Title
Rate Increase Approved
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_Rates.png?h=45932144&itok=KW7a9GOa
Friday | November 3, 2023
Card Teaser
The rate increase adjusts for inflation and higher wholesale power costs.
Impact to be Spread Across All Rate Classes
United Power members will see a rate increase effective for usage beginning Jan. 1, 2024. United Power Board members and staff recently reviewed the cooperative’s costs and determined that rates need to be raised an average of 9.5% to help the cooperative maintain a healthy financial profile.
“These decisions are always difficult, and the Board carefully scrutinized spending in all areas across the cooperative before reaching the conclusion that rates need to be increased,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO. “Your cooperative has worked hard to keep costs as low as possible for members during the last three years, especially when inflation began to impact the cost of nearly everything we need to maintain normal day-to-day operations. While we knew this effort was only a delay tactic, we really aimed to keep rates stable for members while costs for everything else in their households were rising.”
Average Household to See $10-$15 Increase Monthly
The average residential member will see increases in both the demand charge and in the energy charge, while the fixed charge will remain the same. The demand charge will increase from $1.50 to $2.50 per kW, while the energy charge will increase from 9.95 cents per kwh to 10.39 cents.
The average household on the standard residential rate using about 850 kwh per month with a demand of 7 kW will see their bill rise from $114.08 to $124.82, an increase of $10.74.
Residential time-of-use members will see a similar increase, with an increase in demand from $1.50 to $2.50 per kW. On-peak energy charges will rise from 15.4 cents to 16.07, and off-peak energy charges will increase from 5.25 cents per kwh to 5.5 cents. All other rates will see similar increases. See full menu of rate changes here.
The cooperative’s rate model forecasts that most households will see a $10-$15 per month increase in their electric bill. However, the structure of United Power’s rates provides members the ability to keep costs lower by controlling demand. Reducing demand is as simple as not using electric appliances at the same time. Additionally, setting timers on dryers and dishwashers so they start after the family goes to sleep moves the demand of that appliance to a lower use period and actively reduces demand costs.
Learn more about demand and how you can reduce the impact of this portion of your bill..
Why are rates rising now?
It is important to understand that the cost of wholesale power makes up approximately 75% of a member’s bill. United Power’s current wholesale power supplier is planning a large rate increase in 2024, including a significant change in their rate structure. Once approved, the new rate structure will shift expenses from generation to transmission, which will have a considerable impact on United Power even after our exit. In other words, the cost to deliver power to our members will increase next year — regardless of who is generating and supplying that power. Fortunately, the cooperative will begin purchasing and managing its own wholesale power supply on May 1, 2024, giving us greater control over this portion of our power cost.
United Power staff has kept a watchful eye on spending, particularly over the past three years, but our operation is challenged by rising costs just like most households and businesses. Unavoidable increases in property taxes and insurance premiums are impacting the cooperative. Add to this the rising cost of construction materials and critical components like transformers and wire, and it has been a challenge to balance our budgets. Even the costs for attracting and retaining talented employees continues to climb in both wages and benefits.
How Can Your Cooperative Support You?
United Power has numerous resources to help our members manage their energy usage. Weatherization information to make your home envelope tighter, energy audits to provide tips on energy efficiency measures, rebates to support purchasing energy efficient appliances, and information on lifestyle changes that can help reduce costs are all ways we put the power to control costs in our members’ hands.
If you need help managing your electric costs, please feel free to contact us for assistance. Members may reach United Power by phone at 303-637-1300, via email, or by chat at www.unitedpower.com during normal business hours.
Title
Rebate Requirements Changing in 2018 on Heat Pump Air Conditioners
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_11_09_HeatPumpAirConditioners.jpg?itok=nZSUpezp
Thursday | November 9, 2017
Card Teaser
Beginning next year, members will see some changes to the rebate requirements on heat pump air conditioners as well as an increase in rebate amounts.
Beginning next year, members will see some changes to the rebate requirements on heat pump air conditioners as well as an increase in rebate amounts. Beginning on January 1, 2018, air source heat pumps must have a SEER rating of at least 15 in order to receive a rebate. Air source heat pumps with a 15-17 SEER rating, will receive a $300 per ton rebate from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, and air source heat pumps with a SEER rating above 17 will receive a $450 per ton rebate from Tri-State. Members will continue to receive an additional $100 per unit rebate on air source heat pumps from United Power, if attached to an existing ETS forced air furnace. Ground-source heat pump rebates from Tri-State are increasing from $250 to $500 per ton starting on January 1, 2018. An inspection by United Power is required to qualify for rebates and members are encouraged to call United Power’s Energy Management Team prior to making any purchases to discuss rebate requirements. Learn more about our rebates here.
Resources Offer Closer Look at Your Demand
Monday | September 3, 2018
The Power Portal is United Power’s newest resource for members, and offers a detailed look at monthly energy consumption data and overall usage history. This free resource allows members to view monthly, daily and hourly energy use in 15 minute intervals.
Read more >
Responsible Generator Use Saves Lives
Monday | April 2, 2018
The use of portable generators is commonplace during power outages, but you may not know they can potentially create one of the more dangerous situations for the linemen trying to restore power to you and your neighbors.
Read more >
Results of 2017 United Power Director Election
Thursday | April 27, 2017
Races for a seat in all four United Power director districts were decided by a vote of the members at the 2017 Annual Meeting on Apr. 18 at the Adams County Fairgrounds.
Read more >
Reunited & Ready
Thursday | July 8, 2021
After more than a year of altered business practices during COVID-19, United Power has resumed normal activities.
Read more >
Rising to the Occasion
Friday | September 27, 2019
United Power partnered with Touchstone's national balloon program to present to donations to area nonprofits.
Read more >
Title
Roadmap: Business Agility & Resilience Through IT/OT Strategy
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EarlyWinter_NL_ITOT.jpg?itok=_zDWqqZ1
Friday | November 18, 2022
Card Teaser
The final Roadmap pillar focuses on our information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems strategies.
Our Cooperative Roadmap (Roadmap) is United Power’s functional plan for the future, and focuses on four specific pillars the cooperative views as essential to strengthening its position as a leader in the electric industry. In previous newsletters, we have highlighted our commitment to pursing affordable and sustainable power, optimizing our distribution system, and our commitment to member and community engagement. The final Roadmap pillar focuses on our information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems strategies, which allow us to be efficient and functional in maintaining our distribution system.
Advancing technologies play a critical role in how United Power responds to and prevents outages. Without the insight computerized systems provide, the cooperative would not be able to see in-depth information about grid performance and conduct targeted maintenance. In a way, this pillar is foundational for meeting the requirements of grid optimization.
“United Power has taken an approach of embracing IT,” said Rex Webster, an infrastructure engineer at the cooperative. “It’s where they integrate us into decision making that allows us to shape and guide workflows, processes, and systems.”
United Power’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a computerized system that provides the cooperative with information about energy usage. It helps guide grid construction and improvements and ensure sufficient power is delivered where members need it. In many cases, we can use this system to identify and respond to outages before members may even be aware. It is the availability of this infrastructure that also allows us to offer Power Portal to our members, where you can view energy usage in 15-minute segments and make energy-saving habit changes.
The implementation of informational technology strategies would not be complete without factoring in the ever-increasing threat to cybersecurity.
“We’ve implemented many state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools and monitoring services on both our field devices and our corporate networks,” Webster said.
Technology is advancing rapidly, and new technology may be on the horizon that offers even greater insight into our distribution system. While we have no way of knowing what may be available tomorrow, our systems are built to adapt as changes take place. We are constantly looking for advantageous options that enable us to better serve our members.
“Our Cooperative Roadmap is looking ahead over the next 10 years as we become a more fully functional distribution system operator,” said Reliability Engineer Tyler Bain. “But in reality, we’re already down that path, and we’re already deploying and utilizing the systems that are going to make some of those futuristic thoughts possible today.”
Rosie's Moving In
Tuesday | May 1, 2018
Butterfly Pavilion, home to Rosie the tarantula, recently announced its plans to construct a new facility in Broomfield, inside United Power's service territory.
Read more >
Title
Rate Increase Approved
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_Rates.png?h=45932144&itok=KW7a9GOa
Friday | November 3, 2023
Card Teaser
The rate increase adjusts for inflation and higher wholesale power costs.
Impact to be Spread Across All Rate Classes
United Power members will see a rate increase effective for usage beginning Jan. 1, 2024. United Power Board members and staff recently reviewed the cooperative’s costs and determined that rates need to be raised an average of 9.5% to help the cooperative maintain a healthy financial profile.
“These decisions are always difficult, and the Board carefully scrutinized spending in all areas across the cooperative before reaching the conclusion that rates need to be increased,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO. “Your cooperative has worked hard to keep costs as low as possible for members during the last three years, especially when inflation began to impact the cost of nearly everything we need to maintain normal day-to-day operations. While we knew this effort was only a delay tactic, we really aimed to keep rates stable for members while costs for everything else in their households were rising.”
Average Household to See $10-$15 Increase Monthly
The average residential member will see increases in both the demand charge and in the energy charge, while the fixed charge will remain the same. The demand charge will increase from $1.50 to $2.50 per kW, while the energy charge will increase from 9.95 cents per kwh to 10.39 cents.
The average household on the standard residential rate using about 850 kwh per month with a demand of 7 kW will see their bill rise from $114.08 to $124.82, an increase of $10.74.
Residential time-of-use members will see a similar increase, with an increase in demand from $1.50 to $2.50 per kW. On-peak energy charges will rise from 15.4 cents to 16.07, and off-peak energy charges will increase from 5.25 cents per kwh to 5.5 cents. All other rates will see similar increases. See full menu of rate changes here.
The cooperative’s rate model forecasts that most households will see a $10-$15 per month increase in their electric bill. However, the structure of United Power’s rates provides members the ability to keep costs lower by controlling demand. Reducing demand is as simple as not using electric appliances at the same time. Additionally, setting timers on dryers and dishwashers so they start after the family goes to sleep moves the demand of that appliance to a lower use period and actively reduces demand costs.
Learn more about demand and how you can reduce the impact of this portion of your bill..
Why are rates rising now?
It is important to understand that the cost of wholesale power makes up approximately 75% of a member’s bill. United Power’s current wholesale power supplier is planning a large rate increase in 2024, including a significant change in their rate structure. Once approved, the new rate structure will shift expenses from generation to transmission, which will have a considerable impact on United Power even after our exit. In other words, the cost to deliver power to our members will increase next year — regardless of who is generating and supplying that power. Fortunately, the cooperative will begin purchasing and managing its own wholesale power supply on May 1, 2024, giving us greater control over this portion of our power cost.
United Power staff has kept a watchful eye on spending, particularly over the past three years, but our operation is challenged by rising costs just like most households and businesses. Unavoidable increases in property taxes and insurance premiums are impacting the cooperative. Add to this the rising cost of construction materials and critical components like transformers and wire, and it has been a challenge to balance our budgets. Even the costs for attracting and retaining talented employees continues to climb in both wages and benefits.
How Can Your Cooperative Support You?
United Power has numerous resources to help our members manage their energy usage. Weatherization information to make your home envelope tighter, energy audits to provide tips on energy efficiency measures, rebates to support purchasing energy efficient appliances, and information on lifestyle changes that can help reduce costs are all ways we put the power to control costs in our members’ hands.
If you need help managing your electric costs, please feel free to contact us for assistance. Members may reach United Power by phone at 303-637-1300, via email, or by chat at www.unitedpower.com during normal business hours.
Title
Rebate Requirements Changing in 2018 on Heat Pump Air Conditioners
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_11_09_HeatPumpAirConditioners.jpg?itok=nZSUpezp
Thursday | November 9, 2017
Card Teaser
Beginning next year, members will see some changes to the rebate requirements on heat pump air conditioners as well as an increase in rebate amounts.
Beginning next year, members will see some changes to the rebate requirements on heat pump air conditioners as well as an increase in rebate amounts. Beginning on January 1, 2018, air source heat pumps must have a SEER rating of at least 15 in order to receive a rebate. Air source heat pumps with a 15-17 SEER rating, will receive a $300 per ton rebate from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, and air source heat pumps with a SEER rating above 17 will receive a $450 per ton rebate from Tri-State. Members will continue to receive an additional $100 per unit rebate on air source heat pumps from United Power, if attached to an existing ETS forced air furnace. Ground-source heat pump rebates from Tri-State are increasing from $250 to $500 per ton starting on January 1, 2018. An inspection by United Power is required to qualify for rebates and members are encouraged to call United Power’s Energy Management Team prior to making any purchases to discuss rebate requirements. Learn more about our rebates here.
Resources Offer Closer Look at Your Demand
Monday | September 3, 2018
The Power Portal is United Power’s newest resource for members, and offers a detailed look at monthly energy consumption data and overall usage history. This free resource allows members to view monthly, daily and hourly energy use in 15 minute intervals.
Read more >
Responsible Generator Use Saves Lives
Monday | April 2, 2018
The use of portable generators is commonplace during power outages, but you may not know they can potentially create one of the more dangerous situations for the linemen trying to restore power to you and your neighbors.
Read more >
Results of 2017 United Power Director Election
Thursday | April 27, 2017
Races for a seat in all four United Power director districts were decided by a vote of the members at the 2017 Annual Meeting on Apr. 18 at the Adams County Fairgrounds.
Read more >
Reunited & Ready
Thursday | July 8, 2021
After more than a year of altered business practices during COVID-19, United Power has resumed normal activities.
Read more >
Rising to the Occasion
Friday | September 27, 2019
United Power partnered with Touchstone's national balloon program to present to donations to area nonprofits.
Read more >
Title
Roadmap: Business Agility & Resilience Through IT/OT Strategy
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EarlyWinter_NL_ITOT.jpg?itok=_zDWqqZ1
Friday | November 18, 2022
Card Teaser
The final Roadmap pillar focuses on our information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems strategies.
Our Cooperative Roadmap (Roadmap) is United Power’s functional plan for the future, and focuses on four specific pillars the cooperative views as essential to strengthening its position as a leader in the electric industry. In previous newsletters, we have highlighted our commitment to pursing affordable and sustainable power, optimizing our distribution system, and our commitment to member and community engagement. The final Roadmap pillar focuses on our information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems strategies, which allow us to be efficient and functional in maintaining our distribution system.
Advancing technologies play a critical role in how United Power responds to and prevents outages. Without the insight computerized systems provide, the cooperative would not be able to see in-depth information about grid performance and conduct targeted maintenance. In a way, this pillar is foundational for meeting the requirements of grid optimization.
“United Power has taken an approach of embracing IT,” said Rex Webster, an infrastructure engineer at the cooperative. “It’s where they integrate us into decision making that allows us to shape and guide workflows, processes, and systems.”
United Power’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a computerized system that provides the cooperative with information about energy usage. It helps guide grid construction and improvements and ensure sufficient power is delivered where members need it. In many cases, we can use this system to identify and respond to outages before members may even be aware. It is the availability of this infrastructure that also allows us to offer Power Portal to our members, where you can view energy usage in 15-minute segments and make energy-saving habit changes.
The implementation of informational technology strategies would not be complete without factoring in the ever-increasing threat to cybersecurity.
“We’ve implemented many state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools and monitoring services on both our field devices and our corporate networks,” Webster said.
Technology is advancing rapidly, and new technology may be on the horizon that offers even greater insight into our distribution system. While we have no way of knowing what may be available tomorrow, our systems are built to adapt as changes take place. We are constantly looking for advantageous options that enable us to better serve our members.
“Our Cooperative Roadmap is looking ahead over the next 10 years as we become a more fully functional distribution system operator,” said Reliability Engineer Tyler Bain. “But in reality, we’re already down that path, and we’re already deploying and utilizing the systems that are going to make some of those futuristic thoughts possible today.”
Rosie's Moving In
Tuesday | May 1, 2018
Butterfly Pavilion, home to Rosie the tarantula, recently announced its plans to construct a new facility in Broomfield, inside United Power's service territory.
Read more >
