Title
2019: A Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2020_NL_YearReview.jpg?itok=wfDxhO85
Thursday | February 6, 2020
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2020 Annual Meeting: Connect with Your Co-op
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MarApr_NL_AnnualMeeting.jpg?itok=pKWEcm-1
Monday | March 2, 2020
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2020: Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2021_NL_YearReview.jpg?itok=aILPOl3o
Friday | February 5, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2021: A Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2022_NL_YearReview.jpg?itok=PWFU4x5P
Thursday | February 10, 2022
Card Teaser
Year after year, United Power works toward an unmatched excellence. Despite endless unpredictability over the past two years, the cooperatve has elevated its expectations.
Disclaimer Date: 4/25/2022
In compliance with a recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruling, United Power will file an unconditional, binding notice to leave our power supplier in the next few months. This will change our previously announced exit date of Jan. 1, 2024. In the same ruling, FERC reaffirmed that a two-year notice period was appropriate. Once determined, the final exit date will be communicated to our members.
100,000 Meter Milestone, Wholesale Power Announcement Highlight 2021
Year after year, United Power works toward an unmatched excellence in the level of service it provides for its members, the support it demonstrates in its communities and its exceedingly high standard for delivering continuously reliable power. Endless unpredictability over the past two years, caused by the ongoing pandemic and unproductive negotiations with its wholesale power supplier, has not inhibited the cooperative from pursuing these goals. Instead, its leadership has elevated its expectations, building on all United Power has accomplished over the past year.
Crossing A Meter Milestone
United Power experienced record levels of growth throughout its service territory in 2021, resulting in it surging past a significant meter milestone this past summer. The cooperative energized its 100,000th meter connection in Commerce City’s fast-growing Reunion community in June, becoming just the second Colorado cooperative – and 31st nationwide – to surpass the meter milestone and highlighting a period of sustained growth for the cooperative that failed to slow even during the pandemic. It joins CORE Electric Cooperative, formerly Intermountain REA, as the only other cooperative serving more than 100,000 meters in Colorado.
Leadership Shift at the Top
The cooperative welcomed Mark A. Gabriel as its new President and Chief Executive Officer in March after a months-long nationwide search. A 25-year veteran in the electric utility business, Gabriel transitioned immediately to lead ongoing contract negotiations with Tri-State and to help position United Power for future success as a cooperative and industry leader in the changing energy landscape. Prior to joining United Power, Gabriel served eight years as CEO of the Western Area Power Administration.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected to lead such an amazing organization as we approach a transformational time in the electricity business,” Gabriel said. “United Power is uniquely positioned to be engaged in the decarbonization of the grid and to take advantage of the introduction of new technologies as we move to a cleaner energy future.”
Reunited & Ready
United Power was able to resume normal activities this past summer after more than a year of altering its practices for the health and safety of members and employees. The Brighton office location was opened to members again in June. While office locations were closed, the cooperative also installed several payment kiosks around its service territory to allow members to continue accessing convenient payment centers.
A gradual return to normal activities also meant the return of community functions and events. From summer fairs and festivals to holiday parades, United Power was a pivotal partner in helping make many of them possible. The cooperative is a proud sponsor of community events throughout its service territory.
Supporting Members & Causes They Care About
Cooperative leadership approved a support fund to provide relief to members struggling with the pandemic in 2020 called the Co-op Cares Fund. As pandemic concerns continued for many United Power members, the Board allocated another $250,000 to the fund for 2021. Throughout the year, approximately $212,000 in assistance was applied to 1,300 member accounts through Co-op Cares.
United Power also renewed its Member Choice Grant program in 2021. These grants allowed members to nominate local nonprofits to receive funds from the cooperative, ensuring our continued support for causes you care about. Six $1,000 grants were distributed to nonprofit organizations that received nominations from members throughout the year.
No Rate Increase for 2022
Rates are the single greatest concern for United Power members. Proactive efforts to reduce spending and control costs as a direct result of the pandemic allowed the cooperative to avoid a rate increase for members in 2021. Continued cost-control measures, coupled with significant meter and load growth throughout the service territory this past year, allowed United Power to announce in December there would be no residential or business rate increases for the second consecutive year in 2022. The lack of a rate increase should provide a little relief to members who continue to feel the effects of the ongoing pandemic.
Intent to Leave Wholesale Power Supplier
United Power’s ongoing negotiations with its wholesale power supplier reached a defining point at the end of 2021. After more than three years of unsuccessful attempts to modify its all-requirements contract, the cooperative officially filed its intent to leave, effective January 1, 2024. As a member of the wholesale power supplier, United Power was saddled with some of the highest cost, carbon-intensive power in Colorado. The cooperative pursued contract alterations that would allow it to lower costs and expand member options, which its wholesale supplier was unresponsive to. Exiting the contract will allow United Power to deploy more renewable resources on its grid or source more renewable options from new suppliers and provide more competitive rates for its members.
Title
2022 Member Choice Grant Recipients Selected
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Hands_Heart_1320x860.jpg?h=45932144&itok=RpWwbzVw
Thursday | January 12, 2023
Card Teaser
Members Select Six Nonprofits to Receive $12,000
Members Select Six Nonprofits to Receive $12,000
United Power launched Member Choice grants to provide a way for members to put their community knowledge into action — by nominating local nonprofits for grant dollars from the cooperative. The following organizations were selected to receive a total of $12,000 through Member Choice grants in 2022.
CASA of Adams & Broomfield Counties
CASA is a volunteer-based nonprofit that recruits, trains, and places advocates to represent the best interests of child victims of abuse and neglect who are in the judicial system. The desired result is that children have a safe, permanent home where they can thrive.
Food for Hope
Food for Hope is empowering and strengthening the future of Adams County communities by providing nutritional assistance to children in need throughout the school year. They operate food banks at school district sites, distribute food bags to students, and provide healthy school snacks.
Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank
The mission of the Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank is to provide life-sustaining food and clothing to people in need in and around the Fort Lupton community. Each year, the organization provides assistance to nearly 9,000 individuals.
St. Augustine Food Pantry
The St. Augustine Food Pantry is an agency of the Food Bank of the Rockies serving those in need in Brighton and the nearby surrounding areas. The pantry distributes fresh food, personal hygiene products, and baby products collected from vendors, parishioners, and the Food Bank of the Rockies.
Sparkling Kindness
Sparkling Kindness is a small nonprofit operating out of Commerce City. It provides support to the local homeless population by distributing basic hygiene kits, feminine hygiene kits, and “comfort” kits (consisting of fleece blankets, socks, stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons, and chapstick).
Canyon Cares
Canyon Cares provides short-term resources to help care for the necessities and urgent needs of residents in Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, and unincorporated Gilpin County. Assistance includes medical, housing, repairs, and utilities.
Title
2022: Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2023_NL_YearReview.jpg?itok=LoDJwM_l
Tuesday | January 10, 2023
Card Teaser
United Power is working tirelessly to position the cooperative for future success, using our experience and expertise to prepare for emerging trends and industry changes.
United Power’s definition of a banner year is one in which we find new ways to better serve our members and our communities. We are working tirelessly to position the cooperative for future success, using our experience and expertise to prepare for emerging trends and industry changes. We developed Our Cooperative Roadmap (Roadmap) as an evolving action plan to guide our decisions in the coming years, and we took the first steps toward executing the plan last year. Behind the scenes, we were also working to improve our system’s resiliency and efficiency so members can have even greater peace of mind knowing they will continue to receive reliable power. In 2022, we also introduced new member programs, welcomed back members for our first in-person annual meeting since 2019, and went above and beyond in supporting our local nonprofits.
Seeking More Flexible, Affordable, Sustainable Power
As an electric distribution cooperative, United Power does not generate its own power. The cooperative must instead purchase wholesale power from a generation supplier. For many years, United Power has purchased 95% of its wholesale power from one source. As clean energy technologies advance and the cost to maintain coal-fired power plants increases, United Power has sought ways to seek more affordable, flexible, and sustainable power from its wholesale provider. The cooperative even worked toward modifying the terms of the current contract, which limits United Power’s ability to source more than 5% as locally-generated, more affordable energy. Unable to come to an agreement with its current power provider, United Power filed its notice of intent to withdraw, effective May 1, 2024.
“Unfortunately, our power supplier has been ignoring our efforts to come to an amicable arrangement that better supports the needs of our members,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Instead of working with us in the pursuit of lower-cost, cleaner options, our power supplier has resisted these developments.”
This pending change in power suppliers does not affect your membership with United Power. There will be no change in the quality of our service, the reliability of your power, or our commitment to our members. We encourage you to read more about the upcoming transition on our Power Supply page. .
Improving System Reliability
Speaking of reliability, United Power has consistently reported some of the best performance numbers for electric utilities across the country. This is due in part to a targeted maintenance practice that focuses on analyzing data to isolate the worst performing segments on the electric delivery system. Strategically placed smart devices collect critical information and transfer it back to system operators. Once identified, maintenance projects can be targeted to improve these segments.
The national average for outage duration hovers around 120 minutes per meter, meaning a person can expect to experience an aggregate of approximately two hours of outage time at their home over the course of a year. Since instituting the new maintenance practice in 2017, United Power’s outage times have dropped below 70 minutes per meter.
The cooperative also continues to enhance its wildfire mitigation plan. This year, Red Flag Warning procedures were added to the plan to better protect our communities and improve system reliability. We will continue to apply the highest safety standards and implement industry best practices for the ongoing safety and protection of our members and communities.
Smart Summer Rewards
United Power’s newest program rewards members for helping the cooperative avoid demand spikes on hot summer days. Enrolling in Smart Rewards will allow the cooperative to automatically adjust your thermostat on days when peak power surges. The slight adjustment to your thermostat may result in a modest savings on your monthly bills, and you will also receive a $25 bill credit for every summer you remain enrolled. Read more about the Smart Rewards program.
Expanding Access to EVs
Electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for nearly 10% of all new car sales in Colorado in 2022. United Power expanded its catalog of available programs this past year for members who own or have interest in purchasing an EV.
The cooperative’s first EV investment was its fast charger at the Coal Creek office. The network expanded to three with the Market Street Mart charger in Keenesburg in 2021 and the United Power office location in Carbon Valley in 2022. The newest addition to this network filled a 30-mile gap in available charging options between Thornton and Loveland.
The majority of EV owners, however, charge their vehicles at home using upgraded electrical outlets. United Power debuted both its new EV wiring rebate and United EV pilot program this past year. All members qualify for the cooperative’s wiring rebate, but members who enroll in United EV receive additional rebate dollars, at-home charging equipment, and a menu of rates and options for smart charging. More information about United Power’s EV programs.
Getting Back to In-Person
Health and safety precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic prevented United Power from gathering with our members for more than two years. We were finally able to welcome members back to an in-person Annual Meeting in 2022. Additionally, fairs and festivals resumed this summer, giving us a chance to connect with members in the communities they call home. We were also able to send local high school students on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., where our youth delegate was nominated among her peers to represent Colorado on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Leadership Council.
Title
2023: Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2023_Year.jpg?h=45932144&itok=rnQcTLEp
Thursday | January 11, 2024
Card Teaser
United Power had a stellar year including new power contracts, eclipsing a milestone in residential rooftop solar, and launching a website refresh.
United Power was focused on securing new power contracts this past year with the flexibility to meet its growing demand in advance of the upcoming exit from its current wholesale power provider — effective May 1, 2024. The cooperative’s leadership recognized the opportunity to stabilize rising wholesale power costs and ease its financial burden when it announced the exit in 2022 and began requesting power supply proposals from regional and national generators. In keeping with its established reputation as a forward-thinking, innovative electric utility, the co-op is partnering with nationally recognized industry leaders to reduce its carbon intensity through a carefully curated mix of generation resources, including natural gas and renewable options, and developing groundbreaking demand response systems that will cut costs when energy is most expensive.
United Power had a stellar year in addition to the new power contracts, which included eclipsing a new milestone in residential rooftop solar installations. The coooperative also launched a website refresh with enhanced focus on member engagement and data-driven navigation updates, renewed the popular Member Choice Grant program, engaged with local communities in new ways, and debuted an all-new battery pilot program for members.
New Power Supply Contracts & Groundbreaking Innovation
United Power has the largest load among Colorado’s electric distribution cooperatives, which means it will require a diverse group of suppliers to meet its energy needs as it continues to grow.
The cooperative announced a power supply contract with Denver-based Guzman Energy in July — featuring fixed wholesale pricing and securing approximately one-third of its supply needs beginning in May 2024 — and a strategic relationship with Xcel Energy in September to explore opportunities for maximizing the value of their combined portfolios. Smaller contracts with OneEnergy and Whetstone Power will add approximately 40 megawatts (MW) of renewable resources to the co-op’s energy mix.
Also announced this past year were two groundbreaking battery storage agreements with Ameresco and Whetstone Power. The cooperative will strategically install more than 100 MW of battery storage at substations located throughout its service territory to increase system resiliency and reliability, balance load, reduce costs, and more efficiently incorporate local renewables.
“The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power system and we are excited to move ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such a system,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and CEO.
Read more about United Power’s power supply.
Rooftop Solar Milestone
More United Power members are opting to generate power locally than ever before. Rooftop solar has quickly become the preferred solution for members who are looking to offset their energy usage with renewable options.
The cooperative has a residential solar penetration of nearly 11%, which ranks among the highest representations for electric utilities of all sizes and more than double the national average. Last year, United Power became one of the first cooperatives to surpass 10,000 residential solar installations. Members have added nearly 6,500 rooftop solar systems to their homes since early 2020, more than doubling the total number of systems interconnected to the United Power grid. The combined generation potential of these systems is nearly 70 MW.
United Power is proud to support a robust solar community, and is committed to providing a member-friendly connection process, which has been recognized by the Colorado Solar and Storage Association.
United Power also debuted an all-new member program for those interested in pairing their solar system with battery storage. Members interested in learning more about the cooperative’s solar interconnection process and the new battery pilot program can find more details under the My Energy tab at www.unitedpower.com.
Online Experience Improvements
United Power members may have noticed a new look and feel to the website and online account portal. The cooperative launched a refreshed website design in June, focused on helping members quickly navigate to their desired location in fewer clicks and finding information faster.
United Power also rolled out an update for its online account portal, SmartHub, to improve functionality and enhance user experience. Members may sign up for a free account at www.unitedpower.com/smarthub.
Giving Back to the Community
Concern for communities is a cooperative principle United Power values and takes seriously. That is why the cooperative renewed its Member Choice Grant program for a third year and distributed $12,000 to nonprofits nominated by its members. For updates about grants and 2024 nominations, visit Member Choice.
Additionally, the cooperative identified new ways to interact with its members and support local athletics and education through a Friday Night Lights check presentation in Brighton and honoring a lineman in Carbon Valley during the fall football season.
United Power is looking forward to celebrating its 85th anniversary and the change in power suppliers this year. Join us as we recognize how the cooperative has championed community growth, helped spur economic development, supported community engagement, and will continue being more than just your local electric utility now and into the future. Just as we have since 1938, United Power will continue to be “Here for Good” in the communities we serve.
Title
2025 Rebate Changes
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Rebate_Deadline.jpg?h=45932144&itok=YL5hxaKz
Wednesday | November 6, 2024
Card Teaser
Smart thermostat rebate expiring and adjustment to EV make-ready wiring rebate.
Smart Thermostat Rebate Expiring and Adjustment to EV Make-Ready Wiring Rebate
United Power members qualify for exclusive rebates on the purchase and set-up of beneficial electrification items and projects. Each year, the cooperative evaluates its rebate program and may recommend changes based on the benefit to the cooperative and its members.
Most of the cooperative’s rebates will remain the same in the upcoming year, including the home efficiency and outdoor power rebates. However, a couple rebates will be discontinued or adjusted after Dec. 31, 2024.
Smart Thermostat Rebates and Smart Rewards Benefits
Smart Rewards is a program that allows United Power to shift energy use during peak hours and saves the cooperative on expensive power purchases. Those savings are then passed on to the member.
Enrollment in United Power’s Smart Rewards program is required to qualify for the smart thermostat rebate. Although the rebate will be discontinued for smart thermostats purchased in 2025, members may still participate in the Smart Rewards program and receive a $30 incentive, up from $25 in 2024, for each summer they are enrolled with a qualifying smart thermostat.
Members who enroll in Smart Rewards and purchase a qualifying smart thermostat before Dec. 31, 2024 will still be able to submit a rebate application.
EV Make-Ready Wiring and United EV
United Power members who are planning to install wiring for at-home electric vehicle (EV) charging qualify for rebates on installations completed through Dec. 31, 2024.
Members who enroll in the cooperative’s United EV program will still qualify for make-ready wiring rebates in 2025.
United EV helps members with the up-front costs of home charging, including a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger, wiring rebates, and rates for smart charging. The program is available for a $19/month service charge.
Rebate applications must be received within 90 days of purchase or installation.
Rebate applications must be received within 90 days of purchase or installation.
Title
2019: A Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2020_NL_YearReview.jpg?itok=wfDxhO85
Thursday | February 6, 2020
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2020 Annual Meeting: Connect with Your Co-op
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MarApr_NL_AnnualMeeting.jpg?itok=pKWEcm-1
Monday | March 2, 2020
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2020: Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2021_NL_YearReview.jpg?itok=aILPOl3o
Friday | February 5, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
Title
2021: A Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2022_NL_YearReview.jpg?itok=PWFU4x5P
Thursday | February 10, 2022
Card Teaser
Year after year, United Power works toward an unmatched excellence. Despite endless unpredictability over the past two years, the cooperatve has elevated its expectations.
Disclaimer Date: 4/25/2022
In compliance with a recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruling, United Power will file an unconditional, binding notice to leave our power supplier in the next few months. This will change our previously announced exit date of Jan. 1, 2024. In the same ruling, FERC reaffirmed that a two-year notice period was appropriate. Once determined, the final exit date will be communicated to our members.
100,000 Meter Milestone, Wholesale Power Announcement Highlight 2021
Year after year, United Power works toward an unmatched excellence in the level of service it provides for its members, the support it demonstrates in its communities and its exceedingly high standard for delivering continuously reliable power. Endless unpredictability over the past two years, caused by the ongoing pandemic and unproductive negotiations with its wholesale power supplier, has not inhibited the cooperative from pursuing these goals. Instead, its leadership has elevated its expectations, building on all United Power has accomplished over the past year.
Crossing A Meter Milestone
United Power experienced record levels of growth throughout its service territory in 2021, resulting in it surging past a significant meter milestone this past summer. The cooperative energized its 100,000th meter connection in Commerce City’s fast-growing Reunion community in June, becoming just the second Colorado cooperative – and 31st nationwide – to surpass the meter milestone and highlighting a period of sustained growth for the cooperative that failed to slow even during the pandemic. It joins CORE Electric Cooperative, formerly Intermountain REA, as the only other cooperative serving more than 100,000 meters in Colorado.
Leadership Shift at the Top
The cooperative welcomed Mark A. Gabriel as its new President and Chief Executive Officer in March after a months-long nationwide search. A 25-year veteran in the electric utility business, Gabriel transitioned immediately to lead ongoing contract negotiations with Tri-State and to help position United Power for future success as a cooperative and industry leader in the changing energy landscape. Prior to joining United Power, Gabriel served eight years as CEO of the Western Area Power Administration.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected to lead such an amazing organization as we approach a transformational time in the electricity business,” Gabriel said. “United Power is uniquely positioned to be engaged in the decarbonization of the grid and to take advantage of the introduction of new technologies as we move to a cleaner energy future.”
Reunited & Ready
United Power was able to resume normal activities this past summer after more than a year of altering its practices for the health and safety of members and employees. The Brighton office location was opened to members again in June. While office locations were closed, the cooperative also installed several payment kiosks around its service territory to allow members to continue accessing convenient payment centers.
A gradual return to normal activities also meant the return of community functions and events. From summer fairs and festivals to holiday parades, United Power was a pivotal partner in helping make many of them possible. The cooperative is a proud sponsor of community events throughout its service territory.
Supporting Members & Causes They Care About
Cooperative leadership approved a support fund to provide relief to members struggling with the pandemic in 2020 called the Co-op Cares Fund. As pandemic concerns continued for many United Power members, the Board allocated another $250,000 to the fund for 2021. Throughout the year, approximately $212,000 in assistance was applied to 1,300 member accounts through Co-op Cares.
United Power also renewed its Member Choice Grant program in 2021. These grants allowed members to nominate local nonprofits to receive funds from the cooperative, ensuring our continued support for causes you care about. Six $1,000 grants were distributed to nonprofit organizations that received nominations from members throughout the year.
No Rate Increase for 2022
Rates are the single greatest concern for United Power members. Proactive efforts to reduce spending and control costs as a direct result of the pandemic allowed the cooperative to avoid a rate increase for members in 2021. Continued cost-control measures, coupled with significant meter and load growth throughout the service territory this past year, allowed United Power to announce in December there would be no residential or business rate increases for the second consecutive year in 2022. The lack of a rate increase should provide a little relief to members who continue to feel the effects of the ongoing pandemic.
Intent to Leave Wholesale Power Supplier
United Power’s ongoing negotiations with its wholesale power supplier reached a defining point at the end of 2021. After more than three years of unsuccessful attempts to modify its all-requirements contract, the cooperative officially filed its intent to leave, effective January 1, 2024. As a member of the wholesale power supplier, United Power was saddled with some of the highest cost, carbon-intensive power in Colorado. The cooperative pursued contract alterations that would allow it to lower costs and expand member options, which its wholesale supplier was unresponsive to. Exiting the contract will allow United Power to deploy more renewable resources on its grid or source more renewable options from new suppliers and provide more competitive rates for its members.
Title
2022 Member Choice Grant Recipients Selected
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Hands_Heart_1320x860.jpg?h=45932144&itok=RpWwbzVw
Thursday | January 12, 2023
Card Teaser
Members Select Six Nonprofits to Receive $12,000
Members Select Six Nonprofits to Receive $12,000
United Power launched Member Choice grants to provide a way for members to put their community knowledge into action — by nominating local nonprofits for grant dollars from the cooperative. The following organizations were selected to receive a total of $12,000 through Member Choice grants in 2022.
CASA of Adams & Broomfield Counties
CASA is a volunteer-based nonprofit that recruits, trains, and places advocates to represent the best interests of child victims of abuse and neglect who are in the judicial system. The desired result is that children have a safe, permanent home where they can thrive.
Food for Hope
Food for Hope is empowering and strengthening the future of Adams County communities by providing nutritional assistance to children in need throughout the school year. They operate food banks at school district sites, distribute food bags to students, and provide healthy school snacks.
Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank
The mission of the Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank is to provide life-sustaining food and clothing to people in need in and around the Fort Lupton community. Each year, the organization provides assistance to nearly 9,000 individuals.
St. Augustine Food Pantry
The St. Augustine Food Pantry is an agency of the Food Bank of the Rockies serving those in need in Brighton and the nearby surrounding areas. The pantry distributes fresh food, personal hygiene products, and baby products collected from vendors, parishioners, and the Food Bank of the Rockies.
Sparkling Kindness
Sparkling Kindness is a small nonprofit operating out of Commerce City. It provides support to the local homeless population by distributing basic hygiene kits, feminine hygiene kits, and “comfort” kits (consisting of fleece blankets, socks, stuffed animals, coloring books, crayons, and chapstick).
Canyon Cares
Canyon Cares provides short-term resources to help care for the necessities and urgent needs of residents in Coal Creek Canyon, Nederland, and unincorporated Gilpin County. Assistance includes medical, housing, repairs, and utilities.
Title
2022: Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2023_NL_YearReview.jpg?itok=LoDJwM_l
Tuesday | January 10, 2023
Card Teaser
United Power is working tirelessly to position the cooperative for future success, using our experience and expertise to prepare for emerging trends and industry changes.
United Power’s definition of a banner year is one in which we find new ways to better serve our members and our communities. We are working tirelessly to position the cooperative for future success, using our experience and expertise to prepare for emerging trends and industry changes. We developed Our Cooperative Roadmap (Roadmap) as an evolving action plan to guide our decisions in the coming years, and we took the first steps toward executing the plan last year. Behind the scenes, we were also working to improve our system’s resiliency and efficiency so members can have even greater peace of mind knowing they will continue to receive reliable power. In 2022, we also introduced new member programs, welcomed back members for our first in-person annual meeting since 2019, and went above and beyond in supporting our local nonprofits.
Seeking More Flexible, Affordable, Sustainable Power
As an electric distribution cooperative, United Power does not generate its own power. The cooperative must instead purchase wholesale power from a generation supplier. For many years, United Power has purchased 95% of its wholesale power from one source. As clean energy technologies advance and the cost to maintain coal-fired power plants increases, United Power has sought ways to seek more affordable, flexible, and sustainable power from its wholesale provider. The cooperative even worked toward modifying the terms of the current contract, which limits United Power’s ability to source more than 5% as locally-generated, more affordable energy. Unable to come to an agreement with its current power provider, United Power filed its notice of intent to withdraw, effective May 1, 2024.
“Unfortunately, our power supplier has been ignoring our efforts to come to an amicable arrangement that better supports the needs of our members,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Instead of working with us in the pursuit of lower-cost, cleaner options, our power supplier has resisted these developments.”
This pending change in power suppliers does not affect your membership with United Power. There will be no change in the quality of our service, the reliability of your power, or our commitment to our members. We encourage you to read more about the upcoming transition on our Power Supply page. .
Improving System Reliability
Speaking of reliability, United Power has consistently reported some of the best performance numbers for electric utilities across the country. This is due in part to a targeted maintenance practice that focuses on analyzing data to isolate the worst performing segments on the electric delivery system. Strategically placed smart devices collect critical information and transfer it back to system operators. Once identified, maintenance projects can be targeted to improve these segments.
The national average for outage duration hovers around 120 minutes per meter, meaning a person can expect to experience an aggregate of approximately two hours of outage time at their home over the course of a year. Since instituting the new maintenance practice in 2017, United Power’s outage times have dropped below 70 minutes per meter.
The cooperative also continues to enhance its wildfire mitigation plan. This year, Red Flag Warning procedures were added to the plan to better protect our communities and improve system reliability. We will continue to apply the highest safety standards and implement industry best practices for the ongoing safety and protection of our members and communities.
Smart Summer Rewards
United Power’s newest program rewards members for helping the cooperative avoid demand spikes on hot summer days. Enrolling in Smart Rewards will allow the cooperative to automatically adjust your thermostat on days when peak power surges. The slight adjustment to your thermostat may result in a modest savings on your monthly bills, and you will also receive a $25 bill credit for every summer you remain enrolled. Read more about the Smart Rewards program.
Expanding Access to EVs
Electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for nearly 10% of all new car sales in Colorado in 2022. United Power expanded its catalog of available programs this past year for members who own or have interest in purchasing an EV.
The cooperative’s first EV investment was its fast charger at the Coal Creek office. The network expanded to three with the Market Street Mart charger in Keenesburg in 2021 and the United Power office location in Carbon Valley in 2022. The newest addition to this network filled a 30-mile gap in available charging options between Thornton and Loveland.
The majority of EV owners, however, charge their vehicles at home using upgraded electrical outlets. United Power debuted both its new EV wiring rebate and United EV pilot program this past year. All members qualify for the cooperative’s wiring rebate, but members who enroll in United EV receive additional rebate dollars, at-home charging equipment, and a menu of rates and options for smart charging. More information about United Power’s EV programs.
Getting Back to In-Person
Health and safety precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic prevented United Power from gathering with our members for more than two years. We were finally able to welcome members back to an in-person Annual Meeting in 2022. Additionally, fairs and festivals resumed this summer, giving us a chance to connect with members in the communities they call home. We were also able to send local high school students on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., where our youth delegate was nominated among her peers to represent Colorado on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Leadership Council.
Title
2023: Year in Review
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2023_Year.jpg?h=45932144&itok=rnQcTLEp
Thursday | January 11, 2024
Card Teaser
United Power had a stellar year including new power contracts, eclipsing a milestone in residential rooftop solar, and launching a website refresh.
United Power was focused on securing new power contracts this past year with the flexibility to meet its growing demand in advance of the upcoming exit from its current wholesale power provider — effective May 1, 2024. The cooperative’s leadership recognized the opportunity to stabilize rising wholesale power costs and ease its financial burden when it announced the exit in 2022 and began requesting power supply proposals from regional and national generators. In keeping with its established reputation as a forward-thinking, innovative electric utility, the co-op is partnering with nationally recognized industry leaders to reduce its carbon intensity through a carefully curated mix of generation resources, including natural gas and renewable options, and developing groundbreaking demand response systems that will cut costs when energy is most expensive.
United Power had a stellar year in addition to the new power contracts, which included eclipsing a new milestone in residential rooftop solar installations. The coooperative also launched a website refresh with enhanced focus on member engagement and data-driven navigation updates, renewed the popular Member Choice Grant program, engaged with local communities in new ways, and debuted an all-new battery pilot program for members.
New Power Supply Contracts & Groundbreaking Innovation
United Power has the largest load among Colorado’s electric distribution cooperatives, which means it will require a diverse group of suppliers to meet its energy needs as it continues to grow.
The cooperative announced a power supply contract with Denver-based Guzman Energy in July — featuring fixed wholesale pricing and securing approximately one-third of its supply needs beginning in May 2024 — and a strategic relationship with Xcel Energy in September to explore opportunities for maximizing the value of their combined portfolios. Smaller contracts with OneEnergy and Whetstone Power will add approximately 40 megawatts (MW) of renewable resources to the co-op’s energy mix.
Also announced this past year were two groundbreaking battery storage agreements with Ameresco and Whetstone Power. The cooperative will strategically install more than 100 MW of battery storage at substations located throughout its service territory to increase system resiliency and reliability, balance load, reduce costs, and more efficiently incorporate local renewables.
“The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power system and we are excited to move ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such a system,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and CEO.
Read more about United Power’s power supply.
Rooftop Solar Milestone
More United Power members are opting to generate power locally than ever before. Rooftop solar has quickly become the preferred solution for members who are looking to offset their energy usage with renewable options.
The cooperative has a residential solar penetration of nearly 11%, which ranks among the highest representations for electric utilities of all sizes and more than double the national average. Last year, United Power became one of the first cooperatives to surpass 10,000 residential solar installations. Members have added nearly 6,500 rooftop solar systems to their homes since early 2020, more than doubling the total number of systems interconnected to the United Power grid. The combined generation potential of these systems is nearly 70 MW.
United Power is proud to support a robust solar community, and is committed to providing a member-friendly connection process, which has been recognized by the Colorado Solar and Storage Association.
United Power also debuted an all-new member program for those interested in pairing their solar system with battery storage. Members interested in learning more about the cooperative’s solar interconnection process and the new battery pilot program can find more details under the My Energy tab at www.unitedpower.com.
Online Experience Improvements
United Power members may have noticed a new look and feel to the website and online account portal. The cooperative launched a refreshed website design in June, focused on helping members quickly navigate to their desired location in fewer clicks and finding information faster.
United Power also rolled out an update for its online account portal, SmartHub, to improve functionality and enhance user experience. Members may sign up for a free account at www.unitedpower.com/smarthub.
Giving Back to the Community
Concern for communities is a cooperative principle United Power values and takes seriously. That is why the cooperative renewed its Member Choice Grant program for a third year and distributed $12,000 to nonprofits nominated by its members. For updates about grants and 2024 nominations, visit Member Choice.
Additionally, the cooperative identified new ways to interact with its members and support local athletics and education through a Friday Night Lights check presentation in Brighton and honoring a lineman in Carbon Valley during the fall football season.
United Power is looking forward to celebrating its 85th anniversary and the change in power suppliers this year. Join us as we recognize how the cooperative has championed community growth, helped spur economic development, supported community engagement, and will continue being more than just your local electric utility now and into the future. Just as we have since 1938, United Power will continue to be “Here for Good” in the communities we serve.
Title
2025 Rebate Changes
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Rebate_Deadline.jpg?h=45932144&itok=YL5hxaKz
Wednesday | November 6, 2024
Card Teaser
Smart thermostat rebate expiring and adjustment to EV make-ready wiring rebate.
Smart Thermostat Rebate Expiring and Adjustment to EV Make-Ready Wiring Rebate
United Power members qualify for exclusive rebates on the purchase and set-up of beneficial electrification items and projects. Each year, the cooperative evaluates its rebate program and may recommend changes based on the benefit to the cooperative and its members.
Most of the cooperative’s rebates will remain the same in the upcoming year, including the home efficiency and outdoor power rebates. However, a couple rebates will be discontinued or adjusted after Dec. 31, 2024.
Smart Thermostat Rebates and Smart Rewards Benefits
Smart Rewards is a program that allows United Power to shift energy use during peak hours and saves the cooperative on expensive power purchases. Those savings are then passed on to the member.
Enrollment in United Power’s Smart Rewards program is required to qualify for the smart thermostat rebate. Although the rebate will be discontinued for smart thermostats purchased in 2025, members may still participate in the Smart Rewards program and receive a $30 incentive, up from $25 in 2024, for each summer they are enrolled with a qualifying smart thermostat.
Members who enroll in Smart Rewards and purchase a qualifying smart thermostat before Dec. 31, 2024 will still be able to submit a rebate application.
EV Make-Ready Wiring and United EV
United Power members who are planning to install wiring for at-home electric vehicle (EV) charging qualify for rebates on installations completed through Dec. 31, 2024.
Members who enroll in the cooperative’s United EV program will still qualify for make-ready wiring rebates in 2025.
United EV helps members with the up-front costs of home charging, including a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger, wiring rebates, and rates for smart charging. The program is available for a $19/month service charge.
Rebate applications must be received within 90 days of purchase or installation.
Rebate applications must be received within 90 days of purchase or installation.
