daily lives to understand how some behaviors may impact their bill.
Working the Lines
The ability to provide power begins with our linemen. As one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, linemen put themselves in harm’s way every day to ensure the steady stream of power to our members. In 2018, the cooperative completed construction on a new state-of-the-art training facility for linemen, comparable in size and scope to some of the state’s largest. Just as you’ve come to expect from United Power, we went above and beyond, including the most innovative ideas from training yards across the country. From a series of low and high poles, linemen are able to practice a variety of situations to be better prepared to safely face anything they might experience in the field.
Bird’s Eye View
For the past few years, United Power has prioritized preventative maintenance of its electrical infrastructure. For this reason, United Power became one of the first electric utilities in Colorado to utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to monitor our power lines. While the project began in the mountain territory nearly two years ago, it was rolled out in phases to the plains territory this past year, beginning in Brighton. Drones offer a safer and more time efficient option for diagnosing potential repairs that need to be made on poles and can often offer the information before outages happen. The project, to date, has examined more than 30 miles of power lines, saving countless man-hours and preventing outages.
When it’s Unpreventable
Despite our best efforts, not all outages are preventable. To provide members with more information related to outages impacting them, United Power rolled out an all-new user friendly outage map in early 2018. The new information shows detailed outage information including number of members affected and cause, among other things, without sacrificing safety and security.
Co-op Continued its Innovative Approach in 2018
Free Resources for Members
In early 2018, United Power began rolling out a new free online resource, the Power Portal, which allows members to monitor their energy usage in 15-minute increments to decide what behaviors had the heaviest impact and adjust accordingly. With the Power Portal, members can monitor their usage patterns to keep energy demand costs down.
The cooperative also launched Rush Hour Rewards in partnership with Nest Learning Thermostats to replace its former cycled air program. The smart home appliance gives members more control over energy usage when they’re not at home. Enrolling in Rush Hour Rewards with your Nest allows United Power to adjust your thermostat a few degrees on hot summer days to save you energy, and rewards you for it at the end of the summer.
Leading the Way
United Power members have been quick to adopt solar energy, setting the bar high for other utilities to follow. In November, the cooperative celebrated its 3,000th rooftop solar connection. According to a 2018 report, United Power ranks among the top 50 utilities nationwide in solar energy and second among cooperatives in connected solar. Our commitment to renewable energy leads the way among all 43 cooperatives in Tri-State’s four-state region.
Also in November, we energized the state’s largest utility-scale battery storage facility at our new west office. The battery system generates 4 MW of electricity and is expected to save the cooperative $1 million in wholesale energy charges. The project, developed in collaboration with ENGIE North America, is enough to power up to 700 homes simultaneously. While not technically being used as a renewable energy source, battery storage represents the next logical step in the progression of renewable energy.
Commitment to Cooperative Principles
Most of us never go more than a few hours without some form of power, whether that’s work, school or home or the commute in between. When United Power lineman Kelly Snow was given the opportunity to join a group of linemen from Colorado and Oklahoma to build the infrastructure necessary to provide two remote jungle villages with power for the first time, he jumped at it. In September, the group left for Guatemala for three weeks to volunteer for the project through NRECA International. When asked why the trip meant so much to him, Snow responded with the Rural Electric Association’s principle of bringing electricity to rural parts of the country and those who are underserved.
Throughout 2018, United Power had many opportunities to celebrate continual growth and innovation with members and leaders in the communities we serves. As we look to the future, we’ll continue to set the bar for others to follow. We look forward to all 2019 has to offer, and continuing to provide our members safe and reliable power.
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2019 Official Posting of Nominations for Director by Petition
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Friday | February 15, 2019
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The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 17, 2019.
UNITED POWER, INC. OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 17, 2019. Districts E (East), S (South) and W (West) are up for three-year terms.
District E (East):
Elizabeth Martin
District S (South):
Keith Alquist, II
Bradley J. Case
District W (West):
Ursula J. Morgan
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Posted: 2-15-19
Cooperative Website
Brighton Headquarters
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
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2019: A Year in Review
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Thursday | February 6, 2020
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This past year was a banner one for the co-op, which also celebrated its 80th anniversary at the annual meeting this past April.
United Power works around the clock year after year to ensure its members continue to receive the safe and reliable power they’ve come to expect from the cooperative. There have been some big changes over the past year. Some of these exciting changes have helped the cooperative better serve members living in different parts of the service territory and many have been for member use and convenience. This past year was a banner one for the co-op, which also celebrated its 80th anniversary at the annual meeting this past April.
A Cooperative Milestone
Celebrating 80 years was a special cooperative milestone for United Power. Not only was the cooperative one of the earliest co-ops formed, but it also took overcoming tremendous odds to achieve the milestone. Originally established by a group of rural farmers in 1938, United Power, formerly Union REA, overcame an aggressive takeover attempt from Public Service Company of Colorado (now Xcel Energy) with the help of its members and has become one of the most progressive cooperatives across the country. Today, United Power proudly serves more than 93,000 members.
Officially Welcomed Frederick
This past January, United Power officially acquired Frederick Power & Light and became the sole power provider to the Town of Frederick. Along with the addition, the cooperative also welcomed approximately 2,400 new members, which pushed its total services above 90,000 meters. The acquisition closed a crucial hole in the middle of the service territory, helping United Power better integrate its electric delivery system and reduce operations costs for all.
Carbon Valley Office Staffed
United Power purchased a large facility near Carbon Valley in 2017 to operate as a base of services in the western part of its service territory. After significant renovations and remodeling, crews began operating out of the facility toward the end of 2018. The western office quickly began providing value for members in the area. Crews stationed in Carbon Valley have quicker and more convenient access to the highways and communities in United Power’s western service territory, eliminating a 45-minute commute from the cooperative’s Brighton-based facility. The shorter commute allows crews to respond more rapidly in the event of an outage and restore power more quickly. Although some operations staff were already stationed at the Carbon Valley Service Center, the facility wasn’t officially staffed until 2019. As the cooperative continues to grow, more departments will be staffed within the new office. The office, located along East I-25 Frontage Road just south of Highway 119, offers construction services and, as of December, a payment kiosk in the office lobby. A community room is also available for local community groups to use free of charge.
New Website Launched
United Power overhauled its website in 2019, launching the new version toward the end of June. The new site was designed with a more member-focused approach. Not only was the new site designed with more user-friendly navigation, it was also tailored to be responsive on mobile devices, making it more intuitive for member use. In addition, the visually focused layout was intended to make the site more engaging while providing assurance members can find the appropriate content to meet their needs more quickly. United Power continues to update the site with the latest cooperative news and information, so it’s important to check back regularly.
Landmark Achievements
From energizing the first community solar farm and becoming one of the first utilities in the country to utilize a single-axis tracking system on its large-scale solar farms, United Power has become synonymous with innovation over the past 10 years. The cooperative celebrated achievements for two innovative projects in 2019. In May, the Sol Partners Community Solar Farm turned 10. An immediate hit at inception, the solar farm sold out quickly and has been adopted by cooperatives across the country. In the fall, United Power’s battery storage project was ranked in the top 10 for interconnected storage capacity by the Smart Electric Power Alliance. The cooperative was the only Colorado utility to appear on the list.
Payment Options that Work for Members
To round out a busy and successful year, United Power also adopted two new payment methods for members. Pay Now allows members to make quick, one-time payments online via check or credit card with just an account number or invoice number, a quick way to pay when you don’t have your password on hand. The cooperative also placed two payment kiosks at office locations in Coal Creek Canyon and Carbon Valley. Like the Pay Now feature, members can make payments using the kiosk with just an account number and form of payment. Payments made by cash or credit are applied immediately and restores accounts subject to disconnection immediately upon payment.
Throughout 2019, United Power had many opportunities to celebrate continual growth and innovation with members and leaders in the communities we serve. As we look to the future, we’ll continue to set the bar for others to follow. We look forward to all 2020 has to offer, and continuing to provide our members safe and reliable energy.
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2020 Annual Meeting: Connect with Your Co-op
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Monday | March 2, 2020
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All members are invited to connect with United Power leadership at the Annual Meeting, enjoy the company of fellow cooperative members and have a chance to win one of several door prizes.
Due to the potential spread of COVID-19, United Power's 2020 Annual Meeting has been moved to a virtual "town hall" meeting. Find more information about changes to this year's annual meeting format at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.
As United Power gears up for its 2020 Annual Meeting & Director Election on April 15, 2020, the cooperative is encouraging its members to participate and reminding them they are more than a customer. When you vote in the director election, you have a say in the future of the cooperative. As a member, your vote carries equal weight as any other member’s vote, regardless of what kind of account they have or how large it is. Your pulse on the community and understanding of what’s important to it is critical in helping the cooperative better serve its members.
All members are invited to connect with United Power leadership at the Annual Meeting, enjoy the company of fellow cooperative members and have a chance to win one of several door prizes. The meeting will be held at Riverdale Regional Park, formerly Adams County Fairgrounds, located at 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601.
Eight candidates will be running for election to the United Power board of directors. This year, one seat in each of United Power’s director districts is up for election. The director candidates are James Vigesaa in the East District; Tamra K. Waltemath in the Mountain District; Greg Campbell, Stan Martin, Phil Noble and David E. Rose in the South District; and Virginia “Ginny” A. Buczek and James P. Menghi in the West District. (Candidate statements are published here and included in the March-April United Newsline.)
The cooperative mails out director ballots – including candidate statements – in late March and encourages all members to vote and return their mail ballot prior to the deadline. Ballots may also be dropped off at a United Power office before April 15 or filled out in-person at the Annual Meeting. Although directors live in specific geographic districts, they represent all members and are therefore elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members should cast a vote for a director in each district and not just their own.
Member registration opens at 4:30 p.m. Members who did not mail in their ballot or chose not to vote prior to the meeting will be issued a ballot and be able to cast their votes until the beginning of the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m. After members have cast their ballot, they can enjoy a barbecue dinner with us, visit educational exhibit booths and be entertained by musician Dave Connelly.
The official business meeting includes a report on the status of the cooperative, as well as a report from the board treasurer. Election results will be announced prior to adjournment and door prize drawings will conclude the meeting. To learn more about the Annual Meeting or the candidates running for a seat on the board, visit the Annual Meeting & Director Election page.
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2020: Year in Review
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Friday | February 5, 2021
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Even as work and home life looked different during this time, United Power has continued to work hard behind the scenes to provide the same level of service to our members despite unexpected limitations.
The events that will come to define this past year were unpredictable. Even as work and home life looked different during this time, United Power has continued to work hard behind the scenes to provide the same level of service to our members despite unexpected limitations. Though the cooperative took certain steps for the health and safety of both members and employees, we continued to work toward providing safe, reliable and affordable power in 2020.
A United Response to COVID-19
Although 2020 had its share of defining moments, perhaps nothing will come to define it more than the pandemic that arrived on the scene midway through March, forcing United Power to temporarily close its offices to the public. Recognizing the impact certain COVID restrictions could have on members, the cooperative took immediate action to provide help and relief.
The cooperative became one of the first in the state to announce a temporary halt to disconnects for nonpayment, making the decision prior to Governor Jared Polis’ statewide executive order. In the weeks that followed, the Board of Directors approved an allocation of $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to the Co-op Cares Fund. The fund was established to help members who were financially impacted by the pandemic pay balances on their account. Toward the end of the year, the Board approved an additional allocation of $300,000, including $250,000 to help support members in 2021. Among other relief efforts, the cooperative also retired capital credits to members several months early, getting cash back to members at a time when they could use the relief. Additional information about the cooperative’s ongoing COVID-19 response is available on our Coronavirus Response page.
Round-Up Gets Involved
Considering the many families struggling because of the pandemic, Operation Round-Up distributed additional funds to nonprofits providing services to help United Power members. In addition to the continued support of several partner organizations, Round-Up provided $10,000 each to the Food Bank of the Rockies and the Weld Country Food Bank, helping provide thousands of meals for United Power members and their families.
Find out more information or sign up for Round-Up here.
Contactless Payment Options
United Power has provided members with a variety of contactless payment methods for several years. Members are able to make payments quickly and easily using our free online account management tool, SmartHub, or the United Power mobile app. With these tools, members can schedule their own payments or enroll in Auto Pay, which ensures payments are made on time every month. Members may also make payments over the phone by calling 866-999-4485. United Power also invested in new ways for members to make contactless payments, installing kiosks at its office locations in Carbon Valley and Coal Creek. The cooperative later added a kiosk at the Brighton office location and recently in Fort Lupton at the Bank of Colorado’s Operation Center. More information about kiosks can be found on our Payment Options page. .
Supporting Causes Members Care About
United Power unveiled its Member Choice Grants program in 2020. The new program allowed members to nominate area nonprofits to receive grants from the cooperative, ensuring our continued support for causes you care about. The six nonprofits selected to receive grants in 2020 were focused on providing for the essential needs of others who were trying to navigate difficult circumstances. The program was renewed for 2021, and nominations are now being accepted on our Member Choice Grants page.
Wildfire Rebuild in the Mountains
Several wildfires burned throughout Colorado during the summer and fall of 2020, representing the worst wildfire season in the state’s history. Thousands of acres were burned in rural parts of the state, impacting a few neighboring cooperatives. When the East Troublesome Fire consumed more than 100,000 acres overnight near Granby and Grand Lake in October, Mountain Parks Electric received significant damage to its system. United Power joined four other state cooperatives in dispatching crews and equipment to help rebuild parts of the system to quickly and safely restore power to as many of their members as possible.
Fifth Utility Solar Farm
Despite difficult circumstances, United Power was also busy behind the scenes maintaining its reputation as one of the nation’s most forward-thinking and innovative cooperatives in 2020. Toward the year’s end, United Power energized the Platteville Solar Farm, its fifth utility scale solar farm, directly adjacent to the Rattlesnake Solar Farm near Platteville. With the addition of this new facility, the cooperative now has more than 43 megawatts of solar connected to its system, in addition to approximately 6,000 residential rooftop systems.
Find our more about our innovative projects here.
Investing in EV Resources
Electric vehicles are gaining popularity across the country, and there’s significant interest and adoption within the United Power service area. United Power provided several opportunities for members to look at potential investments in EVs this past year. In October, United Power hosted a live virtual event to dispel myths and hesitations about EVs and provide education on how an electric vehicle could be right for you and your family. Earlier in the year, we also rolled out a new online resource, called ChooseEV, to help answer member questions about either all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
For more information on ChooseEV, click here.
No Rate Increase for 2021
In December, United Power announced there would be no rate increase for the new year, which could not have come at a better time for many members, especially those who were impacted by the pandemic. Rates were able to remain stable thanks to the forethought of cooperative leadership, who recognized the financial impact of the pandemic and took immediate action to reduce spending in various departments. Other factors that allowed for stable rates included another strong year of growth in both membership and load.
As we move into this new year, the cooperative also remains in discussions with its wholesale power provider, Tri-State Generation & Transmission, in hopes of being able to reduce current rates and offer more competitive rates in the future. United Power responded to unprecedented and unpredictable circumstances in 2020. These situations helped us find new ways to communicate with members without sacrificing the same level of service you have come to expect from the cooperative. Responding to new challenges will inform us for years to come as we continue to provide our members with safe and reliable power.
VendorsVendor Information
United Power contracts with vendors to provide products or services that allow United Power to perform reliably, efficiently and effectively throughout its various departments and service territory. Many products and services are acquired by issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) and requests for quotes (RFQs), which facilitates bidding processes to obtain quality services, products and supplies at favorable prices.
Business Interest Information
Vendors interested in working with United Power and to be considered for bidding on open requests should complete the business interest form below. Vendors who provide goods/services that do not require competitive bidding may also be contacted directly by a United Power representative.
Wildfire MitigationProactive. Prepared. Engaged.
The allure of Colorado's dense national forests and mountainous terrain also makes it susceptible to factors that increase the risk of wildfires. As your cooperative, United Power takes these growing threats seriously and has continuously engaged in progressive, proactive risk mitigation efforts to prevent the ignition and growth of wildfires due to its infrastructure, particularly within our Mountain Territory. Portions of Gilpin, Boulder, and Jefferson Counties reside within this part of our territory and include heavily forested parts of Golden Gate State Park and parts of both the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests.
United Power has a formal Wildfire Mitigation Plan in place to protect United Power’s infrastructure and reduce the risk of fire ignitions. The plan is continuously evaluated to address the environmental, political, financial, and other factors that influence those risks. Our primary objective is safety; to protect lives and property by reducing the risk of a utility-involved wildfire.
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
Youth TripsDeveloping Tomorrow's Leaders
Each summer, United Power selects local youth within its service territory who stand out from among their peers to represent the cooperative for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado at the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp or on an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. Students are able to build resumes, craft new friendships and develop important leadership skills to become leaders in their communities, school and among their peers. These youth trips also teach the youth the importance of cooperatives and the principles that govern them. United Power, along with other rural electric cooperatives in Colorado, are helping develop tomorrow's brightest leaders.
For more information, contact United Power.
2026 Youth Camp & Youth Tour Application
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100,000 Meter Celebration
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Wednesday | July 14, 2021
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United Power invites members to join us for our 100,000 Meter Open House celebration at the Carbon Valley Service Center on August 28.
Thanks to Members Like You, United Power is 100,000 Meters Strong
United Power invites members to join in celebrating this meter milestone with the cooperative and with each other at our 100,000 Meter Open House celebration at the Carbon Valley Service Center on August 28. The event will provide members with an opportunity to learn more about the cooperative and see how its newest facility and office location are effectively serving members on the west side of the service territory.
United Power 100,000 Meter Celebration
Saturday, Aug. 28
Open House | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Carbon Valley Service Center - 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, LongmontEvent Features:
Touch-a-Truck, Safety Demos & Safety Booths. Get a close look at United Power's line trucks and learn more about United Power programs.
Batter Storage Tours, Free Food & Prizes. Tour Colorado's largest battery storage installation. Enjoy free refreshments and enter prize drawings.
Food Drive to Fill the Bucket. Support the Carbon Valley Help Center by bringing a non-perishable food item or cash donation.
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2017 Scholarship Recipients Announced
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Friday | April 14, 2017
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United Power proudly announces the 2017 Scholarship awards. Sixteen different scholarships are granted for a total of $18,500.
United Power proudly announces the 2017 Scholarship awards. Sixteen different scholarships are granted for a total of $18,500. United Power awards the scholarships each year to outstanding students served by the cooperative. The United Power Scholarship Committee gives these awards based on grades, test scores, extracurricular participation, and a short essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year. Visit www.unitedpower.com for more information.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative – $1,000 Award
Riley Juenemann is a senior at Frederick High School and plans to major in Computational and Applied Mathematics in the fall. Riley is very active at her high school, serving on the Academic Advisory Council, Link Crew and the Athletic Leadership Council, just to name a few. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering on various projects in her community. She is also an accomplished guitarist.
United Power Colorado College Scholar – $2,000 Awards
Elena DeAndrea will graduate from Ralston Valley High School and plans to attend the University of Colorado in the fall, where she will major in Biochemistry and Business Management. At her high school she is active in Student Government and Choir. She is a member of the National Honor Society. Elena has also volunteered at Lutheran Hospital for the past three years.
Jacob Kriska plans to study engineering at the University of Colorado after graduating from Eagle Ridge Academy. Jacob is in student council and is the Study Body President. Jacob strives to be a leader at his school and works hard to make all students feel accepted.
Tri-State Generation & Transmission – $1,000 Scholarship (Photo not Available)
Caitlin B. is very active in sports at her high school and has been awarded many academic awards during her four years of high school. Caitlin volunteers countless hours in her community and is still deciding on her future plans.
Lois Lesser Education Scholar – $1,000 Scholarship
Clarissa Shelley will graduate from Legacy High School and has been awarded the Lois Lesser Scholarship for her interest in pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Clarissa is very active at her high school and is the Student Body President. She has volunteered for many organizations that focus on children.
Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship – $1,000 Scholarship
Lindsey Hamblin has been awarded the inaugural Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in the engineering field. Lindsey attends Skyline High School. She is a member of both the National Honor Society and the National Art Society. She plays tennis and has competed in robotic competitions. Lindsey will attend the University of Colorado in the fall majoring in chemical and mechanical engineering.
United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship – $1,500 Award
Samuel Escamilla from Weld Central High School has been awarded the Youth Leadership Scholarship for his dedication to his community and his involvement in his high school. Samuel was awarded the Youth of the Year Award at the Shopneck Boys & Girls Club in January 2017. He plans to attend college and major in mathematics and secondary education.
United Power Book Awards – $1,000 Book ScholarshipsBrighton High School: Caitlin O’Callaghan will graduate from Brighton High School in May. She is a member of the National Honor Society and plays varsity volleyball. Caitlyn has received numerous academic honors and plans to pursue a career in Biology. Caitlyn has been awarded a coveted Daniel’s Fund Scholarship and this scholarship has been reawarded to another student.
Denise Ocampo is a senior at Brighton High School and plans to pursue a career in Nursing to help those in need in her community. Denise has received many academic awards and in her spare time volunteers at her church. She is still deciding on her college.
Prairie View High School:Andrew Her plans to pursue a degree in Biology and will graduate from Prairie View High School in May. Andrew is a member of the National Honor Society and HOSA. He has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll multiple times.
Eagle Ridge Academy: Chaz Okada will graduate in May from Eagle Ridge Academy. He plans to pursue a career as a pilot. Chaz plays baseball and is an accomplished musician.
Frederick High School: Alicia Orr is active in the National Honor Society and has received the Presidential Award all four years. She is a volunteer tutor at Thunder Valley Elementary. Alicia plans to work in the Atmospheric Sciences.
Fort Lupton High School:Gerardo Millan Jr. plays basketball and soccer and is a member of the Robotics Club and the Outdoors Club. Upon graduating from Fort Lupton High School, he plans to attend college and work in the Computer Science field.
Mead High School: Sydney Blackburn will be attending the University of Northern Colorado in the fall and will major in Elementary Education. Sydney is active in 4H and the National Honor Society. She is an outstanding volleyball athlete and has received many academic letters. In choosing her career, Sydney plans to make a difference and a positive impact in the lives of children.
Weld Central High School: Lesli Calderon will pursue a Pre-Med degree at the University of Northern Colorado and plans specialize in Pediatrics. Lesli is the Student Council Senior Representative and Treasurer. She is also a member of LULAC and FCCLA.
At Large: Tiana Linkus attends Erie High School where she plays varsity soccer and is a cheerleader. She will attend Montana State University in the fall to major in Cell Biology and Neuroscience to ultimately become a trauma surgeon.
Mountain Territory:Benjamin Hoppes will be attending the Colorado School of Mines upon graduation from the Summit Academy, to study Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. Benjamin is on the swim team and competes in piano competitions.
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2018 Director Election: Meet the Candidate Forums
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Monday | February 5, 2018
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Attend a Meet the Candidate Forum to learn more about each of the candidates vying to serve on the Board of Directors in the 2018 Director Election to be held on April 18th.
Attend a Meet the Candidate Forum to learn more about each of the candidates vying to serve on the Board of Directors in the 2018 Director Election to be held on April 18th. The following events are free to members. Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are not required.
Monday, March 19, 2018 | 6:30 p.m.
Adams County Fairgrounds – Waymire Dome
9755 Henderson Road Brighton, CO 80601
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 | 7:30 a.m.
Fort Lupton Recreation Center
203 S. Harrison Ave. Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Thursday, March 22, 2018 | 7:30 a.m.
Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
31528 Highway 72 Golden, CO 80403
Friday, March 23, 2018 | 7:30 a.m.
E.L.F. Grill
102 8th Street Dacono, CO 80514
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2018 United Power Scholarship Recipients Announced
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Wednesday | May 23, 2018
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United Power proudly announces the 2018 Scholarship awards. Sixteen different scholarships were granted for a total of $18,500. United Power awards the scholarships each year to outstanding students served by the cooperative.
United Power proudly announces the 2018 scholarship recipients. Sixteen scholarships were granted for a total of $18,500. United Power awards the scholarships each year to outstanding students served by the cooperative. The United Power Scholarship Committee gives these awards based on grades, test scores, extracurricular participation and a short essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year. Visit www.unitedpower.com for more information.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship – $1,000 Award
Jacqueline Chavez Sandoval
Weld Central High School’s senior class president has built a stellar academic resume as she heads to CU Denver in the fall. Jacqueline is vice president of the National Honor Society, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, participates in drama club, band and dance and serves regularly at her local food bank. She plans to pursue a medical degree in pediatrics to help children in a field she loves.
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship – $1,000 Award
Sydney Bowman
Sydney, a senior at Brighton High School, has a strong academic record and a background in agriculture, and hopes to use that experience as she pursues a Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition. She has run her own cattle company since 2010, and her accolades include: Adams County Junior Livestock Superintendent, Brighton FFA Chapter Executive Committee Chair and Adams County 4-H Member’s Council President, among many others.
Lois Lesser Education Scholarship – $1,000 Award
Fabienne Kelm
Eagle Ridge Academy senior Fabienne Kelm has a passion for teaching, and will major in secondary education at Metro State University in the fall. Fabienne is treasurer of the Interact Club, which develops leadership skills while discovering the power of “Service Above Self,” a member of the National Honor Society, and has been active with the school’s student council and drama club.
Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship – $1,000 Award
Brock Gagna
Brock Gagna, also a senior at Brighton High School, has big dreams, beginning with his pursuit of a mechanical engineering degree from the Colorado School of Mines. As class valedictorian and National Honor Society president, Brock has a variety of academic honors on his resume, but also spends his time giving back to the community through tutoring elementary students and volunteering at the Food Bank of the Rockies.
United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship – $1,500 Award
Abigail Alvarez
Abigail has taken proactive steps toward reaching her goal of becoming a lawyer by age 22 since she was a freshman at Eagle Ridge Academy. In the fall, she’ll take the next step at CU Denver, armed with her high school diploma and an associate degree in criminal justice. Over the past four years, she’s been actively involved with the Adams County and Brighton Teen Courts and her church while earning a variety of academic honors.
United Power Colorado College Scholarship – $2,000 Award
Anna Estrada
Anna will graduate from both Weld Central High School and Aims Community College (as a state certified nursing assistant) in May before enrolling at CU Denver in the fall. She plans to pursue a degree in biology before continuing her education to become a physician assistant. While at Weld Central High School, Anna has been actively involved with the National Honor Society and lettered in concert band.
United Power Colorado College Scholarship – $2,000 Award
Emily Fitzjohn
High school has been a busy experience for Erie senior Emily Fitzjohn, who has participated in a variety of school clubs and organizations while staying active in and around her community. Her involvement includes National Honor Society, student council, drama club, Teens-with-Wings and the Longmont Humane Society. In the fall, Emily will attend Colorado State University in hopes of becoming a wildlife biologist.
United Power Book Awards – $1,000 Scholarships
Brighton High School: Josie Pomrenke
Josie Pomrenke is team captain for Brighton's swim team and enjoys serving in her community. In the fall, she will attend the University of Wyoming and pursue a career in medicine. She views it as her way of giving back to small, rural communities.
Prairie View High School: Rose Mendoza
Rose Mendoza is set to pursue a career in the demanding field of nuclear engineering, and will begin her path toward that goal at Oregon State University in the fall. Rose has been a part of the Technology Student Association, National Honor Society and the STARS mentor program.
Eagle Ridge Academy: Madison Mellin
Senior class president Madison Mellin has been actively involved in her school, participating in National Honor Society, student council, dance and drama. She will continue her education at Colorado State University, majoring in either journalism or business, with a minor in dance.
Frederick High School: Erica Kolanowski
Erica Kolanowski has a passion for the arts, and plans to major in art animation and graphic design at either CU Denver or Pomona College. A decorated visual artist, Erica hopes to one day join DreamWorks or Pixar Animation Studios and become and advocate for the arts.
Ft. Lupton High School: Yeilin Benitez
Yeilin Benitez plans to pursue a biomedical engineering degree at Colorado State University in the fall, and hopes to contribute to the advancement or improvement of medicine. Yeilin has participated in the Upward Bound, National Honor Society and Spanish Club, among other activities.
Mead High School: Derek Edwards
Derek Edwards hopes to mirror his desired major in petroleum engineering with a university that provides an opportunity to succeed athletically at the next level. He was a 2017 First-Team All-State selection in football and earned Academic All-State honors five times.
Weld Central High School: Silvia Sanchez
Silvia Sanchez plans to continue her education at CU Denver, pursuing a career in pediatrics. At graduation, she'll have earned an associate degree and nurse aid certification. Silvia volunteers at Platte Valley Hospital, church, and serves on student council and National Honor Society.
At-Large Book Scholarship: Cyndie O'Brien
Cydnie O'Brien hopes to become a leader in the field of forensic chemistry and help improve the justice system following her graduation from the University of Northern Colorado. The Erie High School senior has been active in student government, National Honor Society and choir.
At-Large Book Scholarship: Sean Glaister
In addition to his academic success, Legacy High senior Sean Glaister has helped shape his school through developing and/or chairing multiple service organizations. Sean plans to pursue biomedical engineering at one of several prestigious universities he's applied to.
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2018: A Year in Review
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Friday | January 25, 2019
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United Power works tirelessly behind the scenes year after year to bring our members safe and reliable power and the tools they need to monitor and control usage patterns that could save them money.
United Power works tirelessly behind the scenes year after year to bring our members safe and reliable power and the tools they need to monitor and control usage patterns that could save them money. This past year has been no different for the cooperative, which took steps to be among the first to adopt utility scale battery storage and rolled out several exciting programs for members to utilize in their daily lives to understand how some behaviors may impact their bill.
Working the Lines
The ability to provide power begins with our linemen. As one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, linemen put themselves in harm’s way every day to ensure the steady stream of power to our members. In 2018, the cooperative completed construction on a new state-of-the-art training facility for linemen, comparable in size and scope to some of the state’s largest. Just as you’ve come to expect from United Power, we went above and beyond, including the most innovative ideas from training yards across the country. From a series of low and high poles, linemen are able to practice a variety of situations to be better prepared to safely face anything they might experience in the field.
Bird’s Eye View
For the past few years, United Power has prioritized preventative maintenance of its electrical infrastructure. For this reason, United Power became one of the first electric utilities in Colorado to utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to monitor our power lines. While the project began in the mountain territory nearly two years ago, it was rolled out in phases to the plains territory this past year, beginning in Brighton. Drones offer a safer and more time efficient option for diagnosing potential repairs that need to be made on poles and can often offer the information before outages happen. The project, to date, has examined more than 30 miles of power lines, saving countless man-hours and preventing outages.
When it’s Unpreventable
Despite our best efforts, not all outages are preventable. To provide members with more information related to outages impacting them, United Power rolled out an all-new user friendly outage map in early 2018. The new information shows detailed outage information including number of members affected and cause, among other things, without sacrificing safety and security.
Co-op Continued its Innovative Approach in 2018
Free Resources for Members
In early 2018, United Power began rolling out a new free online resource, the Power Portal, which allows members to monitor their energy usage in 15-minute increments to decide what behaviors had the heaviest impact and adjust accordingly. With the Power Portal, members can monitor their usage patterns to keep energy demand costs down.
The cooperative also launched Rush Hour Rewards in partnership with Nest Learning Thermostats to replace its former cycled air program. The smart home appliance gives members more control over energy usage when they’re not at home. Enrolling in Rush Hour Rewards with your Nest allows United Power to adjust your thermostat a few degrees on hot summer days to save you energy, and rewards you for it at the end of the summer.
Leading the Way
United Power members have been quick to adopt solar energy, setting the bar high for other utilities to follow. In November, the cooperative celebrated its 3,000th rooftop solar connection. According to a 2018 report, United Power ranks among the top 50 utilities nationwide in solar energy and second among cooperatives in connected solar. Our commitment to renewable energy leads the way among all 43 cooperatives in Tri-State’s four-state region.
Also in November, we energized the state’s largest utility-scale battery storage facility at our new west office. The battery system generates 4 MW of electricity and is expected to save the cooperative $1 million in wholesale energy charges. The project, developed in collaboration with ENGIE North America, is enough to power up to 700 homes simultaneously. While not technically being used as a renewable energy source, battery storage represents the next logical step in the progression of renewable energy.
Commitment to Cooperative Principles
Most of us never go more than a few hours without some form of power, whether that’s work, school or home or the commute in between. When United Power lineman Kelly Snow was given the opportunity to join a group of linemen from Colorado and Oklahoma to build the infrastructure necessary to provide two remote jungle villages with power for the first time, he jumped at it. In September, the group left for Guatemala for three weeks to volunteer for the project through NRECA International. When asked why the trip meant so much to him, Snow responded with the Rural Electric Association’s principle of bringing electricity to rural parts of the country and those who are underserved.
Throughout 2018, United Power had many opportunities to celebrate continual growth and innovation with members and leaders in the communities we serves. As we look to the future, we’ll continue to set the bar for others to follow. We look forward to all 2019 has to offer, and continuing to provide our members safe and reliable power.
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2019 Official Posting of Nominations for Director by Petition
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Friday | February 15, 2019
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The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 17, 2019.
UNITED POWER, INC. OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 17, 2019. Districts E (East), S (South) and W (West) are up for three-year terms.
District E (East):
Elizabeth Martin
District S (South):
Keith Alquist, II
Bradley J. Case
District W (West):
Ursula J. Morgan
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Posted: 2-15-19
Cooperative Website
Brighton Headquarters
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
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2019: A Year in Review
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Thursday | February 6, 2020
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This past year was a banner one for the co-op, which also celebrated its 80th anniversary at the annual meeting this past April.
United Power works around the clock year after year to ensure its members continue to receive the safe and reliable power they’ve come to expect from the cooperative. There have been some big changes over the past year. Some of these exciting changes have helped the cooperative better serve members living in different parts of the service territory and many have been for member use and convenience. This past year was a banner one for the co-op, which also celebrated its 80th anniversary at the annual meeting this past April.
A Cooperative Milestone
Celebrating 80 years was a special cooperative milestone for United Power. Not only was the cooperative one of the earliest co-ops formed, but it also took overcoming tremendous odds to achieve the milestone. Originally established by a group of rural farmers in 1938, United Power, formerly Union REA, overcame an aggressive takeover attempt from Public Service Company of Colorado (now Xcel Energy) with the help of its members and has become one of the most progressive cooperatives across the country. Today, United Power proudly serves more than 93,000 members.
Officially Welcomed Frederick
This past January, United Power officially acquired Frederick Power & Light and became the sole power provider to the Town of Frederick. Along with the addition, the cooperative also welcomed approximately 2,400 new members, which pushed its total services above 90,000 meters. The acquisition closed a crucial hole in the middle of the service territory, helping United Power better integrate its electric delivery system and reduce operations costs for all.
Carbon Valley Office Staffed
United Power purchased a large facility near Carbon Valley in 2017 to operate as a base of services in the western part of its service territory. After significant renovations and remodeling, crews began operating out of the facility toward the end of 2018. The western office quickly began providing value for members in the area. Crews stationed in Carbon Valley have quicker and more convenient access to the highways and communities in United Power’s western service territory, eliminating a 45-minute commute from the cooperative’s Brighton-based facility. The shorter commute allows crews to respond more rapidly in the event of an outage and restore power more quickly. Although some operations staff were already stationed at the Carbon Valley Service Center, the facility wasn’t officially staffed until 2019. As the cooperative continues to grow, more departments will be staffed within the new office. The office, located along East I-25 Frontage Road just south of Highway 119, offers construction services and, as of December, a payment kiosk in the office lobby. A community room is also available for local community groups to use free of charge.
New Website Launched
United Power overhauled its website in 2019, launching the new version toward the end of June. The new site was designed with a more member-focused approach. Not only was the new site designed with more user-friendly navigation, it was also tailored to be responsive on mobile devices, making it more intuitive for member use. In addition, the visually focused layout was intended to make the site more engaging while providing assurance members can find the appropriate content to meet their needs more quickly. United Power continues to update the site with the latest cooperative news and information, so it’s important to check back regularly.
Landmark Achievements
From energizing the first community solar farm and becoming one of the first utilities in the country to utilize a single-axis tracking system on its large-scale solar farms, United Power has become synonymous with innovation over the past 10 years. The cooperative celebrated achievements for two innovative projects in 2019. In May, the Sol Partners Community Solar Farm turned 10. An immediate hit at inception, the solar farm sold out quickly and has been adopted by cooperatives across the country. In the fall, United Power’s battery storage project was ranked in the top 10 for interconnected storage capacity by the Smart Electric Power Alliance. The cooperative was the only Colorado utility to appear on the list.
Payment Options that Work for Members
To round out a busy and successful year, United Power also adopted two new payment methods for members. Pay Now allows members to make quick, one-time payments online via check or credit card with just an account number or invoice number, a quick way to pay when you don’t have your password on hand. The cooperative also placed two payment kiosks at office locations in Coal Creek Canyon and Carbon Valley. Like the Pay Now feature, members can make payments using the kiosk with just an account number and form of payment. Payments made by cash or credit are applied immediately and restores accounts subject to disconnection immediately upon payment.
Throughout 2019, United Power had many opportunities to celebrate continual growth and innovation with members and leaders in the communities we serve. As we look to the future, we’ll continue to set the bar for others to follow. We look forward to all 2020 has to offer, and continuing to provide our members safe and reliable energy.
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2020 Annual Meeting: Connect with Your Co-op
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Monday | March 2, 2020
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All members are invited to connect with United Power leadership at the Annual Meeting, enjoy the company of fellow cooperative members and have a chance to win one of several door prizes.
Due to the potential spread of COVID-19, United Power's 2020 Annual Meeting has been moved to a virtual "town hall" meeting. Find more information about changes to this year's annual meeting format at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.
As United Power gears up for its 2020 Annual Meeting & Director Election on April 15, 2020, the cooperative is encouraging its members to participate and reminding them they are more than a customer. When you vote in the director election, you have a say in the future of the cooperative. As a member, your vote carries equal weight as any other member’s vote, regardless of what kind of account they have or how large it is. Your pulse on the community and understanding of what’s important to it is critical in helping the cooperative better serve its members.
All members are invited to connect with United Power leadership at the Annual Meeting, enjoy the company of fellow cooperative members and have a chance to win one of several door prizes. The meeting will be held at Riverdale Regional Park, formerly Adams County Fairgrounds, located at 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601.
Eight candidates will be running for election to the United Power board of directors. This year, one seat in each of United Power’s director districts is up for election. The director candidates are James Vigesaa in the East District; Tamra K. Waltemath in the Mountain District; Greg Campbell, Stan Martin, Phil Noble and David E. Rose in the South District; and Virginia “Ginny” A. Buczek and James P. Menghi in the West District. (Candidate statements are published here and included in the March-April United Newsline.)
The cooperative mails out director ballots – including candidate statements – in late March and encourages all members to vote and return their mail ballot prior to the deadline. Ballots may also be dropped off at a United Power office before April 15 or filled out in-person at the Annual Meeting. Although directors live in specific geographic districts, they represent all members and are therefore elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members should cast a vote for a director in each district and not just their own.
Member registration opens at 4:30 p.m. Members who did not mail in their ballot or chose not to vote prior to the meeting will be issued a ballot and be able to cast their votes until the beginning of the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m. After members have cast their ballot, they can enjoy a barbecue dinner with us, visit educational exhibit booths and be entertained by musician Dave Connelly.
The official business meeting includes a report on the status of the cooperative, as well as a report from the board treasurer. Election results will be announced prior to adjournment and door prize drawings will conclude the meeting. To learn more about the Annual Meeting or the candidates running for a seat on the board, visit the Annual Meeting & Director Election page.
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2020: Year in Review
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Friday | February 5, 2021
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Even as work and home life looked different during this time, United Power has continued to work hard behind the scenes to provide the same level of service to our members despite unexpected limitations.
The events that will come to define this past year were unpredictable. Even as work and home life looked different during this time, United Power has continued to work hard behind the scenes to provide the same level of service to our members despite unexpected limitations. Though the cooperative took certain steps for the health and safety of both members and employees, we continued to work toward providing safe, reliable and affordable power in 2020.
A United Response to COVID-19
Although 2020 had its share of defining moments, perhaps nothing will come to define it more than the pandemic that arrived on the scene midway through March, forcing United Power to temporarily close its offices to the public. Recognizing the impact certain COVID restrictions could have on members, the cooperative took immediate action to provide help and relief.
The cooperative became one of the first in the state to announce a temporary halt to disconnects for nonpayment, making the decision prior to Governor Jared Polis’ statewide executive order. In the weeks that followed, the Board of Directors approved an allocation of $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to the Co-op Cares Fund. The fund was established to help members who were financially impacted by the pandemic pay balances on their account. Toward the end of the year, the Board approved an additional allocation of $300,000, including $250,000 to help support members in 2021. Among other relief efforts, the cooperative also retired capital credits to members several months early, getting cash back to members at a time when they could use the relief. Additional information about the cooperative’s ongoing COVID-19 response is available on our Coronavirus Response page.
Round-Up Gets Involved
Considering the many families struggling because of the pandemic, Operation Round-Up distributed additional funds to nonprofits providing services to help United Power members. In addition to the continued support of several partner organizations, Round-Up provided $10,000 each to the Food Bank of the Rockies and the Weld Country Food Bank, helping provide thousands of meals for United Power members and their families.
Find out more information or sign up for Round-Up here.
Contactless Payment Options
United Power has provided members with a variety of contactless payment methods for several years. Members are able to make payments quickly and easily using our free online account management tool, SmartHub, or the United Power mobile app. With these tools, members can schedule their own payments or enroll in Auto Pay, which ensures payments are made on time every month. Members may also make payments over the phone by calling 866-999-4485. United Power also invested in new ways for members to make contactless payments, installing kiosks at its office locations in Carbon Valley and Coal Creek. The cooperative later added a kiosk at the Brighton office location and recently in Fort Lupton at the Bank of Colorado’s Operation Center. More information about kiosks can be found on our Payment Options page. .
Supporting Causes Members Care About
United Power unveiled its Member Choice Grants program in 2020. The new program allowed members to nominate area nonprofits to receive grants from the cooperative, ensuring our continued support for causes you care about. The six nonprofits selected to receive grants in 2020 were focused on providing for the essential needs of others who were trying to navigate difficult circumstances. The program was renewed for 2021, and nominations are now being accepted on our Member Choice Grants page.
Wildfire Rebuild in the Mountains
Several wildfires burned throughout Colorado during the summer and fall of 2020, representing the worst wildfire season in the state’s history. Thousands of acres were burned in rural parts of the state, impacting a few neighboring cooperatives. When the East Troublesome Fire consumed more than 100,000 acres overnight near Granby and Grand Lake in October, Mountain Parks Electric received significant damage to its system. United Power joined four other state cooperatives in dispatching crews and equipment to help rebuild parts of the system to quickly and safely restore power to as many of their members as possible.
Fifth Utility Solar Farm
Despite difficult circumstances, United Power was also busy behind the scenes maintaining its reputation as one of the nation’s most forward-thinking and innovative cooperatives in 2020. Toward the year’s end, United Power energized the Platteville Solar Farm, its fifth utility scale solar farm, directly adjacent to the Rattlesnake Solar Farm near Platteville. With the addition of this new facility, the cooperative now has more than 43 megawatts of solar connected to its system, in addition to approximately 6,000 residential rooftop systems.
Find our more about our innovative projects here.
Investing in EV Resources
Electric vehicles are gaining popularity across the country, and there’s significant interest and adoption within the United Power service area. United Power provided several opportunities for members to look at potential investments in EVs this past year. In October, United Power hosted a live virtual event to dispel myths and hesitations about EVs and provide education on how an electric vehicle could be right for you and your family. Earlier in the year, we also rolled out a new online resource, called ChooseEV, to help answer member questions about either all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
For more information on ChooseEV, click here.
No Rate Increase for 2021
In December, United Power announced there would be no rate increase for the new year, which could not have come at a better time for many members, especially those who were impacted by the pandemic. Rates were able to remain stable thanks to the forethought of cooperative leadership, who recognized the financial impact of the pandemic and took immediate action to reduce spending in various departments. Other factors that allowed for stable rates included another strong year of growth in both membership and load.
As we move into this new year, the cooperative also remains in discussions with its wholesale power provider, Tri-State Generation & Transmission, in hopes of being able to reduce current rates and offer more competitive rates in the future. United Power responded to unprecedented and unpredictable circumstances in 2020. These situations helped us find new ways to communicate with members without sacrificing the same level of service you have come to expect from the cooperative. Responding to new challenges will inform us for years to come as we continue to provide our members with safe and reliable power.
