Title
Board Approves Rate Changes
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2018_NL_RateChange.png?itok=gFqrUl6M
Monday | December 3, 2018
Card Teaser
United Power’s Board of Directors approved a rate change for 2019 that separates energy and demand charges and includes a modest 1.5-2% rate increase for most members.
New Rates will be Effective Jan. 1, 2019
United Power’s Board of Directors approved a rate change for 2019 that separates energy and demand charges and includes a modest 1.5-2% rate increase for most members. The new rates will be effective with January 1, 2019 electric use, so members will see these changes reflected on their February 2019 bills.
Since the cooperative began using the advanced metering infrastructure several years ago, we are now able to better measure every member’s impact on the electric system. The new rates break apart the blended rate members have paid in the past, incorporating both an energy charge and a demand charge.
The new rates allow United Power to more fairly charge members for both their energy consumption and their impact on the delivery grid.
“We always weigh multiple factors when considering a rate change,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “The board takes several months to really evaluate our extensive cost of service study, and then considers our budget when setting rates for the coming year. We are pleased that the rate increase is small, and that members will have more ways to manage their energy bill.”
There have been multiple articles in previous issues of the United Newsline talking about how demand is determined, and how to reduce it. Additionally, the actual demand was added to most bills earlier this year with a zero amount, so members could begin to see how their actions affect their demand.
The new rate structure will assign a one-dollar per kW charge to the demand component, and members will see a corresponding drop in the cost of the energy. Now members can affect their electric bill in two different ways – reducing their demand by staggering their use of appliances and by simply using less energy. So, while rates are increasing next year, the change in the rate structure gives members more power to control their bill than in the past.
The changes to the rates affect all existing residential, time of use and small commercial rates. The rate change also includes the addition of a new Smart Choice Rate that takes the demand concept a step further.
This new Smart Choice Rate provides two different peak demand charges, and a much lower energy charge than with any other rate. The higher demand charges and lower energy charges may work well for a member who is willing to shift their demand throughout the day and night, and actively monitor their use.
In the past year United Power has rolled out access to the Power Portal, a way for members to look at their energy use in near real time (Read more about the Power Portal). The portal provides information about how the member is using power in 15-minute increments. This is a powerful tool to help members manage their energy use and see how they are impacting the power grid. Used in tandem with the demand rates, the Power Portal will provide the information members need to make good energy choices.
“By using the Power Portal and monitoring how they use appliances in their homes, members will have a greater ability to manage their energy costs than at any time in the past,” stated Hubbuck. “We think we have a new rate structure that really meets the needs of our members – whether they want to take an active role in keeping their costs down, or if they simply want a fair rate they don’t have to think about.”
Title
Board Commits Additional $300,000 to Co-op Cares Fund
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/04_10_2020_CoopCaresFund.jpg?h=45932144&itok=ItS-xyIb
Thursday | November 12, 2020
Card Teaser
United Power's board of directors approved an additional $50,000 to add to the original allocation earlier this year and $250,000 more to help members in 2021.
United Power Board of Directors Allocates an Additional $300,000 to Co-op Cares Fund to Support Members Economically Affected by the COVID 19 Pandemic
Brighton, CO – United Power’s Board of Directors approved an additional $50,000 to add to the $250,000 allocated earlier in the year to be earmarked for members financially impacted by COVID 19 through the remainder of 2020. The board has also generously authorized another $250,000 to help members in 2021. The money for this fund is allocated from the cooperative’s unclaimed capital credits. The Co-op Cares Fund is designed to assist members who have been directly impacted by COVID 19 – particularly those who have been affected by illness and job losses.
“The Co-op Cares Fund has been an important pillar in our strategy to provide support to our members during this difficult time and complements the many other ways United Power is helping our members weather this situation,” stated Bryant Robbins, interim CEO. “Through this program, United Power is providing $550,000 in direct assistance to our members who are being financially impacted by COVID-19. We are proud to have already provided more than $270,000 in assistance to more than 1,500 members so far this year.”
In addition to the Co-op Cares Fund, United Power has various means of helping members stay on top of their electric bills including payment arrangements, extensions, prepay, budget billing, and assistance from local agencies. United Power encourages members to contact us so we can connect them with the most appropriate assistance program for their situation.
“United Power has several ways to help members when they are having difficulty paying their electric bills,” stated Robbins. “All we are asking our members to do is pick up the phone and call us if they are having difficulty paying their bill. We can’t help you if we don’t know you are struggling.”
The Co-op Cares Fund will be available for assistance through the end of 2021, or when the fund is depleted. United Power members who are impacted by the current health emergency or any other situation can reach our Member Services department at 303-637-1300.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to nearly 95,000 meters at homes, businesses, and farms in Colorado's north-central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop. ###
Title
Board Directors Earn NRECA Certificates
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/0_DirectorElection.jpg?h=45932144&itok=gRwpyf9E
Wednesday | May 11, 2022
Card Teaser
Five Directors Earn Gold Certificate; Two Earn Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate
Five Directors Earn Gold Certificate; Two Earn CCD
United Power’s Board of Directors is committed to continuing education opportunities that enable them to govern the cooperative more effectively and stay informed about industry changes. In the past few months, several directors have completed or renewed director certifications through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The cooperative’s two newest directors, Stephen Whiteside and Brad Case, received their Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificates late last year, and Dave Rose earned his Director Gold certification. Directors Tim Erickson, James Vigesaa, Ginny Buczek, and Elizabeth Martin have also recently renewed their Director Gold certificates.
NRECA’s three-step Director Education Program is designed to teach essential skills and knowledge through a series of educational courses. The first step in the process is the CCD, which helps prepare directors to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials on behalf of their membership. Once the program has been completed, directors can proceed to the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC). Directors who have completed both the CCD and BLC, plus an additional three BLC credits, are eligible to earn Director Gold certification. To maintain Director Gold certification, directors must earn at least three credits from approved continuing education courses within a two-year period.
All of United Power’s directors are committed to achieving the highest levels of certification and professional training for the benefit of the cooperative and the members they represent. As of February, all eleven directors have completed at least the CCD certification and nine directors have received Director Gold certification.
Title
Bright Lights and Shiny Trucks
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_BrightLights.png?itok=0AyA7FHH
Thursday | January 3, 2019
Card Teaser
In December, United Power featured its festive, hand-built holiday float, “Christmas Time is Here” in parades in Hudson and Brighton, both communities served by the cooperative.
United Power likes to show its colors during the holiday season. In December, United Power featured its festive, hand-built holiday float, “Christmas Time is Here” in parades in Hudson and Brighton, both communities served by the cooperative.
Employees worked together to build and decorate a 20-foot trailer with approximately 6,000 lights, more than a dozen holiday-themed props and plenty of spirit to light up the streets.
The float debuted in Hudson’s holiday parade, hauled by one of United Power’s newly wrapped work trucks, which was wrapped in colorful LED lights. In Brighton, the cooperative debuted its restored 1939 Chevrolet pickup, painted a bright candy red, at the city’s 23rd annual Parade of Lights, celebrating United Power’s 80-year history connecting its members.
United Power was also proud to roll it’s safety demo truck in Keenesburg’s inaugural holiday parade, Christmas in Keenesburg.
Title
BRIGHTON: Streetlight Upgrade (Dec. 15 - Mar. 15)
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/Images_Outage/Special%20Notices/SpecialNotification_WebImage_PlannedWork.png?h=45932144&itok=_MSo4MKO
Monday | December 8, 2025
Card Teaser
No outages planned.
BRIGHTON: Streetlight Upgrade
(Dec. 15 - Mar. 15)
United Power’s contractor, Mountain States Utility Services, will be working in the Bromley Park subdivision to convert existing streetlights to LED lighting. This work is anticipated to take three months, beginning Dec. 15. Crews will begin work in the southwest portion of Bromley Park and move north and east through the neighborhood. There are no planned outages associated with this project and to minimize impact to traffic, work will be performed between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. For everyone’s safety, please be cautious when driving by work sites.
United Power is conducting this lighting upgrade in partnership with the City of Brighton as part of its Sustainability Plan. If you have questions about this work, please contact United Power at 303-637-1300.
Upgrade Schedule (subject to change)
Dec. 15 - Feb. 15
Sparrow Street, Sparrow Way, Pelican Street
Goshawk Court, Goshawk Street, Golden Eagle Parkway
Longspur Drive around the School
Pelican Street to Tanager Street
Tanager Street, Golden Eagle Parkway Roundabout, Heron Street
Tanager Street, Grey Swallow Street, Crane Street, Southern Street
Crane Street Roundabouts at Golden Eagle Parkway and Goshawk Street
Grey Swallow, Nighthawk Parkway Roundabouts at Heron Street and Crane Street, Paloma Street
Title
Camp, Cabins and Cooperatives
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Sept2018_NL_YouthCamp.png?itok=Pn5sPKfP
Monday | September 3, 2018
Card Teaser
Each summer, United Power selects youth who stand out from among their peers to represent the coop for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado, immersing themselves in learning the value of cooperatives.
Each summer, United Power selects youth who stand out from among their peers to represent the coop for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado, immersing themselves in learning the value of cooperatives. With more than 100 fellow leaders from Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming, campers are able to craft new friendships and develop leadership skills they can model in their schools and communities back home.
The 2018 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp isn’t a camp in the traditional sense. There are no tents, no campfires, no s’mores. While there is time for fun, there’s much to cover and little time to do it during the weeklong camp. A lot of time and effort goes on behind the scenes to piece together an experience that is both challenging and entertaining for those attending, and it begins as soon as the buses and vans roll in to deposit campers from their respective cooperatives.
On Day 1, campers were ushered into a valley in an outcropping behind the cluster of cabins where they would begin the process of establishing and managing their own cooperative for the week, including the selection of a Board of Directors, selecting a general manager and holding regular meetings with their “members.” In between, days are filled with cooperative-focused activities, leadership training and collaborative group projects.
Being a part of a cooperative isn’t all business all the time, however. Whether it was building camaraderie while rafting down the Colorado River, enjoying the breathtaking views atop Mt. Werner or competing in the annual volleyball tournament, there were ample opportunities built in for taking a break and having fun.
This summer, two area youth represented United Power at the Youth Leadership Camp: Brooklyn Stubby, of Mapleton Early College, and Catera Gagna, of Brighton High School.
Applications for the 2019 Youth Leadership Camp will be available at the end of 2018. Visit www.unitedpower.com to learn more.
Capital Credits are Coming
Monday | July 2, 2018
Capital credits are just one of the ways United Power is different from other utilities. We’re different because we’re owned by you, our members.
Read more >
Title
Capital Credits: Your Piece of the Pie
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/July2018_NL_CapitalCredits_0.png?itok=Pw2NObSk
Wednesday | August 1, 2018
Card Teaser
This year, more than 80,000 checks will be issued to residential and business members. Anyone who had service in 2017 or earlier will be eligible for this year’s capital credit retirement.
Capital Credit Retirement to Distribute $4.5 Million to Members in August
Even if you’re new to the cooperative world, you’ve probably heard membership has its benefits. Maybe you’ve already heard how consumer membership works or you understand the ability to participate in annual director elections. Perhaps someone you know ran for a seat in a previous election. But you may be confused in the coming weeks when you receive a check in the mail from United Power with your name on it — your little “piece of the pie.”
When you make a payment to United Power, a portion of that payment goes directly toward your investment in our electrical system through capital improvements. These improvements help maintain our system, provide reliable energy to you and your neighbors and propel us into the future.
However, capital improvements aren’t always necessary, leaving the cooperative with a surplus of funds earmarked for these projects. So, each year, the Board of Directors assesses the cooperative’s financial condition and determines if a “capital credit retirement” period is feasible. This year, the board approved a $4.5 million retirement, to be distributed to members in August.
Capital credit retirements are the refund amounts members receive during this period. United Power establishes a capital credit account for every member, and uses it to record their investment. Each year funds remaining after expenses are allocated to these accounts. Upon board approval, a percentage of these funds may be retired. This year’s retirement represents the 12th consecutive year United Power has retired capital credits.
Your capital credit amount is determined based on two factors: how much electricity you use and how long you’ve been a member. The longer you are a member and the more power you use, the larger your share of each retirement.
“United Power has a commitment to providing reliable energy to our members, but we also prioritize doing so at an affordable rate,” said John Parker, United Power’s Chief Executive Officer. “While we talk a lot about the benefits we provide to our members both individually and in the community, receiving something you can hold in your hands is a meaningful benefit, and one that differentiates cooperatives from other utilities across the country.”
This year, more than 80,000 checks will be issued to residential and business members. Anyone who had service in 2017 or earlier will be eligible for this year’s capital credit retirement. While many members will receive a check, anyone who is refunded an amount less than $10 will receive it as a credit on their bill. Look for this credit on your bill in August or September.
United Power issues checks because it’s important for members to see the real benefit of membership, and handling a check achieves that goal.
“We know some checks won’t pay the rent, but it does provide a little extra cash to tide someone over until their next paycheck,” said Parker. “For our larger users, like local businesses, municipalities, farms and school districts, these checks may have a substantial impact.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the past decade, United Power has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Frequently asked questions about capital credits can be found online at www.unitedpower.com, or you can call a member services representative at 303-637-1300.
Important Reminders:
If you move, please be sure to leave your new address with us so we can continue to refund any capital credits you are eligible to receive in the future.
Upon death, the deceased member's capital credit account is available for estate retirement. The representative of the estate should contact United Power to settle the capital credit account.
Title
Board Approves Rate Changes
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2018_NL_RateChange.png?itok=gFqrUl6M
Monday | December 3, 2018
Card Teaser
United Power’s Board of Directors approved a rate change for 2019 that separates energy and demand charges and includes a modest 1.5-2% rate increase for most members.
New Rates will be Effective Jan. 1, 2019
United Power’s Board of Directors approved a rate change for 2019 that separates energy and demand charges and includes a modest 1.5-2% rate increase for most members. The new rates will be effective with January 1, 2019 electric use, so members will see these changes reflected on their February 2019 bills.
Since the cooperative began using the advanced metering infrastructure several years ago, we are now able to better measure every member’s impact on the electric system. The new rates break apart the blended rate members have paid in the past, incorporating both an energy charge and a demand charge.
The new rates allow United Power to more fairly charge members for both their energy consumption and their impact on the delivery grid.
“We always weigh multiple factors when considering a rate change,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “The board takes several months to really evaluate our extensive cost of service study, and then considers our budget when setting rates for the coming year. We are pleased that the rate increase is small, and that members will have more ways to manage their energy bill.”
There have been multiple articles in previous issues of the United Newsline talking about how demand is determined, and how to reduce it. Additionally, the actual demand was added to most bills earlier this year with a zero amount, so members could begin to see how their actions affect their demand.
The new rate structure will assign a one-dollar per kW charge to the demand component, and members will see a corresponding drop in the cost of the energy. Now members can affect their electric bill in two different ways – reducing their demand by staggering their use of appliances and by simply using less energy. So, while rates are increasing next year, the change in the rate structure gives members more power to control their bill than in the past.
The changes to the rates affect all existing residential, time of use and small commercial rates. The rate change also includes the addition of a new Smart Choice Rate that takes the demand concept a step further.
This new Smart Choice Rate provides two different peak demand charges, and a much lower energy charge than with any other rate. The higher demand charges and lower energy charges may work well for a member who is willing to shift their demand throughout the day and night, and actively monitor their use.
In the past year United Power has rolled out access to the Power Portal, a way for members to look at their energy use in near real time (Read more about the Power Portal). The portal provides information about how the member is using power in 15-minute increments. This is a powerful tool to help members manage their energy use and see how they are impacting the power grid. Used in tandem with the demand rates, the Power Portal will provide the information members need to make good energy choices.
“By using the Power Portal and monitoring how they use appliances in their homes, members will have a greater ability to manage their energy costs than at any time in the past,” stated Hubbuck. “We think we have a new rate structure that really meets the needs of our members – whether they want to take an active role in keeping their costs down, or if they simply want a fair rate they don’t have to think about.”
Title
Board Commits Additional $300,000 to Co-op Cares Fund
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/04_10_2020_CoopCaresFund.jpg?h=45932144&itok=ItS-xyIb
Thursday | November 12, 2020
Card Teaser
United Power's board of directors approved an additional $50,000 to add to the original allocation earlier this year and $250,000 more to help members in 2021.
United Power Board of Directors Allocates an Additional $300,000 to Co-op Cares Fund to Support Members Economically Affected by the COVID 19 Pandemic
Brighton, CO – United Power’s Board of Directors approved an additional $50,000 to add to the $250,000 allocated earlier in the year to be earmarked for members financially impacted by COVID 19 through the remainder of 2020. The board has also generously authorized another $250,000 to help members in 2021. The money for this fund is allocated from the cooperative’s unclaimed capital credits. The Co-op Cares Fund is designed to assist members who have been directly impacted by COVID 19 – particularly those who have been affected by illness and job losses.
“The Co-op Cares Fund has been an important pillar in our strategy to provide support to our members during this difficult time and complements the many other ways United Power is helping our members weather this situation,” stated Bryant Robbins, interim CEO. “Through this program, United Power is providing $550,000 in direct assistance to our members who are being financially impacted by COVID-19. We are proud to have already provided more than $270,000 in assistance to more than 1,500 members so far this year.”
In addition to the Co-op Cares Fund, United Power has various means of helping members stay on top of their electric bills including payment arrangements, extensions, prepay, budget billing, and assistance from local agencies. United Power encourages members to contact us so we can connect them with the most appropriate assistance program for their situation.
“United Power has several ways to help members when they are having difficulty paying their electric bills,” stated Robbins. “All we are asking our members to do is pick up the phone and call us if they are having difficulty paying their bill. We can’t help you if we don’t know you are struggling.”
The Co-op Cares Fund will be available for assistance through the end of 2021, or when the fund is depleted. United Power members who are impacted by the current health emergency or any other situation can reach our Member Services department at 303-637-1300.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to nearly 95,000 meters at homes, businesses, and farms in Colorado's north-central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop. ###
Title
Board Directors Earn NRECA Certificates
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/0_DirectorElection.jpg?h=45932144&itok=gRwpyf9E
Wednesday | May 11, 2022
Card Teaser
Five Directors Earn Gold Certificate; Two Earn Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate
Five Directors Earn Gold Certificate; Two Earn CCD
United Power’s Board of Directors is committed to continuing education opportunities that enable them to govern the cooperative more effectively and stay informed about industry changes. In the past few months, several directors have completed or renewed director certifications through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). The cooperative’s two newest directors, Stephen Whiteside and Brad Case, received their Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificates late last year, and Dave Rose earned his Director Gold certification. Directors Tim Erickson, James Vigesaa, Ginny Buczek, and Elizabeth Martin have also recently renewed their Director Gold certificates.
NRECA’s three-step Director Education Program is designed to teach essential skills and knowledge through a series of educational courses. The first step in the process is the CCD, which helps prepare directors to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials on behalf of their membership. Once the program has been completed, directors can proceed to the Board Leadership Certificate (BLC). Directors who have completed both the CCD and BLC, plus an additional three BLC credits, are eligible to earn Director Gold certification. To maintain Director Gold certification, directors must earn at least three credits from approved continuing education courses within a two-year period.
All of United Power’s directors are committed to achieving the highest levels of certification and professional training for the benefit of the cooperative and the members they represent. As of February, all eleven directors have completed at least the CCD certification and nine directors have received Director Gold certification.
Title
Bright Lights and Shiny Trucks
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_BrightLights.png?itok=0AyA7FHH
Thursday | January 3, 2019
Card Teaser
In December, United Power featured its festive, hand-built holiday float, “Christmas Time is Here” in parades in Hudson and Brighton, both communities served by the cooperative.
United Power likes to show its colors during the holiday season. In December, United Power featured its festive, hand-built holiday float, “Christmas Time is Here” in parades in Hudson and Brighton, both communities served by the cooperative.
Employees worked together to build and decorate a 20-foot trailer with approximately 6,000 lights, more than a dozen holiday-themed props and plenty of spirit to light up the streets.
The float debuted in Hudson’s holiday parade, hauled by one of United Power’s newly wrapped work trucks, which was wrapped in colorful LED lights. In Brighton, the cooperative debuted its restored 1939 Chevrolet pickup, painted a bright candy red, at the city’s 23rd annual Parade of Lights, celebrating United Power’s 80-year history connecting its members.
United Power was also proud to roll it’s safety demo truck in Keenesburg’s inaugural holiday parade, Christmas in Keenesburg.
Title
BRIGHTON: Streetlight Upgrade (Dec. 15 - Mar. 15)
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/Images_Outage/Special%20Notices/SpecialNotification_WebImage_PlannedWork.png?h=45932144&itok=_MSo4MKO
Monday | December 8, 2025
Card Teaser
No outages planned.
BRIGHTON: Streetlight Upgrade
(Dec. 15 - Mar. 15)
United Power’s contractor, Mountain States Utility Services, will be working in the Bromley Park subdivision to convert existing streetlights to LED lighting. This work is anticipated to take three months, beginning Dec. 15. Crews will begin work in the southwest portion of Bromley Park and move north and east through the neighborhood. There are no planned outages associated with this project and to minimize impact to traffic, work will be performed between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. For everyone’s safety, please be cautious when driving by work sites.
United Power is conducting this lighting upgrade in partnership with the City of Brighton as part of its Sustainability Plan. If you have questions about this work, please contact United Power at 303-637-1300.
Upgrade Schedule (subject to change)
Dec. 15 - Feb. 15
Sparrow Street, Sparrow Way, Pelican Street
Goshawk Court, Goshawk Street, Golden Eagle Parkway
Longspur Drive around the School
Pelican Street to Tanager Street
Tanager Street, Golden Eagle Parkway Roundabout, Heron Street
Tanager Street, Grey Swallow Street, Crane Street, Southern Street
Crane Street Roundabouts at Golden Eagle Parkway and Goshawk Street
Grey Swallow, Nighthawk Parkway Roundabouts at Heron Street and Crane Street, Paloma Street
Title
Camp, Cabins and Cooperatives
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Sept2018_NL_YouthCamp.png?itok=Pn5sPKfP
Monday | September 3, 2018
Card Teaser
Each summer, United Power selects youth who stand out from among their peers to represent the coop for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado, immersing themselves in learning the value of cooperatives.
Each summer, United Power selects youth who stand out from among their peers to represent the coop for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado, immersing themselves in learning the value of cooperatives. With more than 100 fellow leaders from Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming, campers are able to craft new friendships and develop leadership skills they can model in their schools and communities back home.
The 2018 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp isn’t a camp in the traditional sense. There are no tents, no campfires, no s’mores. While there is time for fun, there’s much to cover and little time to do it during the weeklong camp. A lot of time and effort goes on behind the scenes to piece together an experience that is both challenging and entertaining for those attending, and it begins as soon as the buses and vans roll in to deposit campers from their respective cooperatives.
On Day 1, campers were ushered into a valley in an outcropping behind the cluster of cabins where they would begin the process of establishing and managing their own cooperative for the week, including the selection of a Board of Directors, selecting a general manager and holding regular meetings with their “members.” In between, days are filled with cooperative-focused activities, leadership training and collaborative group projects.
Being a part of a cooperative isn’t all business all the time, however. Whether it was building camaraderie while rafting down the Colorado River, enjoying the breathtaking views atop Mt. Werner or competing in the annual volleyball tournament, there were ample opportunities built in for taking a break and having fun.
This summer, two area youth represented United Power at the Youth Leadership Camp: Brooklyn Stubby, of Mapleton Early College, and Catera Gagna, of Brighton High School.
Applications for the 2019 Youth Leadership Camp will be available at the end of 2018. Visit www.unitedpower.com to learn more.
Capital Credits are Coming
Monday | July 2, 2018
Capital credits are just one of the ways United Power is different from other utilities. We’re different because we’re owned by you, our members.
Read more >
Title
Capital Credits: Your Piece of the Pie
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/July2018_NL_CapitalCredits_0.png?itok=Pw2NObSk
Wednesday | August 1, 2018
Card Teaser
This year, more than 80,000 checks will be issued to residential and business members. Anyone who had service in 2017 or earlier will be eligible for this year’s capital credit retirement.
Capital Credit Retirement to Distribute $4.5 Million to Members in August
Even if you’re new to the cooperative world, you’ve probably heard membership has its benefits. Maybe you’ve already heard how consumer membership works or you understand the ability to participate in annual director elections. Perhaps someone you know ran for a seat in a previous election. But you may be confused in the coming weeks when you receive a check in the mail from United Power with your name on it — your little “piece of the pie.”
When you make a payment to United Power, a portion of that payment goes directly toward your investment in our electrical system through capital improvements. These improvements help maintain our system, provide reliable energy to you and your neighbors and propel us into the future.
However, capital improvements aren’t always necessary, leaving the cooperative with a surplus of funds earmarked for these projects. So, each year, the Board of Directors assesses the cooperative’s financial condition and determines if a “capital credit retirement” period is feasible. This year, the board approved a $4.5 million retirement, to be distributed to members in August.
Capital credit retirements are the refund amounts members receive during this period. United Power establishes a capital credit account for every member, and uses it to record their investment. Each year funds remaining after expenses are allocated to these accounts. Upon board approval, a percentage of these funds may be retired. This year’s retirement represents the 12th consecutive year United Power has retired capital credits.
Your capital credit amount is determined based on two factors: how much electricity you use and how long you’ve been a member. The longer you are a member and the more power you use, the larger your share of each retirement.
“United Power has a commitment to providing reliable energy to our members, but we also prioritize doing so at an affordable rate,” said John Parker, United Power’s Chief Executive Officer. “While we talk a lot about the benefits we provide to our members both individually and in the community, receiving something you can hold in your hands is a meaningful benefit, and one that differentiates cooperatives from other utilities across the country.”
This year, more than 80,000 checks will be issued to residential and business members. Anyone who had service in 2017 or earlier will be eligible for this year’s capital credit retirement. While many members will receive a check, anyone who is refunded an amount less than $10 will receive it as a credit on their bill. Look for this credit on your bill in August or September.
United Power issues checks because it’s important for members to see the real benefit of membership, and handling a check achieves that goal.
“We know some checks won’t pay the rent, but it does provide a little extra cash to tide someone over until their next paycheck,” said Parker. “For our larger users, like local businesses, municipalities, farms and school districts, these checks may have a substantial impact.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the past decade, United Power has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Frequently asked questions about capital credits can be found online at www.unitedpower.com, or you can call a member services representative at 303-637-1300.
Important Reminders:
If you move, please be sure to leave your new address with us so we can continue to refund any capital credits you are eligible to receive in the future.
Upon death, the deceased member's capital credit account is available for estate retirement. The representative of the estate should contact United Power to settle the capital credit account.
