Vegetation ManagementPrevent Outages & Fires, Keep Trees Away from Wires
The increased risk of fires is a growing concern. As your cooperative, United Power takes the growing threat of wildfires seriously. Our goal is the safety of our members and the protection of the communities they live in.
One of the leading fire risks is vegetation. To protect your power and your community, United Power is concentrating significant resources on clearing vegetation from power lines. This includes portions of our mountain territory that are heavily forested and locations along the plains where trees are encroaching on power lines or utility infrastructure.
Vegetation Management GrantsPartner with United Power to Reduce Wildfire Risk
Each year, United Power makes grants available to qualified nonprofit groups within the service territory to support vegetation management activities that reduce wildfire risks near the cooperative's facilities. This program complements United Power’s ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts and helps protect people, property, and critical electric infrastructure.
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.
Deadline has passed for 2026 Youth Trips. Please check back soon for 2027 applications.
For more information, contact United Power.
Title
100,000 Meter Celebration
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MeterCelebration.jpg?itok=tkCyAZP6
Wednesday | July 14, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2017 Scholarship Recipients Announced
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_04_14_ScholarshipWinners.jpg?itok=sII-e3tW
Friday | April 14, 2017
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2018 Director Election: Meet the Candidate Forums
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2018_02_05_MeetTheCandidates.jpg?itok=O6QW51o4
Monday | February 5, 2018
Card Teaser
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
2018 United Power Scholarship Recipients Announced
Wednesday | May 23, 2018
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.
Read more >
Title
2018: A Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2019_NL_Review.png?itok=wnLgmR3X
Friday | January 25, 2019
Card Teaser
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.
Vegetation ManagementPrevent Outages & Fires, Keep Trees Away from Wires
The increased risk of fires is a growing concern. As your cooperative, United Power takes the growing threat of wildfires seriously. Our goal is the safety of our members and the protection of the communities they live in.
One of the leading fire risks is vegetation. To protect your power and your community, United Power is concentrating significant resources on clearing vegetation from power lines. This includes portions of our mountain territory that are heavily forested and locations along the plains where trees are encroaching on power lines or utility infrastructure.
Vegetation Management GrantsPartner with United Power to Reduce Wildfire Risk
Each year, United Power makes grants available to qualified nonprofit groups within the service territory to support vegetation management activities that reduce wildfire risks near the cooperative's facilities. This program complements United Power’s ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts and helps protect people, property, and critical electric infrastructure.
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.
Deadline has passed for 2026 Youth Trips. Please check back soon for 2027 applications.
For more information, contact United Power.
Title
100,000 Meter Celebration
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MeterCelebration.jpg?itok=tkCyAZP6
Wednesday | July 14, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2017 Scholarship Recipients Announced
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_04_14_ScholarshipWinners.jpg?itok=sII-e3tW
Friday | April 14, 2017
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2018 Director Election: Meet the Candidate Forums
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2018_02_05_MeetTheCandidates.jpg?itok=O6QW51o4
Monday | February 5, 2018
Card Teaser
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
2018 United Power Scholarship Recipients Announced
Wednesday | May 23, 2018
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.
Read more >
Title
2018: A Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2019_NL_Review.png?itok=wnLgmR3X
Friday | January 25, 2019
Card Teaser
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.
