1. 12/16/2019 - 03:54 PM
    Title Board of Director Petitions Now Being Accepted /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/0_DirectorElection.jpg?h=45932144&itok=gRwpyf9E 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.   
  2. 11/07/2019 - 04:07 PM
    Title Board to Consider Rate Adjustment for 2020 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Nov2019_NL_Rates.jpg?itok=QTKasCT1 Monday | November 4, 2019 Card Teaser The United Power Board meets for its Regulatory Meeting on Nov. 8, 2019. Annual Regulatory Meeting Planned for November 8, 2019 Meeting Agenda Every year, the United Power board takes a deep dive into the rates we charge for electricity and considers both the revenue requirements of the cooperative and the anticipated load growth for the cooperative in setting rates for the upcoming year. The United Power board will be considering some adjustments in current rates and adding an additional rate for 2020 at its November 8 Regulatory Meeting. Recommendations from staff for the upcoming year include a modest 1.5-2% increase for residential members. Similar to last year’s rate changes, the adjustment being proposed would slightly increase the demand component and reduce the cost of energy. In 2019, the cooperative incorporated a demand charge into their residential rate, while reducing the cost of energy. “When United Power rolled out the advanced metering infrastructure several years ago, we were able to collect better data about how each member uses power in their home or business,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “Using this data, we constructed a rate that considers not only how much power a member consumes, but we can also measure their impact on the grid that supplies that power. By breaking apart these separate components members are billed more accurately for their use and impact.” The rate structure not only allowed the cooperative to charge members more fairly for their impact on the electrical system, but it also put more power into the hands of members to control their costs by shifting the way they use electricity in their homes. For instance, by spreading out the use of household appliances like dryers and dishwashers through the course of the day, members can have a direct impact on their demand and reduce their costs. This year, the board is also considering a new rate that would help lessen the impact on members who utilize electric heating technology in their homes. Homes utilizing electric thermal storage units experienced a larger impact from the rate change in 2019 when compared with the average household. A group of members concerned about the increase met with staff and board members to voice their concerns and ask the board to consider their unique situation. “One of the best things about being served by a cooperative is that members have direct access to their regulators – the board of directors,” stated Hubbuck. “In response to our members concerns we hosted public meetings, and the new rate being considered in November is in response to these meetings.” The changes are planned to be in effect for consumption beginning January 1, which means members would see the changes on their February bills. Once the rate adjustments are decided, the changes will be communicated via the United Newsline and on the cooperative’s website.
  3. 01/24/2019 - 10:51 AM
    Title Bright Lights and Shiny Trucks /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_BrightLights.png?itok=0AyA7FHH Thursday | January 3, 2019 Card Teaser In December, United Power featured its festive, hand-built holiday float, “Christmas Time is Here” in parades in Hudson and Brighton, both communities served by the cooperative. United Power likes to show its colors during the holiday season. In December, United Power featured its festive, hand-built holiday float, “Christmas Time is Here” in parades in Hudson and Brighton, both communities served by the cooperative.  Employees worked together to build and decorate a 20-foot trailer with approximately 6,000 lights, more than a dozen holiday-themed props and plenty of spirit to light up the streets.  The float debuted in Hudson’s holiday parade, hauled by one of United Power’s newly wrapped work trucks, which was wrapped in colorful LED lights. In Brighton, the cooperative debuted its restored 1939 Chevrolet pickup, painted a bright candy red, at the city’s 23rd annual Parade of Lights, celebrating United Power’s 80-year history connecting its members.  United Power was also proud to roll it’s safety demo truck in Keenesburg’s inaugural holiday parade, Christmas in Keenesburg.   
  4. 01/23/2019 - 11:07 AM
    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 >
  5. 01/22/2019 - 03:51 PM
    Capital Credits are Coming Monday | July 2, 2018 Capital credits are just one of the ways United Power is different from other utilities. We’re different because we’re owned by you, our members. Read more >
  6. 01/22/2019 - 04:18 PM
    Title Capital Credits: Your Piece of the Pie /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/July2018_NL_CapitalCredits_0.png?itok=Pw2NObSk Wednesday | August 1, 2018 Card Teaser This year, more than 80,000 checks will be issued to residential and business members. Anyone who had service in 2017 or earlier will be eligible for this year’s capital credit retirement. Capital Credit Retirement to Distribute $4.5 Million to Members in August Even if you’re new to the cooperative world, you’ve probably heard membership has its benefits. Maybe you’ve already heard how consumer membership works or you understand the ability to participate in annual director elections. Perhaps someone you know ran for a seat in a previous election. But you may be confused in the coming weeks when you receive a check in the mail from United Power with your name on it — your little “piece of the pie.” When you make a payment to United Power, a portion of that payment goes directly toward your investment in our electrical system through capital improvements. These improvements help maintain our system, provide reliable energy to you and your neighbors and propel us into the future.  However, capital improvements aren’t always necessary, leaving the cooperative with a surplus of funds earmarked for these projects. So, each year, the Board of Directors assesses the cooperative’s financial condition and determines if a “capital credit retirement” period is feasible. This year, the board approved a $4.5 million retirement, to be distributed to members in August.  Capital credit retirements are the refund amounts members receive during this period. United Power establishes a capital credit account for every member, and uses it to record their investment. Each year funds remaining after expenses are allocated to these accounts. Upon board approval, a percentage of these funds may be retired. This year’s retirement represents the 12th consecutive year United Power has retired capital credits.  Your capital credit amount is determined based on two factors: how much electricity you use and how long you’ve been a member. The longer you are a member and the more power you use, the larger your share of each retirement.  “United Power has a commitment to providing reliable energy to our members, but we also prioritize doing so at an affordable rate,” said John Parker, United Power’s Chief Executive Officer. “While we talk a lot about the benefits we provide to our members both individually and in the community, receiving something you can hold in your hands is a meaningful benefit, and one that differentiates cooperatives from other utilities across the country.”  This year, more than 80,000 checks will be issued to residential and business members. Anyone who had service in 2017 or earlier will be eligible for this year’s capital credit retirement. While many members will receive a check, anyone who is refunded an amount less than $10 will receive it as a credit on their bill. Look for this credit on your bill in August or September.  United Power issues checks because it’s important for members to see the real benefit of membership, and handling a check achieves that goal.  “We know some checks won’t pay the rent, but it does provide a little extra cash to tide someone over until their next paycheck,” said Parker. “For our larger users, like local businesses, municipalities, farms and school districts, these checks may have a substantial impact.” Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the past decade, United Power has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.  Frequently asked questions about capital credits can be found online at www.unitedpower.com, or you can call a member services representative at 303-637-1300. Important Reminders:
    • If you move, please be sure to leave your new address with us so we can continue to refund any capital credits you are eligible to receive in the future. 
    • Upon death, the deceased member's capital credit account is available for estate retirement. The representative of the estate should contact United Power to settle the capital credit account. 
  7. 10/14/2019 - 02:39 PM
    Title Careers in Energy Week /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CareersInEnergy_web_header.png?itok=2OLwZntj 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.
  8. 12/18/2019 - 01:23 PM
    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 >
  9. 05/14/2021 - 01:25 PM
    Title Cash Back from Your Co-op /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MayJune2021_NL_CashBack.jpg?itok=QmEy5xEb Friday | May 14, 2021 Card Teaser 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.
  10. 01/24/2019 - 11:07 AM
    Celebrating Innovation Tuesday | December 18, 2018 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. Read more >
  11. 05/30/2018 - 02:16 PM
    Celebrating Lineman Appreciation Day – April 18 Thursday | April 13, 2017 National Lineman Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18th and honors the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers. Read more >
  12. 09/30/2019 - 09:42 AM
    Title Celebrating National Energy Efficiency Day /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/2019-09/PowerStrip_Off.jpg?itok=PU7ggum4 Monday | September 30, 2019 Card Teaser October 2nd is National Energy Efficiency Day—a day to be reminded of the easy ways we can all reduce our energy use and save money. October 2nd is National Energy Efficiency Day—a day to be reminded of the easy ways we can all reduce our energy use and save money. By being as efficient as possible with the energy we use, we help our pocketbooks and the environment. Remember: the cleanest, most efficient energy is the energy we never have to generate.   In honor of Energy Efficiency Day, here are 10 simple ways to reduce energy waste, at home and at work: 1. Make the switch to LED LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually.  Buy LEDs in 2019 and you can earn a rebate from United Power for every bulb. 2. Seal Those Leaks On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. In fact, all the little leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window. Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.   3. Heat and Cool Efficiently Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty home. Install a programmable thermostat and in colder weather schedule your home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep and increase when you are returning home or waking-up. In warm weather, schedule the thermostat to raise the temperature when you are away or asleep, and lower it at other times. Tip: Follow the U.S. Department of Energy recommended temperatures and be energy-efficient all year.   4. Maintain Your HVAC System Make sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow down air flow, making the system work harder to keep you warm (or cool) and costing you more money. Tip: Consider getting a winter tune-up. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a semi-annual or yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can be vital to improve efficiency, saving you money and making your home more comfortable.   5. Look for the ENERGY STAR® Label ENERGY STAR® labeled windows can cut heating costs by as much as 30% compared to single-pane windows, while increasing indoor comfort and lessening fading of home furnishings. Tip: If you are undertaking a major home remodel or new build, consider installing ENERGY STAR® qualified HVAC equipment and appliances.  United Power offers rebates on the purchase of new ENERGY STAR® air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines. 6. Turn the Electronics Off That sounds easy, but too often we forget and leave electronics plugged in that are not in use. Tip: Turn off unnecessary/idle lights, appliances and electronics. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once, and new Smart Powerstrips have timers and app controls to make it even easier. (Sometimes the simplest things are really effective!)   7. Winter Tip: Invite the Sun In It feels like the sun abandons us during the winter, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore it during the shorter days. Tip: Open curtains/shade on your west-and south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and save 2%-12%.   8. Summer Tip: Close Blinds and Shades This tip is easy to forget, but vital: excess sunlight will make it harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. Tip: During the day, keep your blinds and shades closed to prevent warm air from building up in your home.   9. Clean Your Clothing Efficiently That’s an easy one. A washing machine spends 90% of its energy to heat water. Tip: Consider using cold water instead. In addition, try to run full loads as much as possible, because the machine uses roughly the same amount of energy regardless of the load size. Also, consider air-drying. 10. Clean Up Your Dishes Efficiently If there’s one thing that has the power to unite people, it’s food. And with food comes dishes to clean. Fear not – there really is a more efficient way to use your dishwasher. Tip: Avoid the “rinse hold” cycle and skip heated drying – simply open the door at the end of the washing cycle and let the dishes air dry!