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Adjusted Office Hours on Wednesday, April 17
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Tuesday | April 16, 2019
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United Power offices will have modified business hours on Wednesday, April 17 as employees prepare and set up for our Annual Meeting.
United Power offices will have modified business hours on Wednesday, April 17 as employees prepare and set up for our Annual Meeting.
United Power lobbies will open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th.
The Annual Meeting will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds beginning at 4:30 p.m. All members are invited to attend the meeting for dinner, director election, co-op update and door prizes.
All Hands on Deck for the Bomb Cyclone
Wednesday | May 15, 2019
All United Power line crews were mobilized early in the morning and placed on standby in order to respond quickly once the storm moved in. The first outage alerts were triggered before noon, and before long several thousand members had been impacted.
Read more >
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An Exciting Time to Invest in EVs
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Wednesday | September 23, 2020
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There are more options at more price points available today than there have been in any year prior. Join us on September 27 as we explore all you need to know about electric vehicles.
What once seemed like a hopeful concept for the future has become a reality. Today, you’re more likely to see multiple electric vehicles while you’re driving to work or the grocery store than not, and it’s becoming more common for gas stations and public spaces to install charging stations to accommodate electric vehicle drivers. You probably support a business with an electric vehicle fleet or know someone who has invested in either an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid.
“It’s safe to say electric vehicle adoption has far outpaced our expectations,” said Tyler Bain, a United Power electrical engineer and longtime EV driver. “A sizeable number of EV drivers live in United Power’s service territory, and there’s still a lot of opportunity for growth – for both us and potential EV drivers.”
Why has there been so much recent growth in electric vehicles? Nigel Zeid of Boulder Nissan explains it has a lot to do with understanding and education. Many potential buyers face concerns and hesitations about integrating an electric vehicle into their daily lives.
“There’s a perception that electric vehicles aren’t capable of meeting the average person’s needs,” Zeid says. “Every main concern can be boiled down to that root perception, which is an incorrect one. With a little information, we can turn hesitation into excitement. Electric vehicles have all the benefits of any other vehicle without much of the cost.”
Range anxiety, for example, is one of the hardest barriers for people to overcome, Zeid says. He recommends using your vehicle’s trip odometer to calculate how far you commute in a given day, either to and from work or for various other errands. People usually drive far less than they estimate, and that can demonstrate how range anxiety is typically more psychological than reality.
The growth also has to do with pricing and availability. There are more options at more price points available today than there have been in any year prior. Many major car brands have announced new and upcoming electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Some will even come as a trim option on already popular models for a small premium, which can be more than offset by current state and federal rebates and incentives.
Join United Power from September 26 — October 4 for National Drive EV Week as the cooperative and Zeid walk you through the finer points of EV ownership and much more. Follow our journey and find out more at Drive EV Week.
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Annual Meeting & Director Election Scheduled for Apr. 18
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Wednesday | February 14, 2018
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United Power will hold its 2018 Annual Meeting and Director Election on Wednesday, April 18th at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton.
United Power will hold its 2018 Annual Meeting and Director Election on Wednesday, April 18th at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton. Ballots will be mailed to all members at the end of March. Mail ballots must be received at the Survey and Ballot Systems post office box no later than Monday, April 16, 2018. Members may also drop ballots in a ballot drop-box located at each of United Power’s offices by 2 p.m. on April 18, or vote in person at the Annual Meeting starting at 4:30 p.m.
All United Power members are invited to attend the annual business meeting of the not-for-profit electric cooperative and cast their ballots in the annual director election. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
United Power will host four free Meet the Candidate events so members can learn more about each candidate. More information about dates and times can be found here. Profiles provided by each candidate and detailed voting instructions are included in the ballot packets that will be mailed to members. For more information, visit www.unitedpower.com/annualmeeting or call United Power at 303-659-0551.
Directors run in geographic districts in order to accurately represent United Power members, but they are elected to the board at-large. Members are reminded to vote for one candidate in each of the cooperative’s four director districts.
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Are You a DIY Power Generator? For Safety’s Sake Let Us Know!
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Saturday | January 7, 2017
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The drop in price of solar panels has created fertile ground for do-it-yourself power generators.
The drop in price of solar panels has created fertile ground for do-it-yourself power generators. While it’s not widespread, we have seen an increase in electric systems being installed that have not been planned and installed by a certified installation company or with the coordination of the utility.
United Power will be actively looking for these systems and requiring that the installations meet all required permitting processes. To keep everyone safe, the cooperative is even prepared to disconnect service to members who are operating a system without proper permitting until all requirements are met. This is necessary to help keep all our members and our employees safe. While it looks simple to throw some panels up on the roof and hook them up, there are a lot of risks involved with the process – let’s look at some of them:
Installation of a solar photovoltaic system is like any other electric installation in your home – it can be dangerous if not installed correctly. Make a mistake and you can suffer an injury – nasty things like burns, falls and electric shocks. There is also the risk of a fire if the unit is poorly installed. Like any electrical work in your home, your homeowners insurance will want to know that the unit it properly installed before paying any claim for damage. Also, if the utility doesn’t know you’ve put the system in it poses a real risk to lineworkers during maintenance work or during outage restoration. Not having an appropriate inverter would make your system into a mini power plant, that wouldn’t shut down during a power outage. Your system could feed energy back onto a line and injure or kill a worker if the utility doesn’t know it’s in operation.Solar installations are subject to federal, state and local permit requirements, along with an interconnect agreement with the utility. Just as you would need permits to complete work on a basement finish or bathroom remodel, a solar system requires multiple permits. The permitting process makes certain your system is installed correctly, meeting all the electrical and/or plumbing requirements for the state and local municipalities. Electricity production is a regulated industry, so you’re not legally allowed to connect your system to an existing grid without appropriate inspections. The interconnection agreement with the utility helps to clarify your relationship with the utility – it makes you eligible to apply for rebates and allows you to take advantage of United Power’s net metering program.
If you have a generating system that you installed without securing the necessary permits, or are operating without an interconnection agreement with United Power, we are looking for you. Give us a call at 303-659-0551 to find out how we can help you get your system in compliance, and help you avoid injuring or killing one of our United Power line workers or someone in your neighborhood.
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Are you Prepared for the Next Winter Storm?
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Wednesday | April 10, 2019
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When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity can vary depending on where you live, but United Power cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.
When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity can vary depending on where you live, but United Power cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.
Heavy snow and wind can lead to downed power lines, leaving co-op members without power. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. During a power outage, our crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power.
There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:
Stay warm – Plan to use a safe alternate heating source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise caution when using, and never leave the heating source unattended. If you are using gasoline-, propane- or natural gas-burning devices to stay warm, never use them indoors. Remember that fuel- and wood-burning sources of heat should always be properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s directions before using.
Stay fed – The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked handy. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread are good options. Five gallons of water per person should also be available in the event of an extended power outage.
Stay safe – When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down or equipment is damaged. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines or debris in lines, always assume the lines are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible, and report the situation to our dispatchers by calling 303-637-1350 if possible.
Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and planning ahead can often be the difference between life and death. United Power is ready for what Mother Nature has in store, and we want you to be ready, too. For more winter safety tips, visit www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
In the event of an outage, please know that our crews are working as quickly as is safely possible to restore your power.
If Your Power is Off
Verify that your entire house is out and that you haven’t just blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.
If your power remains out for longer than a few minutes, or to report an electrical safety hazard, please call United Power’s Outage Line at 303-637-1350 or login to SmartHub. If the outage is widespread, our phone lines may be busy when you call.
When you call to report an outage, please provide as many details as possible. If you heard a loud bang, or your power is out but your neighbors have power, let us know. The information you supply will help us in our efforts to promptly restore electricity.
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Ask the Expert: Electric Vehicle Q&A
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Friday | September 25, 2020
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Nigel Zeid of Boulder Nissan addresses some of the most common concerns and hesitations United Power members may be feeling about the possibility of purchasing an electric vehicle.
Nigel Zeid of Boulder Nissan addresses some of the most common concerns and hesitations United Power members may be feeling about the possibility of purchasing an electric vehicle:
Can an electric vehicle meet my range needs?
With ranges north of 250 miles, electric vehicles today are more than sufficient to manage the average driver’s daily commute.
Use your trip odometer to monitor a typical day’s commuting. You can more than likely go the whole day without a charge, and charging stations are becoming more accessible if you need a refill.
Where am I suppose to charge my electric vehicle?
Most people can recharge enough using an outlet in their garage overnight, but charging infrastructure is also growing rapidly.
Your home is already equipped to charge your EV overnight—just like you would charge your cell phone. For most vehicles, an electrician can make a simple upgrade to the outlets in your garage to decrease charge times without purchasing any special charging equipment.
What will it do to my electric bill?
Not as much as you might think. And between saving on gas and maintenance, your electric vehicle will be much cheaper to operate.
Li-on batteries are more contained than regular vehicles where the danger is often fires started by spilled fluids.
But aren’t electric vehicles more expensive?
Electric vehicles are a bit more expensive, but with rebates and incentives, they are just as affordable. And don’t forget your other savings.
Several Federal and State tax credits are available for Colorado drivers.
So electric vehicles are affordable, but are they safe?
Electric vehicles often come standard with enhanced safety features that are only available on higher trims or packages of other vehicles.
Use the Savings Calculator on our ChooseEV page to estimate your gas savings, then check out United Power’s Time of Day rate to see how much you can save by charging overnight.
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August Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Thursday | August 29, 2024
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Fall is rapidly upon us, and we have successfully managed our first summer as an independent electric cooperative. It has been a hot summer and despite naysayers, the amazingly dedicated women and men of United Power have led us through this significant transition.
United Power’s loads continue to grow. Combining new sources of power and innovative technology, we have managed the system in a new and exciting way. As of May 1, we immediately reduced our carbon intensity by 26%, all while setting new peak loads, month over month. Our investment in nearly 80 MW of battery energy storage systems paid for itself just two weeks after the official ribbon cutting in July. On Aug. 2, we hit an all-time historical peak of nearly 650 MW. The true load had we not deployed battery storage — and initiated demand response — would have been 719 MW! This is up from the 2023 peak of 634 MW. The batteries meant we were able to buy lower cost and lower carbon power at night and use it during peak hours from 4–8 p.m. instead of purchasing expensive fossil fuel alternatives.
There is tremendous value in having a diverse portfolio of generation and large-scale storage resources. As United Power members, you do not have to wait until the end of the decade for the energy transition, as other cooperatives are doing. We are living it now with a wide range of power suppliers — 26 at last count — bringing a lower carbon and more flexible energy supply. Hydropower, wind, solar, storage, and gas allow us to have a balanced energy portfolio.
An increasing number of our members are adding solar, storage, and electric vehicles to their lives, and we support these efforts, happily providing critical analytical tools to make sure these decisions are being made with the best and most neutral information possible. United Power fully supports an “all of the above” strategy whether we provide the resource or not. One of United Power’s critical goals, as outlined in Our Cooperative Roadmap, is to continually optimize our electric system enabling all technologies to operate seamlessly. For help in these and other energy savings opportunities, click here.
In addition to the change in power suppliers, United Power is adding intelligence to how we operate and monitor the grid through advanced systems, including:
A new outage management system, giving us visibility and insight into our operations,
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI),
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), the system our operators use to monitor real time performance,
and a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS).
These tools are all part of our drive to become a Distribution System Operator as we prepare for the evolving energy enterprise. In recognition of our commitment to innovation, knowledge sharing, and moving the industry forward, United Power was just honored with the Survalent Industry Innovation Award.
I am particularly excited about several developments that support our members and critical community resources thanks to the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and Empower Rural America (New ERA) Program.
Golden Aluminum is receiving $22.5 million to convert some of their equipment from natural gas to electric power.
We are also in the final stages of seeking a large New ERA grant that can help in our transition to lower carbon resources.
All of these exciting changes happen thanks to the dedication of our employees and support from your Board of Directors. As always, I welcome your questions, comments and concerns.
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Automated Devices for Better Reliability
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Monday | November 22, 2021
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United Power’s outage restoration system utilizes a sophisticated network of automated field devices that allow it to respond and resolve outages more quickly..
How Components Work to Reduce Outage Times and Improve Reliability
United Power’s outage restoration system is among the most advanced and innovative in the country. While the cooperative has a national reputation for its forward-thinking beneficial energy projects, behind the scenes it has also dedicated significant resources to improve system reliability and reduce member outage times. The result is one that utilizes a sophisticated network of automated field devices that allow system operators and line crews to respond and resolve outages more quickly while often also preventing larger outages affecting more members.
Automated field devices fall into a varying spectrum from simple to complex, but they all work in conjunction to identify, isolate and, when possible, resolve “faults.” A fault is when the flow of electricity is abnormal or interrupted and can be caused by any number of incidents, such as weather, vegetation or equipment failures. Automated devices detect these faults and respond to them. Each type of device has a different response but all have the same purpose – to keep your lights on.
Fuses are not automated, but they are the simplest and least expensive means of protecting the cooperative’s system from fault damage and preventing larger outages. Fuses are “sacrificial” devices used to isolate small areas. They blow quickly in response to a fault, usually resulting in a relatively small outage impacting only a handful of members while maintaining service to any remaining members downstream of the fault. Line crews are able to quickly and easily replace these devices to restore power. Think of fuses like GFCI outlets in your home. When they detect an abnormal current, they shut off power to protect you.
The next level of protection against faults are reclosers and breakers. Although reclosers and breakers are technically separate devices, they function in similar ways. They protect much larger service areas and can respond to a fault in just a few seconds. This fault response is the most common cause of power “blinks.” When your house lights dim temporarily or you lose power briefly, this is caused by a breaker detecting a fault and responding. Breakers will attempt to reclose automatically to determine if the fault is still present. In the event of a sustained fault, system operators can reclose some breakers remotely once the fault has been cleared, limiting outage times for members impacted. While fuses in your home will shut off power to a single outlet, a breaker will shut off power to entire section of your home when it detects an overloaded circuit.
Switches are another remote device United Power system operators can use to quickly restore power to members affected by an outage. They are used to reroute the distribution of power to restore members while isolating the segment of line with the fault, also known as a redundancy, or the ability to serve members from more than one substation. Before remote switches, lineworkers had to manually activate switches, which required a lot of manpower and guesswork. In most cases, rerouting power with a switcher can restore power to most members within minutes or even seconds. In a few cases, it can restore power to all members. United Power is in the process of upgrading more switches to remote field devices.
System redundancies allow United Power to serve approximately 90 percent of its members from at least two different substations or circuits. The cooperative is continually looking for solutions to construct backup facilities serving remaining members but have been limited by geographical challenges. The approach to installing automated and remote field devices is a strategic method that allows the cooperative to better serve members, resulting in fewer outages where possible, shorter outages where not and improved overall system reliability.
“What we’re doing with automated devices is well ahead of your average electric utility,” said Engineering Director Robert Maxwell. “We’ve been continually reviewing our system and its performance to identify where installing automated devices would best serve our members.”
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Balloting Open in 2024 United Power Director Election
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Tuesday | March 19, 2024
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Balloting in the Director Election is open. Members may cast ballots electronically or via paper ballot, mailed March 15.
Electronic Balloting Now Open; Paper Ballots Mailed March 15Brighton, CO – Balloting in United Power’s 2024 Director Election is open. Members of the cooperative have the option to cast their ballots electronically through their online account or via paper ballot, mailed to members on Friday, March 15. Electronic and mail ballots must be received by 11:59 a.m. on April 16. Members may also vote in person at the cooperative’s Annual Meeting on April 17.
United Power encourages all members to cast their votes in the annual Director Election. Voting allows members to have a voice in their board representation and helps the cooperative better serve its members. Members can log into their online account or the United Power mobile app to cast an electronic ballot. Click the “Vote Now” button to access the ballot. Mail ballots should be returned via the postage-paid envelope included in the ballot package.
Four positions on United Power’s Board are up for election this year – one seat in the Mountain, North, Central, and South Districts. The director candidates are Stephen Whiteside (incumbent) in the Mountain District; Brian A. McCormick (incumbent) in the North District; Tim Erickson (incumbent) and Paige Wagner-Maul in the Central District; and Brad Case (incumbent) in the South District. Candidate statements are available here.
Directors represent all members and are elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members may cast a vote for a director in each district and not just their own. Directors serve in geographic districts to ensure United Power’s Board adequately represents members throughout the service territory and provides accessibility to cooperative leadership.
A bylaw amendment is included on this year’s ballot regarding the length of a director’s term. Members will be asked whether director terms should be lengthened from three years to four years.
Director Election and bylaw amendment results will be announced at the 2024 Annual Meeting, held at the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds in Brighton on April 17. Registration for the meeting opens at 4:30 p.m. and balloting closes at the beginning of the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m. A livestream of the meeting will be hosted on the cooperative’s website at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
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Adjusted Office Hours on Wednesday, April 17
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Tuesday | April 16, 2019
Card Teaser
United Power offices will have modified business hours on Wednesday, April 17 as employees prepare and set up for our Annual Meeting.
United Power offices will have modified business hours on Wednesday, April 17 as employees prepare and set up for our Annual Meeting.
United Power lobbies will open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th.
The Annual Meeting will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds beginning at 4:30 p.m. All members are invited to attend the meeting for dinner, director election, co-op update and door prizes.
All Hands on Deck for the Bomb Cyclone
Wednesday | May 15, 2019
All United Power line crews were mobilized early in the morning and placed on standby in order to respond quickly once the storm moved in. The first outage alerts were triggered before noon, and before long several thousand members had been impacted.
Read more >
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An Exciting Time to Invest in EVs
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Wednesday | September 23, 2020
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There are more options at more price points available today than there have been in any year prior. Join us on September 27 as we explore all you need to know about electric vehicles.
What once seemed like a hopeful concept for the future has become a reality. Today, you’re more likely to see multiple electric vehicles while you’re driving to work or the grocery store than not, and it’s becoming more common for gas stations and public spaces to install charging stations to accommodate electric vehicle drivers. You probably support a business with an electric vehicle fleet or know someone who has invested in either an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid.
“It’s safe to say electric vehicle adoption has far outpaced our expectations,” said Tyler Bain, a United Power electrical engineer and longtime EV driver. “A sizeable number of EV drivers live in United Power’s service territory, and there’s still a lot of opportunity for growth – for both us and potential EV drivers.”
Why has there been so much recent growth in electric vehicles? Nigel Zeid of Boulder Nissan explains it has a lot to do with understanding and education. Many potential buyers face concerns and hesitations about integrating an electric vehicle into their daily lives.
“There’s a perception that electric vehicles aren’t capable of meeting the average person’s needs,” Zeid says. “Every main concern can be boiled down to that root perception, which is an incorrect one. With a little information, we can turn hesitation into excitement. Electric vehicles have all the benefits of any other vehicle without much of the cost.”
Range anxiety, for example, is one of the hardest barriers for people to overcome, Zeid says. He recommends using your vehicle’s trip odometer to calculate how far you commute in a given day, either to and from work or for various other errands. People usually drive far less than they estimate, and that can demonstrate how range anxiety is typically more psychological than reality.
The growth also has to do with pricing and availability. There are more options at more price points available today than there have been in any year prior. Many major car brands have announced new and upcoming electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Some will even come as a trim option on already popular models for a small premium, which can be more than offset by current state and federal rebates and incentives.
Join United Power from September 26 — October 4 for National Drive EV Week as the cooperative and Zeid walk you through the finer points of EV ownership and much more. Follow our journey and find out more at Drive EV Week.
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Annual Meeting & Director Election Scheduled for Apr. 18
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Wednesday | February 14, 2018
Card Teaser
United Power will hold its 2018 Annual Meeting and Director Election on Wednesday, April 18th at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton.
United Power will hold its 2018 Annual Meeting and Director Election on Wednesday, April 18th at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton. Ballots will be mailed to all members at the end of March. Mail ballots must be received at the Survey and Ballot Systems post office box no later than Monday, April 16, 2018. Members may also drop ballots in a ballot drop-box located at each of United Power’s offices by 2 p.m. on April 18, or vote in person at the Annual Meeting starting at 4:30 p.m.
All United Power members are invited to attend the annual business meeting of the not-for-profit electric cooperative and cast their ballots in the annual director election. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
United Power will host four free Meet the Candidate events so members can learn more about each candidate. More information about dates and times can be found here. Profiles provided by each candidate and detailed voting instructions are included in the ballot packets that will be mailed to members. For more information, visit www.unitedpower.com/annualmeeting or call United Power at 303-659-0551.
Directors run in geographic districts in order to accurately represent United Power members, but they are elected to the board at-large. Members are reminded to vote for one candidate in each of the cooperative’s four director districts.
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Are You a DIY Power Generator? For Safety’s Sake Let Us Know!
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Saturday | January 7, 2017
Card Teaser
The drop in price of solar panels has created fertile ground for do-it-yourself power generators.
The drop in price of solar panels has created fertile ground for do-it-yourself power generators. While it’s not widespread, we have seen an increase in electric systems being installed that have not been planned and installed by a certified installation company or with the coordination of the utility.
United Power will be actively looking for these systems and requiring that the installations meet all required permitting processes. To keep everyone safe, the cooperative is even prepared to disconnect service to members who are operating a system without proper permitting until all requirements are met. This is necessary to help keep all our members and our employees safe. While it looks simple to throw some panels up on the roof and hook them up, there are a lot of risks involved with the process – let’s look at some of them:
Installation of a solar photovoltaic system is like any other electric installation in your home – it can be dangerous if not installed correctly. Make a mistake and you can suffer an injury – nasty things like burns, falls and electric shocks. There is also the risk of a fire if the unit is poorly installed. Like any electrical work in your home, your homeowners insurance will want to know that the unit it properly installed before paying any claim for damage. Also, if the utility doesn’t know you’ve put the system in it poses a real risk to lineworkers during maintenance work or during outage restoration. Not having an appropriate inverter would make your system into a mini power plant, that wouldn’t shut down during a power outage. Your system could feed energy back onto a line and injure or kill a worker if the utility doesn’t know it’s in operation.Solar installations are subject to federal, state and local permit requirements, along with an interconnect agreement with the utility. Just as you would need permits to complete work on a basement finish or bathroom remodel, a solar system requires multiple permits. The permitting process makes certain your system is installed correctly, meeting all the electrical and/or plumbing requirements for the state and local municipalities. Electricity production is a regulated industry, so you’re not legally allowed to connect your system to an existing grid without appropriate inspections. The interconnection agreement with the utility helps to clarify your relationship with the utility – it makes you eligible to apply for rebates and allows you to take advantage of United Power’s net metering program.
If you have a generating system that you installed without securing the necessary permits, or are operating without an interconnection agreement with United Power, we are looking for you. Give us a call at 303-659-0551 to find out how we can help you get your system in compliance, and help you avoid injuring or killing one of our United Power line workers or someone in your neighborhood.
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Are you Prepared for the Next Winter Storm?
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Wednesday | April 10, 2019
Card Teaser
When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity can vary depending on where you live, but United Power cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.
When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay safe and warm. Winter storm severity can vary depending on where you live, but United Power cares about your safety, and we want you to be prepared.
Heavy snow and wind can lead to downed power lines, leaving co-op members without power. During extremely low temperatures, this can be dangerous. During a power outage, our crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power.
There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:
Stay warm – Plan to use a safe alternate heating source, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove during a power outage. These are great options to keep you and your loved ones warm, but exercise caution when using, and never leave the heating source unattended. If you are using gasoline-, propane- or natural gas-burning devices to stay warm, never use them indoors. Remember that fuel- and wood-burning sources of heat should always be properly ventilated. Always read the manufacturer’s directions before using.
Stay fed – The CDC recommends having several days’ supply of food that does not need to be cooked handy. Crackers, cereal, canned goods and bread are good options. Five gallons of water per person should also be available in the event of an extended power outage.
Stay safe – When an outage occurs, it usually means power lines are down or equipment is damaged. It is best not to travel during winter storms, but if you must, bring a survival kit along, and do not travel alone. If you encounter downed lines or debris in lines, always assume the lines are live. Stay as far away from the downed lines as possible, and report the situation to our dispatchers by calling 303-637-1350 if possible.
Winter weather can be unpredictable and dangerous, and planning ahead can often be the difference between life and death. United Power is ready for what Mother Nature has in store, and we want you to be ready, too. For more winter safety tips, visit www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
In the event of an outage, please know that our crews are working as quickly as is safely possible to restore your power.
If Your Power is Off
Verify that your entire house is out and that you haven’t just blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.
If your power remains out for longer than a few minutes, or to report an electrical safety hazard, please call United Power’s Outage Line at 303-637-1350 or login to SmartHub. If the outage is widespread, our phone lines may be busy when you call.
When you call to report an outage, please provide as many details as possible. If you heard a loud bang, or your power is out but your neighbors have power, let us know. The information you supply will help us in our efforts to promptly restore electricity.
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Ask the Expert: Electric Vehicle Q&A
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Friday | September 25, 2020
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Nigel Zeid of Boulder Nissan addresses some of the most common concerns and hesitations United Power members may be feeling about the possibility of purchasing an electric vehicle.
Nigel Zeid of Boulder Nissan addresses some of the most common concerns and hesitations United Power members may be feeling about the possibility of purchasing an electric vehicle:
Can an electric vehicle meet my range needs?
With ranges north of 250 miles, electric vehicles today are more than sufficient to manage the average driver’s daily commute.
Use your trip odometer to monitor a typical day’s commuting. You can more than likely go the whole day without a charge, and charging stations are becoming more accessible if you need a refill.
Where am I suppose to charge my electric vehicle?
Most people can recharge enough using an outlet in their garage overnight, but charging infrastructure is also growing rapidly.
Your home is already equipped to charge your EV overnight—just like you would charge your cell phone. For most vehicles, an electrician can make a simple upgrade to the outlets in your garage to decrease charge times without purchasing any special charging equipment.
What will it do to my electric bill?
Not as much as you might think. And between saving on gas and maintenance, your electric vehicle will be much cheaper to operate.
Li-on batteries are more contained than regular vehicles where the danger is often fires started by spilled fluids.
But aren’t electric vehicles more expensive?
Electric vehicles are a bit more expensive, but with rebates and incentives, they are just as affordable. And don’t forget your other savings.
Several Federal and State tax credits are available for Colorado drivers.
So electric vehicles are affordable, but are they safe?
Electric vehicles often come standard with enhanced safety features that are only available on higher trims or packages of other vehicles.
Use the Savings Calculator on our ChooseEV page to estimate your gas savings, then check out United Power’s Time of Day rate to see how much you can save by charging overnight.
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August Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Thursday | August 29, 2024
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Fall is rapidly upon us, and we have successfully managed our first summer as an independent electric cooperative. It has been a hot summer and despite naysayers, the amazingly dedicated women and men of United Power have led us through this significant transition.
United Power’s loads continue to grow. Combining new sources of power and innovative technology, we have managed the system in a new and exciting way. As of May 1, we immediately reduced our carbon intensity by 26%, all while setting new peak loads, month over month. Our investment in nearly 80 MW of battery energy storage systems paid for itself just two weeks after the official ribbon cutting in July. On Aug. 2, we hit an all-time historical peak of nearly 650 MW. The true load had we not deployed battery storage — and initiated demand response — would have been 719 MW! This is up from the 2023 peak of 634 MW. The batteries meant we were able to buy lower cost and lower carbon power at night and use it during peak hours from 4–8 p.m. instead of purchasing expensive fossil fuel alternatives.
There is tremendous value in having a diverse portfolio of generation and large-scale storage resources. As United Power members, you do not have to wait until the end of the decade for the energy transition, as other cooperatives are doing. We are living it now with a wide range of power suppliers — 26 at last count — bringing a lower carbon and more flexible energy supply. Hydropower, wind, solar, storage, and gas allow us to have a balanced energy portfolio.
An increasing number of our members are adding solar, storage, and electric vehicles to their lives, and we support these efforts, happily providing critical analytical tools to make sure these decisions are being made with the best and most neutral information possible. United Power fully supports an “all of the above” strategy whether we provide the resource or not. One of United Power’s critical goals, as outlined in Our Cooperative Roadmap, is to continually optimize our electric system enabling all technologies to operate seamlessly. For help in these and other energy savings opportunities, click here.
In addition to the change in power suppliers, United Power is adding intelligence to how we operate and monitor the grid through advanced systems, including:
A new outage management system, giving us visibility and insight into our operations,
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI),
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), the system our operators use to monitor real time performance,
and a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS).
These tools are all part of our drive to become a Distribution System Operator as we prepare for the evolving energy enterprise. In recognition of our commitment to innovation, knowledge sharing, and moving the industry forward, United Power was just honored with the Survalent Industry Innovation Award.
I am particularly excited about several developments that support our members and critical community resources thanks to the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and Empower Rural America (New ERA) Program.
Golden Aluminum is receiving $22.5 million to convert some of their equipment from natural gas to electric power.
We are also in the final stages of seeking a large New ERA grant that can help in our transition to lower carbon resources.
All of these exciting changes happen thanks to the dedication of our employees and support from your Board of Directors. As always, I welcome your questions, comments and concerns.
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Automated Devices for Better Reliability
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Monday | November 22, 2021
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United Power’s outage restoration system utilizes a sophisticated network of automated field devices that allow it to respond and resolve outages more quickly..
How Components Work to Reduce Outage Times and Improve Reliability
United Power’s outage restoration system is among the most advanced and innovative in the country. While the cooperative has a national reputation for its forward-thinking beneficial energy projects, behind the scenes it has also dedicated significant resources to improve system reliability and reduce member outage times. The result is one that utilizes a sophisticated network of automated field devices that allow system operators and line crews to respond and resolve outages more quickly while often also preventing larger outages affecting more members.
Automated field devices fall into a varying spectrum from simple to complex, but they all work in conjunction to identify, isolate and, when possible, resolve “faults.” A fault is when the flow of electricity is abnormal or interrupted and can be caused by any number of incidents, such as weather, vegetation or equipment failures. Automated devices detect these faults and respond to them. Each type of device has a different response but all have the same purpose – to keep your lights on.
Fuses are not automated, but they are the simplest and least expensive means of protecting the cooperative’s system from fault damage and preventing larger outages. Fuses are “sacrificial” devices used to isolate small areas. They blow quickly in response to a fault, usually resulting in a relatively small outage impacting only a handful of members while maintaining service to any remaining members downstream of the fault. Line crews are able to quickly and easily replace these devices to restore power. Think of fuses like GFCI outlets in your home. When they detect an abnormal current, they shut off power to protect you.
The next level of protection against faults are reclosers and breakers. Although reclosers and breakers are technically separate devices, they function in similar ways. They protect much larger service areas and can respond to a fault in just a few seconds. This fault response is the most common cause of power “blinks.” When your house lights dim temporarily or you lose power briefly, this is caused by a breaker detecting a fault and responding. Breakers will attempt to reclose automatically to determine if the fault is still present. In the event of a sustained fault, system operators can reclose some breakers remotely once the fault has been cleared, limiting outage times for members impacted. While fuses in your home will shut off power to a single outlet, a breaker will shut off power to entire section of your home when it detects an overloaded circuit.
Switches are another remote device United Power system operators can use to quickly restore power to members affected by an outage. They are used to reroute the distribution of power to restore members while isolating the segment of line with the fault, also known as a redundancy, or the ability to serve members from more than one substation. Before remote switches, lineworkers had to manually activate switches, which required a lot of manpower and guesswork. In most cases, rerouting power with a switcher can restore power to most members within minutes or even seconds. In a few cases, it can restore power to all members. United Power is in the process of upgrading more switches to remote field devices.
System redundancies allow United Power to serve approximately 90 percent of its members from at least two different substations or circuits. The cooperative is continually looking for solutions to construct backup facilities serving remaining members but have been limited by geographical challenges. The approach to installing automated and remote field devices is a strategic method that allows the cooperative to better serve members, resulting in fewer outages where possible, shorter outages where not and improved overall system reliability.
“What we’re doing with automated devices is well ahead of your average electric utility,” said Engineering Director Robert Maxwell. “We’ve been continually reviewing our system and its performance to identify where installing automated devices would best serve our members.”
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Balloting Open in 2024 United Power Director Election
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Tuesday | March 19, 2024
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Balloting in the Director Election is open. Members may cast ballots electronically or via paper ballot, mailed March 15.
Electronic Balloting Now Open; Paper Ballots Mailed March 15Brighton, CO – Balloting in United Power’s 2024 Director Election is open. Members of the cooperative have the option to cast their ballots electronically through their online account or via paper ballot, mailed to members on Friday, March 15. Electronic and mail ballots must be received by 11:59 a.m. on April 16. Members may also vote in person at the cooperative’s Annual Meeting on April 17.
United Power encourages all members to cast their votes in the annual Director Election. Voting allows members to have a voice in their board representation and helps the cooperative better serve its members. Members can log into their online account or the United Power mobile app to cast an electronic ballot. Click the “Vote Now” button to access the ballot. Mail ballots should be returned via the postage-paid envelope included in the ballot package.
Four positions on United Power’s Board are up for election this year – one seat in the Mountain, North, Central, and South Districts. The director candidates are Stephen Whiteside (incumbent) in the Mountain District; Brian A. McCormick (incumbent) in the North District; Tim Erickson (incumbent) and Paige Wagner-Maul in the Central District; and Brad Case (incumbent) in the South District. Candidate statements are available here.
Directors represent all members and are elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members may cast a vote for a director in each district and not just their own. Directors serve in geographic districts to ensure United Power’s Board adequately represents members throughout the service territory and provides accessibility to cooperative leadership.
A bylaw amendment is included on this year’s ballot regarding the length of a director’s term. Members will be asked whether director terms should be lengthened from three years to four years.
Director Election and bylaw amendment results will be announced at the 2024 Annual Meeting, held at the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds in Brighton on April 17. Registration for the meeting opens at 4:30 p.m. and balloting closes at the beginning of the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m. A livestream of the meeting will be hosted on the cooperative’s website at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
