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Colorado Electric Cooperatives Ask State for Greater Local Control
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Friday | January 3, 2020
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United Power and La Plata Electric push for lower rates and cleaner energy for customers
Colorado electric cooperatives United Power and La Plata Electric Association are weighing all options to change their existing energy procurement contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (“Tri-State”). In dual November filings with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”), both cooperatives asked the state’s regulating body to exercise its authority to provide a just exit charge from its existing contract with Tri-State. Currently, both entities are required to purchase a minimum of 95% of their power from Tri-State under existing contracts that run through 2050. In addition, a recent S&P report downgraded Tri-State’s credit rating, with one of the reasons being that its Members’ retail energy rates were at least 20% higher than the statewide average.
“As the largest member in the Tri-State cooperative, we have a responsibility to our 92,000 residential and commercial customers to provide them with the cleanest and most affordable energy possible,” said John Parker, Chief Executive Officer of United Power. “Our current contract with Tri-State forces us to purchase some of the dirtiest energy in Colorado, while our customers pay 20% more than what is the state average. We’ve spent 18 months trying to change this contract, and all that we have gotten from Tri-State is delays, evasions and excuses. On behalf of our customers, we will no longer accept this.”
Tri-State relies heavily upon fossil fuels to provide power to its 43 cooperative members across four states, with 56% of its energy generation coming from coal, which is a significantly higher reliance on coal than other energy providers in Colorado. With the passage of HB19-1261, energy companies in Colorado must start work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Tri-State is not well-positioned to meet these new standards. As renewable energy production continues to drive down the price of energy, Tri-State’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is also hitting its members in the pocketbooks as well as putting the cooperatives at risk of not meeting the new clean energy standards.
“Our community should have a choice,” said Jessica Matlock, Chief Executive Officer of La Plata Electric Association. “We want to be a part of the clean energy future and can achieve this through working in our backyard, with our community. We can bring jobs and economic growth to Colorado, while also supplying carbon-free energy to the region. We are disappointed that Tri-State is not partnering with us to achieve this clean energy future together. We want input into the process and choice when it comes to a cost-effective and clean energy future, not a one size fits all approach developed without input of the affected member cooperatives.”
In response to United Power’s and La Plata Energy’s filings with the CPUC, Tri-State recently filed a motion to dismiss their complaints because they do not believe that the CPUC has jurisdiction over these matters. Instead, Tri-State claims that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has jurisdiction over their rates, even though their initial application was rejected in October for being deficient and incomplete.
“Tri-State is going up against a much larger tide that they spent years refusing to confront,” said Parker. “Tri-State’s lack of urgency in addressing these matters is aimed solely at self-preservation rather than what is best for our customers.”
The CPUC has set a date of January 10th to receive testimony on the matter and is expected to make a decision by early April.
About United Power
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to more than 92,000 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.
About La Plata Electric Association
La Plata Electric Association, Inc. (LPEA) is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta, with segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties. There are 22 cooperatives in Colorado, LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative in the state, providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to approximately 34,000 members.
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Coming Soon – Another Location to Serve Our Members Better
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Monday | June 12, 2017
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As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members.
As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members. Finding ways to better serve our members is a priority at every employee level – and a goal we as a cooperative continue to strive for. Late last year, a group of employees participating in a leadership program were challenged with finding the best way to better serve our members. Their solution – the addition of another facility located in the west side of our territory.
In the May United Newsline, we announced the purchase of the 130,000 square foot facility located east of I-25, just south of Highway 119. Expanding the cooperative’s footprint in our territory bubbled up from the ideas of those particular employees – who spent hours upon hours researching, discussing and working together to produce a detailed plan for the possibility of another facility. The employee team focused on the benefits of increased visibility, better member access, community outreach, shorter response time during outages and the need for more space that a building on the west side of our territory would provide.
Visibility
It’s no secret Colorado’s population is on the rise – and United Power is located in the apex of that growth. Located near I-25 and other major highways including Highway 52 and Highway 119, the new facility will provide additional presence needed in an area that is experiencing major growth. A centralized presence in our plains territory will be critical in meeting the needs and demands of our members located in one of the fastest growing areas of Colorado.
Member Access
As our territory grows in population, access to our offices is even more essential. Providing an additional office location in the west side of our territory will create better convenience for members living in that area.
Community Outreach
Connecting with our communities we serve is a priority at United Power and one of the Seven Cooperative Principles. By growing our presence with an additional facility, we’re able to expand our outreach efforts more than ever. As the communities in our territory continue to grow, United Power will continue to be a partner and provide support for our members.
Shorter Response Time
A facility in the midst of a high growth area allows United Power to safely and more efficiently respond to outages, line extension and maintenance activities. By responding from the new facility, crews will avoid 27 stoplights they normally would be faced with if responding from our Brighton headquarters. The location provides our crews with easy access to major highways: I-25, Highway 7, Highway 119, Highway 52 and Highway 66. The quicker we can respond, the quicker the lights turn on.
More Company Space
Built in 2006, the Brighton headquarters was designed for 10 years of future employee growth. Since 2006, United Power has added approximately 2.5 employees per year to keep up with the demands of our growing cooperative. As the number of employees increases, it becomes harder to find space to house them. By expanding to another facility, employees will have their needs met and space freed up at our Brighton headquarters location can be used for more training and storage. United Power’s corporate headquarters will remain in Brighton. Since taking possession of the new facility on April 25th United Power is now beginning the process of designing the interior of the building, which will also incorporate input from employees. We are also in the process of acquiring an adjacent plot of undeveloped land, which would allow for additional on-site material storage and expanded parking.
Capital Dollars Help Fund Purchase
Proceeds from substation transfers from United Power to Tri-State Generation and Transmission, our wholesale electricity provider, helped fund a large portion of the $8.76 million purchase of the new facility. United Power sold equipment on these substations of 115 kV or higher to TriState. The capital dollars made from the sales were redistributed to acquire the new facility. This reinvestment of capital will serve all members for years to come.
Coming Soon: A New Look to Your Bill
Monday | October 1, 2018
In the coming months, you’ll receive a newly designed billing statement that has been streamlined and re-organized so you can find the information you need as quickly and easily as possible.
Read more >
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Commitment to the Virtual Community
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Tuesday | November 24, 2020
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Reaching members via virtual format isn't a new concept, but until this year it has never been the preferred method for encouraging community participation. The cooperative often supported communities as they navigated this transition.
United Power was forced to shift gears while planning its annual meeting in March as heightened concerns over the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds and many other local businesses. While many maintained hopeful expectations that the pandemic would begin to play itself out as summer weather faded, a third wave has instead continued the halt to in-person community activities and organizational fundraisers.
Reaching members via virtual format is hardly a new concept, but until this year it has never been the preferred method for encouraging community members to participate with one another. For United Power, that meant turning around months of planning to offer members a virtual annual meeting that still drew their interest and encouraged participation. The cooperative wasn’t alone in navigating this journey, and often supported others holding similar events.
Joining the Virtual Classroom
United Power electrical engineer Tyler Bain joined a Brighton High School engineering class in September via Zoom live from one of the cooperative’s substations to talk about where electricity comes from, how it is generated and what kind of schooling it takes to become an electrical engineer. He also discussed renewable energy with the students.
Decorating Virtual Ducks
United Power has long participated in and supported the annual Duck Derby hosted by the Rotary Club of Northglenn-Thornton. The duck race helps raise money for the Rotary Club to support scholarships, food banks and other local projects. This year, due to COVID-19, the club hosted its first virtual Duck Derby with an online “Best Dressed Duck” contest, which United Power entered, of course. Although our authentic, one-of-a-kind cow duck did not win, we are still proud to be a supporter of all the work the Rotary Club does.
Scarecrows in Fort Lupton
Thinking creatively for ways to entertain and engage businesses and residents this Halloween season while maintaining safe social distancing, the City of Fort Lupton and Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce sponsored a unique scarecrow contest throughout the community. United Power introduced the first-ever lineman made of hay into the contest. Early thoughts on the new lineman include the suggestion that he stay clear of energized line.
Assisting the Career Path
Each year, the Adams County Education Consortium hosts its career expo for middle school students. This year’s virtual event will feature 2-hour sessions over the course of two days in late November where students can learn more about potential career paths. United Power will both sponsor and participate in the annual event in its new first-ever virtual event.
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Congratulations to Fair Giveaway Winners
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Friday | July 29, 2022
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Thank you to everyone who entered this year. We hope to see you all at the fair.
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of United Power's 2022 Adams County Fair Ticket Package Giveaway!
Lauren Cordova, Commerce City
Terry Hall, Hudson
Tammy Archuleta, Henderson
Erik Swanson, Thornton
Thank you to everyone who entered this year. We hope to see you all at the fair.
#FaireverFun #UnitedPowerPride
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Connect with Your Co-op at our 2018 Annual Meeting
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Tuesday | February 27, 2018
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It’s time for United Power’s Annual Meeting, and all members are invited to attend.
Ballots will not be mailed to members this year; in-person ballots will be cast at the annual meeting on April 18, 2018
It’s time for United Power’s Annual Meeting, and all members are invited to attend. As a member, you aren’t just a customer receiving electricity from a utility, you’re an owner of a not-for-profit organization – and you have a say in the operation. During the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 you can connect with your cooperative, enjoy the company of your fellow cooperative members and have the chance to win one of several door prizes. The 2018 Annual Meeting will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds/Regional Park located at 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601.
The Director Election will be conducted differently this year.
Only the four incumbent directors whose seats were up for election this year have submitted petitions indicating their interest in retaining their positions for another term. Due to the lack of challengers for these positions, the United Power Board made a decision to cancel the distribution of mail ballots, and will instead hold balloting among those members in attendance at the annual meeting. This simplified process will result in a substantial cost savings for the membership. Profiles of the 2018 candidates are included in the March issue of the United Newsline, and we will also be holding four “Meet the Candidates” forums in March.
Member registration will be open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and those who register for the meeting will be issued a ballot and be able to cast their votes for the Director election. After members have cast their ballot, they can enjoy a barbecue dinner with us, visit the educational exhibit booths and be entertained by musician Dave Connelly.
The official business meeting of the members will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include reports from the President of the Board and the Board Treasurer, and a cooperative update from Chief Executive Officer John Parker. Election results will be announced prior to adjournment and door prize drawings will conclude the meeting. To learn more about the Annual Meeting, or the candidates running for a seat on the cooperative’s board of directors, keep reading this issue, or visit www.unitedpower.com.
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Connect with Your Cooperative Virtually at this Year’s Annual Meeting
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Monday | March 8, 2021
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This year, we are moving forward with the second consecutive virtual format that will allow members to follow along by telephone or via livestream on the cooperative’s website from the comfort of their own homes.
Annual MeetingRegister for the MeetingCandidate Statements
With the pandemic lingering into this year, United Power is gearing up for its 2021 Annual Meeting & Director Election a little differently. The cooperative had planned to hold its previous Annual Meeting in-person before COVID. The pandemic forced the cooperative to consider alternate options for members. The result was the first-ever virtual meeting. This year, we are moving forward with the second consecutive virtual format that will allow members to follow along by telephone or via livestream on the cooperative’s website from the comfort of their own homes.
All members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting to hear from United Power leadership about the exciting ways the cooperative has continued to serve members through tumultuous times over the previous year. From the cooperative’s proactive response to the pandemic to its dedicated efforts to pursue competitive rates for members, our leadership has much to share. Members who attend will have the opportunity to win one of several door prizes, announced the following day.
In addition to the Annual Meeting, members have the unique opportunity to have a say in the future of their electric cooperative by voting in the director election. Each year, your votes determine who represents members on United Power’s Board of Directors. Your participation in the election is critical to helping the cooperative better serve you.
Seven candidates will be running for election to the Board of Directors. This year, one seat in each director district is up for election. The director candidates are Steve Douglas and Tim Erickson in the East District; Stephen Whiteside in the Mountain District; Brad Case and Ken Kreutzer in the South District; and Vicki Hutchinson and Brian McCormick in the West District. (Candidate statements can be found here.)
The cooperative mails out director ballots – including candidate statements – in late March and encourages all members to vote and mail in their ballots prior to the deadline. This year there will be no ballot drop boxes and no in-person balloting. Please return your ballots in the postage-paid envelope before the April 14 deadline. Although directors live in specific geographic districts, they represent all members and are therefore elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members should cast a vote for a director in each district and not just their own.
Attending the Meeting
Member registration for the Annual Meeting is now open on the cooperative’s website. Members who register will receive a phone call from the cooperative on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Election results will be announced prior to adjournment. To learn more about the Annual Meeting, read about candidates running for a seat on the board, or to register, visit the Annual Meeting page.
Connected for 80 Years
Friday | April 26, 2019
As we reflect on our own 80-year history as a rural cooperative, walk with us through the history of the region, and some of the highlights of the communities we’re connected to. Our history is a story about you— the members and communities that make up this cooperative.
Read more >
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Consider a Medical Device Backup Plan
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Friday | March 20, 2020
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United Power members who rely on medical devices in their homes may be more greatly impacted by extended outages, like the ones we experienced on Thursday.
United Power members who rely on medical devices in their homes may be more greatly impacted by extended outages, like the ones we experienced on Thursday due to dense snow and high winds. Although we make every effort to quickly and safely restore power, we cannot provide a specific time frame for when your power will be restored. The cooperative encourages members who require electricity to power their medical devices to develop a comprehensive backup plan in the event an outage extends beyond their battery’s supply limits.
As your cooperative, we make every effort to provide reliable power. Our line crews have performed system improvements that have resulted in increased reliability rates year over year. However, there are numerous reasons your home could be impacted by a prolonged power outage, and we want to remind you to consider how to care for yourself or a loved one in such an event.
We encourage members who are dependent on electrically powered medical devices in their homes to consider their needs before an outage occurs. Registering with United Power places a “medical alert flag” on your account, allowing us to contact you in the event of an outage. This alert flag, however, does not guarantee we will be able to restore your power as quickly as you might need. Something to consider is an alternative source of energy, such as extra batteries or a backup generator. You should also contact your medical provider to determine other supplies you should keep on hand for emergencies, such as supplemental oxygen.
United Power recommends having an evacuation plan for worst case scenarios during significant weather events. Depending on your battery backup’s supply limits, having a plan in place to move to an alternate location is encouraged.
You can also help United Power by immediately reporting an outage or other electrical emergency. Don’t assume we are aware of your outage. To report an outage, log into your online account at www.unitedpower.com/smarthub or by calling our outage reporting line at 303-637-1350.
More information related to medically necessary devices can be found online at our Medical Devices page.
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Continued Growth and Innovation
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Friday | March 1, 2019
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This is the final piece in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
In the years leading up to its 75th anniversary in 2013, United Power experienced unprecedented growth for an electric cooperative, more than doubling in size. The way the cooperative serves its members has changed with the development and advancement of technology available to both provide power for and communicate with its members. This is the final piece in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
Following the addition of Brighton to the United Power family in 1993, the cooperative entered into a period of unprecedented growth. Since adding Brighton, United Power has grown more than five times in size, remaining one of the fastest growing cooperatives in the country over the past 25 years.
Much of United Power’s growth could be attributed to Denver’s continued northeast expansion. In the 1990s, construction on Denver International Airport was completed adjacent to the cooperative’s service territory and E-470 was extended into its southern quadrant. This provided greater access to the area, which offered affordable housing options and the opportunity to grow with the communities, mimicking the growth of Northglenn and Thornton years earlier.
Knowing it would serve new electrical loads from homes and businesses moving into the area, United Power pursued an active role with communities as they planned for future growth and planned infrastructure to support that growth.
As new residents flocked northeast to Brighton and its surrounding communities and north along the I-25 corridor, the cooperative outgrew the “typical” rural electric mold. The difference gave United Power new financial clout, allowing it to become the responsive utility the members and communities it served needed.
United Power constantly surveys technical innovations that can help better provide electric service that’s safe, reliable and cost-effective. The ongoing evolution of technology has created a cooperative that looks far different today than it did just a few years ago, and United Power has adopted a strategy placing it at the forefront of innovation among cooperatives across the country.
United Power has taken proactive steps to keep power flowing while providing members with the tools necessary to monitor and control their usage. Improvements to the cooperative’s infrastructure monitoring system, Supervisory Control and Data System (SCADA), provide more information related to outages and potential problems. The newly installed Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) allows members to view detailed information related to their usage trends and history through the Power Portal.
Over the past few years, United Power has also installed innovative renewable programs as the technology has become easier and cheaper to obtain and install. From powering the country’s first community solar field to the state’s largest battery storage facility, the promise of a more efficient and economical future sits on the back of the innovations in technology that have helped to move the cooperative forward.
Over the past 80 years, United Power has grown from a small rural electric cooperative serving just over 100 members to a progressive urban cooperative with more than 90,000 meters. It has overcome a competitive buyout bid from the state’s largest investor-owned electric utility, and set the bar for other cooperatives to follow as it adopts new and innovative technology. United Power is proud to celebrate 80 years of serving its members and providing safe and reliable power.
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Colorado Electric Cooperatives Ask State for Greater Local Control
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Friday | January 3, 2020
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United Power and La Plata Electric push for lower rates and cleaner energy for customers
Colorado electric cooperatives United Power and La Plata Electric Association are weighing all options to change their existing energy procurement contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (“Tri-State”). In dual November filings with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”), both cooperatives asked the state’s regulating body to exercise its authority to provide a just exit charge from its existing contract with Tri-State. Currently, both entities are required to purchase a minimum of 95% of their power from Tri-State under existing contracts that run through 2050. In addition, a recent S&P report downgraded Tri-State’s credit rating, with one of the reasons being that its Members’ retail energy rates were at least 20% higher than the statewide average.
“As the largest member in the Tri-State cooperative, we have a responsibility to our 92,000 residential and commercial customers to provide them with the cleanest and most affordable energy possible,” said John Parker, Chief Executive Officer of United Power. “Our current contract with Tri-State forces us to purchase some of the dirtiest energy in Colorado, while our customers pay 20% more than what is the state average. We’ve spent 18 months trying to change this contract, and all that we have gotten from Tri-State is delays, evasions and excuses. On behalf of our customers, we will no longer accept this.”
Tri-State relies heavily upon fossil fuels to provide power to its 43 cooperative members across four states, with 56% of its energy generation coming from coal, which is a significantly higher reliance on coal than other energy providers in Colorado. With the passage of HB19-1261, energy companies in Colorado must start work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Tri-State is not well-positioned to meet these new standards. As renewable energy production continues to drive down the price of energy, Tri-State’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is also hitting its members in the pocketbooks as well as putting the cooperatives at risk of not meeting the new clean energy standards.
“Our community should have a choice,” said Jessica Matlock, Chief Executive Officer of La Plata Electric Association. “We want to be a part of the clean energy future and can achieve this through working in our backyard, with our community. We can bring jobs and economic growth to Colorado, while also supplying carbon-free energy to the region. We are disappointed that Tri-State is not partnering with us to achieve this clean energy future together. We want input into the process and choice when it comes to a cost-effective and clean energy future, not a one size fits all approach developed without input of the affected member cooperatives.”
In response to United Power’s and La Plata Energy’s filings with the CPUC, Tri-State recently filed a motion to dismiss their complaints because they do not believe that the CPUC has jurisdiction over these matters. Instead, Tri-State claims that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has jurisdiction over their rates, even though their initial application was rejected in October for being deficient and incomplete.
“Tri-State is going up against a much larger tide that they spent years refusing to confront,” said Parker. “Tri-State’s lack of urgency in addressing these matters is aimed solely at self-preservation rather than what is best for our customers.”
The CPUC has set a date of January 10th to receive testimony on the matter and is expected to make a decision by early April.
About United Power
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to more than 92,000 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.
About La Plata Electric Association
La Plata Electric Association, Inc. (LPEA) is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta, with segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties. There are 22 cooperatives in Colorado, LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative in the state, providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to approximately 34,000 members.
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Coming Soon – Another Location to Serve Our Members Better
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Monday | June 12, 2017
Card Teaser
As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members.
As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members. Finding ways to better serve our members is a priority at every employee level – and a goal we as a cooperative continue to strive for. Late last year, a group of employees participating in a leadership program were challenged with finding the best way to better serve our members. Their solution – the addition of another facility located in the west side of our territory.
In the May United Newsline, we announced the purchase of the 130,000 square foot facility located east of I-25, just south of Highway 119. Expanding the cooperative’s footprint in our territory bubbled up from the ideas of those particular employees – who spent hours upon hours researching, discussing and working together to produce a detailed plan for the possibility of another facility. The employee team focused on the benefits of increased visibility, better member access, community outreach, shorter response time during outages and the need for more space that a building on the west side of our territory would provide.
Visibility
It’s no secret Colorado’s population is on the rise – and United Power is located in the apex of that growth. Located near I-25 and other major highways including Highway 52 and Highway 119, the new facility will provide additional presence needed in an area that is experiencing major growth. A centralized presence in our plains territory will be critical in meeting the needs and demands of our members located in one of the fastest growing areas of Colorado.
Member Access
As our territory grows in population, access to our offices is even more essential. Providing an additional office location in the west side of our territory will create better convenience for members living in that area.
Community Outreach
Connecting with our communities we serve is a priority at United Power and one of the Seven Cooperative Principles. By growing our presence with an additional facility, we’re able to expand our outreach efforts more than ever. As the communities in our territory continue to grow, United Power will continue to be a partner and provide support for our members.
Shorter Response Time
A facility in the midst of a high growth area allows United Power to safely and more efficiently respond to outages, line extension and maintenance activities. By responding from the new facility, crews will avoid 27 stoplights they normally would be faced with if responding from our Brighton headquarters. The location provides our crews with easy access to major highways: I-25, Highway 7, Highway 119, Highway 52 and Highway 66. The quicker we can respond, the quicker the lights turn on.
More Company Space
Built in 2006, the Brighton headquarters was designed for 10 years of future employee growth. Since 2006, United Power has added approximately 2.5 employees per year to keep up with the demands of our growing cooperative. As the number of employees increases, it becomes harder to find space to house them. By expanding to another facility, employees will have their needs met and space freed up at our Brighton headquarters location can be used for more training and storage. United Power’s corporate headquarters will remain in Brighton. Since taking possession of the new facility on April 25th United Power is now beginning the process of designing the interior of the building, which will also incorporate input from employees. We are also in the process of acquiring an adjacent plot of undeveloped land, which would allow for additional on-site material storage and expanded parking.
Capital Dollars Help Fund Purchase
Proceeds from substation transfers from United Power to Tri-State Generation and Transmission, our wholesale electricity provider, helped fund a large portion of the $8.76 million purchase of the new facility. United Power sold equipment on these substations of 115 kV or higher to TriState. The capital dollars made from the sales were redistributed to acquire the new facility. This reinvestment of capital will serve all members for years to come.
Coming Soon: A New Look to Your Bill
Monday | October 1, 2018
In the coming months, you’ll receive a newly designed billing statement that has been streamlined and re-organized so you can find the information you need as quickly and easily as possible.
Read more >
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Commitment to the Virtual Community
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Tuesday | November 24, 2020
Card Teaser
Reaching members via virtual format isn't a new concept, but until this year it has never been the preferred method for encouraging community participation. The cooperative often supported communities as they navigated this transition.
United Power was forced to shift gears while planning its annual meeting in March as heightened concerns over the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds and many other local businesses. While many maintained hopeful expectations that the pandemic would begin to play itself out as summer weather faded, a third wave has instead continued the halt to in-person community activities and organizational fundraisers.
Reaching members via virtual format is hardly a new concept, but until this year it has never been the preferred method for encouraging community members to participate with one another. For United Power, that meant turning around months of planning to offer members a virtual annual meeting that still drew their interest and encouraged participation. The cooperative wasn’t alone in navigating this journey, and often supported others holding similar events.
Joining the Virtual Classroom
United Power electrical engineer Tyler Bain joined a Brighton High School engineering class in September via Zoom live from one of the cooperative’s substations to talk about where electricity comes from, how it is generated and what kind of schooling it takes to become an electrical engineer. He also discussed renewable energy with the students.
Decorating Virtual Ducks
United Power has long participated in and supported the annual Duck Derby hosted by the Rotary Club of Northglenn-Thornton. The duck race helps raise money for the Rotary Club to support scholarships, food banks and other local projects. This year, due to COVID-19, the club hosted its first virtual Duck Derby with an online “Best Dressed Duck” contest, which United Power entered, of course. Although our authentic, one-of-a-kind cow duck did not win, we are still proud to be a supporter of all the work the Rotary Club does.
Scarecrows in Fort Lupton
Thinking creatively for ways to entertain and engage businesses and residents this Halloween season while maintaining safe social distancing, the City of Fort Lupton and Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce sponsored a unique scarecrow contest throughout the community. United Power introduced the first-ever lineman made of hay into the contest. Early thoughts on the new lineman include the suggestion that he stay clear of energized line.
Assisting the Career Path
Each year, the Adams County Education Consortium hosts its career expo for middle school students. This year’s virtual event will feature 2-hour sessions over the course of two days in late November where students can learn more about potential career paths. United Power will both sponsor and participate in the annual event in its new first-ever virtual event.
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Congratulations to Fair Giveaway Winners
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Friday | July 29, 2022
Card Teaser
Thank you to everyone who entered this year. We hope to see you all at the fair.
CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of United Power's 2022 Adams County Fair Ticket Package Giveaway!
Lauren Cordova, Commerce City
Terry Hall, Hudson
Tammy Archuleta, Henderson
Erik Swanson, Thornton
Thank you to everyone who entered this year. We hope to see you all at the fair.
#FaireverFun #UnitedPowerPride
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Connect with Your Co-op at our 2018 Annual Meeting
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Tuesday | February 27, 2018
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It’s time for United Power’s Annual Meeting, and all members are invited to attend.
Ballots will not be mailed to members this year; in-person ballots will be cast at the annual meeting on April 18, 2018
It’s time for United Power’s Annual Meeting, and all members are invited to attend. As a member, you aren’t just a customer receiving electricity from a utility, you’re an owner of a not-for-profit organization – and you have a say in the operation. During the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 you can connect with your cooperative, enjoy the company of your fellow cooperative members and have the chance to win one of several door prizes. The 2018 Annual Meeting will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds/Regional Park located at 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601.
The Director Election will be conducted differently this year.
Only the four incumbent directors whose seats were up for election this year have submitted petitions indicating their interest in retaining their positions for another term. Due to the lack of challengers for these positions, the United Power Board made a decision to cancel the distribution of mail ballots, and will instead hold balloting among those members in attendance at the annual meeting. This simplified process will result in a substantial cost savings for the membership. Profiles of the 2018 candidates are included in the March issue of the United Newsline, and we will also be holding four “Meet the Candidates” forums in March.
Member registration will be open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and those who register for the meeting will be issued a ballot and be able to cast their votes for the Director election. After members have cast their ballot, they can enjoy a barbecue dinner with us, visit the educational exhibit booths and be entertained by musician Dave Connelly.
The official business meeting of the members will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include reports from the President of the Board and the Board Treasurer, and a cooperative update from Chief Executive Officer John Parker. Election results will be announced prior to adjournment and door prize drawings will conclude the meeting. To learn more about the Annual Meeting, or the candidates running for a seat on the cooperative’s board of directors, keep reading this issue, or visit www.unitedpower.com.
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Connect with Your Cooperative Virtually at this Year’s Annual Meeting
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Monday | March 8, 2021
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This year, we are moving forward with the second consecutive virtual format that will allow members to follow along by telephone or via livestream on the cooperative’s website from the comfort of their own homes.
Annual MeetingRegister for the MeetingCandidate Statements
With the pandemic lingering into this year, United Power is gearing up for its 2021 Annual Meeting & Director Election a little differently. The cooperative had planned to hold its previous Annual Meeting in-person before COVID. The pandemic forced the cooperative to consider alternate options for members. The result was the first-ever virtual meeting. This year, we are moving forward with the second consecutive virtual format that will allow members to follow along by telephone or via livestream on the cooperative’s website from the comfort of their own homes.
All members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting to hear from United Power leadership about the exciting ways the cooperative has continued to serve members through tumultuous times over the previous year. From the cooperative’s proactive response to the pandemic to its dedicated efforts to pursue competitive rates for members, our leadership has much to share. Members who attend will have the opportunity to win one of several door prizes, announced the following day.
In addition to the Annual Meeting, members have the unique opportunity to have a say in the future of their electric cooperative by voting in the director election. Each year, your votes determine who represents members on United Power’s Board of Directors. Your participation in the election is critical to helping the cooperative better serve you.
Seven candidates will be running for election to the Board of Directors. This year, one seat in each director district is up for election. The director candidates are Steve Douglas and Tim Erickson in the East District; Stephen Whiteside in the Mountain District; Brad Case and Ken Kreutzer in the South District; and Vicki Hutchinson and Brian McCormick in the West District. (Candidate statements can be found here.)
The cooperative mails out director ballots – including candidate statements – in late March and encourages all members to vote and mail in their ballots prior to the deadline. This year there will be no ballot drop boxes and no in-person balloting. Please return your ballots in the postage-paid envelope before the April 14 deadline. Although directors live in specific geographic districts, they represent all members and are therefore elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members should cast a vote for a director in each district and not just their own.
Attending the Meeting
Member registration for the Annual Meeting is now open on the cooperative’s website. Members who register will receive a phone call from the cooperative on Wednesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Election results will be announced prior to adjournment. To learn more about the Annual Meeting, read about candidates running for a seat on the board, or to register, visit the Annual Meeting page.
Connected for 80 Years
Friday | April 26, 2019
As we reflect on our own 80-year history as a rural cooperative, walk with us through the history of the region, and some of the highlights of the communities we’re connected to. Our history is a story about you— the members and communities that make up this cooperative.
Read more >
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Consider a Medical Device Backup Plan
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Friday | March 20, 2020
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United Power members who rely on medical devices in their homes may be more greatly impacted by extended outages, like the ones we experienced on Thursday.
United Power members who rely on medical devices in their homes may be more greatly impacted by extended outages, like the ones we experienced on Thursday due to dense snow and high winds. Although we make every effort to quickly and safely restore power, we cannot provide a specific time frame for when your power will be restored. The cooperative encourages members who require electricity to power their medical devices to develop a comprehensive backup plan in the event an outage extends beyond their battery’s supply limits.
As your cooperative, we make every effort to provide reliable power. Our line crews have performed system improvements that have resulted in increased reliability rates year over year. However, there are numerous reasons your home could be impacted by a prolonged power outage, and we want to remind you to consider how to care for yourself or a loved one in such an event.
We encourage members who are dependent on electrically powered medical devices in their homes to consider their needs before an outage occurs. Registering with United Power places a “medical alert flag” on your account, allowing us to contact you in the event of an outage. This alert flag, however, does not guarantee we will be able to restore your power as quickly as you might need. Something to consider is an alternative source of energy, such as extra batteries or a backup generator. You should also contact your medical provider to determine other supplies you should keep on hand for emergencies, such as supplemental oxygen.
United Power recommends having an evacuation plan for worst case scenarios during significant weather events. Depending on your battery backup’s supply limits, having a plan in place to move to an alternate location is encouraged.
You can also help United Power by immediately reporting an outage or other electrical emergency. Don’t assume we are aware of your outage. To report an outage, log into your online account at www.unitedpower.com/smarthub or by calling our outage reporting line at 303-637-1350.
More information related to medically necessary devices can be found online at our Medical Devices page.
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Continued Growth and Innovation
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Friday | March 1, 2019
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This is the final piece in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
In the years leading up to its 75th anniversary in 2013, United Power experienced unprecedented growth for an electric cooperative, more than doubling in size. The way the cooperative serves its members has changed with the development and advancement of technology available to both provide power for and communicate with its members. This is the final piece in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
Following the addition of Brighton to the United Power family in 1993, the cooperative entered into a period of unprecedented growth. Since adding Brighton, United Power has grown more than five times in size, remaining one of the fastest growing cooperatives in the country over the past 25 years.
Much of United Power’s growth could be attributed to Denver’s continued northeast expansion. In the 1990s, construction on Denver International Airport was completed adjacent to the cooperative’s service territory and E-470 was extended into its southern quadrant. This provided greater access to the area, which offered affordable housing options and the opportunity to grow with the communities, mimicking the growth of Northglenn and Thornton years earlier.
Knowing it would serve new electrical loads from homes and businesses moving into the area, United Power pursued an active role with communities as they planned for future growth and planned infrastructure to support that growth.
As new residents flocked northeast to Brighton and its surrounding communities and north along the I-25 corridor, the cooperative outgrew the “typical” rural electric mold. The difference gave United Power new financial clout, allowing it to become the responsive utility the members and communities it served needed.
United Power constantly surveys technical innovations that can help better provide electric service that’s safe, reliable and cost-effective. The ongoing evolution of technology has created a cooperative that looks far different today than it did just a few years ago, and United Power has adopted a strategy placing it at the forefront of innovation among cooperatives across the country.
United Power has taken proactive steps to keep power flowing while providing members with the tools necessary to monitor and control their usage. Improvements to the cooperative’s infrastructure monitoring system, Supervisory Control and Data System (SCADA), provide more information related to outages and potential problems. The newly installed Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) allows members to view detailed information related to their usage trends and history through the Power Portal.
Over the past few years, United Power has also installed innovative renewable programs as the technology has become easier and cheaper to obtain and install. From powering the country’s first community solar field to the state’s largest battery storage facility, the promise of a more efficient and economical future sits on the back of the innovations in technology that have helped to move the cooperative forward.
Over the past 80 years, United Power has grown from a small rural electric cooperative serving just over 100 members to a progressive urban cooperative with more than 90,000 meters. It has overcome a competitive buyout bid from the state’s largest investor-owned electric utility, and set the bar for other cooperatives to follow as it adopts new and innovative technology. United Power is proud to celebrate 80 years of serving its members and providing safe and reliable power.
