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Summer Heat Sets Record Peak
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Monday | September 23, 2019
Card Teaser
In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state.
The summer is coming to a close soon, but you may have noticed some higher than usual bills over the past couple months. That’s in part due to the unusually warm summer we’ve had this year.
As the temperatures rose, United Power also felt the affects. In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state. Nationally, the heat wave resulted in the highest demand since 2017, according to the Energy Information Administration.
If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat without seeing the impact on your electric bill, the Department of Energy recommends turning your A/C up a few degrees when you leave the house. Turning your thermostat back a few degrees and ensuring your house has the proper insulation can result in big savings.
You can find more energy savings tips under Managing My Energy.
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Take the Edge off Electric Bills in 2020
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Friday | January 3, 2020
Card Teaser
Take advantage of the resources the cooperative provides for its members and discover quick home upgrades and behavior changes to see immediate savings.
United Power is committed to providing members with the tools and resources they need to take control of their energy use. As we enter a new year, and a new decade, it’s never been easier to control your energy and become more energy efficient. Take advantage of the resources the cooperative provides for its members and discover quick home upgrades and behavior changes to see immediate savings. Here are some ways United Power is empowering its members to take control.
Find a Rate that Works for You
United Power’s residential rates are designed so members have the option to choose one that most closely fits how they use energy. When the cooperative’s demand rate debuted in January 2019, it separated the energy and demand components and allowed the cooperative to more fairly charge members for both their energy use and impact on the grid. Along with it, the cooperative also rolled out the Smart Choice Rate, which provided two different peak demand charges and a much lower energy charge. This rate remains unchanged for 2020. New this year, United Power added a Peak Time of Day rate, which encourages members to switch their usage to off-peak hours. The new rate charges a higher demand for on-peak usage, but does not charge for demand during off-peak hours. The cooperative’s standard and time of day rates also remain options for members. However you use your energy, the flexibility of the cooperative’s residential rates should meet most members’ needs.
Link: United Power Residential Rates
Register for the Power Portal to Monitor Your Usage
Curious to see when you used the most energy this past month or how it compares to your usage throughout the year? Was it the high or low temps causing you to use more energy than you expected? Or was it the new hot tub? New major appliances and recreational equipment often use more energy than we initially expect. To find out what’s driving your energy use, register for the Power Portal. With the Power Portal, you can access your complete energy consumption portfolio in 15-minute intervals throughout the day to get a clear look at how you use your energy. Armed with this information, you can make small behavior changes to save you over time, helping keep bills lower and more manageable.
Link: Find out more about the Power Portal here.
Free Online Resources Help You Take Inventory of Your Usage
How energy efficient are your behaviors? The Power Portal may arm you with the information you need to begin making changes, but what are those changes exactly? What “quick wins” can you implement to see a difference? A home energy assessment tool can show you just how energy efficient certain behaviors are, and how you can change them to get the most out of your energy. These and other tools are available on the United Power website. Just go to Energy Programs and click on Managing My Energy or click below.
Link: Managing My Energy
Install a Smart Thermostat
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling our homes accounts for nearly half of our annual energy usage, making it the most expensive part of our bills. Experts agree adjusting your thermostat a few degrees when you’re not home is the best way to save. With a programmable thermostat, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, you can set your temp when you leave for work and adjust it remotely so it’s comfortable when you get home. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically, respond to changes in local weather and analyze your energy use.
Buy Energy Star® Appliances and Get Money Back
Replacing your old appliances with newer, more energy efficient products is a quick way to see immediate savings on your monthly bill. United Power members qualify for exclusive rebates through the cooperative and its wholesale power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. Rebates are available on select Energy Star® appliances (including refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers). Additional rebates are available on heat pumps, electric water heaters and electric heating systems.
Link: Rebates & Programs
Change a Little, Save a Lot
While United Power provides a wealth of rebates, programs and tools that members can take advantage of to become more energy efficient, some changes are as quick and easy as investing in power strips or closing curtains. Using power strips can help limit infamous “vampire loads,” which happen when devices use energy although they appear to be turned off. Vampire loads are approaching 10 percent of the average household’s electric use, according to the EPA. Upgrading to smart power strips adds the ability to remotely control outlets, either as a whole or individually. Lowering water heater temps to the “warm” setting can save on energy and scalding when washing hands. Leaving your curtains open in the winter lets the sun naturally warm your home, and closing them in the summer keeps heat out. These are a few quick and efficient options to save immediately on your bill.
Link: Find saving tips at Energy Tips
Talk to a United Power Energy Management Specialist
United Power has a team of Energy Management Specialists, available to advise and assist you with your energy concerns. Energy Management Specialists walk through your concerns, analyze your usage and provide you with practical information you can use to control your energy usage. They can walk you through available rates, programs and rebates to ensure you’re maximizing your energy savings.
Ultimately, energy savings comes down to the small things. Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you aren’t in a room. Turn off power strips to televisions, gaming systems and other electronics, including chargers, that are not in use. Take shorter showers. Consolidate loads of laundry and dishes to make the best use of hot water. Stagger the use of appliances to avoid a higher demand. Remind everyone in your family to make energy savings a priority. Work with them to start a conversation about saving energy, and you’ll see the savings every month. Enter into the new decade resolved to be more energy efficient.
Title
Thank A Lineman
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Friday | March 20, 2020
Card Teaser
On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
United Power is dedicated to keeping our members’ lights on. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of our skilled linemen, who work each day behind the scenes to improve our system and prevent outages before they happen. On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
Linemen must be prepared to face daily situations that may be less than ideal, regularly tasked with resolving intricate and hazardous problems in unknown or perilous conditions.
During the past year, our linemen have had to help restore power to members following severe hail storms and high winds, which caught many off guard. When severe weather hits our service territory, our linemen are ready to assess the situation and begin the process of restoring power. When the skies are clear and the wind is calm, our linemen are monitoring our system and making improvements to prevent outages where possible.
Our linemen are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to any situation in any type of weather. So next time you lose power, rest assured a highly trained United Power crew is on the way, dedicated to getting the lights back on quickly and safely.
Without our linemen, the power that makes our member’s homes comfortable wouldn’t be possible. We invite our members to take a moment to thank our United Power linemen for the work they do. Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support, or take a moment to drop a kind note in the mail.
United Power
Thank A Lineman
500 Cooperative Way
Brighton, CO 80603
Title
The Birth of a Cooperative
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Thursday | January 3, 2019
Card Teaser
This is the first in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
Today, United Power enjoys a seat as one of the most progressive cooperatives across the country. Over the past 80 years, United Power has reached milestones few other cooperatives have, but not without first overcoming a few seasons of turbulence. This is the first in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
In June 1938, shortly after Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electric Administration, a group of local farmers in the counties northeast of Denver met to discuss the possibility of forming a cooperative to meet their needs. In October of that year, Union Rural Electric Association was born. The cooperative began construction on lines that would first serve members in late January of 1940.
Though the outbreak of WWII paused development, growth continued through the 1950s. During that time, Union REA entered a competitive territory battle with the state’s largest public utility, Public Service Company of Colorado (now Xcel Energy), which had begun to see the areas lucrative potential. The battle over service territory would continue throughout the 1980s.
Legislation passed in 1961 finally recognized Union REA, and all other utilities in the state, as full-fledged public utilities with the right to serve certified territories, temporarily halting PSCo’s encroachment on the cooperative’s territory. However, Union REA agreed to allow PSCo to serve some of the fastest growing towns in its territory following a negotiation in 1964.
In the 1970s, PSCo broke faith with the cooperative as growth exploded in the area during that time. The public utility began aggressively claiming territory beyond what Union REA felt was outlined in the agreement. During that time, Union lost nearly 2000 accounts, and many more were considered “at-risk.” In 1987, the Public Utilities Commission declared the agreement invalid in favor of the cooperative, triggering PSCo to initiate a takeover attempt later that year.
Now more than 10,000 members strong, the cooperative’s healthy growth, combined with the proximity to the Denver metro area, made Union an attractive takeover target. PSCo offered to buy out the cooperative for $62.5 million and compensate members with a $500 cash payout to replace lost capital credits. Union REA leadership felt the offer was disingenuous, and communicated directly with membership until a vote on Saturday, August 22, 1987. Union members ultimately voted against the takeover, placing their faith in the promise of the cooperative future.
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The Diversity of Careers in Cooperatives
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Friday | December 18, 2020
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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.
The Value of Electricity
Tuesday | November 22, 2022
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.
Read more >
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Three Board Seats Up in Annual Director Election
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Thursday | January 13, 2022
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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.
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Three Ways to Electrify Your Lawn Care
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Tuesday | June 23, 2020
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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!).
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Time to Begin Looking at Electric Vehicles
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Thursday | September 23, 2021
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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.
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Tips & Tricks to Becoming Energy Efficient
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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
Summer Heat Sets Record Peak
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Monday | September 23, 2019
Card Teaser
In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state.
The summer is coming to a close soon, but you may have noticed some higher than usual bills over the past couple months. That’s in part due to the unusually warm summer we’ve had this year.
As the temperatures rose, United Power also felt the affects. In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state. Nationally, the heat wave resulted in the highest demand since 2017, according to the Energy Information Administration.
If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat without seeing the impact on your electric bill, the Department of Energy recommends turning your A/C up a few degrees when you leave the house. Turning your thermostat back a few degrees and ensuring your house has the proper insulation can result in big savings.
You can find more energy savings tips under Managing My Energy.
Title
Take the Edge off Electric Bills in 2020
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Friday | January 3, 2020
Card Teaser
Take advantage of the resources the cooperative provides for its members and discover quick home upgrades and behavior changes to see immediate savings.
United Power is committed to providing members with the tools and resources they need to take control of their energy use. As we enter a new year, and a new decade, it’s never been easier to control your energy and become more energy efficient. Take advantage of the resources the cooperative provides for its members and discover quick home upgrades and behavior changes to see immediate savings. Here are some ways United Power is empowering its members to take control.
Find a Rate that Works for You
United Power’s residential rates are designed so members have the option to choose one that most closely fits how they use energy. When the cooperative’s demand rate debuted in January 2019, it separated the energy and demand components and allowed the cooperative to more fairly charge members for both their energy use and impact on the grid. Along with it, the cooperative also rolled out the Smart Choice Rate, which provided two different peak demand charges and a much lower energy charge. This rate remains unchanged for 2020. New this year, United Power added a Peak Time of Day rate, which encourages members to switch their usage to off-peak hours. The new rate charges a higher demand for on-peak usage, but does not charge for demand during off-peak hours. The cooperative’s standard and time of day rates also remain options for members. However you use your energy, the flexibility of the cooperative’s residential rates should meet most members’ needs.
Link: United Power Residential Rates
Register for the Power Portal to Monitor Your Usage
Curious to see when you used the most energy this past month or how it compares to your usage throughout the year? Was it the high or low temps causing you to use more energy than you expected? Or was it the new hot tub? New major appliances and recreational equipment often use more energy than we initially expect. To find out what’s driving your energy use, register for the Power Portal. With the Power Portal, you can access your complete energy consumption portfolio in 15-minute intervals throughout the day to get a clear look at how you use your energy. Armed with this information, you can make small behavior changes to save you over time, helping keep bills lower and more manageable.
Link: Find out more about the Power Portal here.
Free Online Resources Help You Take Inventory of Your Usage
How energy efficient are your behaviors? The Power Portal may arm you with the information you need to begin making changes, but what are those changes exactly? What “quick wins” can you implement to see a difference? A home energy assessment tool can show you just how energy efficient certain behaviors are, and how you can change them to get the most out of your energy. These and other tools are available on the United Power website. Just go to Energy Programs and click on Managing My Energy or click below.
Link: Managing My Energy
Install a Smart Thermostat
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling our homes accounts for nearly half of our annual energy usage, making it the most expensive part of our bills. Experts agree adjusting your thermostat a few degrees when you’re not home is the best way to save. With a programmable thermostat, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, you can set your temp when you leave for work and adjust it remotely so it’s comfortable when you get home. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically, respond to changes in local weather and analyze your energy use.
Buy Energy Star® Appliances and Get Money Back
Replacing your old appliances with newer, more energy efficient products is a quick way to see immediate savings on your monthly bill. United Power members qualify for exclusive rebates through the cooperative and its wholesale power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. Rebates are available on select Energy Star® appliances (including refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers). Additional rebates are available on heat pumps, electric water heaters and electric heating systems.
Link: Rebates & Programs
Change a Little, Save a Lot
While United Power provides a wealth of rebates, programs and tools that members can take advantage of to become more energy efficient, some changes are as quick and easy as investing in power strips or closing curtains. Using power strips can help limit infamous “vampire loads,” which happen when devices use energy although they appear to be turned off. Vampire loads are approaching 10 percent of the average household’s electric use, according to the EPA. Upgrading to smart power strips adds the ability to remotely control outlets, either as a whole or individually. Lowering water heater temps to the “warm” setting can save on energy and scalding when washing hands. Leaving your curtains open in the winter lets the sun naturally warm your home, and closing them in the summer keeps heat out. These are a few quick and efficient options to save immediately on your bill.
Link: Find saving tips at Energy Tips
Talk to a United Power Energy Management Specialist
United Power has a team of Energy Management Specialists, available to advise and assist you with your energy concerns. Energy Management Specialists walk through your concerns, analyze your usage and provide you with practical information you can use to control your energy usage. They can walk you through available rates, programs and rebates to ensure you’re maximizing your energy savings.
Ultimately, energy savings comes down to the small things. Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you aren’t in a room. Turn off power strips to televisions, gaming systems and other electronics, including chargers, that are not in use. Take shorter showers. Consolidate loads of laundry and dishes to make the best use of hot water. Stagger the use of appliances to avoid a higher demand. Remind everyone in your family to make energy savings a priority. Work with them to start a conversation about saving energy, and you’ll see the savings every month. Enter into the new decade resolved to be more energy efficient.
Title
Thank A Lineman
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Friday | March 20, 2020
Card Teaser
On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
United Power is dedicated to keeping our members’ lights on. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of our skilled linemen, who work each day behind the scenes to improve our system and prevent outages before they happen. On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
Linemen must be prepared to face daily situations that may be less than ideal, regularly tasked with resolving intricate and hazardous problems in unknown or perilous conditions.
During the past year, our linemen have had to help restore power to members following severe hail storms and high winds, which caught many off guard. When severe weather hits our service territory, our linemen are ready to assess the situation and begin the process of restoring power. When the skies are clear and the wind is calm, our linemen are monitoring our system and making improvements to prevent outages where possible.
Our linemen are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to any situation in any type of weather. So next time you lose power, rest assured a highly trained United Power crew is on the way, dedicated to getting the lights back on quickly and safely.
Without our linemen, the power that makes our member’s homes comfortable wouldn’t be possible. We invite our members to take a moment to thank our United Power linemen for the work they do. Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support, or take a moment to drop a kind note in the mail.
United Power
Thank A Lineman
500 Cooperative Way
Brighton, CO 80603
Title
The Birth of a Cooperative
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Thursday | January 3, 2019
Card Teaser
This is the first in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
Today, United Power enjoys a seat as one of the most progressive cooperatives across the country. Over the past 80 years, United Power has reached milestones few other cooperatives have, but not without first overcoming a few seasons of turbulence. This is the first in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
In June 1938, shortly after Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electric Administration, a group of local farmers in the counties northeast of Denver met to discuss the possibility of forming a cooperative to meet their needs. In October of that year, Union Rural Electric Association was born. The cooperative began construction on lines that would first serve members in late January of 1940.
Though the outbreak of WWII paused development, growth continued through the 1950s. During that time, Union REA entered a competitive territory battle with the state’s largest public utility, Public Service Company of Colorado (now Xcel Energy), which had begun to see the areas lucrative potential. The battle over service territory would continue throughout the 1980s.
Legislation passed in 1961 finally recognized Union REA, and all other utilities in the state, as full-fledged public utilities with the right to serve certified territories, temporarily halting PSCo’s encroachment on the cooperative’s territory. However, Union REA agreed to allow PSCo to serve some of the fastest growing towns in its territory following a negotiation in 1964.
In the 1970s, PSCo broke faith with the cooperative as growth exploded in the area during that time. The public utility began aggressively claiming territory beyond what Union REA felt was outlined in the agreement. During that time, Union lost nearly 2000 accounts, and many more were considered “at-risk.” In 1987, the Public Utilities Commission declared the agreement invalid in favor of the cooperative, triggering PSCo to initiate a takeover attempt later that year.
Now more than 10,000 members strong, the cooperative’s healthy growth, combined with the proximity to the Denver metro area, made Union an attractive takeover target. PSCo offered to buy out the cooperative for $62.5 million and compensate members with a $500 cash payout to replace lost capital credits. Union REA leadership felt the offer was disingenuous, and communicated directly with membership until a vote on Saturday, August 22, 1987. Union members ultimately voted against the takeover, placing their faith in the promise of the cooperative future.
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The Diversity of Careers in Cooperatives
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Friday | December 18, 2020
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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.
The Value of Electricity
Tuesday | November 22, 2022
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.
Read more >
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Three Board Seats Up in Annual Director Election
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Thursday | January 13, 2022
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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.
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Three Ways to Electrify Your Lawn Care
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Tuesday | June 23, 2020
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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!).
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Time to Begin Looking at Electric Vehicles
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Thursday | September 23, 2021
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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.
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Tips & Tricks to Becoming Energy Efficient
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Thursday | September 30, 2021
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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.
