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June Derecho Strikes Cooperative
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Thursday | July 16, 2020
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Derechos are fast-moving bands of thunderstorms featuring hurricane- or even tornado-like winds. June’s storm was Colorado’s first derecho and also one of the strongest on record.
Despite Colorado’s proclivity for spring storms, an unusually calm season may have caught many members off guard. In early June, a stretch of severe storms and strong winds blew through Colorado, leaving thousands without power. When large storm systems come through the state, United Power usually has enough forewarning to prepare its crews. With June’s windstorm, known as a “derecho,” the cooperative had little to no advanced notice.
Derechos are fast-moving bands of thunderstorms featuring hurricane- or even tornado-like winds. A storm system qualifies as a derecho when it sustains wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour over a path measuring 250 miles or more. June’s derecho was Colorado’s first and also one of the strongest on record. Before dispersing over South Dakota, the storm had left a 600-mile stretch of damage. Wind gusts, reaching 78 miles per hour at Denver International Airport and 110 in the mountains, were the strongest for a day since 2004.
Derechos cover a lot of ground over a relatively small period of time due to their rapid movement. The result is a storm that hits hard, leaves behind significant damage and is over quickly.
“It was clear a storm was moving in, and we were prepared for that,” said Ken Christensen, United Power foreman. “Then the storm was on us one minute and gone the next. It was over as quickly as it happened. It was difficult to imagine it doing that much damage.”
The earliest storm-related outages were triggered near Thornton when high winds blew a light pole into a stretch of line powering several homes in the area. As the storm moved through the territory, it found weak tree limbs and other unsecured – or weakly secured – objects to blow into power lines. The most extensive damage occurred east of the Platte River. North of Fort Lupton, a sheet metal shed took out power to a large industrial site and several homes. In Brighton, a trampoline was tossed into lines nearly 50 feet above the ground and strong winds toppled a beloved evergreen near Historic City Hall, traditionally decorated to celebrate Christmas.
“With all the downed tree limbs, it can take us longer to diagnose the cause of an outage because we have to cut our way in to find it,” said Jason Roberts, journeyman lineman. “Then, after that, we have to actually make the repairs to restore power.”
Extensive damage was particularly problematic in Brighton, where several members were without power for an extended period of time. Linemen from the Carbon Valley and Coal Creek offices were dispatched to the eastern territory to assist with restoring power to more than 10,000 members who had lost power during the storm and in its aftermath.
“Thunderstorms and windstorms aren’t uncommon for this time of year,” said Mike Robinson, a safety specialist at United Power and former lineman. “But as far as windstorms go, this was the worst we’ve seen in several years.”
While storms and strong winds temporarily impeded progress throughout the weekend and into Monday, linemen were able to complete most repairs and restore remaining members early Monday.
More than 40 linemen from United Power and its contractor, Ward Electric, responded to outages following the storm and throughout the weekend to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. During the restoration process, more storm-related damage was found. Nearly 40 poles were snapped either by wind or objects the wind had picked up and tossed into poles and line. Many linemen worked extended hours throughout the night.
“I’m sure we got lots of calls from members wanting to know when their power was going to be turned back on,” said Roberts. “But we also encountered several members who wanted to help, either by bringing us food and water or coming out with saws and axes to help us clear debris. We appreciate their patience and assistance.”
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Late Fall Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Wednesday | October 26, 2022
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
It has been an eventful and exciting late summer and early fall. United Power was able to mitigate the financial impact of record peaks with the help of demand response and load control tools, such as our Smart Rewards thermostat program and our managed electric vehicle charging program, United EV.
At a time of the year when weather can create challenging situations for electric grids, our system held up well. The investments we made in our distribution network on our members’ behalf, combined with our active wildfire mitigation programs, resulted in few operating issues. We run one of the best networks in Colorado – and probably the country – thanks to the great staff and alignment with Our Cooperative Roadmap (Roadmap), which emphasizes a continual optimization of our distribution system.
Another key pillar in our Roadmap is providing flexible, affordable, and sustainable power. United Power is one step closer to obtaining lower cost, cleaner power for our members thanks to a recent ruling from an administrative law judge at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the cooperative’s exit fee from our current wholesale power supply contract. While this is just part of the process, it is a major step in the right direction.
Our decision to depart from our current supplier is based in economics. United Power members pay over market price for their power and transmission while living with a choke collar that caps our ability to generate local power at 5%. We are penalized for being more efficient and deploying innovative energy solutions, like battery storage. We are even prevented from adding resources within our footprint, meaning our communities do not receive the financial benefit of companies wanting to invest in renewables close to home.
It is important to remember the decision to seek FERC oversight was our power supplier’s alone. United Power did not support the decision for a number of critical reasons, chief among them the loss of local control to set rates, combine cooperative needs, and jointly manage costs.
In contrast, one of the greatest strengths we have as a cooperative is local control through your elected Board of Directors. This ties to another critical pillar in our Roadmap – empowering and engaging our members and communities. Your Board members come from your towns and understand the values and concerns of each community’s residents. They provide direct oversight of the cooperative and hold the power to establish rates, but they ultimately answer to members as representatives of their communities.
I have recently been honored to present on the topic of changes within the electric industry at local chambers of commerce and regional energy conferences. I would be pleased to address any similar organizations about the future of the industry and anticipated changes to it. If you are involved in a local organization wishing to hear about our initiatives, just send an email and someone will reach out to set up a presentation.
Finally, October was Cybersecurity Awareness Month. United Power remains vigilant to threats our system faces as we strive to achieve and maintain business agility and resiliency through information and operational technology, which is our fourth and final Roadmap pillar. We cannot let our guard down, given there are those who wish to do harm to the electric grid.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me with your questions and concerns. It is an honor and privilege to serve you and the great staff at United Power.
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Late Summer Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Thursday | July 7, 2022
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Incumbency in business has a rich history of companies that failed to plan for the future, even as the facts before them told a different story. It is why planning at United Power resulted in Our Cooperative Roadmap, preparing to continue to support our members with a reliable, resilient, and affordable distribution system.
Most of us can remember a time when almost every community had a Blockbuster video store. At its height, there were 9,000 brick and mortar Blockbuster stores. Then, along came Netflix, with a by-mail rental model. Seeing the future of an increasing digital society, Netflix shifted its strategy to online entertainment and moved a step further by creating its own content. Blockbuster’s response to the evolving Netflix model was to eliminate late fees on its DVD and VCR tape rentals. One company thrived and the other is no longer in business.
In the electric utility world, a similar transition is taking place with more of our members adding solar rooftops (nearly 9,000 thus far), home battery storage (110), electric vehicles (5,200), and dozens of other technologies from Alexa to smart thermostats. More than 700 members have added net metering to date in 2022. This is why United Power embraces technologies and is evolving to become a Distribution System Operator (DSO), which will help facilitate the revolution happening across our member base. Becoming a DSO will allow us to work with our members in controlling power and costs. It is why our team of energy experts is available to answer questions in an unbiased and neutral manner, and it is why we continue developing programs that help you manage your energy costs.
I recently had the opportunity to visit with several of our largest members to listen and understand the critical changes they are facing; how their corporate goals now involve environment, social, and governance requirements; and the criticality of reliable power to keep their businesses operating. Their goals align perfectly with those of United Power as we are “Transforming the Future.”
A big part of acting on the changes in the business is our decision to find a new power supply – one that is more cost effective, less carbon intensive, and keeps dollars in our communities. We held our Power Supply Forum on June 7 where we engaged our members in a conversation about the change which will take effect May 1, 2024. Also, as of June 1, we officially became a member of the Southwest Power Pool, which provides energy market services in Colorado and will allow us to eventually use the collective power as a DSO to better manage the cost of power.
In today’s economic environment we are all concerned with the rising cost of everything. As your cooperative, United Power will continue to find ways to lower costs while meeting member needs. We are there for you in offering energy efficiency audits, recommendations on weatherization, advice on adding solar or storage, as well as piloting programs for in-home electric vehicle charging and battery storage. Please contact us for any of your home or business needs. At United Power, we are working hard to be prepared for the changing demands of our members.
We have a great tradition of excellence, and I want every member to feel empowered to reach out to me and the United Power staff at any time. I welcome the opportunity to meet you where you are; do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Have a safe and healthy summer.
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Lawsuit Alleges Tri-State G&T Conspired to Mislead Cooperatives
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Monday | May 4, 2020
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United Power lawsuit outlines impact of the fraudulent actions of its power supplier.
Lawsuit Alleges Tri-State Generation and Transmission Conspired to Mislead Cooperative Members
United Power Lawsuit Outlines Impact of Fraudulent Actions of Power Supplier
Brighton, CO – United Power today filed a lawsuit in Adams County District Court alleging that their power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission recruited three non-utility entities as part of a conspiracy to defraud United Power and try to hold it (and possibly other cooperative members) captive in expensive and restrictive power contracts. Court documents outline how the years-long scheme intentionally misled members and ultimately caused financial harm to United Power and the almost 95,000 meters it serves. Named along with Tri-State in the lawsuit are three non-utility entities – MIECO, Inc., Olson’s Greenhouses of Colorado, LLC, and Ellgen Ranch Company - whom Tri-State convinced to orchestrate the scheme designed to prevent the Colorado PUC from deciding a fair exit charge for United Power.
“We have only recently been made aware of these unacceptable transgressions at Tri-State. On behalf of the board and staff of United Power, I can only say that I am dismayed and disappointed by the actions of Tri-State’s staff and these non-utility entities who worked together to intentionally mislead United Power and any other members who were acting in good faith during this time,” stated Bryant Robbins, Acting CEO. “We have been transparent and ethical in our dealings, and we think it’s important that Tri-State and these other entities answer for their unethical behavior.”
Documents filed in District Court outline the years-long scheme to fraudulently direct the actions of United Power and other members to accept certain bylaw changes with the hidden agenda of allowing the admission of the three non-utility entities, in direct conflict with both State law and Tri-State’s own bylaws. United Power supported these bylaw changes with the belief that such changes would allow it to pursue a more flexible power supply arrangement with Tri-State. However, Tri-State suspended the use of the newly created class of membership immediately after utilizing the amended bylaw to allow these non-utility entities to join the membership under false pretenses. The suit contends that Tri-State directed the scheme that used the non-utility entities in an effort to secure FERC oversight and effectively eliminate the ability of the Colorado PUC to resolve matters such as exit fees and other potential disputes.
“United Power worked within the framework of the cooperative business model, intent on securing a solution that would support our sister cooperatives and provide some financial relief for our members while allowing us to stay within the Tri-State family,” stated Robbins. “Unfortunately, Tri-State was working behind the scenes with ulterior motives taking measures that would essentially handcuff United Power to the current restrictive contract.”
Two cooperatives have already left or are in the process of leaving the Westminster-based generation cooperative – New Mexico-based Kit Carson in 2016 and Delta-Montrose Electric Association pending final approval to leave in 2020 – both cited similar concerns with power supply flexibility and pricing in their exits. United Power had been working to secure a fair and just exit charge from Tri-State, but ultimately filed a case with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission when they were unable to make progress in negotiations with Tri-State. Since that time, Tri-State has continued to resist negotiations, all the while working behind the scenes to defraud the membership through a secret initiative intended to eventually prevent United Power from exiting Tri-State.
“We strongly believe the evidence supports why it has become very difficult to trust the intentions of our power supplier,” stated Robbins. “In filing this case, we hope that Tri-State and the three non-utility entities will have to answer for their ongoing deception.”
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to nearly 95,000 meters at homes, business, 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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Leadership Testifies in Support of Regional Transmission Legislation
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Thursday | May 6, 2021
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The West is on the precipice of great change in electric generation and transmission.
United Power President and CEO Mark A. Gabriel testified before the House Energy and Environment Committee in favor of Senate Bill 21-072 requiring all utilities to join organized wholesale markets.
“The West is on the precipice of great change in electric generation and transmission,” Gabriel said, “And the movement to cleaner sources of generation will require a full market.” He told the committee that while the move to energy imbalance services such as those provided by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) in its Western Energy Imbalance Service (WEIS) and California Independent System Operator’s Energy Imbalance Service (EIM) is a good start, neither provides the benefit of a true regional transmission organization with day-ahead markets.
“Markets provide two functions, acting as the air traffic controller and facilitating financial transactions,” Gabriel explained. “They function best when crossing time and weather zones.”
Named to lead United Power in March, Gabriel was the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Area Power Administration. He moved WAPA into the full market in SPP for states in the Upper Great Plains in 2015 that resulted in a $145 million savings for its utility customers. In February, WAPA moved its Rocky Mountain Region and Colorado River Storage Project Regions into the SPP WEIS imbalance Service and in March the Sierra Nevada Region into the CALISO EIM.
“Flexibility in generation supply is best supported by fully operational markets,” he said. In addition, Gabriel pointed out that the Bill’s timeframe of 2030 may be overtaken by events.
The United Power Board of Directors voted to support SB21-072 when it was introduced earlier this year by primary sponsor Senator Chris Hansen. SB-72 is a lengthy, complex bill which creates statutory language to require investor-owned utilities to join a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) by 2030, expedites electric transmission line approval processes at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and creates the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) to assist in financing construction or purchase of transmission projects.
After passing through two committee hearings and floor votes in the Senate, SB 21-072 passed in the House Energy and Environment Committee on a 11-2 vote. Audio of Mark A. Gabriel’s testimony can be found here. Mr. Gabriel speaks at 4:57 pm.
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Leading the Way in Renewable Power
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Monday | October 1, 2018
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From energizing Colorado’s first community solar field to implementing an innovative methane recapture project, United Power has been at the forefront of providing renewable energy options to our members.
From energizing Colorado’s first community solar field to implementing an innovative methane recapture project, United Power has been at the forefront of providing renewable energy options to our members. Today, our renewable generation projects produce enough energy to power more than 14,000 homes annually.
Thanks to the continued development of our renewable programs and support from our dedicated members, the cooperative has become a statewide and national leader in renewable integration. In a recent survey, United Power ranked among the top utilities in solar accumulation in the country.
Each year, the Smart Electric Power Association (SEPA) surveys data gathered from more than 440 utilities around the country and releases a report showing how they stack up against each other. The data provides a snapshot of how cooperatives like United Power compare to each other, as well as larger investor-owned utilities.
With four energized utility scale solar farms and nearly 3,000 rooftop systems active in our territory, United Power ranked 44th in solar capacity and 48th in accumulated solar energy against all utilities across the country in 2017. Only Xcel Energy (Public Service Co.) edged out the cooperative in the state.
Among cooperatives nationwide, United Power fared even better. In 2017, we ranked 2nd in connected solar and finished the year 5th in cumulative solar installations.
Over the years, we’ve continued to grow and develop our renewable programs, leading the way among all 43 cooperatives in Tri-State Generation & Transmission’s four-state region. United Power recognizes the future of electrical generation will be an “all of the above” strategy of investing in a variety of generation sources, and responding to the wants and needs of our membership.
Earlier this year, the cooperative announced plans to purchase two Tesla Battery Storage Systems in partnership with SoCore Energy, which will help us lower wholesale demand costs and potentially bring more renewable generation onto the system.
LEGAL NOTICE: Annual Meeting of Members
Tuesday | March 18, 2025
The Annual Meeting of Members of United Power will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Waymire Dome at the Riverdale Regional Park.
Read more >
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LEGAL NOTICE: Change in the Rates, Rules, & Regulations Tariffs
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Friday | April 26, 2024
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The Board of Directors has proposed the following changes to United Power's rate tariffs.
NOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE RATES AND TARIFFS OF UNITED POWER, INC.
DATE OF NOTICE: April 26, 2024
You are hereby notified that UNITED POWER, INC. (United Power) proposes to make changes to several of its rate tariff schedules to become effective for energy usage on or after June 1, 2024. An increase is necessary for all rate classes to fund the exit from United Power’s Wholesale Supplier. There will be a 5.7% increase to the Large Commercial Coincidental Peak Primary Demand (CPP1) and a 6.1% increase to the Large Commercial Coincidental Peak Secondary Demand (CPS1). There will be an 8.6% increase to the Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD1), a 9.2% increase to the Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD3), and a 9.6% increase to Industrial Service Substation/Transmission Service (ITD4) rates. The Residential Time of Use (RTD1), Residential Smart Choice (RD1), Residential TOU Demand Service (RDP1), Large Commercial Secondary Demand Service (ISD1), and Large Industrial Primary Demand Service (IPD1) rates will have a 9.7% increase. The increase to the Residential (R1), Small Commercial (C1), and Small Commercial Time of Use (CTD1) rates will be 9.8%. The Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD2) rate will have an increase of 9.9%. The increase to the Irrigation (IRR2) rate will be 10%. The Shared Lighting Service rate will have an increase of 11.3% and the Non-Metered Lighting Service rate will have an increase of 11.5%. The Small Industrial Primary Service (SIP1) rate increase will be 14%. The Renewable Resource Green Power Optional Rider Tariff, Sheet 9.3, will reflect updated program requirements and rates, effective Aug. 1, 2024, for a new, 100% Offset option on a per kWh basis and 100-kWh blocks.
In addition to rate tariff changes, there are minor modifications to update and reflect current business practices in the Rules and Regulations. These updates are to become effective on or after June 1, 2024. The identified areas needing revisions or updating include: (1) Service Connection and Line Extension Fee Schedule and (2) Current Business Practices for estimated billings.
The present and proposed tariff provisions are available for examination at the Coal Creek branch office, located at 5 Gross Dam Road, Golden, CO; the headquarters office located at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, CO; and the Carbon Valley Service Center office at 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, CO.
Anyone who desires to comment about the proposed changes shall file either an informal complaint or a formal complaint with United Power at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, CO 80603 at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.
An informal complaint shall be in writing and shall contain such facts and other information to adequately state the reason(s) for the complaint. An informal complaint regarding the proposed tariff changes shall be considered by United Power, but will not require that a hearing be held.
Anyone who desires a hearing must file a specific and formal complaint to the proposed changes and a request for hearing at least 10 days before the proposed effective date. A formal complaint shall be in writing in the form prescribed by United Power’s Regulations Governing Consumer Complaints and Related Matters. Upon request, a copy of said regulations is available from United Power.
United Power may hold a hearing to determine what changes will be authorized, regardless of complaints. If proper formal complaints and request for hearings are timely filed, the United Power Board of Directors shall schedule a hearing. The changes ultimately authorized may or may not be the same as those proposed and may include changes different than those tariffs proposed or currently in effect. Anyone who desires to receive notice of hearings, if any, shall make a written request therefor to United Power, at the above address, at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.
UNITED POWER, INC.
By: Mark A. Gabriel, President and Chief Executive Officer
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LEGAL NOTICE: New Rate Tariff for EV Charges to Become Effective Jan. 1, 2023
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Monday | November 14, 2022
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The rate structure includes a Charging-as-a-Service monthly rate, company owned charging station rates for DC fast charging and for level 2 charging.
NOTICENOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE TARIFFS OF UNITED POWER, INC.
Date of Notice: November 15, 2022
You are hereby notified that UNITED POWER, INC. (United Power) proposes to introduce a new rate tariff schedule for Electric Vehicle Charges to become effective on or after January 1, 2023. The rate structure includes a Charging-as-a-Service monthly rate, company owned charging station rates for DC fast charging and for level 2 charging.
The present and proposed tariff provisions are available for examination at the headquarters office located at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton Colorado; the Coal Creek Branch Office, located at 5 Gross Dam Road, Golden, Colorado; and the Carbon Valley Branch office at 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, Colorado.
Anyone who desires to comment about the proposed changes shall file either an informal complaint or a formal complaint with United at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, Colorado 80603 at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.
An informal complaint shall be in writing and shall contain such facts and other information to adequately state the reason(s) for the complaint. An informal complaint shall be considered by United Power, in regard to the proposed tariff changes, but will not require that a hearing be held.
Anyone who desires a hearing must file a specific and formal complaint to the proposed changes and a request for hearing at least 10 days before the proposed effective date. A formal complaint shall be in writing in the form prescribed by United Power’s Regulations Governing Consumer Complaints and Related Matters. Upon request, a copy of said regulations is available from United Power.
United Power may hold a hearing to determine what changes will be authorized, regardless of complaints. If proper formal complaints and request for hearings are timely filed, the Board shall schedule a hearing. The changes ultimately authorized may or may not be the same as those proposed and may include changes different than those tariffs proposed or currently in effect. Anyone who desires to receive notice of hearings, if any, shall make a written request therefor to United Power, at the above address at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.
UNITED POWER, INC
By: Mark A. Gabriel, Chief Executive Officer
9.4 Electric Vehicle Charges
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June Derecho Strikes Cooperative
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Thursday | July 16, 2020
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Derechos are fast-moving bands of thunderstorms featuring hurricane- or even tornado-like winds. June’s storm was Colorado’s first derecho and also one of the strongest on record.
Despite Colorado’s proclivity for spring storms, an unusually calm season may have caught many members off guard. In early June, a stretch of severe storms and strong winds blew through Colorado, leaving thousands without power. When large storm systems come through the state, United Power usually has enough forewarning to prepare its crews. With June’s windstorm, known as a “derecho,” the cooperative had little to no advanced notice.
Derechos are fast-moving bands of thunderstorms featuring hurricane- or even tornado-like winds. A storm system qualifies as a derecho when it sustains wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour over a path measuring 250 miles or more. June’s derecho was Colorado’s first and also one of the strongest on record. Before dispersing over South Dakota, the storm had left a 600-mile stretch of damage. Wind gusts, reaching 78 miles per hour at Denver International Airport and 110 in the mountains, were the strongest for a day since 2004.
Derechos cover a lot of ground over a relatively small period of time due to their rapid movement. The result is a storm that hits hard, leaves behind significant damage and is over quickly.
“It was clear a storm was moving in, and we were prepared for that,” said Ken Christensen, United Power foreman. “Then the storm was on us one minute and gone the next. It was over as quickly as it happened. It was difficult to imagine it doing that much damage.”
The earliest storm-related outages were triggered near Thornton when high winds blew a light pole into a stretch of line powering several homes in the area. As the storm moved through the territory, it found weak tree limbs and other unsecured – or weakly secured – objects to blow into power lines. The most extensive damage occurred east of the Platte River. North of Fort Lupton, a sheet metal shed took out power to a large industrial site and several homes. In Brighton, a trampoline was tossed into lines nearly 50 feet above the ground and strong winds toppled a beloved evergreen near Historic City Hall, traditionally decorated to celebrate Christmas.
“With all the downed tree limbs, it can take us longer to diagnose the cause of an outage because we have to cut our way in to find it,” said Jason Roberts, journeyman lineman. “Then, after that, we have to actually make the repairs to restore power.”
Extensive damage was particularly problematic in Brighton, where several members were without power for an extended period of time. Linemen from the Carbon Valley and Coal Creek offices were dispatched to the eastern territory to assist with restoring power to more than 10,000 members who had lost power during the storm and in its aftermath.
“Thunderstorms and windstorms aren’t uncommon for this time of year,” said Mike Robinson, a safety specialist at United Power and former lineman. “But as far as windstorms go, this was the worst we’ve seen in several years.”
While storms and strong winds temporarily impeded progress throughout the weekend and into Monday, linemen were able to complete most repairs and restore remaining members early Monday.
More than 40 linemen from United Power and its contractor, Ward Electric, responded to outages following the storm and throughout the weekend to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. During the restoration process, more storm-related damage was found. Nearly 40 poles were snapped either by wind or objects the wind had picked up and tossed into poles and line. Many linemen worked extended hours throughout the night.
“I’m sure we got lots of calls from members wanting to know when their power was going to be turned back on,” said Roberts. “But we also encountered several members who wanted to help, either by bringing us food and water or coming out with saws and axes to help us clear debris. We appreciate their patience and assistance.”
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Late Fall Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Wednesday | October 26, 2022
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
It has been an eventful and exciting late summer and early fall. United Power was able to mitigate the financial impact of record peaks with the help of demand response and load control tools, such as our Smart Rewards thermostat program and our managed electric vehicle charging program, United EV.
At a time of the year when weather can create challenging situations for electric grids, our system held up well. The investments we made in our distribution network on our members’ behalf, combined with our active wildfire mitigation programs, resulted in few operating issues. We run one of the best networks in Colorado – and probably the country – thanks to the great staff and alignment with Our Cooperative Roadmap (Roadmap), which emphasizes a continual optimization of our distribution system.
Another key pillar in our Roadmap is providing flexible, affordable, and sustainable power. United Power is one step closer to obtaining lower cost, cleaner power for our members thanks to a recent ruling from an administrative law judge at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the cooperative’s exit fee from our current wholesale power supply contract. While this is just part of the process, it is a major step in the right direction.
Our decision to depart from our current supplier is based in economics. United Power members pay over market price for their power and transmission while living with a choke collar that caps our ability to generate local power at 5%. We are penalized for being more efficient and deploying innovative energy solutions, like battery storage. We are even prevented from adding resources within our footprint, meaning our communities do not receive the financial benefit of companies wanting to invest in renewables close to home.
It is important to remember the decision to seek FERC oversight was our power supplier’s alone. United Power did not support the decision for a number of critical reasons, chief among them the loss of local control to set rates, combine cooperative needs, and jointly manage costs.
In contrast, one of the greatest strengths we have as a cooperative is local control through your elected Board of Directors. This ties to another critical pillar in our Roadmap – empowering and engaging our members and communities. Your Board members come from your towns and understand the values and concerns of each community’s residents. They provide direct oversight of the cooperative and hold the power to establish rates, but they ultimately answer to members as representatives of their communities.
I have recently been honored to present on the topic of changes within the electric industry at local chambers of commerce and regional energy conferences. I would be pleased to address any similar organizations about the future of the industry and anticipated changes to it. If you are involved in a local organization wishing to hear about our initiatives, just send an email and someone will reach out to set up a presentation.
Finally, October was Cybersecurity Awareness Month. United Power remains vigilant to threats our system faces as we strive to achieve and maintain business agility and resiliency through information and operational technology, which is our fourth and final Roadmap pillar. We cannot let our guard down, given there are those who wish to do harm to the electric grid.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me with your questions and concerns. It is an honor and privilege to serve you and the great staff at United Power.
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Late Summer Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Thursday | July 7, 2022
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Incumbency in business has a rich history of companies that failed to plan for the future, even as the facts before them told a different story. It is why planning at United Power resulted in Our Cooperative Roadmap, preparing to continue to support our members with a reliable, resilient, and affordable distribution system.
Most of us can remember a time when almost every community had a Blockbuster video store. At its height, there were 9,000 brick and mortar Blockbuster stores. Then, along came Netflix, with a by-mail rental model. Seeing the future of an increasing digital society, Netflix shifted its strategy to online entertainment and moved a step further by creating its own content. Blockbuster’s response to the evolving Netflix model was to eliminate late fees on its DVD and VCR tape rentals. One company thrived and the other is no longer in business.
In the electric utility world, a similar transition is taking place with more of our members adding solar rooftops (nearly 9,000 thus far), home battery storage (110), electric vehicles (5,200), and dozens of other technologies from Alexa to smart thermostats. More than 700 members have added net metering to date in 2022. This is why United Power embraces technologies and is evolving to become a Distribution System Operator (DSO), which will help facilitate the revolution happening across our member base. Becoming a DSO will allow us to work with our members in controlling power and costs. It is why our team of energy experts is available to answer questions in an unbiased and neutral manner, and it is why we continue developing programs that help you manage your energy costs.
I recently had the opportunity to visit with several of our largest members to listen and understand the critical changes they are facing; how their corporate goals now involve environment, social, and governance requirements; and the criticality of reliable power to keep their businesses operating. Their goals align perfectly with those of United Power as we are “Transforming the Future.”
A big part of acting on the changes in the business is our decision to find a new power supply – one that is more cost effective, less carbon intensive, and keeps dollars in our communities. We held our Power Supply Forum on June 7 where we engaged our members in a conversation about the change which will take effect May 1, 2024. Also, as of June 1, we officially became a member of the Southwest Power Pool, which provides energy market services in Colorado and will allow us to eventually use the collective power as a DSO to better manage the cost of power.
In today’s economic environment we are all concerned with the rising cost of everything. As your cooperative, United Power will continue to find ways to lower costs while meeting member needs. We are there for you in offering energy efficiency audits, recommendations on weatherization, advice on adding solar or storage, as well as piloting programs for in-home electric vehicle charging and battery storage. Please contact us for any of your home or business needs. At United Power, we are working hard to be prepared for the changing demands of our members.
We have a great tradition of excellence, and I want every member to feel empowered to reach out to me and the United Power staff at any time. I welcome the opportunity to meet you where you are; do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Have a safe and healthy summer.
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Lawsuit Alleges Tri-State G&T Conspired to Mislead Cooperatives
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Monday | May 4, 2020
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United Power lawsuit outlines impact of the fraudulent actions of its power supplier.
Lawsuit Alleges Tri-State Generation and Transmission Conspired to Mislead Cooperative Members
United Power Lawsuit Outlines Impact of Fraudulent Actions of Power Supplier
Brighton, CO – United Power today filed a lawsuit in Adams County District Court alleging that their power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission recruited three non-utility entities as part of a conspiracy to defraud United Power and try to hold it (and possibly other cooperative members) captive in expensive and restrictive power contracts. Court documents outline how the years-long scheme intentionally misled members and ultimately caused financial harm to United Power and the almost 95,000 meters it serves. Named along with Tri-State in the lawsuit are three non-utility entities – MIECO, Inc., Olson’s Greenhouses of Colorado, LLC, and Ellgen Ranch Company - whom Tri-State convinced to orchestrate the scheme designed to prevent the Colorado PUC from deciding a fair exit charge for United Power.
“We have only recently been made aware of these unacceptable transgressions at Tri-State. On behalf of the board and staff of United Power, I can only say that I am dismayed and disappointed by the actions of Tri-State’s staff and these non-utility entities who worked together to intentionally mislead United Power and any other members who were acting in good faith during this time,” stated Bryant Robbins, Acting CEO. “We have been transparent and ethical in our dealings, and we think it’s important that Tri-State and these other entities answer for their unethical behavior.”
Documents filed in District Court outline the years-long scheme to fraudulently direct the actions of United Power and other members to accept certain bylaw changes with the hidden agenda of allowing the admission of the three non-utility entities, in direct conflict with both State law and Tri-State’s own bylaws. United Power supported these bylaw changes with the belief that such changes would allow it to pursue a more flexible power supply arrangement with Tri-State. However, Tri-State suspended the use of the newly created class of membership immediately after utilizing the amended bylaw to allow these non-utility entities to join the membership under false pretenses. The suit contends that Tri-State directed the scheme that used the non-utility entities in an effort to secure FERC oversight and effectively eliminate the ability of the Colorado PUC to resolve matters such as exit fees and other potential disputes.
“United Power worked within the framework of the cooperative business model, intent on securing a solution that would support our sister cooperatives and provide some financial relief for our members while allowing us to stay within the Tri-State family,” stated Robbins. “Unfortunately, Tri-State was working behind the scenes with ulterior motives taking measures that would essentially handcuff United Power to the current restrictive contract.”
Two cooperatives have already left or are in the process of leaving the Westminster-based generation cooperative – New Mexico-based Kit Carson in 2016 and Delta-Montrose Electric Association pending final approval to leave in 2020 – both cited similar concerns with power supply flexibility and pricing in their exits. United Power had been working to secure a fair and just exit charge from Tri-State, but ultimately filed a case with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission when they were unable to make progress in negotiations with Tri-State. Since that time, Tri-State has continued to resist negotiations, all the while working behind the scenes to defraud the membership through a secret initiative intended to eventually prevent United Power from exiting Tri-State.
“We strongly believe the evidence supports why it has become very difficult to trust the intentions of our power supplier,” stated Robbins. “In filing this case, we hope that Tri-State and the three non-utility entities will have to answer for their ongoing deception.”
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to nearly 95,000 meters at homes, business, 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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Leadership Testifies in Support of Regional Transmission Legislation
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Thursday | May 6, 2021
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The West is on the precipice of great change in electric generation and transmission.
United Power President and CEO Mark A. Gabriel testified before the House Energy and Environment Committee in favor of Senate Bill 21-072 requiring all utilities to join organized wholesale markets.
“The West is on the precipice of great change in electric generation and transmission,” Gabriel said, “And the movement to cleaner sources of generation will require a full market.” He told the committee that while the move to energy imbalance services such as those provided by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) in its Western Energy Imbalance Service (WEIS) and California Independent System Operator’s Energy Imbalance Service (EIM) is a good start, neither provides the benefit of a true regional transmission organization with day-ahead markets.
“Markets provide two functions, acting as the air traffic controller and facilitating financial transactions,” Gabriel explained. “They function best when crossing time and weather zones.”
Named to lead United Power in March, Gabriel was the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Area Power Administration. He moved WAPA into the full market in SPP for states in the Upper Great Plains in 2015 that resulted in a $145 million savings for its utility customers. In February, WAPA moved its Rocky Mountain Region and Colorado River Storage Project Regions into the SPP WEIS imbalance Service and in March the Sierra Nevada Region into the CALISO EIM.
“Flexibility in generation supply is best supported by fully operational markets,” he said. In addition, Gabriel pointed out that the Bill’s timeframe of 2030 may be overtaken by events.
The United Power Board of Directors voted to support SB21-072 when it was introduced earlier this year by primary sponsor Senator Chris Hansen. SB-72 is a lengthy, complex bill which creates statutory language to require investor-owned utilities to join a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) by 2030, expedites electric transmission line approval processes at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and creates the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) to assist in financing construction or purchase of transmission projects.
After passing through two committee hearings and floor votes in the Senate, SB 21-072 passed in the House Energy and Environment Committee on a 11-2 vote. Audio of Mark A. Gabriel’s testimony can be found here. Mr. Gabriel speaks at 4:57 pm.
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Leading the Way in Renewable Power
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Monday | October 1, 2018
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From energizing Colorado’s first community solar field to implementing an innovative methane recapture project, United Power has been at the forefront of providing renewable energy options to our members.
From energizing Colorado’s first community solar field to implementing an innovative methane recapture project, United Power has been at the forefront of providing renewable energy options to our members. Today, our renewable generation projects produce enough energy to power more than 14,000 homes annually.
Thanks to the continued development of our renewable programs and support from our dedicated members, the cooperative has become a statewide and national leader in renewable integration. In a recent survey, United Power ranked among the top utilities in solar accumulation in the country.
Each year, the Smart Electric Power Association (SEPA) surveys data gathered from more than 440 utilities around the country and releases a report showing how they stack up against each other. The data provides a snapshot of how cooperatives like United Power compare to each other, as well as larger investor-owned utilities.
With four energized utility scale solar farms and nearly 3,000 rooftop systems active in our territory, United Power ranked 44th in solar capacity and 48th in accumulated solar energy against all utilities across the country in 2017. Only Xcel Energy (Public Service Co.) edged out the cooperative in the state.
Among cooperatives nationwide, United Power fared even better. In 2017, we ranked 2nd in connected solar and finished the year 5th in cumulative solar installations.
Over the years, we’ve continued to grow and develop our renewable programs, leading the way among all 43 cooperatives in Tri-State Generation & Transmission’s four-state region. United Power recognizes the future of electrical generation will be an “all of the above” strategy of investing in a variety of generation sources, and responding to the wants and needs of our membership.
Earlier this year, the cooperative announced plans to purchase two Tesla Battery Storage Systems in partnership with SoCore Energy, which will help us lower wholesale demand costs and potentially bring more renewable generation onto the system.
LEGAL NOTICE: Annual Meeting of Members
Tuesday | March 18, 2025
The Annual Meeting of Members of United Power will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Waymire Dome at the Riverdale Regional Park.
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LEGAL NOTICE: Change in the Rates, Rules, & Regulations Tariffs
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Friday | April 26, 2024
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The Board of Directors has proposed the following changes to United Power's rate tariffs.
NOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE RATES AND TARIFFS OF UNITED POWER, INC.
DATE OF NOTICE: April 26, 2024
You are hereby notified that UNITED POWER, INC. (United Power) proposes to make changes to several of its rate tariff schedules to become effective for energy usage on or after June 1, 2024. An increase is necessary for all rate classes to fund the exit from United Power’s Wholesale Supplier. There will be a 5.7% increase to the Large Commercial Coincidental Peak Primary Demand (CPP1) and a 6.1% increase to the Large Commercial Coincidental Peak Secondary Demand (CPS1). There will be an 8.6% increase to the Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD1), a 9.2% increase to the Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD3), and a 9.6% increase to Industrial Service Substation/Transmission Service (ITD4) rates. The Residential Time of Use (RTD1), Residential Smart Choice (RD1), Residential TOU Demand Service (RDP1), Large Commercial Secondary Demand Service (ISD1), and Large Industrial Primary Demand Service (IPD1) rates will have a 9.7% increase. The increase to the Residential (R1), Small Commercial (C1), and Small Commercial Time of Use (CTD1) rates will be 9.8%. The Industrial Service Substation or Transmission Service (ITD2) rate will have an increase of 9.9%. The increase to the Irrigation (IRR2) rate will be 10%. The Shared Lighting Service rate will have an increase of 11.3% and the Non-Metered Lighting Service rate will have an increase of 11.5%. The Small Industrial Primary Service (SIP1) rate increase will be 14%. The Renewable Resource Green Power Optional Rider Tariff, Sheet 9.3, will reflect updated program requirements and rates, effective Aug. 1, 2024, for a new, 100% Offset option on a per kWh basis and 100-kWh blocks.
In addition to rate tariff changes, there are minor modifications to update and reflect current business practices in the Rules and Regulations. These updates are to become effective on or after June 1, 2024. The identified areas needing revisions or updating include: (1) Service Connection and Line Extension Fee Schedule and (2) Current Business Practices for estimated billings.
The present and proposed tariff provisions are available for examination at the Coal Creek branch office, located at 5 Gross Dam Road, Golden, CO; the headquarters office located at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, CO; and the Carbon Valley Service Center office at 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, CO.
Anyone who desires to comment about the proposed changes shall file either an informal complaint or a formal complaint with United Power at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, CO 80603 at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.
An informal complaint shall be in writing and shall contain such facts and other information to adequately state the reason(s) for the complaint. An informal complaint regarding the proposed tariff changes shall be considered by United Power, but will not require that a hearing be held.
Anyone who desires a hearing must file a specific and formal complaint to the proposed changes and a request for hearing at least 10 days before the proposed effective date. A formal complaint shall be in writing in the form prescribed by United Power’s Regulations Governing Consumer Complaints and Related Matters. Upon request, a copy of said regulations is available from United Power.
United Power may hold a hearing to determine what changes will be authorized, regardless of complaints. If proper formal complaints and request for hearings are timely filed, the United Power Board of Directors shall schedule a hearing. The changes ultimately authorized may or may not be the same as those proposed and may include changes different than those tariffs proposed or currently in effect. Anyone who desires to receive notice of hearings, if any, shall make a written request therefor to United Power, at the above address, at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.
UNITED POWER, INC.
By: Mark A. Gabriel, President and Chief Executive Officer
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LEGAL NOTICE: New Rate Tariff for EV Charges to Become Effective Jan. 1, 2023
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Monday | November 14, 2022
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The rate structure includes a Charging-as-a-Service monthly rate, company owned charging station rates for DC fast charging and for level 2 charging.
NOTICENOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE TARIFFS OF UNITED POWER, INC.
Date of Notice: November 15, 2022
You are hereby notified that UNITED POWER, INC. (United Power) proposes to introduce a new rate tariff schedule for Electric Vehicle Charges to become effective on or after January 1, 2023. The rate structure includes a Charging-as-a-Service monthly rate, company owned charging station rates for DC fast charging and for level 2 charging.
The present and proposed tariff provisions are available for examination at the headquarters office located at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton Colorado; the Coal Creek Branch Office, located at 5 Gross Dam Road, Golden, Colorado; and the Carbon Valley Branch office at 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, Colorado.
Anyone who desires to comment about the proposed changes shall file either an informal complaint or a formal complaint with United at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, Colorado 80603 at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.
An informal complaint shall be in writing and shall contain such facts and other information to adequately state the reason(s) for the complaint. An informal complaint shall be considered by United Power, in regard to the proposed tariff changes, but will not require that a hearing be held.
Anyone who desires a hearing must file a specific and formal complaint to the proposed changes and a request for hearing at least 10 days before the proposed effective date. A formal complaint shall be in writing in the form prescribed by United Power’s Regulations Governing Consumer Complaints and Related Matters. Upon request, a copy of said regulations is available from United Power.
United Power may hold a hearing to determine what changes will be authorized, regardless of complaints. If proper formal complaints and request for hearings are timely filed, the Board shall schedule a hearing. The changes ultimately authorized may or may not be the same as those proposed and may include changes different than those tariffs proposed or currently in effect. Anyone who desires to receive notice of hearings, if any, shall make a written request therefor to United Power, at the above address at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.
UNITED POWER, INC
By: Mark A. Gabriel, Chief Executive Officer
9.4 Electric Vehicle Charges
