Board Approves Rate Changes
Monday | December 3, 2018
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.
Read more >
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Board Commits Additional $300,000 to Co-op Cares Fund
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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. ###
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Board Directors Earn NRECA Certificates
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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.
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Board of Director Petitions Now Being Accepted
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Monday | December 16, 2019
Card Teaser
The deadline for nominations by petition is Friday, February 14, 2020 by 4:00 p.m.
Four Board Seats Up for Election
Four positions on United Power’s eleven-member board are up for election at the 2020 Annual Meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds in Brighton. One seat in the East, West, South and Mountain districts will be up for a three-year term.
To be eligible to become or remain a director, a person must be a United Power member and receive electric service from United Power at the member’s primary residence in the district he or she represents. United Power’s bylaws provide in-depth information on director districts, qualifications, terms, elections, meetings and officers.
Each member’s district is printed on their United Power statement. Nominations by written petition must state nominee’s name and district, be signed by 15 or more United Power members, and be filed with the board no less than 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting.
The deadline for nominations by petition is 4 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020. Petitions are available at United Power’s headquarters office in Brighton at 500 Cooperative Way. Additional information can be obtained by calling United Power’s executive department at 303-659-0551 or by visiting our Annual Meeting page.
See attached flyer below for more information.
2020 Annual Meeting & Director Election
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
4:30 p.m. | Registration Opens
6:30 p.m. | Balloting Closes & Meeting Begins
Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds
9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601
Balloting Deadlines
February 14, 2020 | Direction Nominations by Petition Deadline at 4 p.m.
April 13, 2020 | Mail-in Ballots must arrive at the P.O. Box by 6 a.m.
April 15, 2020 | Ballot Drop-Boxes at offices close at 2 p.m.
April 15, 2020 | Ballot Drop Box Open from 12-4 p.m. at the Riverdale Regional Park and Fairgrounds
Candidate Forums
Attend a Meet the Candidate Forum to learn more about each of the candidates vying to serve on the Board of Directors. The following events are free to members. Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are not required.
Thursday, March 19, 2020 | 6:30 p.m.
Carbon Valley Service Center
9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, CO 80504
Friday, March 20, 2020 | 7:30 a.m.
Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
3158 Highway 72, Golden, CO 80403
Monday, March 23, 2020 | 6:30 p.m.
Riverdale Regional Park
Rendezvous Room, located in Waymire Dome
9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 | 7:30 a.m.
Fort Lupton Recreation Center
Multi-Purpose Room 3
203 S. Harrison Ave, Fort Lupton, CO 80621
*Dates and locations may be subject to change.
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Bright Lights and Shiny Trucks
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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.
Camp, Cabins and Cooperatives
Monday | September 3, 2018
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.
Read more >
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Capital Credits are Your Piece of the Pie
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Thursday | August 6, 2026
Card Teaser
Capital credit payouts will be distributed beginning at the end of August.
The United Power Board of Directors approved a $4.5 million capital credit retirement this year.
United Power is more than your local electric utility, and you are more than a customer. The decisions United Power makes are not to satisfy investors or generate profits, but to serve members and communities, ensure the system is well maintained, and to deliver safe and reliable power that members rely on. This focus on people instead of profits is one of the benefits that makes cooperative membership different. Another benefit that sets membership apart is the retirement of capital credits. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with capital credits, these represent your investment in the co-op.
Here is how capital credits work:Becoming a Member
You become a United Power member-owner the moment you activate your electric service with the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is the principle of economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, representing your ownership stake.
Capital Credit Allocation
Each spring, any funds remaining after all expenses are paid from the prior year are allocated to members. Your allocation represents your ownership in the cooperative (i.e., the amount of money you have invested in the electric system based on your electric consumption — generally meaning your allocation will be larger if you consumed more energy). The funds are tracked, but not accessible in cash form. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May or June each year.
Capital Credit Retirement
The Board of Directors carefully assesses the cooperative’s financial condition each year and determines if a capital credit retirement is feasible. This year, the Board approved a $4.5 million retirement with distribution beginning at the end of August. Anyone who had service in 2025 or earlier will be eligible. Payouts will be issued as a bill credit if they are less than $50 and will arrive as a check if more than $50. Learn more about capital credits or call 303-637-1300 to speak with a Member Services Representative.
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Capital Credits are Your Piece of the Pie
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/July2018_NL_CapitalCredits.png?h=45932144&itok=hasGX8gL
Tuesday | July 7, 2026
Card Teaser
United Power returning $4.5 million to members in 2026.
United Power is more than your local electric utility, and you are more than a customer. The decisions United Power makes are not to satisfy investors or generate profits, but to serve members and communities, ensure the system is well maintained, and to deliver safe and reliable power that members rely on.
This focus on people instead of profits is one of the benefits that makes cooperative membership different. Another benefit that sets membership apart is the retirement of capital credits. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with capital credits, these represent your investment in the co-op. Here is how it works:
Becoming a Member
You become a United Power member-owner the moment you activate your electric service with the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is the principle of economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, representing your ownership stake.
Capital Credit Allocation
Each spring, any funds remaining after all expenses are paid from the prior year are allocated to members. Your allocation represents your ownership in the cooperative (i.e., the amount of money you have invested in the electric system based on your electric consumption — generally meaning your allocation will be larger if you consumed more energy). The funds are tracked, but not accessible in cash form. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May or June each year.
Capital Credit Retirement
The Board of Directors carefully assesses the cooperative’s financial condition each year and determines if a capital credit retirement is feasible. This year, the Board approved a $4.5 million retirement with distribution beginning at the end of August.
Anyone who had service in 2025 or earlier will be eligible. Distributions will be issued as a bill credit if they are less than $50 and will arrive as a check if more than $50.
Learn more about capital credits or call 303-637-1300 to speak with a Member Services Representative.
Title
Careers in Energy Week
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Monday | October 14, 2019
Card Teaser
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.
Careful with Space Heaters this Winter
Wednesday | December 18, 2019
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.
Read more >
Board Approves Rate Changes
Monday | December 3, 2018
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.
Read more >
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Board Commits Additional $300,000 to Co-op Cares Fund
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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. ###
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Board Directors Earn NRECA Certificates
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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.
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Board of Director Petitions Now Being Accepted
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Monday | December 16, 2019
Card Teaser
The deadline for nominations by petition is Friday, February 14, 2020 by 4:00 p.m.
Four Board Seats Up for Election
Four positions on United Power’s eleven-member board are up for election at the 2020 Annual Meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds in Brighton. One seat in the East, West, South and Mountain districts will be up for a three-year term.
To be eligible to become or remain a director, a person must be a United Power member and receive electric service from United Power at the member’s primary residence in the district he or she represents. United Power’s bylaws provide in-depth information on director districts, qualifications, terms, elections, meetings and officers.
Each member’s district is printed on their United Power statement. Nominations by written petition must state nominee’s name and district, be signed by 15 or more United Power members, and be filed with the board no less than 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting.
The deadline for nominations by petition is 4 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020. Petitions are available at United Power’s headquarters office in Brighton at 500 Cooperative Way. Additional information can be obtained by calling United Power’s executive department at 303-659-0551 or by visiting our Annual Meeting page.
See attached flyer below for more information.
2020 Annual Meeting & Director Election
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
4:30 p.m. | Registration Opens
6:30 p.m. | Balloting Closes & Meeting Begins
Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds
9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601
Balloting Deadlines
February 14, 2020 | Direction Nominations by Petition Deadline at 4 p.m.
April 13, 2020 | Mail-in Ballots must arrive at the P.O. Box by 6 a.m.
April 15, 2020 | Ballot Drop-Boxes at offices close at 2 p.m.
April 15, 2020 | Ballot Drop Box Open from 12-4 p.m. at the Riverdale Regional Park and Fairgrounds
Candidate Forums
Attend a Meet the Candidate Forum to learn more about each of the candidates vying to serve on the Board of Directors. The following events are free to members. Light refreshments will be served. RSVPs are not required.
Thursday, March 19, 2020 | 6:30 p.m.
Carbon Valley Service Center
9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, CO 80504
Friday, March 20, 2020 | 7:30 a.m.
Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
3158 Highway 72, Golden, CO 80403
Monday, March 23, 2020 | 6:30 p.m.
Riverdale Regional Park
Rendezvous Room, located in Waymire Dome
9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 | 7:30 a.m.
Fort Lupton Recreation Center
Multi-Purpose Room 3
203 S. Harrison Ave, Fort Lupton, CO 80621
*Dates and locations may be subject to change.
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Bright Lights and Shiny Trucks
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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.
Camp, Cabins and Cooperatives
Monday | September 3, 2018
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.
Read more >
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Capital Credits are Your Piece of the Pie
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Thursday | August 6, 2026
Card Teaser
Capital credit payouts will be distributed beginning at the end of August.
The United Power Board of Directors approved a $4.5 million capital credit retirement this year.
United Power is more than your local electric utility, and you are more than a customer. The decisions United Power makes are not to satisfy investors or generate profits, but to serve members and communities, ensure the system is well maintained, and to deliver safe and reliable power that members rely on. This focus on people instead of profits is one of the benefits that makes cooperative membership different. Another benefit that sets membership apart is the retirement of capital credits. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with capital credits, these represent your investment in the co-op.
Here is how capital credits work:Becoming a Member
You become a United Power member-owner the moment you activate your electric service with the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is the principle of economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, representing your ownership stake.
Capital Credit Allocation
Each spring, any funds remaining after all expenses are paid from the prior year are allocated to members. Your allocation represents your ownership in the cooperative (i.e., the amount of money you have invested in the electric system based on your electric consumption — generally meaning your allocation will be larger if you consumed more energy). The funds are tracked, but not accessible in cash form. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May or June each year.
Capital Credit Retirement
The Board of Directors carefully assesses the cooperative’s financial condition each year and determines if a capital credit retirement is feasible. This year, the Board approved a $4.5 million retirement with distribution beginning at the end of August. Anyone who had service in 2025 or earlier will be eligible. Payouts will be issued as a bill credit if they are less than $50 and will arrive as a check if more than $50. Learn more about capital credits or call 303-637-1300 to speak with a Member Services Representative.
Title
Capital Credits are Your Piece of the Pie
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Tuesday | July 7, 2026
Card Teaser
United Power returning $4.5 million to members in 2026.
United Power is more than your local electric utility, and you are more than a customer. The decisions United Power makes are not to satisfy investors or generate profits, but to serve members and communities, ensure the system is well maintained, and to deliver safe and reliable power that members rely on.
This focus on people instead of profits is one of the benefits that makes cooperative membership different. Another benefit that sets membership apart is the retirement of capital credits. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with capital credits, these represent your investment in the co-op. Here is how it works:
Becoming a Member
You become a United Power member-owner the moment you activate your electric service with the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is the principle of economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, representing your ownership stake.
Capital Credit Allocation
Each spring, any funds remaining after all expenses are paid from the prior year are allocated to members. Your allocation represents your ownership in the cooperative (i.e., the amount of money you have invested in the electric system based on your electric consumption — generally meaning your allocation will be larger if you consumed more energy). The funds are tracked, but not accessible in cash form. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May or June each year.
Capital Credit Retirement
The Board of Directors carefully assesses the cooperative’s financial condition each year and determines if a capital credit retirement is feasible. This year, the Board approved a $4.5 million retirement with distribution beginning at the end of August.
Anyone who had service in 2025 or earlier will be eligible. Distributions will be issued as a bill credit if they are less than $50 and will arrive as a check if more than $50.
Learn more about capital credits or call 303-637-1300 to speak with a Member Services Representative.
Title
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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