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Capital Credits: Your Piece of the Pie
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Wednesday | August 1, 2018
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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.
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Careers in Energy Week
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Monday | October 14, 2019
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Celebrating the People Behind Your Power Oct. 14-20
Careers in Energy Week is Oct.14-20, 2019 and celebrates the workforce that provides a vital service to our communities and to raise awareness of the rewarding careers available in the energy industry. From line workers to construction project managers to electrical engineers and beyond, these men and women work tirelessly to ensure that businesses and homes across the country always have the energy they need.
To celebrate the people behind your power, we’ve featured a small sampling of the many employees who have found careers in energy at your local electric cooperative.
Jared
Senior Planning Engineer
United Power’s engineering team is hard at work behind the scenes designing a system able to efficiently deliver reliable power to our members. That includes monitoring system performance and forecasting for growth and future load – the amount of energy the cooperative must distribute to provide enough power for all our members.
“There’s never a dull moment working in the field of power engineering. We get to work with large scale projects that set the direction for the future of the cooperative. Advances in system software allow us to better map our system, identify and resolve weaknesses and put in redundancies to ensure our system is better equipped to deliver reliable power to members. Technological innovations allow us to more quickly identify and isolate faults (outages), reducing the impact of events. It’s kind of like solving a complex puzzle, but that’s what makes it exciting. There’s a lot of opportunity in the power industry for young, talented engineers to come in and have an immediate impact.”
Kirsten
Senior Right-of-Way Agent
When United Power builds new infrastructure – the lines, poles, and equipment that deliver power to our members – we work within existing agreements with cities or counties or obtain new agreements with property owners to build on that property. Our right-of-way agents are responsible for obtaining those permissions so we can build our infrastructure safely, affordably and efficiently.
“Working in right of way, you’re going to meet a lot of people and work on a lot of different kinds of projects. No two projects are the same, and that means being willing to learn about new industries. It requires a level of conscientiousness, accuracy and an ability to negotiate effectively. I’m thankful for the mentors I’ve had and the professional organizations I’ve been a part of along the way, but also those I’ve been able to mentor.”
Eliana
Energy Management Specialist
United Power’s energy management specialists are available to help empower members to take control of their energy usage. Through carefully researched energy audits, our team educates members about what behaviors are having the biggest impact on their usage, how small changes can save them time, energy and money, and what programs the cooperative offers to help them make those changes.
“You can never assume you know what the member needs. Listening is crucial because every member is trying to find solutions for their own unique challenges, and sometimes they don’t realize the solution can be simple and easy. Asking the right questions helps us narrow down their true needs. Our goal is to craft a positive member experience that leaves them armed with the information necessary to make meaningful changes to their energy usage.”
Bryce
Project Coordinator II
When new development moves into United Power’s service territory, our project managers and coordinators work with those developers to facilitate the electrical system design and construction process from start to completion, while also coordinating conversation across teams inside and outside the cooperative.
“Our ultimate responsibility is to ensure we design an electrical route that meets both our system’s needs and our member’s needs. We begin that process by meeting with members and obtaining detailed project plans to pass along to designers. To succeed in this field, you need to be able to adapt quickly to different situations, wear multiple hats and stay organized. Our digital-first approach to new construction projects has made managing jobs quicker, easier and more efficient, but we still prioritize meeting with members. Each day I’m able to see or do something different to help a member resolve their needs. It’s also been exciting to see some of the new development moving into our territory.”
Brittany
Apprentice Lineman - Step 5
United Power lineworkers are responsible for maintaining the lines, poles, and equipment that deliver power to our members. In the event of an outage, they are our “boots on the ground” working diligently to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. They work in high voltage and often dangerous situations, regardless of the weather. For them, linework is something of a passion project.
“If you decide to go into linework, you have to know it’s something you want to do. Not many people are getting into it because it’s challenging, but if you love what you’re doing and are willing to stick it out no matter what, you can do it. It just takes time. If you’re a woman interested in going into linework, don’t be intimidated. You’re going to have to work harder and find different techniques that work for you, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. If it’s something you really want to do, you can do it.”
Energy jobs offer promising opportunities to both experienced workers and those just starting their careers. These jobs are active, hands-on, rewarding, and available in every state, in an industry that is stable and growing. Learn more at www.getintoenergy.com.
United Power offers competitive salaries and first-class benefits for nearly 200 energy-related positions. If you’d like a rewarding career at a member-owned electric cooperative where we power what matters to over 93,000 members who live, work and play in our rapidly growing service territory, visit www.unitedpower.com/careers to view current openings.
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Careful with Space Heaters this Winter
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Wednesday | December 18, 2019
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Although space heaters are safe to use indoors because they don’t require combustion, they still pose burn and fire hazards and should be used with caution.
When used safely and properly, portable space heaters provide a nice relief from the frigid chills of winter temperatures, which can often invade poorly insulated or ventilated rooms in older homes. Although space heaters are safe to use indoors because they don’t require combustion, they still pose burn and fire hazards and should be used with caution.
Before operating, review the manufacturer’s instructions, including warning labels. Space heaters may seem like simple, easy to use electronics, but each brand and version has its own unique quirks and features. It’s better to be safe than sorry. After reviewing the instructions, inspect the space heater for cracks or broken plugs.
Next, be sure to place the heater in a safe location. They should be located at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as clothing and other fabrics, papers, rugs, etc. Do not place space heaters on furniture, such as chairs or tables. Place heaters on a firm, flat location on the ground away from heavily trafficked areas.
Space heaters place a heavy load on an outlet. For this reason, do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet. Extension cords or power strips could also overheat and result in a fire, so plug the heater directly into the wall outlet.
Most importantly, never leave space heaters unattended. Turn it off before you leave a room or go to sleep, and don’t let animals or children play too close to the heater. When you’re done using the space heater, always unplug it and store it safely.
Space Heater Sticker Shock
Winter weather has arrived just in time to greet us for the holidays, and that means the cold temperatures that accompany it have also arrived. Heating is our biggest energy consumer in the winter, and when you are able to do it efficiently, you’ll notice savings on your bill.
Unfortunately, try as we might, some rooms in our homes just don’t seem to stay as warm as others, whether that’s a room away from the furnace in an older home or a large open room that just needs a little extra warmth in the winter.
A nice, cozy solution for providing some additional warmth in these rooms can be to use a portable space heater. However, the cost of using one of these heaters can add up quickly over the course of a few days if you’re not careful.
Space heaters are big consumers of electricity, most commonly sold as either 750- or 1500-watt models at retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Using your space heater for as little as two hours per day over the course of a month can end up costing you nearly $10 extra on your monthly energy bill. The more hours your space heater is operating, the faster those extra charges add up.
Before you consider space heaters to solve your heating issues, try addressing some of these alternatives.
Search and seal. Cool air can find small cracks to get through. Sealing and caulking windows, doors and floors helps keep rooms free of cold air.
Insulate. Upgrade your insulation or add to your existing insulation to trap more warm air in your home.
Install storm windows. These provide an added layer of insulation, which helps retain more heat.
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Cash Back from Your Co-op
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Friday | May 14, 2021
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Capital credit retirement of $5.5 million will be on its way to members beginning in May.
Retirement of $5.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in May
United Power is more than your local electric utility and you are more than a consumer. Over the past year, we’ve had to weather the COVID-19 pandemic together, making provisions for the health of the cooperative and also to support our members. From establishing a relief fund for struggling members to temporarily suspending disconnects, you are at the center of who we are and what we do. The decisions we made weren’t to satisfy invisible investors or salvage profits, but to serve both our members and our communities as they navigated difficult circumstances. It’s just part of what makes cooperative membership different.
Another member benefit that sets us apart is the retirement of capital credits. This year, our members will be part of United Power’s 15th consecutive retirement. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with capital credits, these represent your investment in the co-op. Here’s how it works:
Becoming a Member
The moment you activate electric service from United Power, you become a member and an owner in the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is the principle of economic participation. A portion of each electric bill goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, which you have an ownership stake in.
Members may also vote annually in board elections or run for a seat on the board to make their voices heard. (A full recap of the 2021 Annual Meeting is available on page 10.) By actively engaging and participating with the cooperative, you will always have a voice in our operation.
Allocation of Patronage Capital
Every spring, United Power looks at the prior year and any funds remaining after all expenses are paid are allocated to members based on the prior year’s electric consumption – the more power you use, the larger your allocation.
The allocation is not a check, but a representation of your ownership in the cooperative, i.e. the amount of money you have invested into the electric system based on your electric consumption. The funds are tracked, but not accessible in the form of cash. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May or June each year.
Retirement of Capital Credits
Each year, the Board of Directors carefully assesses the financial condition of the cooperative and determines what amount of capital credits to retire. If the Board decides a retirement is feasible, the money is paid out, or “retired,” from each member’s account. This year, the Board approved a $5.5 million retirement. Those retirements will be distributed beginning in late May or early June.
Anyone who had service in 2020 or earlier will be eligible to receive a refund. Members who receive a refund less than $50 will see it reflected on their billing statement as a credit, and refunds more than $50 will arrive as a check. Look for this credit on your bill in May or June.
“There is not a more tangible benefit of cooperative membership than receiving money back on your investment in the utility itself,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Your investment not only makes you an owner, but helps ensure the resiliency of our system, the reliability of your power and the affordability of our rates. It is a tangible representation of your value as both a member and an owner.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the past 15 years, the cooperative has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Want to learn more? Frequently asked questions about capital credits can be found on cooperative's Capital Credits page 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.
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Celebrating Innovation
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Tuesday | December 18, 2018
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United Power held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December to celebrate its newly energized battery storage facility and the cooperative’s continued commitment to adopting and implementing innovative technology.
United Power held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December to celebrate its newly energized battery storage facility and the cooperative’s continued commitment to adopting and implementing innovative technology.
Currently the largest utility-scale battery storage facility in Colorado, the Tesla PowerPack battery system, built in collaboration with ENGIE North America, is expected to save the cooperative roughly $1 million annually in wholesale capacity charges. Energy generated from all sources on United Power’s grid will be stored during low-demand hours to be discharged during high-peak periods throughout the year.
“As a co-op, we have an obligation to our communities and members to continue scanning the horizon and exploring innovative technologies that help distribute affordable and reliable power,” said Jerry Marizza, United Power’s New Business Director. “When we stop looking ahead, that’s when we start falling behind. We hope to continue setting the bar for other utilities to follow.”
The system has the capacity to store and distribute up to four megawatts of energy, or enough to power up to 700 homes simultaneously. Size and duration of the batteries used was determined during a study of United Power’s monthly load profile in early 2018.
“Energy storage is the next logical step to integrating more renewables into the grid,” said Marizza. “As long as people want to watch television at night, renewables can’t provide 100 percent of energy needs without storage.”
Over the past few years, United Power has added other innovative and renewable projects to benefit its members. From Colorado’s first community solar farm to methane gas collection at the Erie landfills, these projects make economic sense for our members while providing reliable power.
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Celebrating Lineman Appreciation Day – April 18
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Thursday | April 13, 2017
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National Lineman Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18th and honors the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
Your Power Works Because They Do!
National Lineman Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18th and honors the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers. United Power will join in on the celebration to honor the hard working men and women who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on. We proudly recognize all electric linemen for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety.
“Electric linemen work all hours of the day, often in hazardous conditions far from their families, going above and beyond to restore power to their communities,” said Bryant Robbins, United Power Chief Operations Officer “Our linemen, as well as linemen from across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition.”
To honor United Power’s linemen, we invite members to take a moment to thank a lineman for the work they do.Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support for the men and women who light our lives, or take a moment to drop a card of thanks in the mail.
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Changes to How Electricity is Billed to be Phased-In Over Next Few Years
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Wednesday | August 22, 2018
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Following the results of a year-long trial of a pilot demand rate, the United Power Board of Directors agreed to a phase-in plan of a residential demand rate to replace the current rate structure.
Following the results of a year-long trial of a pilot demand rate, the United Power Board of Directors agreed to a phase-in plan of a residential demand rate to replace the current rate structure.
“Since we have detailed information about how members use power in their homes, the new demand rate will be a fairer way for us to bill members for their use,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “The impact on the system from residential users is lower than commercial customers, and their rates will reflect the difference. We believe a modest demand charge with a reasonable energy rate is the best way to recover our costs.”
The dynamic pricing model will provide a more fair cost structure, and gives members an ability to control their costs by staggering the use of electric appliances.
Learning about how a demand rate works will take a lot of communication, so the five year period is being used to help our members and employees better understand the rate and how members can control their costs with some simple strategies.
All members will now be seeing a new line on their bill simply entitled “Demand Charge.” Initially, there will not be a dollar amount attached to this line item while we provide the information as education for members. By adding the new line it will allow members to see an actual number that corresponds to their use. In 2019 United Power will institute a demand charge and that will slowly increase, with a corresponding reduction in the energy charge.
United Power has been actively communicating how a demand charge works via the newsletter United Newsline and members can find more information about Residential Demand here on our website. This information is being presented ahead of the rate change so our members have the opportunity to gain an understanding of this new way of thinking about their electric consumption.
Many members will see very little change in their bills, but some members who use more energy all at once may be more heavily affected, and without the demand rate they have been driving up costs for other users. We will continue to communicate about these changes via the newsletter and our website.
Changes to Rebates in 2023
Wednesday | December 7, 2022
Rebates for the purchase of new refrigerators, freezers, and clothes washers will be discontinued in...
Read more >
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Choosing Energy Efficiency Appliances
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Friday | January 25, 2019
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If you’re holding on to older household appliances, now may be a good time to consider swapping them out for newer, more energy efficient models.
If you’re holding on to older household appliances, now may be a good time to consider swapping them out for newer, more energy efficient models. Old appliances are among the biggest consumers of energy in your home, but as technology evolves, so does energy efficiency. A new energy efficient appliance can be operated using as much as 75 percent less energy than outdated appliances.
Old refrigerators are the biggest culprit of excessive energy usage among daily household appliances. While older refrigerators can cost upwards of $16/month to use, a new model may cost as little as $4/month. Newer, high-definition LED TVs also use a fraction of the electricity older liquid-crystal displays (LCD) and plasma screens do. And don’t forget about other appliances and electronics you use daily.
Not only can new appliances save big on energy use, but they may also qualify for exclusive rebates from United Power and our wholesale power provider, Tri-State G&T. Select ENERGY STAR appliances are eligible for rebates, but must be requested within 120 days of purchase. For more information about United Power rebates, contact the energy management team at
303-659-0551 or go to www.unitedpower.com/rebates.
Tips for Purchasing New Appliances
With all the new information available about energy efficiency, it may be a little confusing to know what exactly to look for when shopping for new appliances and household electronics. Here are a few tips to help you out:
Look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum standards for efficiency and quality, meaning they’ll use less energy over their lifetimes than other models.
Carefully review the EnergyGuide label. This yellow label provides information about how much energy an appliance uses compared to similar models.
Consider the purchase price and cost to operate. These prices are important because you may be paying for the appliances energy use over the next 10-20 years, depending on when you choose to replace it again.
Compare prices. Keep in mind, many retailers will match a lower price offered by competitors. Keep looking until you find the right appliance for the right price.
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Co-op Announces 2022 Capital Credit Retirement
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Monday | May 2, 2022
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Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
United Power is more than your local electric utility and you are more than a consumer. Over the past two years, we have had to navigate pandemic restrictions, making provisions for the health of the cooperative and also to support our members. The decisions we made were not to satisfy invisible investors or generate profits, but to serve our members and our communities. It is just part of what makes cooperative membership different.
Another member benefit that sets us apart is the retirement of capital credits. This year, our members will be part of United Power’s 16th consecutive retirement. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with this process, capital credits represent your investment in the co-op. Here’s how it works:
Becoming a Member
The moment you start receiving electric service from United Power, you become a member and an owner of the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, which you have an ownership stake in. Members may also vote annually in board elections or run for a seat on the Board to make their voices heard. (A full recap of the 2022 Annual Meeting is available on page 10.) By actively engaging and participating with the cooperative, you will always have a voice in our operation.
Allocation of Capital Credits
Every spring, United Power looks at the prior year and any funds remaining after all expenses have been paid are allocated to members based on the prior year’s electric consumption – the more power you use, the larger your allocation will be.
The allocation is not a check, but a representation of your ownership in the cooperative, i.e. the amount of money you have invested into the electric system based on your electric consumption. The funds are tracked, but not accessible in the form of cash. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May each year.
Retirement of Capital Credits
Annually, the Board of Directors carefully assesses the financial condition of the cooperative and determines what amount of capital credits are eligible for retirement. If the Board decides a retirement is feasible, the money is paid out, or “retired,” from each member’s account. This year, the Board approved a $4.5 million retirement. Those retirements will be distributed beginning in late May.
Anyone who had service in 2021 or earlier will be eligible to receive a refund. Refunds more than $50 will arrive as a check, and members who receive a refund less than $50 will see it reflected on their billing statement as a credit. Look for this credit on your bill in May or June.
“There isn’t a more tangible benefit of cooperative membership than receiving money back on your investment in the utility itself,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Your investment not only makes you an owner, but helps ensure the resiliency of our system, the reliability of your power, and the affordability of our rates. It is a tangible representation of your value as both a member and an owner.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the last 15 years, the cooperative has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Want to learn more about capital credits? Frequently asked questions can be found 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.
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Capital Credits: Your Piece of the Pie
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Wednesday | August 1, 2018
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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.
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Careers in Energy Week
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Monday | October 14, 2019
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Celebrating the People Behind Your Power Oct. 14-20
Careers in Energy Week is Oct.14-20, 2019 and celebrates the workforce that provides a vital service to our communities and to raise awareness of the rewarding careers available in the energy industry. From line workers to construction project managers to electrical engineers and beyond, these men and women work tirelessly to ensure that businesses and homes across the country always have the energy they need.
To celebrate the people behind your power, we’ve featured a small sampling of the many employees who have found careers in energy at your local electric cooperative.
Jared
Senior Planning Engineer
United Power’s engineering team is hard at work behind the scenes designing a system able to efficiently deliver reliable power to our members. That includes monitoring system performance and forecasting for growth and future load – the amount of energy the cooperative must distribute to provide enough power for all our members.
“There’s never a dull moment working in the field of power engineering. We get to work with large scale projects that set the direction for the future of the cooperative. Advances in system software allow us to better map our system, identify and resolve weaknesses and put in redundancies to ensure our system is better equipped to deliver reliable power to members. Technological innovations allow us to more quickly identify and isolate faults (outages), reducing the impact of events. It’s kind of like solving a complex puzzle, but that’s what makes it exciting. There’s a lot of opportunity in the power industry for young, talented engineers to come in and have an immediate impact.”
Kirsten
Senior Right-of-Way Agent
When United Power builds new infrastructure – the lines, poles, and equipment that deliver power to our members – we work within existing agreements with cities or counties or obtain new agreements with property owners to build on that property. Our right-of-way agents are responsible for obtaining those permissions so we can build our infrastructure safely, affordably and efficiently.
“Working in right of way, you’re going to meet a lot of people and work on a lot of different kinds of projects. No two projects are the same, and that means being willing to learn about new industries. It requires a level of conscientiousness, accuracy and an ability to negotiate effectively. I’m thankful for the mentors I’ve had and the professional organizations I’ve been a part of along the way, but also those I’ve been able to mentor.”
Eliana
Energy Management Specialist
United Power’s energy management specialists are available to help empower members to take control of their energy usage. Through carefully researched energy audits, our team educates members about what behaviors are having the biggest impact on their usage, how small changes can save them time, energy and money, and what programs the cooperative offers to help them make those changes.
“You can never assume you know what the member needs. Listening is crucial because every member is trying to find solutions for their own unique challenges, and sometimes they don’t realize the solution can be simple and easy. Asking the right questions helps us narrow down their true needs. Our goal is to craft a positive member experience that leaves them armed with the information necessary to make meaningful changes to their energy usage.”
Bryce
Project Coordinator II
When new development moves into United Power’s service territory, our project managers and coordinators work with those developers to facilitate the electrical system design and construction process from start to completion, while also coordinating conversation across teams inside and outside the cooperative.
“Our ultimate responsibility is to ensure we design an electrical route that meets both our system’s needs and our member’s needs. We begin that process by meeting with members and obtaining detailed project plans to pass along to designers. To succeed in this field, you need to be able to adapt quickly to different situations, wear multiple hats and stay organized. Our digital-first approach to new construction projects has made managing jobs quicker, easier and more efficient, but we still prioritize meeting with members. Each day I’m able to see or do something different to help a member resolve their needs. It’s also been exciting to see some of the new development moving into our territory.”
Brittany
Apprentice Lineman - Step 5
United Power lineworkers are responsible for maintaining the lines, poles, and equipment that deliver power to our members. In the event of an outage, they are our “boots on the ground” working diligently to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. They work in high voltage and often dangerous situations, regardless of the weather. For them, linework is something of a passion project.
“If you decide to go into linework, you have to know it’s something you want to do. Not many people are getting into it because it’s challenging, but if you love what you’re doing and are willing to stick it out no matter what, you can do it. It just takes time. If you’re a woman interested in going into linework, don’t be intimidated. You’re going to have to work harder and find different techniques that work for you, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. If it’s something you really want to do, you can do it.”
Energy jobs offer promising opportunities to both experienced workers and those just starting their careers. These jobs are active, hands-on, rewarding, and available in every state, in an industry that is stable and growing. Learn more at www.getintoenergy.com.
United Power offers competitive salaries and first-class benefits for nearly 200 energy-related positions. If you’d like a rewarding career at a member-owned electric cooperative where we power what matters to over 93,000 members who live, work and play in our rapidly growing service territory, visit www.unitedpower.com/careers to view current openings.
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Careful with Space Heaters this Winter
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Wednesday | December 18, 2019
Card Teaser
Although space heaters are safe to use indoors because they don’t require combustion, they still pose burn and fire hazards and should be used with caution.
When used safely and properly, portable space heaters provide a nice relief from the frigid chills of winter temperatures, which can often invade poorly insulated or ventilated rooms in older homes. Although space heaters are safe to use indoors because they don’t require combustion, they still pose burn and fire hazards and should be used with caution.
Before operating, review the manufacturer’s instructions, including warning labels. Space heaters may seem like simple, easy to use electronics, but each brand and version has its own unique quirks and features. It’s better to be safe than sorry. After reviewing the instructions, inspect the space heater for cracks or broken plugs.
Next, be sure to place the heater in a safe location. They should be located at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as clothing and other fabrics, papers, rugs, etc. Do not place space heaters on furniture, such as chairs or tables. Place heaters on a firm, flat location on the ground away from heavily trafficked areas.
Space heaters place a heavy load on an outlet. For this reason, do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet. Extension cords or power strips could also overheat and result in a fire, so plug the heater directly into the wall outlet.
Most importantly, never leave space heaters unattended. Turn it off before you leave a room or go to sleep, and don’t let animals or children play too close to the heater. When you’re done using the space heater, always unplug it and store it safely.
Space Heater Sticker Shock
Winter weather has arrived just in time to greet us for the holidays, and that means the cold temperatures that accompany it have also arrived. Heating is our biggest energy consumer in the winter, and when you are able to do it efficiently, you’ll notice savings on your bill.
Unfortunately, try as we might, some rooms in our homes just don’t seem to stay as warm as others, whether that’s a room away from the furnace in an older home or a large open room that just needs a little extra warmth in the winter.
A nice, cozy solution for providing some additional warmth in these rooms can be to use a portable space heater. However, the cost of using one of these heaters can add up quickly over the course of a few days if you’re not careful.
Space heaters are big consumers of electricity, most commonly sold as either 750- or 1500-watt models at retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Using your space heater for as little as two hours per day over the course of a month can end up costing you nearly $10 extra on your monthly energy bill. The more hours your space heater is operating, the faster those extra charges add up.
Before you consider space heaters to solve your heating issues, try addressing some of these alternatives.
Search and seal. Cool air can find small cracks to get through. Sealing and caulking windows, doors and floors helps keep rooms free of cold air.
Insulate. Upgrade your insulation or add to your existing insulation to trap more warm air in your home.
Install storm windows. These provide an added layer of insulation, which helps retain more heat.
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Cash Back from Your Co-op
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Friday | May 14, 2021
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Capital credit retirement of $5.5 million will be on its way to members beginning in May.
Retirement of $5.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in May
United Power is more than your local electric utility and you are more than a consumer. Over the past year, we’ve had to weather the COVID-19 pandemic together, making provisions for the health of the cooperative and also to support our members. From establishing a relief fund for struggling members to temporarily suspending disconnects, you are at the center of who we are and what we do. The decisions we made weren’t to satisfy invisible investors or salvage profits, but to serve both our members and our communities as they navigated difficult circumstances. It’s just part of what makes cooperative membership different.
Another member benefit that sets us apart is the retirement of capital credits. This year, our members will be part of United Power’s 15th consecutive retirement. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with capital credits, these represent your investment in the co-op. Here’s how it works:
Becoming a Member
The moment you activate electric service from United Power, you become a member and an owner in the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is the principle of economic participation. A portion of each electric bill goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, which you have an ownership stake in.
Members may also vote annually in board elections or run for a seat on the board to make their voices heard. (A full recap of the 2021 Annual Meeting is available on page 10.) By actively engaging and participating with the cooperative, you will always have a voice in our operation.
Allocation of Patronage Capital
Every spring, United Power looks at the prior year and any funds remaining after all expenses are paid are allocated to members based on the prior year’s electric consumption – the more power you use, the larger your allocation.
The allocation is not a check, but a representation of your ownership in the cooperative, i.e. the amount of money you have invested into the electric system based on your electric consumption. The funds are tracked, but not accessible in the form of cash. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May or June each year.
Retirement of Capital Credits
Each year, the Board of Directors carefully assesses the financial condition of the cooperative and determines what amount of capital credits to retire. If the Board decides a retirement is feasible, the money is paid out, or “retired,” from each member’s account. This year, the Board approved a $5.5 million retirement. Those retirements will be distributed beginning in late May or early June.
Anyone who had service in 2020 or earlier will be eligible to receive a refund. Members who receive a refund less than $50 will see it reflected on their billing statement as a credit, and refunds more than $50 will arrive as a check. Look for this credit on your bill in May or June.
“There is not a more tangible benefit of cooperative membership than receiving money back on your investment in the utility itself,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Your investment not only makes you an owner, but helps ensure the resiliency of our system, the reliability of your power and the affordability of our rates. It is a tangible representation of your value as both a member and an owner.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the past 15 years, the cooperative has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Want to learn more? Frequently asked questions about capital credits can be found on cooperative's Capital Credits page 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.
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Celebrating Innovation
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Tuesday | December 18, 2018
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United Power held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December to celebrate its newly energized battery storage facility and the cooperative’s continued commitment to adopting and implementing innovative technology.
United Power held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December to celebrate its newly energized battery storage facility and the cooperative’s continued commitment to adopting and implementing innovative technology.
Currently the largest utility-scale battery storage facility in Colorado, the Tesla PowerPack battery system, built in collaboration with ENGIE North America, is expected to save the cooperative roughly $1 million annually in wholesale capacity charges. Energy generated from all sources on United Power’s grid will be stored during low-demand hours to be discharged during high-peak periods throughout the year.
“As a co-op, we have an obligation to our communities and members to continue scanning the horizon and exploring innovative technologies that help distribute affordable and reliable power,” said Jerry Marizza, United Power’s New Business Director. “When we stop looking ahead, that’s when we start falling behind. We hope to continue setting the bar for other utilities to follow.”
The system has the capacity to store and distribute up to four megawatts of energy, or enough to power up to 700 homes simultaneously. Size and duration of the batteries used was determined during a study of United Power’s monthly load profile in early 2018.
“Energy storage is the next logical step to integrating more renewables into the grid,” said Marizza. “As long as people want to watch television at night, renewables can’t provide 100 percent of energy needs without storage.”
Over the past few years, United Power has added other innovative and renewable projects to benefit its members. From Colorado’s first community solar farm to methane gas collection at the Erie landfills, these projects make economic sense for our members while providing reliable power.
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Celebrating Lineman Appreciation Day – April 18
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Thursday | April 13, 2017
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National Lineman Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18th and honors the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
Your Power Works Because They Do!
National Lineman Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18th and honors the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers. United Power will join in on the celebration to honor the hard working men and women who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on. We proudly recognize all electric linemen for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety.
“Electric linemen work all hours of the day, often in hazardous conditions far from their families, going above and beyond to restore power to their communities,” said Bryant Robbins, United Power Chief Operations Officer “Our linemen, as well as linemen from across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition.”
To honor United Power’s linemen, we invite members to take a moment to thank a lineman for the work they do.Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support for the men and women who light our lives, or take a moment to drop a card of thanks in the mail.
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Changes to How Electricity is Billed to be Phased-In Over Next Few Years
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Wednesday | August 22, 2018
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Following the results of a year-long trial of a pilot demand rate, the United Power Board of Directors agreed to a phase-in plan of a residential demand rate to replace the current rate structure.
Following the results of a year-long trial of a pilot demand rate, the United Power Board of Directors agreed to a phase-in plan of a residential demand rate to replace the current rate structure.
“Since we have detailed information about how members use power in their homes, the new demand rate will be a fairer way for us to bill members for their use,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “The impact on the system from residential users is lower than commercial customers, and their rates will reflect the difference. We believe a modest demand charge with a reasonable energy rate is the best way to recover our costs.”
The dynamic pricing model will provide a more fair cost structure, and gives members an ability to control their costs by staggering the use of electric appliances.
Learning about how a demand rate works will take a lot of communication, so the five year period is being used to help our members and employees better understand the rate and how members can control their costs with some simple strategies.
All members will now be seeing a new line on their bill simply entitled “Demand Charge.” Initially, there will not be a dollar amount attached to this line item while we provide the information as education for members. By adding the new line it will allow members to see an actual number that corresponds to their use. In 2019 United Power will institute a demand charge and that will slowly increase, with a corresponding reduction in the energy charge.
United Power has been actively communicating how a demand charge works via the newsletter United Newsline and members can find more information about Residential Demand here on our website. This information is being presented ahead of the rate change so our members have the opportunity to gain an understanding of this new way of thinking about their electric consumption.
Many members will see very little change in their bills, but some members who use more energy all at once may be more heavily affected, and without the demand rate they have been driving up costs for other users. We will continue to communicate about these changes via the newsletter and our website.
Changes to Rebates in 2023
Wednesday | December 7, 2022
Rebates for the purchase of new refrigerators, freezers, and clothes washers will be discontinued in...
Read more >
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Choosing Energy Efficiency Appliances
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Friday | January 25, 2019
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If you’re holding on to older household appliances, now may be a good time to consider swapping them out for newer, more energy efficient models.
If you’re holding on to older household appliances, now may be a good time to consider swapping them out for newer, more energy efficient models. Old appliances are among the biggest consumers of energy in your home, but as technology evolves, so does energy efficiency. A new energy efficient appliance can be operated using as much as 75 percent less energy than outdated appliances.
Old refrigerators are the biggest culprit of excessive energy usage among daily household appliances. While older refrigerators can cost upwards of $16/month to use, a new model may cost as little as $4/month. Newer, high-definition LED TVs also use a fraction of the electricity older liquid-crystal displays (LCD) and plasma screens do. And don’t forget about other appliances and electronics you use daily.
Not only can new appliances save big on energy use, but they may also qualify for exclusive rebates from United Power and our wholesale power provider, Tri-State G&T. Select ENERGY STAR appliances are eligible for rebates, but must be requested within 120 days of purchase. For more information about United Power rebates, contact the energy management team at
303-659-0551 or go to www.unitedpower.com/rebates.
Tips for Purchasing New Appliances
With all the new information available about energy efficiency, it may be a little confusing to know what exactly to look for when shopping for new appliances and household electronics. Here are a few tips to help you out:
Look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum standards for efficiency and quality, meaning they’ll use less energy over their lifetimes than other models.
Carefully review the EnergyGuide label. This yellow label provides information about how much energy an appliance uses compared to similar models.
Consider the purchase price and cost to operate. These prices are important because you may be paying for the appliances energy use over the next 10-20 years, depending on when you choose to replace it again.
Compare prices. Keep in mind, many retailers will match a lower price offered by competitors. Keep looking until you find the right appliance for the right price.
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Co-op Announces 2022 Capital Credit Retirement
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Monday | May 2, 2022
Card Teaser
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
United Power is more than your local electric utility and you are more than a consumer. Over the past two years, we have had to navigate pandemic restrictions, making provisions for the health of the cooperative and also to support our members. The decisions we made were not to satisfy invisible investors or generate profits, but to serve our members and our communities. It is just part of what makes cooperative membership different.
Another member benefit that sets us apart is the retirement of capital credits. This year, our members will be part of United Power’s 16th consecutive retirement. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with this process, capital credits represent your investment in the co-op. Here’s how it works:
Becoming a Member
The moment you start receiving electric service from United Power, you become a member and an owner of the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, which you have an ownership stake in. Members may also vote annually in board elections or run for a seat on the Board to make their voices heard. (A full recap of the 2022 Annual Meeting is available on page 10.) By actively engaging and participating with the cooperative, you will always have a voice in our operation.
Allocation of Capital Credits
Every spring, United Power looks at the prior year and any funds remaining after all expenses have been paid are allocated to members based on the prior year’s electric consumption – the more power you use, the larger your allocation will be.
The allocation is not a check, but a representation of your ownership in the cooperative, i.e. the amount of money you have invested into the electric system based on your electric consumption. The funds are tracked, but not accessible in the form of cash. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May each year.
Retirement of Capital Credits
Annually, the Board of Directors carefully assesses the financial condition of the cooperative and determines what amount of capital credits are eligible for retirement. If the Board decides a retirement is feasible, the money is paid out, or “retired,” from each member’s account. This year, the Board approved a $4.5 million retirement. Those retirements will be distributed beginning in late May.
Anyone who had service in 2021 or earlier will be eligible to receive a refund. Refunds more than $50 will arrive as a check, and members who receive a refund less than $50 will see it reflected on their billing statement as a credit. Look for this credit on your bill in May or June.
“There isn’t a more tangible benefit of cooperative membership than receiving money back on your investment in the utility itself,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Your investment not only makes you an owner, but helps ensure the resiliency of our system, the reliability of your power, and the affordability of our rates. It is a tangible representation of your value as both a member and an owner.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the last 15 years, the cooperative has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Want to learn more about capital credits? Frequently asked questions can be found 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.
