Title
The Diversity of Careers in Cooperatives
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2020_NL_Careers.jpg?itok=Vk96VvfA
Friday | December 18, 2020
Card Teaser
At a cooperative, you are more than an employee. Your work is valued because it directly benefits the members it serves.
Whether it’s a large investor-owned utility or a small, local cooperative like United Power, most people picture lineworkers when they think of the individuals who work at their electric utility. Lineworkers are highly visible around the communites we serve, working to ensure our members have safe and reliable power around the clock. They become all the more visible when the weather turns bad.
Our line crews are powered by hard-working employees who are passionate about the jobs they perform. When it comes to keeping your lights on, though, linemen don’t do it alone. There are many who work behind the scenes day in and day out to assist them in their duties and serve our members in less visible, but equally important, roles.
United Power’s system is a complicated infrastructure designed to deliver more than 500 megawatts of power to more than 95,000 members over nearly 1,000 square miles. Our engineers and operations staff coordinate to plan and design the system to ensure it runs effectively and efficiently. When the power does go out, this design allows our line crews to restore it quickly.
The suburbs around Denver have become an attractive place to live, and because of this, United Power has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. When a new business or subdivision development moves into our territory, our project managers work closely with developers to review and design an electrical route that meets both the system’s and members’ needs.
Over the years, United Power has built a name for itself as an innovative and forward-thinking cooperative, due in large part to its willingness to adopt new technology to better serve our members, such as four utility-scale solar farms and the state’s largest battery storage facility. Our New Business team helps coordinate these projects and also manages our diverse set of energy management tools, available free to our members.
These represent only a few of the many career paths one can choose to pursue with a cooperative. Opportunities exist in finance and accounting, information technology, communications, government relations and more. You could even assist members directly as part of our Member Services team. At a cooperative, you are more than an employee. Your work is valued because it directly benefits the members it serves. Check United Power’s Careers page to see what opportunities are currently available at Careers.
Title
The Value of Electricity
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/LateFall_NL_ValueElectricity.jpg?itok=UfW19mJL
Tuesday | November 22, 2022
Card Teaser
Electricity is so readily available and easy to access we may not realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other regular expenses.
When Compared to Other Expenses, Electricity has a Surprisingly High Value
Electricity is a commodity we always expect to be available when we need it. We use it to power almost everything in our lives to some extent – from the alarm clock that wakes us up for work or school, to the television that helps us wind down at night, or the cell phone that keeps us connected with our loved ones. It is so readily available and easy to access we do not often realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other daily or monthly expenses.
As a commodity people use frequently and pay for monthly, we are acutely aware of differences in our monthly billing statements. We may be even more mindful of our electric cost when rate increases make headlines. Given the regular information you receive about utility rates, you might be surprised to learn that electricity rates have one of the lowest cost increases over time when compared to other budget items like rent and education. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, electricity rates have been steadily decreasing since 1980 despite how increasingly reliant we are on the resource in our daily lives (source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics).
The average United Power family uses approximately 22-32 kWh per day, which is roughly equivalent to $3. Now think about your daily routine. Do you grab a coffee on your way to work or order food at a local restaurant during lunch? The average cup of coffee now costs just under $5, and for special blends or add-ons it could cost more. Fast casual meals at restaurants like Chipotle or Panera can cost more than $10. That means for the cost of a single cup of coffee, you could leave an LED TV on for more than 35 days or charge your phone more than 300 times on our standard residential rate. For just $5, you can do about 20 loads of laundry. If you were to shift your usage off-peak on our time-of-use rate, you could save even more.
To put it another way, most United Power members spend more on their cell phone plan ($4-5/day) than they do on electricity (as little at $2/day). The time you spend on your mobile device, which is probably a lot, is incomparable to how frequently you require reliable electric service. Many routines and daily tasks are becoming electrified with the introduction of new electronic devices, which means we are also using far more energy now than ever before.
The best way to capture the value of electricity is to make your home more energy efficient. You could make the transition to ENERGY STAR® appliances that require less energy, install a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust heating/cooling when you are away from home, or look into our rates that reward you for switching use to off-peak hours.
Title
Third Large Scale Solar Farm to be Complete by November
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_09_12_ThirdLargeSolarFarm.jpg?itok=52AW6CL3
Tuesday | September 12, 2017
Card Teaser
By November, a third large scale solar field will be energized in United Power’s territory– the Platteville Solar Farm.
By November, a third large scale solar field will be energized in United Power’s territory– the Platteville Solar Farm. This 16 megawatt (MWAC) solar project is now the largest cooperative solar farm in Colorado– surpassing our own 13 megawatt Fort Lupton Solar Farm, energized in June 2016.
Silicon Ranch Corporation, a leading developer, owner, and operator of solar energy plants, will own and operate the solar field, while United Power will purchase the energy produced over the next 20 years. The 175-acre farm is located at 19028 County Road 28, just east of Platteville. The farm features technology that allows more than 185,000 solar panels to track the sun from east to west and will produce enough low-cost, renewable power to serve 3,000 United Power members annually.
Combined with the Fort Lupton Solar Farm and the Mavericks Solar Farm, a 6.5 megawatt solar farm in Mead energized in December 2016, more than 6,700 homes and businesses in United Power’s territory will be powered by solar energy once the Platteville Solar Farm is energized.
Title
Three Board Seats Up in Annual Director Election
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/Gavel.jpg?itok=00YZJnkd
Thursday | January 13, 2022
Card Teaser
The deadline for nominations by petition is 4 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022.
Three positions on United Power’s eleven-member board are up for election at the 2022 Hybrid Annual Meeting & Director Election which is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13, 2022.
The cooperative plans to host a hybrid event, available for members to attend either in-person or virtually. One seat in the East, West, and South districts will be up for a three-year term.
To be eligible to become or remain a director, a person must be a United Power member and receive electric service from United Power at the member’s primary residence in the district he or she represents. United Power’s bylaws provide in-depth
information on director districts, qualifications, terms, elections, meetings, and officers.
Each member’s district is printed on their United Power statement. Nominations by written petition must state the nominee’s name and district, be signed by 15 or more United Power members, and be filed with the Board no less than 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting. We ask any member interested in nomination to complete a biographical request form, available through the Executive Department.
The deadline for nominations by petition is 4 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022.
Petitions are available at United Power’s headquarters office in Brighton at 500 Cooperative Way. Additional information can be obtained by calling United Power’s executive department at 303-659-0551 or on the Annual Meeting page.
Title
Three Ways to Electrify Your Lawn Care
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Electric_Lawnmower.jpg?itok=ds4LApBw
Tuesday | June 23, 2020
Card Teaser
Helpful tips if you’re looking to electrify your lawn care equipment.
Summer is here, and you can practically smell the freshly-cut grass. If you’re in the market to upgrade your lawn care equipment, you may want to consider electric (or battery-powered) options.
Gas-powered lawn mowers and trimmers may be your go-to, but times they are a changin'. Electric lawn care equipment options are becoming more popular than ever, offering consumers faster charging times, longer battery life and quieter, greener products compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Here are three ways you can electrify your lawn care this spring.
Electric Lawn Mowers
Electric lawnmowers have come a long way over the last few years. Early models required corded connections, which were tricky to manage––but the cord has been cut. Newer cordless electric mowers are certainly more expensive than gas-powered mowers, but much of the upfront cost can be recovered since electricity is a less expensive fuel than gas, and electric engines generally require less maintenance than gas engines. Cordless electric mowers typically range from $200 to $500.
Electric mowers are suitable for most lawn care needs, with batteries that typically require about one to two hours to fully charge, and most batteries can run for a full hour. That said, if you have a large yard (half an acre or larger), a gas-powered option may be best to suit your needs.
Electric Trimmers
Cordless electric string trimmers are a great option for most lawns. Traditionally, like lawnmowers, string trimmers have typically been powered by gas. But new versions of electric trimmers are improving and are now considered worthy competitors of gas-powered models.
Cordless electric trimmers are much quieter and easier to use, but most batteries last about 30 to 45 minutes. So, if you have a lot of space to trim, you may want to consider a back-up battery or plan to work in short bursts. If you’re interested in purchasing an electric trimmer, the main factors to consider are the battery’s life, charge time, and power. Costs can vary depending on your needs, but you can find a quality version for about $100.
Electric Leaf Blowers
After cutting and trimming your lawn, you’ll need to clear off those walkways and patios for the finishing touch. If you don’t want to deal with the maintenance of a gas-powered blower or the restraints of a corded blower, a cordless electric version is a great option.
Cordless electric leaf blowers are lightweight and easy to maneuver, but they don’t offer quite as much power as gas-powered and corded blowers. If your leaf blowing and clearing needs are minimal, a cordless electric leaf blower can get the job done. Costs for a cordless electric blower vary depending on power and battery quality, but you can purchase a dependable model for about $150 and up.
If you’re looking to electrify your lawn care equipment, be sure to do your homework. Search online for the latest reviews, and check trusted sources like Consumer Reports. With a little research, you’ll be well on your way to Lawn of the Month – with less maintenance, hassle, and noise (and your neighbors will thank you!).
Title
Time to Begin Looking at Electric Vehicles
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EV_plugin.jpg?h=45932144&itok=UKkauilg
Thursday | September 23, 2021
Card Teaser
National Drive EV Week is September 25 - October 3, 2021
Excitement surrounding electric vehicles is beginning to pick up steam, and now is the perfect time for United Power members to assess the practicality of EV ownership for their daily lives. Join the cooperative in recognizing National Drive EV Week, a nationwide celebration to raise awareness about the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Living in Colorado already provides members who are interested in electric vehicles an immediate advantage. Consistently ahead of the curve in environmental sustainability, Colorado ranks inside the top 10 in electric vehicle ownership and charging infrastructure. That saturation will only continue to grow after Gov. Jared Polis signed a sustainable transportation bill in May that will invest nearly $1 billion in electric vehicle programs over the next 10 years.
The cost of ownership for electric vehicles is at an all-time low, with certain brands even offering highly affordable pricing options and sales or leasing incentives. In October, Consumer Reports published a detailed assessment of electric vehicles and concluded savings worth thousands of dollars over comparable gas-powered options. Coupled with the skyrocketing cost of gas, especially when compared to the relative affordability of electricity, the reasons to consider an electric-powered vehicle only become that much more enticing.
These savings are not only derived from gas, but also because electric vehicles do not require standard maintenance, such as oil changes, making them much cheaper to operate.
If you’ve ever considered an electric vehicle, there has never been a better time. To help members educate themselves on what’s available, United Power launched Choose EV. Choose EV contains a significant amount of information, including vehicle information, comparisons and a savings calculator (fuel to electricity). To learn more about the tools available to United Power members, go to Choose EV.
Title
Tips & Tricks to Becoming Energy Efficient
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2020_NL_EEMyths.jpg?itok=vFFnVeSz
Thursday | September 30, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power Recognizes Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, October 6.
United Power Recognizes Energy Efficiency Day on October 5
On October 5, United Power is joining more than 800 other organizations to celebrate National Energy Efficiency Day, a day to remember easy ways we can reduce our energy use and save money.
Energy efficiency simply means using less energy to perform the same tasks or eliminating energy waste. Being energy efficient protects our pocketbooks and the environment by lowering demand for energy and, by extension, greenhouse gas emissions.
If you’re a homeowner trying to manage your electric usage on a budget, energy efficiency may seem more fantasy than reality. Energy efficiency is often seen as an expensive and unobtainable goal for many homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be. Trimming your electric usage is as quick and simple as making a few modest behavior changes and a little investment in cost-efficient technology.
Here are some of the most common ways United Power members can ditch high energy bills and become more efficient in their daily energy usage. For some of our members who may want to go a step further in the journey toward energy efficiency, the article below demonstrates why an electric vehicle may be right for you.
10 Energy Efficient Tips
Make the Switch to LEDs. There’s been a strong push for the switch to LEDs for years, and for good reason. LEDs last up to 25x longer and consume 90 percent less energy.
Seal Those Leaks. Have you ever left a window cracked in the winter and realized how quickly the cold air can cool your home? Little leaks can be equivalent to leaving a 3 ft x 3 ft window open.
Install a Smart Thermostat. While an initially high investment, a smart thermostat will pay for itself over time by learning your routine and adjusting accordingly. You can even control it remotely. Members can also enroll in United Power’s Smart Rewards program to save even more. More info at Smart Rewards.
Heat & Cool Efficiency. Heating and cooling accounts for almost half your energy use. Don’t waste money on an empty home. Raising or lowering the temp on your thermostat also won’t compromise comfort.
Use a Ceiling Fan. Using a ceiling fan in combination with proper cooling will allow you to raise your thermostat by as much as 4 degrees without losing any comfort.
Maintain Your HVAC System. A dirty furnace has to work harder to move air. Don’t forget to change air filters during both heating and cooling seasons to keep energy costs low.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® Label. The label means this appliance is certified energy efficient. United Power also offers rebates on ENERGY STAR® refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.
Turn Off Electronics. Electronics on “standby” contribute to “vampire loads,” which is when a device draws energy even with it appears to be off. Turn off all idle electronics that aren’t in use.
The Sun is Key. In the winter, open curtains during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. In the summer, excess sunlight will make your A/C work harder, so keep those curtains closed.
Don’t Peak in the Oven. Opening the oven door while cooking or baking can cause the internal temperature to drop by as much as 25 degrees making it work harder to return to the right temperature and also affecting cooking times of your dinner or dessert.
Title
Today's Youth. Tomorrow's Leaders.
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/SeptOct_NL_Youth.jpg?itok=HNdYgh7M
Friday | September 13, 2019
Card Teaser
Each summer, United Power selects local youth to represent on our youth leadership trips.
2020 Youth Leadership Applications Available at Year’s End
As your cooperative we believe in contributing to the well-being of the communities that make up who we are, including building up tomorrow’s leaders in those communities. Each summer, United Power selects local youth from within our service territory to represent the cooperative for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado at the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp or an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
Applications will be available on our Youth Trips page at the end of the year. .
CYLC: Camp, Cabins & Cooperatives
The Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp isn’t a camp in the traditional sense. There are no tents, no campfires, no s’mores. Business begins as soon as the buses and vans roll in to deposit campers from their respective cooperatives. Campers establish and manage their own cooperative for the week, including election of a Board of Directors and holding regular meetings for “members.” In between, days are filled with cooperative-focused activities, leadership training and collaborative group projects.
However, being part of a cooperative isn’t all business all the time. Whether it was building camaraderie while rafting down the Colorado River or enjoying the majestic Fish Creek Falls, campers had ample opportunity to build friendships and have fun.
This summer, three area youth represented United Power at camp: Xavier Galyardt, Mead High School; Audrey Thompson, Prospect Ridge Academy; and Karlen Ruybal, Ft. Lupton High School.
Youth Tour: Colorado Youth Visit Capitol Hill
The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been a proud tradition among cooperatives since 1957 when Lyndon B. Johnson, speaking at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting, suggested sending youth to the capitol to see “what the flag stands for and represents.”
Local electric cooperatives throughout the country sponsor approximately 1,500 high school students from small towns and cities for and incredible week in the nation’s capital with the objective of providing an educational experience for young people on the organization and operation of a cooperative.
Each day of the Youth Tour is packed full of memorable moments for youth from across the country. Between meeting with elected officials, learning the value of the cooperatives they represent and developing leadership skills, students are able to spend time touring some of Washington D.C.’s landmarks and memorials.
Each year, United Power selects three ambitious high school students to attend Youth Tour: Catera Gagna, Brighton High School; Brooklyn Stubby, Mapleton Early College; and Bethany Flanagan, Weld Central High School.
Meet Your 2020 Camp Ambassador: Xavier “X” Galyardt
Xavier, who goes by “X,” was a United Power representative at the 2019 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. Each year at CYLC, youth campaign throughout the week and are elected by their peers to return to camp the following year as an ambassador.
What did you enjoy most about camp?
Although the activities were fantastic – rafting, learning, dancing, adventuring – they are trivial in comparison to the friends I acquired. They are easily what I enjoyed most. The hardest part of camp was leaving them behind.
How did it prepare you for being a leader in your school and community?
The camp was incredible at presenting leadership ideas and displaying leadership ideals. These ideas reignited my passion for leadership and demonstrated the true influence of leaders. I have adopted a new philosophy on leading, and can’t wait to see how it plays out.
What does it mean to be elected a 2020 camp ambassador?
Being elected ambassador is a tremendous honor. To become a camp ambassador one must go through two stages of speeches and voting. After all that, my peers selected me because they trust me to represent them next year.
Why should others high school students attend camp in 2020?
For every reason someone could choose not to attend camp, I could list two reasons to come. For one, it’s a vacation away from normal life. You’ll also meet some of the most compassionate people you may ever now. There is no downside.
Title
Town of Frederick and United Power Reach Agreement on Purchase of Facilities
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Frederick_Stories_1.png?h=45932144&itok=BvugHOQK
Wednesday | April 18, 2018
Card Teaser
Frederick has agreed to sell the electrical infrastructure to United Power, who will provide on-going service to the citizens of the Town’s original municipal utility.
United Power, an electric cooperative utility headquartered in Brighton, Colorado, and the Town of Frederick, Colorado, jointly announced today that they have reached an agreement for the cooperative to purchase the Town of Frederick’s municipal electric utility, Frederick Power & Light.
Frederick has agreed to sell the electrical infrastructure to United Power, who will provide on-going service to the citizens of the Town’s original municipal utility. This agreement means that all Frederick residents will be served by United Power.
“We are pleased to reach a resolution on this issue, and look forward to welcoming these Frederick citizens as new members of our cooperative,” stated James Vigesaa, United Power Board President. “The agreement helps to clarify our future territory and will help us to plan for all our future growth in an efficient and effective manner.”
“Throughout the process of exploring options related to our electric utility, our main goal has been to find a solution that is in the best interests of our community,” said Tony Carey, Mayor of Frederick. “We have met that goal as this agreement is a win for our residents and United Power’s members. I’m excited to continue moving forward with our new board as we explore more opportunities for Frederick’s future.”
The agreement will help the cooperative better integrate their electric delivery system as it grows, and brings greater density to the operation, which will reduce operating costs for all cooperative members. Information and updates about the purchase and transition will be available on both the Town of Frederick and United Power’s websites. Additionally, United Power will be reaching out to affected citizens in the coming weeks to welcome them to the cooperative, and share information about the transition.
“On behalf of United Power’s Board of Directors I want to extend our thanks to the Town Trustees of Frederick,” stated Vigesaa. “We appreciate their willingness to negotiate, and to reach an agreement that is good for not only their citizens, but for the cooperative membership at-large.”
Title
Town of Frederick Citizens Affirm United Power Purchase of Municipal Utility
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Frederick_Stories_0.png?h=45932144&itok=9hNcyAGQ
Wednesday | June 27, 2018
Card Teaser
Residents of the Town of Frederick have affirmed the purchase of the Town of Frederick’s municipal utility, which was agreed to earlier by the Town Council and United Power representatives.
Residents of the Town of Frederick have affirmed the purchase of the Town of Frederick’s municipal utility, which was agreed to earlier by the Town Council and United Power representatives. The Town’s website reported that the sale of the Town’s assets was affirmed by residents with a 1,716 to 236 count. Nearly 88% of all voters indicated their support for United Power to purchase the system.
“We are excited about bringing the entire Town of Frederick into the United Power membership,” stated John Parker, United Power CEO. “We want to express our thanks to the citizens of Frederick for their support in this process, and we will be working hard to make this transition a seamless process for them.”
The vote was a key step to finalize the purchase. The two entities agreed upon a purchase price of $18 million, with United Power agreeing to drop its pending lawsuit against the Town in exchange. United Power originally filed suit against the Town in July of 2017, for breach of contract and to recover damages for the Town’s taking of service rights located within United Power’s certificated territory. The suit was filed after an attempt to negotiate a settlement failed in early 2017.
“United Power has assembled a transition team that includes key engineering, operations, and member services personnel to work on this acquisition,” stated Parker. “The citizens of Frederick can be assured that we will work as quickly as possible to complete this project, and we will be working hard behind the scenes to meet all your expectations in regard to this sale.”
The election results will not be official until July 6, 2018, in order to allow for the statute-required length of time for overseas military ballots and signature verification processes to be completed.
Title
Town of Frederick Utility Illegally Builds into United Power Territory
Friday | April 21, 2017
Card Teaser
Brighton, CO – United Power has sent official notice to the Town of Frederick that they have breached their agreement with the cooperative, and have violated Colorado State Law by building into United Power’s service territory.
United Power Seeks Resolution on Behalf of Cooperative Membership
Brighton, CO – United Power has sent official notice to the Town of Frederick that they have breached their agreement with the cooperative, and have violated Colorado State Law by building into United Power’s service territory. The cooperative is seeking a resolution within 15 days, or it will seek further action against the town.
“We originally attempted to make a good faith effort to resolve this illegal action by the Town of Frederick, but they have refused to address our concerns,” said Darryl Schriver, United Power CEO. “By building in United Power’s territory the Town violated not only state law, Frederick violated a prior agreement we have with them to supply wholesale power to the Town; we have no alternative but to seek an appropriate settlement on behalf of the entire cooperative membership.”
United Power and the Town of Frederick have a Wholesale Power Agreement, in effect from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2021, allowing the cooperative to provide power to the municipal utility serving approximately 2,000 customers. In the agreement the Town of Frederick promised to respect and honor United Power’s property interest, and that all facilities and customers outside of the Town’s “old town” boundaries are always United Power members. The fact that the Town of Frederick built in United Power’s territory to provide service to a facility located within the cooperative’s boundaries is a clear breach of the contract. Additionally, the Town of Frederick has violated a Colorado State Statute that defines the terms of any exchange of territory between municipal utilities and cooperatives. The law was designed to make sure that cooperative members are fairly compensated for any loss of membership and revenue when there is an agreement to relinquish territory.
“It is important to note that this illegal action affects every member of our cooperative—individuals and companies who have a stake in this operation,” stated Schriver. “As a cooperative we are owned by our members, and this action is a threat to the interests of every home and business that receives power from the cooperative.”
Title
Transitioning to a Demand Rate
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Sept2018_NL_Resources_0.png?itok=PNSsaHzm
Monday | October 1, 2018
Card Teaser
Beginning next year, United Power members will be charged differently for how they use energy. As was announced earlier this year, United Power will be implementing a new rate structure that will include a residential demand charge.
October 1, 2018 | Beginning next year, United Power members will be charged differently for how they use energy. As was announced earlier this year, United Power will be implementing a new rate structure that will include a residential demand charge. We are continuing the conversation about the 2019 change to residential rates by talking about why the change to the rate structure is happening now, and by taking a look at the information you can use to learn more about your electric consumption.
What is Demand?
Demand refers to the maximum amount of electrical power that is being consumed at a given time, as opposed to energy which is the amount of power used over a period of time. The more power used at once, the larger the infrastructure that is needed to deliver that power. United Power must build our system to accommodate the most possible power use at any given time, and this comes at a cost to the cooperative.
Why the Switch to a Demand Rate?
Residential electric rates have traditionally been a blend of costs: the cost of fuels to generate power, the cost to deliver the energy to your home, the cost to the cooperative to maintain and operate the system and even the cost to provide billing and member services to our members. These costs have long been allocated to members based simply on service type—even though some members’ usage patterns impact our system more than others.
We now have access to more information about how each member uses energy and the electric system. By breaking out these costs—the Fixed Charge, Energy Charge and Demand Charge –every member will be charged more fairly for how and when they use energy. The new rate structure also ensures United Power recoups the actual cost of service to each member in a fair and equitable way.
How Do I Learn More About Demand?
United Power has been discussing this new rate structure for several months. Read past issues of the United Newsline for more examples and information to help you understand Demand. A list of frequently asked questions can be found at Understanding Demand.
Your bill is also a valuable resource to learn more. The Demand Charge line item represented by a kilowatt (kW) measurement that now appears on residential electric bills offers you a clearer picture of how you use electricity. There is no charge currently associated with this Demand line item, but by providing this information ahead of the rate change, you can more closely monitor your energy use.
Members can also use our Power Portal to take a deeper look into their monthly consumption and pinpoint the exact moment they hit their monthly peak demand. Viewing your peak demand period in the Power Portal may help you recall that Monday afternoon when you ran the air conditioning, dishwasher and vacuum all at once. Perhaps you’ll decide that you can stagger these activities in the future to manage your energy costs.
How Much will the Demand Rate Cost?
The exact rate for the Residential Demand Charge has not been set. United Power’s Board of Directors will meet before the end of 2018 to approve the final rate. The intention is to introduce this new rate structure slowly with small incremental changes annually over a four-year period. Demand charges for residential ratepayers will be lower than those paid by commercial customers based on how they use power. Watch for announcements in the United Newsline and on our website www.unitedpower.com with more information on the approved rate.
If you have questions about the Demand Rate, please e-mail unitednewsline@unitedpower.com. We’ll post answers on our website and in a future issue of United Newsline.
Title
The Diversity of Careers in Cooperatives
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2020_NL_Careers.jpg?itok=Vk96VvfA
Friday | December 18, 2020
Card Teaser
At a cooperative, you are more than an employee. Your work is valued because it directly benefits the members it serves.
Whether it’s a large investor-owned utility or a small, local cooperative like United Power, most people picture lineworkers when they think of the individuals who work at their electric utility. Lineworkers are highly visible around the communites we serve, working to ensure our members have safe and reliable power around the clock. They become all the more visible when the weather turns bad.
Our line crews are powered by hard-working employees who are passionate about the jobs they perform. When it comes to keeping your lights on, though, linemen don’t do it alone. There are many who work behind the scenes day in and day out to assist them in their duties and serve our members in less visible, but equally important, roles.
United Power’s system is a complicated infrastructure designed to deliver more than 500 megawatts of power to more than 95,000 members over nearly 1,000 square miles. Our engineers and operations staff coordinate to plan and design the system to ensure it runs effectively and efficiently. When the power does go out, this design allows our line crews to restore it quickly.
The suburbs around Denver have become an attractive place to live, and because of this, United Power has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. When a new business or subdivision development moves into our territory, our project managers work closely with developers to review and design an electrical route that meets both the system’s and members’ needs.
Over the years, United Power has built a name for itself as an innovative and forward-thinking cooperative, due in large part to its willingness to adopt new technology to better serve our members, such as four utility-scale solar farms and the state’s largest battery storage facility. Our New Business team helps coordinate these projects and also manages our diverse set of energy management tools, available free to our members.
These represent only a few of the many career paths one can choose to pursue with a cooperative. Opportunities exist in finance and accounting, information technology, communications, government relations and more. You could even assist members directly as part of our Member Services team. At a cooperative, you are more than an employee. Your work is valued because it directly benefits the members it serves. Check United Power’s Careers page to see what opportunities are currently available at Careers.
Title
The Value of Electricity
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/LateFall_NL_ValueElectricity.jpg?itok=UfW19mJL
Tuesday | November 22, 2022
Card Teaser
Electricity is so readily available and easy to access we may not realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other regular expenses.
When Compared to Other Expenses, Electricity has a Surprisingly High Value
Electricity is a commodity we always expect to be available when we need it. We use it to power almost everything in our lives to some extent – from the alarm clock that wakes us up for work or school, to the television that helps us wind down at night, or the cell phone that keeps us connected with our loved ones. It is so readily available and easy to access we do not often realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other daily or monthly expenses.
As a commodity people use frequently and pay for monthly, we are acutely aware of differences in our monthly billing statements. We may be even more mindful of our electric cost when rate increases make headlines. Given the regular information you receive about utility rates, you might be surprised to learn that electricity rates have one of the lowest cost increases over time when compared to other budget items like rent and education. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, electricity rates have been steadily decreasing since 1980 despite how increasingly reliant we are on the resource in our daily lives (source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics).
The average United Power family uses approximately 22-32 kWh per day, which is roughly equivalent to $3. Now think about your daily routine. Do you grab a coffee on your way to work or order food at a local restaurant during lunch? The average cup of coffee now costs just under $5, and for special blends or add-ons it could cost more. Fast casual meals at restaurants like Chipotle or Panera can cost more than $10. That means for the cost of a single cup of coffee, you could leave an LED TV on for more than 35 days or charge your phone more than 300 times on our standard residential rate. For just $5, you can do about 20 loads of laundry. If you were to shift your usage off-peak on our time-of-use rate, you could save even more.
To put it another way, most United Power members spend more on their cell phone plan ($4-5/day) than they do on electricity (as little at $2/day). The time you spend on your mobile device, which is probably a lot, is incomparable to how frequently you require reliable electric service. Many routines and daily tasks are becoming electrified with the introduction of new electronic devices, which means we are also using far more energy now than ever before.
The best way to capture the value of electricity is to make your home more energy efficient. You could make the transition to ENERGY STAR® appliances that require less energy, install a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust heating/cooling when you are away from home, or look into our rates that reward you for switching use to off-peak hours.
Title
Third Large Scale Solar Farm to be Complete by November
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_09_12_ThirdLargeSolarFarm.jpg?itok=52AW6CL3
Tuesday | September 12, 2017
Card Teaser
By November, a third large scale solar field will be energized in United Power’s territory– the Platteville Solar Farm.
By November, a third large scale solar field will be energized in United Power’s territory– the Platteville Solar Farm. This 16 megawatt (MWAC) solar project is now the largest cooperative solar farm in Colorado– surpassing our own 13 megawatt Fort Lupton Solar Farm, energized in June 2016.
Silicon Ranch Corporation, a leading developer, owner, and operator of solar energy plants, will own and operate the solar field, while United Power will purchase the energy produced over the next 20 years. The 175-acre farm is located at 19028 County Road 28, just east of Platteville. The farm features technology that allows more than 185,000 solar panels to track the sun from east to west and will produce enough low-cost, renewable power to serve 3,000 United Power members annually.
Combined with the Fort Lupton Solar Farm and the Mavericks Solar Farm, a 6.5 megawatt solar farm in Mead energized in December 2016, more than 6,700 homes and businesses in United Power’s territory will be powered by solar energy once the Platteville Solar Farm is energized.
Title
Three Board Seats Up in Annual Director Election
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/Gavel.jpg?itok=00YZJnkd
Thursday | January 13, 2022
Card Teaser
The deadline for nominations by petition is 4 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022.
Three positions on United Power’s eleven-member board are up for election at the 2022 Hybrid Annual Meeting & Director Election which is scheduled for Wednesday, April 13, 2022.
The cooperative plans to host a hybrid event, available for members to attend either in-person or virtually. One seat in the East, West, and South districts will be up for a three-year term.
To be eligible to become or remain a director, a person must be a United Power member and receive electric service from United Power at the member’s primary residence in the district he or she represents. United Power’s bylaws provide in-depth
information on director districts, qualifications, terms, elections, meetings, and officers.
Each member’s district is printed on their United Power statement. Nominations by written petition must state the nominee’s name and district, be signed by 15 or more United Power members, and be filed with the Board no less than 60 days prior to the Annual Meeting. We ask any member interested in nomination to complete a biographical request form, available through the Executive Department.
The deadline for nominations by petition is 4 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022.
Petitions are available at United Power’s headquarters office in Brighton at 500 Cooperative Way. Additional information can be obtained by calling United Power’s executive department at 303-659-0551 or on the Annual Meeting page.
Title
Three Ways to Electrify Your Lawn Care
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Electric_Lawnmower.jpg?itok=ds4LApBw
Tuesday | June 23, 2020
Card Teaser
Helpful tips if you’re looking to electrify your lawn care equipment.
Summer is here, and you can practically smell the freshly-cut grass. If you’re in the market to upgrade your lawn care equipment, you may want to consider electric (or battery-powered) options.
Gas-powered lawn mowers and trimmers may be your go-to, but times they are a changin'. Electric lawn care equipment options are becoming more popular than ever, offering consumers faster charging times, longer battery life and quieter, greener products compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Here are three ways you can electrify your lawn care this spring.
Electric Lawn Mowers
Electric lawnmowers have come a long way over the last few years. Early models required corded connections, which were tricky to manage––but the cord has been cut. Newer cordless electric mowers are certainly more expensive than gas-powered mowers, but much of the upfront cost can be recovered since electricity is a less expensive fuel than gas, and electric engines generally require less maintenance than gas engines. Cordless electric mowers typically range from $200 to $500.
Electric mowers are suitable for most lawn care needs, with batteries that typically require about one to two hours to fully charge, and most batteries can run for a full hour. That said, if you have a large yard (half an acre or larger), a gas-powered option may be best to suit your needs.
Electric Trimmers
Cordless electric string trimmers are a great option for most lawns. Traditionally, like lawnmowers, string trimmers have typically been powered by gas. But new versions of electric trimmers are improving and are now considered worthy competitors of gas-powered models.
Cordless electric trimmers are much quieter and easier to use, but most batteries last about 30 to 45 minutes. So, if you have a lot of space to trim, you may want to consider a back-up battery or plan to work in short bursts. If you’re interested in purchasing an electric trimmer, the main factors to consider are the battery’s life, charge time, and power. Costs can vary depending on your needs, but you can find a quality version for about $100.
Electric Leaf Blowers
After cutting and trimming your lawn, you’ll need to clear off those walkways and patios for the finishing touch. If you don’t want to deal with the maintenance of a gas-powered blower or the restraints of a corded blower, a cordless electric version is a great option.
Cordless electric leaf blowers are lightweight and easy to maneuver, but they don’t offer quite as much power as gas-powered and corded blowers. If your leaf blowing and clearing needs are minimal, a cordless electric leaf blower can get the job done. Costs for a cordless electric blower vary depending on power and battery quality, but you can purchase a dependable model for about $150 and up.
If you’re looking to electrify your lawn care equipment, be sure to do your homework. Search online for the latest reviews, and check trusted sources like Consumer Reports. With a little research, you’ll be well on your way to Lawn of the Month – with less maintenance, hassle, and noise (and your neighbors will thank you!).
Title
Time to Begin Looking at Electric Vehicles
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EV_plugin.jpg?h=45932144&itok=UKkauilg
Thursday | September 23, 2021
Card Teaser
National Drive EV Week is September 25 - October 3, 2021
Excitement surrounding electric vehicles is beginning to pick up steam, and now is the perfect time for United Power members to assess the practicality of EV ownership for their daily lives. Join the cooperative in recognizing National Drive EV Week, a nationwide celebration to raise awareness about the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Living in Colorado already provides members who are interested in electric vehicles an immediate advantage. Consistently ahead of the curve in environmental sustainability, Colorado ranks inside the top 10 in electric vehicle ownership and charging infrastructure. That saturation will only continue to grow after Gov. Jared Polis signed a sustainable transportation bill in May that will invest nearly $1 billion in electric vehicle programs over the next 10 years.
The cost of ownership for electric vehicles is at an all-time low, with certain brands even offering highly affordable pricing options and sales or leasing incentives. In October, Consumer Reports published a detailed assessment of electric vehicles and concluded savings worth thousands of dollars over comparable gas-powered options. Coupled with the skyrocketing cost of gas, especially when compared to the relative affordability of electricity, the reasons to consider an electric-powered vehicle only become that much more enticing.
These savings are not only derived from gas, but also because electric vehicles do not require standard maintenance, such as oil changes, making them much cheaper to operate.
If you’ve ever considered an electric vehicle, there has never been a better time. To help members educate themselves on what’s available, United Power launched Choose EV. Choose EV contains a significant amount of information, including vehicle information, comparisons and a savings calculator (fuel to electricity). To learn more about the tools available to United Power members, go to Choose EV.
Title
Tips & Tricks to Becoming Energy Efficient
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2020_NL_EEMyths.jpg?itok=vFFnVeSz
Thursday | September 30, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power Recognizes Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, October 6.
United Power Recognizes Energy Efficiency Day on October 5
On October 5, United Power is joining more than 800 other organizations to celebrate National Energy Efficiency Day, a day to remember easy ways we can reduce our energy use and save money.
Energy efficiency simply means using less energy to perform the same tasks or eliminating energy waste. Being energy efficient protects our pocketbooks and the environment by lowering demand for energy and, by extension, greenhouse gas emissions.
If you’re a homeowner trying to manage your electric usage on a budget, energy efficiency may seem more fantasy than reality. Energy efficiency is often seen as an expensive and unobtainable goal for many homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be. Trimming your electric usage is as quick and simple as making a few modest behavior changes and a little investment in cost-efficient technology.
Here are some of the most common ways United Power members can ditch high energy bills and become more efficient in their daily energy usage. For some of our members who may want to go a step further in the journey toward energy efficiency, the article below demonstrates why an electric vehicle may be right for you.
10 Energy Efficient Tips
Make the Switch to LEDs. There’s been a strong push for the switch to LEDs for years, and for good reason. LEDs last up to 25x longer and consume 90 percent less energy.
Seal Those Leaks. Have you ever left a window cracked in the winter and realized how quickly the cold air can cool your home? Little leaks can be equivalent to leaving a 3 ft x 3 ft window open.
Install a Smart Thermostat. While an initially high investment, a smart thermostat will pay for itself over time by learning your routine and adjusting accordingly. You can even control it remotely. Members can also enroll in United Power’s Smart Rewards program to save even more. More info at Smart Rewards.
Heat & Cool Efficiency. Heating and cooling accounts for almost half your energy use. Don’t waste money on an empty home. Raising or lowering the temp on your thermostat also won’t compromise comfort.
Use a Ceiling Fan. Using a ceiling fan in combination with proper cooling will allow you to raise your thermostat by as much as 4 degrees without losing any comfort.
Maintain Your HVAC System. A dirty furnace has to work harder to move air. Don’t forget to change air filters during both heating and cooling seasons to keep energy costs low.
Look for the ENERGY STAR® Label. The label means this appliance is certified energy efficient. United Power also offers rebates on ENERGY STAR® refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.
Turn Off Electronics. Electronics on “standby” contribute to “vampire loads,” which is when a device draws energy even with it appears to be off. Turn off all idle electronics that aren’t in use.
The Sun is Key. In the winter, open curtains during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. In the summer, excess sunlight will make your A/C work harder, so keep those curtains closed.
Don’t Peak in the Oven. Opening the oven door while cooking or baking can cause the internal temperature to drop by as much as 25 degrees making it work harder to return to the right temperature and also affecting cooking times of your dinner or dessert.
Title
Today's Youth. Tomorrow's Leaders.
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/SeptOct_NL_Youth.jpg?itok=HNdYgh7M
Friday | September 13, 2019
Card Teaser
Each summer, United Power selects local youth to represent on our youth leadership trips.
2020 Youth Leadership Applications Available at Year’s End
As your cooperative we believe in contributing to the well-being of the communities that make up who we are, including building up tomorrow’s leaders in those communities. Each summer, United Power selects local youth from within our service territory to represent the cooperative for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado at the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp or an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
Applications will be available on our Youth Trips page at the end of the year. .
CYLC: Camp, Cabins & Cooperatives
The Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp isn’t a camp in the traditional sense. There are no tents, no campfires, no s’mores. Business begins as soon as the buses and vans roll in to deposit campers from their respective cooperatives. Campers establish and manage their own cooperative for the week, including election of a Board of Directors and holding regular meetings for “members.” In between, days are filled with cooperative-focused activities, leadership training and collaborative group projects.
However, being part of a cooperative isn’t all business all the time. Whether it was building camaraderie while rafting down the Colorado River or enjoying the majestic Fish Creek Falls, campers had ample opportunity to build friendships and have fun.
This summer, three area youth represented United Power at camp: Xavier Galyardt, Mead High School; Audrey Thompson, Prospect Ridge Academy; and Karlen Ruybal, Ft. Lupton High School.
Youth Tour: Colorado Youth Visit Capitol Hill
The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been a proud tradition among cooperatives since 1957 when Lyndon B. Johnson, speaking at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting, suggested sending youth to the capitol to see “what the flag stands for and represents.”
Local electric cooperatives throughout the country sponsor approximately 1,500 high school students from small towns and cities for and incredible week in the nation’s capital with the objective of providing an educational experience for young people on the organization and operation of a cooperative.
Each day of the Youth Tour is packed full of memorable moments for youth from across the country. Between meeting with elected officials, learning the value of the cooperatives they represent and developing leadership skills, students are able to spend time touring some of Washington D.C.’s landmarks and memorials.
Each year, United Power selects three ambitious high school students to attend Youth Tour: Catera Gagna, Brighton High School; Brooklyn Stubby, Mapleton Early College; and Bethany Flanagan, Weld Central High School.
Meet Your 2020 Camp Ambassador: Xavier “X” Galyardt
Xavier, who goes by “X,” was a United Power representative at the 2019 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. Each year at CYLC, youth campaign throughout the week and are elected by their peers to return to camp the following year as an ambassador.
What did you enjoy most about camp?
Although the activities were fantastic – rafting, learning, dancing, adventuring – they are trivial in comparison to the friends I acquired. They are easily what I enjoyed most. The hardest part of camp was leaving them behind.
How did it prepare you for being a leader in your school and community?
The camp was incredible at presenting leadership ideas and displaying leadership ideals. These ideas reignited my passion for leadership and demonstrated the true influence of leaders. I have adopted a new philosophy on leading, and can’t wait to see how it plays out.
What does it mean to be elected a 2020 camp ambassador?
Being elected ambassador is a tremendous honor. To become a camp ambassador one must go through two stages of speeches and voting. After all that, my peers selected me because they trust me to represent them next year.
Why should others high school students attend camp in 2020?
For every reason someone could choose not to attend camp, I could list two reasons to come. For one, it’s a vacation away from normal life. You’ll also meet some of the most compassionate people you may ever now. There is no downside.
Title
Town of Frederick and United Power Reach Agreement on Purchase of Facilities
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Frederick_Stories_1.png?h=45932144&itok=BvugHOQK
Wednesday | April 18, 2018
Card Teaser
Frederick has agreed to sell the electrical infrastructure to United Power, who will provide on-going service to the citizens of the Town’s original municipal utility.
United Power, an electric cooperative utility headquartered in Brighton, Colorado, and the Town of Frederick, Colorado, jointly announced today that they have reached an agreement for the cooperative to purchase the Town of Frederick’s municipal electric utility, Frederick Power & Light.
Frederick has agreed to sell the electrical infrastructure to United Power, who will provide on-going service to the citizens of the Town’s original municipal utility. This agreement means that all Frederick residents will be served by United Power.
“We are pleased to reach a resolution on this issue, and look forward to welcoming these Frederick citizens as new members of our cooperative,” stated James Vigesaa, United Power Board President. “The agreement helps to clarify our future territory and will help us to plan for all our future growth in an efficient and effective manner.”
“Throughout the process of exploring options related to our electric utility, our main goal has been to find a solution that is in the best interests of our community,” said Tony Carey, Mayor of Frederick. “We have met that goal as this agreement is a win for our residents and United Power’s members. I’m excited to continue moving forward with our new board as we explore more opportunities for Frederick’s future.”
The agreement will help the cooperative better integrate their electric delivery system as it grows, and brings greater density to the operation, which will reduce operating costs for all cooperative members. Information and updates about the purchase and transition will be available on both the Town of Frederick and United Power’s websites. Additionally, United Power will be reaching out to affected citizens in the coming weeks to welcome them to the cooperative, and share information about the transition.
“On behalf of United Power’s Board of Directors I want to extend our thanks to the Town Trustees of Frederick,” stated Vigesaa. “We appreciate their willingness to negotiate, and to reach an agreement that is good for not only their citizens, but for the cooperative membership at-large.”
Title
Town of Frederick Citizens Affirm United Power Purchase of Municipal Utility
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Frederick_Stories_0.png?h=45932144&itok=9hNcyAGQ
Wednesday | June 27, 2018
Card Teaser
Residents of the Town of Frederick have affirmed the purchase of the Town of Frederick’s municipal utility, which was agreed to earlier by the Town Council and United Power representatives.
Residents of the Town of Frederick have affirmed the purchase of the Town of Frederick’s municipal utility, which was agreed to earlier by the Town Council and United Power representatives. The Town’s website reported that the sale of the Town’s assets was affirmed by residents with a 1,716 to 236 count. Nearly 88% of all voters indicated their support for United Power to purchase the system.
“We are excited about bringing the entire Town of Frederick into the United Power membership,” stated John Parker, United Power CEO. “We want to express our thanks to the citizens of Frederick for their support in this process, and we will be working hard to make this transition a seamless process for them.”
The vote was a key step to finalize the purchase. The two entities agreed upon a purchase price of $18 million, with United Power agreeing to drop its pending lawsuit against the Town in exchange. United Power originally filed suit against the Town in July of 2017, for breach of contract and to recover damages for the Town’s taking of service rights located within United Power’s certificated territory. The suit was filed after an attempt to negotiate a settlement failed in early 2017.
“United Power has assembled a transition team that includes key engineering, operations, and member services personnel to work on this acquisition,” stated Parker. “The citizens of Frederick can be assured that we will work as quickly as possible to complete this project, and we will be working hard behind the scenes to meet all your expectations in regard to this sale.”
The election results will not be official until July 6, 2018, in order to allow for the statute-required length of time for overseas military ballots and signature verification processes to be completed.
Title
Town of Frederick Utility Illegally Builds into United Power Territory
Friday | April 21, 2017
Card Teaser
Brighton, CO – United Power has sent official notice to the Town of Frederick that they have breached their agreement with the cooperative, and have violated Colorado State Law by building into United Power’s service territory.
United Power Seeks Resolution on Behalf of Cooperative Membership
Brighton, CO – United Power has sent official notice to the Town of Frederick that they have breached their agreement with the cooperative, and have violated Colorado State Law by building into United Power’s service territory. The cooperative is seeking a resolution within 15 days, or it will seek further action against the town.
“We originally attempted to make a good faith effort to resolve this illegal action by the Town of Frederick, but they have refused to address our concerns,” said Darryl Schriver, United Power CEO. “By building in United Power’s territory the Town violated not only state law, Frederick violated a prior agreement we have with them to supply wholesale power to the Town; we have no alternative but to seek an appropriate settlement on behalf of the entire cooperative membership.”
United Power and the Town of Frederick have a Wholesale Power Agreement, in effect from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2021, allowing the cooperative to provide power to the municipal utility serving approximately 2,000 customers. In the agreement the Town of Frederick promised to respect and honor United Power’s property interest, and that all facilities and customers outside of the Town’s “old town” boundaries are always United Power members. The fact that the Town of Frederick built in United Power’s territory to provide service to a facility located within the cooperative’s boundaries is a clear breach of the contract. Additionally, the Town of Frederick has violated a Colorado State Statute that defines the terms of any exchange of territory between municipal utilities and cooperatives. The law was designed to make sure that cooperative members are fairly compensated for any loss of membership and revenue when there is an agreement to relinquish territory.
“It is important to note that this illegal action affects every member of our cooperative—individuals and companies who have a stake in this operation,” stated Schriver. “As a cooperative we are owned by our members, and this action is a threat to the interests of every home and business that receives power from the cooperative.”
Title
Transitioning to a Demand Rate
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Sept2018_NL_Resources_0.png?itok=PNSsaHzm
Monday | October 1, 2018
Card Teaser
Beginning next year, United Power members will be charged differently for how they use energy. As was announced earlier this year, United Power will be implementing a new rate structure that will include a residential demand charge.
October 1, 2018 | Beginning next year, United Power members will be charged differently for how they use energy. As was announced earlier this year, United Power will be implementing a new rate structure that will include a residential demand charge. We are continuing the conversation about the 2019 change to residential rates by talking about why the change to the rate structure is happening now, and by taking a look at the information you can use to learn more about your electric consumption.
What is Demand?
Demand refers to the maximum amount of electrical power that is being consumed at a given time, as opposed to energy which is the amount of power used over a period of time. The more power used at once, the larger the infrastructure that is needed to deliver that power. United Power must build our system to accommodate the most possible power use at any given time, and this comes at a cost to the cooperative.
Why the Switch to a Demand Rate?
Residential electric rates have traditionally been a blend of costs: the cost of fuels to generate power, the cost to deliver the energy to your home, the cost to the cooperative to maintain and operate the system and even the cost to provide billing and member services to our members. These costs have long been allocated to members based simply on service type—even though some members’ usage patterns impact our system more than others.
We now have access to more information about how each member uses energy and the electric system. By breaking out these costs—the Fixed Charge, Energy Charge and Demand Charge –every member will be charged more fairly for how and when they use energy. The new rate structure also ensures United Power recoups the actual cost of service to each member in a fair and equitable way.
How Do I Learn More About Demand?
United Power has been discussing this new rate structure for several months. Read past issues of the United Newsline for more examples and information to help you understand Demand. A list of frequently asked questions can be found at Understanding Demand.
Your bill is also a valuable resource to learn more. The Demand Charge line item represented by a kilowatt (kW) measurement that now appears on residential electric bills offers you a clearer picture of how you use electricity. There is no charge currently associated with this Demand line item, but by providing this information ahead of the rate change, you can more closely monitor your energy use.
Members can also use our Power Portal to take a deeper look into their monthly consumption and pinpoint the exact moment they hit their monthly peak demand. Viewing your peak demand period in the Power Portal may help you recall that Monday afternoon when you ran the air conditioning, dishwasher and vacuum all at once. Perhaps you’ll decide that you can stagger these activities in the future to manage your energy costs.
How Much will the Demand Rate Cost?
The exact rate for the Residential Demand Charge has not been set. United Power’s Board of Directors will meet before the end of 2018 to approve the final rate. The intention is to introduce this new rate structure slowly with small incremental changes annually over a four-year period. Demand charges for residential ratepayers will be lower than those paid by commercial customers based on how they use power. Watch for announcements in the United Newsline and on our website www.unitedpower.com with more information on the approved rate.
If you have questions about the Demand Rate, please e-mail unitednewsline@unitedpower.com. We’ll post answers on our website and in a future issue of United Newsline.
