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United for the Cure
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Monday | December 16, 2019
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This October, United Power joined the ongoing battle to find a cure through an employee-led effort to support colleagues, raise funds and create awareness.
October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness and rally people to help fund research to find a cure for the disease.
This October, United Power joined the ongoing battle to find a cure through an employee-led effort to support colleagues, raise funds and create awareness. The idea began to spread after co-op linemen asked permission to wear pink hard hats throughout the month, and evolved into a company-wide engagement effort.
“It’s exciting that this movement began internally by our linemen,” said Community Outreach Specialist Julie Stewart. “It’s even more exciting to see the support from the rest of our employees. As a co-op, caring for our communities is a core part of who we are, and I think this demonstrates how much they care.”
The cooperative issued linemen pink hard hats to wear on the job throughout the month of October, and employees received pink “United for the Cure” shirts. Employees were encouraged to wear their shirts every Thursday during the month. To raise funds for breast cancer treatment and support, internal departments donated themed silent auction baskets. The silent auction raised $5,000. The check was presented to the Platte Valley Medical Center Foundation at an employee meeting in November.
“The employee engagement and support we witnessed was more than we could have hoped for,” said Member Engagement Officer Meghan Dewey. “This was a heartwarming suggestion from employees, who all helped contribute in a big way.”
Breast cancer impacts hundreds of thousands of families every year. This year alone, approximately 270,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States, not including non-invasive forms. It is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women aside from skin cancer.
You can continue to help the fight locally by donating to the PVMC Foundation, which supports critical patient programs at Platte Valley Medical Center.
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United Power 78th Annual Meeting of Members Held on April 18th
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Tuesday | April 18, 2017
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Brighton, Colo.—Growth in every industry sector is a challenge United Power is facing as they work on “Building Tomorrow’s Cooperative,” the theme of the 78th Annual Meeting held on Apr. 18th.
Incumbents Retain East, West and South Seats, New Director Fills Mountain Seat
Brighton, Colo.—Growth in every industry sector is a challenge United Power is facing as they work on “Building Tomorrow’s Cooperative,” the theme of the 78th Annual Meeting held on Apr. 18th. Nearly 850 attendees represented over 420 registered cooperative memberships at the annual member event held at the Adams County Fairgrounds. The evening included dinner, exhibit booths, entertainment, cooperative reports, and the election of directors.
Races for a seat in all four director districts were decided by a vote of the members. Incumbent Directors James Vigesaa and Ginny Buczek retained their respective seats. Director David Rose won the race for his seat in the South District. Incoming director Tamra Waltemath won the seat in the Mountain district left vacant by the retirement of director Douglas Pryce.
Member registration opened at 4:30 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall and was followed by balloting in the annual director election and a full barbeque dinner. Members then visited informational exhibit booths and enjoyed live entertainment by solo guitarist Dave Connelly in the Waymire Dome. The business meeting began at 6:30 p.m. in the Waymire Dome, and was broadcast live in Exhibit Hall.
Board Vice President, Susan Petrocco from the south district opened the business meeting at 6:30 p.m. with the invocation, followed by of the presentation of the colors by Brighton Fire Department Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem by local Brighton High School graduate Lauren Rocha.
Board President, Brian McCormick, introduced the cooperative Directors and Executive Leadership team, and then Vice President Petrocco made a special presentation in honor of retiring director Doug Pryce, who has served on the United Power Board of Directors for 27 years. Petrocco listed the various local and national positions Pryce has held during his tenure as a United Power director.
“While Doug served on various national and state positions, he still found the energy to serve the United Power board in various leadership capacities,” said Petrocco. “He has served this cooperative and its members well.”
McCormick then called the meeting to order, introduced the candidates running for board seats in 2017 and introduced the cooperative reports for the evening. First to report was Troy Whitmore, Director of External Affairs for United Power. Whitmore presented this year’s Youth Report which included a special check presentation to United Power’s 2017 scholarship recipients. Students receiving awards were recognized on stage by Asst. Secretary-Treasurer Ursula J. Morgan and President McCormick.
McCormick followed with the President’s report which included an overview of United Power’s vision, mission and guiding cooperative principles. McCormick then reviewed power mix of Tri-State Generation & Tranmission, United Power’s wholesale power provider and energy sales trends for United Power. McCormick wrapped up his report by introducing United Power’s Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Schriver and reporting that United Power remains in strong financial condition and committed to delivering excellent service and value to its members.
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ursula J. Morgan took the stage to review the cooperative’s financial report. Morgan gave a summary of the highlights and the full financial report was made available to all members at the meeting in United Power’s 2016 Annual Report. The Annual Report is also available online at www.unitedpower.com.
Morgan reported operating revenues for the cooperative were up over $11 million—up more than 5 percent from 2015, which is mostly attributed to higher energy sales for the year. Energy sales, which grew more than 9 percent last year, are up mostly due to new large oil and gas related loads. The cooperative’s operating expenses totaled $212.3 million in 2016, an increase of $13 million from 2015, nearly all of which is due to higher purchased power costs. Morgan reported that the cost of purchased power represents over 76 percent of United Power’s operating costs.
After accounting for all revenues and expenses, United Power realized net margins of $13.7 million, and based on this sound financial position, the cooperative board authorized the retirement of $4.3 million in capital credits to the members in 2016. Morgan reminded the audience that the board evaluates the cooperative’s financial position each year to determine if a retirement is warranted and announcements about capital credit retirements are published on the cooperative’s website and newsletter, United Newsline.
United Power’s Chief Executive Officer Darryl Schriver took to the stage after a brief video highlighting the substantial growth in United Power’s service area. Schriver discussed some of the ways the cooperative is planning and preparing for an influx of members and new load on the distribution system. Schriver also discussed the operational changes that have been made since taking his position last April to make sure United Power’s crews are proactively addressing system maintenance issues. and new construction contract crews can be ramped up to better meet new construction schedules. He talked about how contract crews are being used to better meet new construction schedules.
Schriver went on to discuss the addition of 19.5 megawatts of renewable solar power that was energized on the United Power system in 2016. A solar farm in Fort Lupton is generating 13 megawatts of power and the Maverick solar farm in Mead is generating 6.5 megawatts. These new systems are powering more than 4,000 homes in the United Power service territory with local renewable energy.
“In the coming year I am challenging United Power employees in every operational area to look at the way they serve our members,” said Schriver. “I want them to explore ways to streamline, improve and leverage technology to provide a better experience for our members.”
Schriver then announced the purchase a new building located in the west district of the cooperative’s service area on I-25, just south of the Hwy 119 exit. Schriver explained that serving the entire membership from one location on the easternmost corridor of the territory is becoming problematic. The new facility will provide a second location for operations crews to respond more quickly to communities in the northwest corridor of the territory and to provide additional back up support to United Power’s mountain territory. The facility will also offer members a full-service walk-in member services department.
President McCormick then moved to the member forum portion of the meeting. Prior to the start of the meeting, board members collected comments of general interest from members in attendance. A selection of those questions were addressed by the Board President and Chief Executive Officer during this time.
Election results for the 2017 director election were announced following the member forum. United Power members cast 5,730 ballots, and the following results were certified by the Election and Credentials Committee at the 2017 Annual Meeting.
The South district was the only contested race on the ballot this year and David Rose won that seat with 3,393 votes, beating out Keith E. Alquist who received 2,209 votes.
In the Mountain district, the retirement of Douglas Pryce left the seat open for candidate Tamra Waltemath, who ran unopposed. Waltemath received 5,093 votes.
Incumbent directors James E. Vigesaa in the East, and Virginia “Ginny” Buczek in the West ran unopposed and retained their seats with 5,065 votes for Vigessa and 5,102 vote for Buczek.
RESULTS OF THE 2017 UNITED POWER DIRECTOR ELECTIONEAST DISTRICT
James E. Vigesaa 5,065
SOUTH DISTRICT
Keith Alquist 2,209
David Rose 3,393
WEST DISTRICT
Virginia (Ginny) Buczek 5,102
MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Tamra Waltemath 5,093
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United Power Advances Capital Credit Retirement to Alleviate COVID Impacts
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Tuesday | April 28, 2020
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Members are getting cash back from their co-op in May.
Article originally published on April 18, 2020.
United Power is returning $5.5 million in Capital Credits to members beginning in May and nearly every member is getting a payment. Due to the unique economic stresses being placed on our members because of the COVID 19 situation, United Power’s Board of Directors has opted to distribute Capital Credit refunds earlier than in prior years. In past years the retirements were made in August, but the United Power Board felt members could use the economic relief now.
“We know that many of our members have been impacted by this health emergency – through cuts in pay, job losses, or increased health costs,” said Bryant Robbins, Chief Executive Officer. “This retirement will provide money back to nearly all our members when they need it most.”
In 2020, United Power is retiring $5.5 million to members. The total amount of money retired is divided among all members and is being issued in May. Additionally, while these payments have typically been issued as checks, more refunds will be applied to bills in order to reduce the need for our members to go to a bank during this health emergency. Members receiving a retirement of $50 or less, will see a bill credit directly on their May electric bill. Those receiving larger retirement amounts will receive a check.
Capital credits represent ownership in United Power and are one of the most unique and rewarding benefits afforded to members of electric cooperatives. Unlike investor-owned utilities that maximize profits to pay dividends to shareholders, not-for-profit electric co-ops like United Power provide our members with “at cost” electric service—we do not exist to earn a profit. At the end of each year, after all operational expenses have been covered, a portion of any excess funds is returned to the members in the form of capital credits. Learn more about capital credits, or if you have additional questions please call our Member Services team at 303-637-1300.
In addition to the advancement of Capital Credit refunds, the cooperative has temporarily suspended disconnections and is providing payment arrangements for members who have been directly impacted by COVID 19. The Board of Directors has also established the Co-op Cares fund allocating $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to provide direct assistance to members facing hardships due to the pandemic.
Any members who may have troubles paying their electric bills are encouraged to call United Power at 303-637-1300 and our Member Services team will match them with all of the available resources and assistance options.
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United Power Among Nation’s Best in Reliability and Resiliency
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Tuesday | February 27, 2024
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Cooperative achieves record SAIDI score for second year in a row.
Cooperative Achieves Record SAIDI Score for Second Year in a Row
United Power’s core responsibility to its members as an electric cooperative is ensuring consistently reliable power, which means the lights stay on and the power continues flowing whenever you need it to be available. Several years ago, the co-op’s operations and engineering staff began coordinating the implementation of an innovative system maintenance strategy. It incorporated embedded devices throughout the system and preventative maintenance practices to meet ambitious goals for reliability and resiliency – defined as the ability to rapidly recover from power outages, such as reducing frequency or duration.
Results exceeded expectations. United Power successfully prevented thousands of potential power interruptions before they occurred, dramatically reducing the number of outages members experience and limiting the duration when outages do occur. The strategy has produced sustained improvements in reliability and resiliency year-over-year since it was implemented in 2017, cementing the cooperative’s status among the best performing electric utilities in the country.
By the Numbers
Electric utilities measure system performance and develop improvement plans using a variety of indicators, such as the System Average Interruption Duration Index – more commonly known as SAIDI – and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index, or SAIFI. These indicators, among the many that United Power and other electric utilities use to measure how successful systems are performing, essentially analyze data and calculate outage expectations for an average member.
SAIDI measures the total outage time an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (cumulative duration of all outages experienced). The national average is approximately 120 minutes. United Power has not produced a SAIDI score above 72 minutes since 2017 and has maintained a score below 60 minutes – less than half the national average – for the past two years.
SAIFI measures the total number of outages an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (frequency of outages experienced). United Power’s SAIFI score of 0.65 in 2023 means the average meter experienced fewer than one outage throughout the year. Put another way, many of the cooperative’s members did not experience an outage last year.
Other performance indicators are used, as well. One of those indicators measures the system’s overall availability rate. The co-op’s availability in 2023 was greater than 99%.
“These metrics demonstrate the success of the strategies we are using to improve reliability and resiliency across our system,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and CEO. “Thank you to our operations and engineering teams, who are responsible for interpreting data from the system and designing the strategies we practice in the field.”
Preventative Maintenance Practices Installed
United Power incorporated a proactive approach to system maintenance in 2017. The strategy relies on analyzing data collected across thousands of miles of line and isolating the worst-performing segments. Targeted maintenance projects are then scheduled to improve the performance for that segment.
One example of this strategy is the co-op’s drone maintenance program. The program began in United Power’s mountain territory, where accessing poles and infrastructure can be difficult and time consuming due to the rugged terrain and weather. Drones can quickly conduct detailed investigations and document broken, failing, or aging equipment. Drones have saved the cooperative countless hours and prevented hundreds of potential outages. Since completing initial inspections in Coal Creek Canyon and Golden Gate Canyon, the drone maintenance program has been used throughout the entire service territory.
Advanced Monitoring Technology
Preventative maintenance would not be possible without automated monitoring devices embedded throughout the system that report irregularities and potential concerns. These devices capture important information to help system operators determine the best power restoration process in the event of an outage and can help crews in the field pinpoint the time and location of a fault.
The ability to quickly locate a fault, identify its cause, and restore power to members, often remotely due to redundancies built into the system for this very purpose, has significantly improved the cooperative’s outage response and reduced the duration of outages. Identifying problematic areas would be difficult without this information and could create additional delays in power restoration because lineworkers would need to physically inspect miles of line to locate and repair the cause.
Readying for the Power Supply Transition
United Power will be transitioning to new power suppliers on May 1 as the cooperative exits its existing power supply contract. United Power’s robust distribution system is ready to take the cooperative into the future of our new energy supply. This transition will have no impact on the system’s reliability.
The added flexibility of additional power supply contracts as the cooperative grows may even improve system performance in the long term with the ability to make proactive infrastructure upgrades.
United Power is already among the best performing electric utilities in the country, and leadership at the co-op is continually seeking to improve its system reliability and resiliency. Whether it is proactive maintenance strategies, automated devices, or other system improvements, the cooperative is always looking for ways to improve and meet member expectations.
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United Power and Ameresco Celebrate Construction of Colorado’s Largest Distributed Battery Energy Storage System
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Monday | July 29, 2024
BRIGHTON, CO and FRAMINGHAM, MA – July 29, 2024 – United Power, Inc., an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, today announced the successful completion of construction of multiple Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in collaboration with Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. These battery energy storage systems underscore significant advancements in utility infrastructure, enhancing both resiliency and energy security as the industry shifts toward a more sustainable future. Together they also represent the largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio in Ameresco’s history.
The assets are designed to provide 78.3 MW, 313.34 MWh of battery storage capacity to the United Power electric distribution system across multiple sites. Five of the sites have been placed in service and the remaining three sites are expected to be placed in service by the end of the summer. Strategically positioned throughout United Power’s service territory, these eight advanced battery systems are pivotal in enabling United Power to enhance load balancing and integrate renewable resources seamlessly.
“The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power grid, and we are excited to be moving ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such systems. These battery energy storage systems will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power.
The Ameresco-owned assets consist of four 11.75 MW and four 7.84 MW battery energy storage systems across the eight different substation sites owned by United Power, located in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties. In addition, Ameresco integrated Stem’s AI-driven clean energy software to efficiently operate and maintain the systems. These batteries will allow the cooperative to store and dispatch power efficiently during periods of high consumption. By leveraging this innovative technology, United Power optimizes its energy resources, enhances its grid resilience, and ensures a reliable electricity supply for its members.
“Partnering with United Power on these transformational battery energy storage systems has been incredible – in just under a year of working together we have accomplished so much,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President, Ameresco. “The inclusion of this expansive set of assets in Ameresco’s portfolio is an amazing milestone for our team, as our largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio to date. Energy storage plays – and will continue to play – a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, optimizing renewable energy utilization, and fostering a resilient and efficient energy future. We look forward to continuing to help support utility companies in meeting increasing demand.”
Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate completing construction of the BESS assets. The event took place at United Power's Bromley Substation located in Brighton, CO.
To learn more about United Power’s industry leading energy transition outlined in its long-term vision for the future, read Our Cooperative Roadmap at www.unitedpower.com/roadmap.
For additional information on Ameresco and its energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com.
About United Power: United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 112,000 meters. It’s 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.
About Ameresco, Inc.: Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
The announcement of the development of a renewable energy asset by Ameresco is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such asset, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s overall total assets in development or operation. This project was included in our previously reported assets in development as of March 31, 2024.
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United Power and Transitional Energy Sign Letter of Intent to Develop Geothermal Resources
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Wednesday | February 16, 2022
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Transitional Energy & United Power announce a groundbreaking pilot to leverage energy from oil and gas wells to generate dispatchable power.
Groundbreaking Pilot to Leverage Energy from Oil and Gas Wells to Generate Dispatchable Power
Denver and Brighton, Colo. – Transitional Energy, a geothermal development company, joined Brighton-based United Power to announce that they have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a dispatchable energy pilot program. The program will focus on geothermal resources from oil and gas operations located in the electric cooperative’s service territory.
United Power provides electric service to multiple oil and gas operations in Colorado’s DJ Oil Basin. Transitional Energy’s program will use geothermal energy to generate dispatchable baseload electric power. The program may be used with both operational and abandoned wells to capture and convert what would otherwise be waste geothermal energy to electricity.
Many oil and gas operators use traditional electric service to power drilling rigs and other well pad equipment. Through this partnership, United Power and Transitional Energy will be able to provide a unique solution that can convert oil and gas operations using traditional electric service to facilities powered by up to 100% geothermal resources. Owner-operators of wells in the United Power service territory would work directly with Transitional Energy to utilize the technology to offset their energy purchases while reducing their greenhouse gas footprint.
Transitional Energy was founded in Colorado and is partially funded by a grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Taking advantage of the team’s oil and gas expertise as well as emerging advancements in Organic Rankine Cycle technology for heat recovery, Transitional Energy will tap into the geothermal potential of thousands of wellbores within the DJ Basin. Reuse of existing wells and infrastructure is a capital-efficient way to use the heat beneath our feet. This pilot program compliments the many innovative energy investments United Power has made in renewable energy projects in its territory.
“United Power is excited to work on this innovative pilot project,” stated Dean Hubbuck, United Power’s Chief Energy Resources Officer. “Utilizing clean, economical geothermal energy to provide local power that can be dispatched when needed is a critical component of our growing energy portfolio. Geothermal energy represents a huge untapped renewable resource that can reduce our reliance on power from other traditional sources.”
About Transitional EnergyTransitional Energy is a geothermal development company based in Denver. The company is majority women owned and Native led. With deep expertise in subsurface engineering, facilities engineering and geology, Transitional Energy is passionate about a clean energy future and utilizing existing oil and gas wells and infrastructure to generate geothermal energy. Learn more at www.transitionalenergy.us.About the United PowerUnited Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.###
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United for the Cure
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Monday | December 16, 2019
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This October, United Power joined the ongoing battle to find a cure through an employee-led effort to support colleagues, raise funds and create awareness.
October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness and rally people to help fund research to find a cure for the disease.
This October, United Power joined the ongoing battle to find a cure through an employee-led effort to support colleagues, raise funds and create awareness. The idea began to spread after co-op linemen asked permission to wear pink hard hats throughout the month, and evolved into a company-wide engagement effort.
“It’s exciting that this movement began internally by our linemen,” said Community Outreach Specialist Julie Stewart. “It’s even more exciting to see the support from the rest of our employees. As a co-op, caring for our communities is a core part of who we are, and I think this demonstrates how much they care.”
The cooperative issued linemen pink hard hats to wear on the job throughout the month of October, and employees received pink “United for the Cure” shirts. Employees were encouraged to wear their shirts every Thursday during the month. To raise funds for breast cancer treatment and support, internal departments donated themed silent auction baskets. The silent auction raised $5,000. The check was presented to the Platte Valley Medical Center Foundation at an employee meeting in November.
“The employee engagement and support we witnessed was more than we could have hoped for,” said Member Engagement Officer Meghan Dewey. “This was a heartwarming suggestion from employees, who all helped contribute in a big way.”
Breast cancer impacts hundreds of thousands of families every year. This year alone, approximately 270,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States, not including non-invasive forms. It is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women aside from skin cancer.
You can continue to help the fight locally by donating to the PVMC Foundation, which supports critical patient programs at Platte Valley Medical Center.
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United Power 78th Annual Meeting of Members Held on April 18th
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Tuesday | April 18, 2017
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Brighton, Colo.—Growth in every industry sector is a challenge United Power is facing as they work on “Building Tomorrow’s Cooperative,” the theme of the 78th Annual Meeting held on Apr. 18th.
Incumbents Retain East, West and South Seats, New Director Fills Mountain Seat
Brighton, Colo.—Growth in every industry sector is a challenge United Power is facing as they work on “Building Tomorrow’s Cooperative,” the theme of the 78th Annual Meeting held on Apr. 18th. Nearly 850 attendees represented over 420 registered cooperative memberships at the annual member event held at the Adams County Fairgrounds. The evening included dinner, exhibit booths, entertainment, cooperative reports, and the election of directors.
Races for a seat in all four director districts were decided by a vote of the members. Incumbent Directors James Vigesaa and Ginny Buczek retained their respective seats. Director David Rose won the race for his seat in the South District. Incoming director Tamra Waltemath won the seat in the Mountain district left vacant by the retirement of director Douglas Pryce.
Member registration opened at 4:30 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall and was followed by balloting in the annual director election and a full barbeque dinner. Members then visited informational exhibit booths and enjoyed live entertainment by solo guitarist Dave Connelly in the Waymire Dome. The business meeting began at 6:30 p.m. in the Waymire Dome, and was broadcast live in Exhibit Hall.
Board Vice President, Susan Petrocco from the south district opened the business meeting at 6:30 p.m. with the invocation, followed by of the presentation of the colors by Brighton Fire Department Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem by local Brighton High School graduate Lauren Rocha.
Board President, Brian McCormick, introduced the cooperative Directors and Executive Leadership team, and then Vice President Petrocco made a special presentation in honor of retiring director Doug Pryce, who has served on the United Power Board of Directors for 27 years. Petrocco listed the various local and national positions Pryce has held during his tenure as a United Power director.
“While Doug served on various national and state positions, he still found the energy to serve the United Power board in various leadership capacities,” said Petrocco. “He has served this cooperative and its members well.”
McCormick then called the meeting to order, introduced the candidates running for board seats in 2017 and introduced the cooperative reports for the evening. First to report was Troy Whitmore, Director of External Affairs for United Power. Whitmore presented this year’s Youth Report which included a special check presentation to United Power’s 2017 scholarship recipients. Students receiving awards were recognized on stage by Asst. Secretary-Treasurer Ursula J. Morgan and President McCormick.
McCormick followed with the President’s report which included an overview of United Power’s vision, mission and guiding cooperative principles. McCormick then reviewed power mix of Tri-State Generation & Tranmission, United Power’s wholesale power provider and energy sales trends for United Power. McCormick wrapped up his report by introducing United Power’s Chief Executive Officer, Darryl Schriver and reporting that United Power remains in strong financial condition and committed to delivering excellent service and value to its members.
Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Ursula J. Morgan took the stage to review the cooperative’s financial report. Morgan gave a summary of the highlights and the full financial report was made available to all members at the meeting in United Power’s 2016 Annual Report. The Annual Report is also available online at www.unitedpower.com.
Morgan reported operating revenues for the cooperative were up over $11 million—up more than 5 percent from 2015, which is mostly attributed to higher energy sales for the year. Energy sales, which grew more than 9 percent last year, are up mostly due to new large oil and gas related loads. The cooperative’s operating expenses totaled $212.3 million in 2016, an increase of $13 million from 2015, nearly all of which is due to higher purchased power costs. Morgan reported that the cost of purchased power represents over 76 percent of United Power’s operating costs.
After accounting for all revenues and expenses, United Power realized net margins of $13.7 million, and based on this sound financial position, the cooperative board authorized the retirement of $4.3 million in capital credits to the members in 2016. Morgan reminded the audience that the board evaluates the cooperative’s financial position each year to determine if a retirement is warranted and announcements about capital credit retirements are published on the cooperative’s website and newsletter, United Newsline.
United Power’s Chief Executive Officer Darryl Schriver took to the stage after a brief video highlighting the substantial growth in United Power’s service area. Schriver discussed some of the ways the cooperative is planning and preparing for an influx of members and new load on the distribution system. Schriver also discussed the operational changes that have been made since taking his position last April to make sure United Power’s crews are proactively addressing system maintenance issues. and new construction contract crews can be ramped up to better meet new construction schedules. He talked about how contract crews are being used to better meet new construction schedules.
Schriver went on to discuss the addition of 19.5 megawatts of renewable solar power that was energized on the United Power system in 2016. A solar farm in Fort Lupton is generating 13 megawatts of power and the Maverick solar farm in Mead is generating 6.5 megawatts. These new systems are powering more than 4,000 homes in the United Power service territory with local renewable energy.
“In the coming year I am challenging United Power employees in every operational area to look at the way they serve our members,” said Schriver. “I want them to explore ways to streamline, improve and leverage technology to provide a better experience for our members.”
Schriver then announced the purchase a new building located in the west district of the cooperative’s service area on I-25, just south of the Hwy 119 exit. Schriver explained that serving the entire membership from one location on the easternmost corridor of the territory is becoming problematic. The new facility will provide a second location for operations crews to respond more quickly to communities in the northwest corridor of the territory and to provide additional back up support to United Power’s mountain territory. The facility will also offer members a full-service walk-in member services department.
President McCormick then moved to the member forum portion of the meeting. Prior to the start of the meeting, board members collected comments of general interest from members in attendance. A selection of those questions were addressed by the Board President and Chief Executive Officer during this time.
Election results for the 2017 director election were announced following the member forum. United Power members cast 5,730 ballots, and the following results were certified by the Election and Credentials Committee at the 2017 Annual Meeting.
The South district was the only contested race on the ballot this year and David Rose won that seat with 3,393 votes, beating out Keith E. Alquist who received 2,209 votes.
In the Mountain district, the retirement of Douglas Pryce left the seat open for candidate Tamra Waltemath, who ran unopposed. Waltemath received 5,093 votes.
Incumbent directors James E. Vigesaa in the East, and Virginia “Ginny” Buczek in the West ran unopposed and retained their seats with 5,065 votes for Vigessa and 5,102 vote for Buczek.
RESULTS OF THE 2017 UNITED POWER DIRECTOR ELECTIONEAST DISTRICT
James E. Vigesaa 5,065
SOUTH DISTRICT
Keith Alquist 2,209
David Rose 3,393
WEST DISTRICT
Virginia (Ginny) Buczek 5,102
MOUNTAIN DISTRICT
Tamra Waltemath 5,093
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United Power Advances Capital Credit Retirement to Alleviate COVID Impacts
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Tuesday | April 28, 2020
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Members are getting cash back from their co-op in May.
Article originally published on April 18, 2020.
United Power is returning $5.5 million in Capital Credits to members beginning in May and nearly every member is getting a payment. Due to the unique economic stresses being placed on our members because of the COVID 19 situation, United Power’s Board of Directors has opted to distribute Capital Credit refunds earlier than in prior years. In past years the retirements were made in August, but the United Power Board felt members could use the economic relief now.
“We know that many of our members have been impacted by this health emergency – through cuts in pay, job losses, or increased health costs,” said Bryant Robbins, Chief Executive Officer. “This retirement will provide money back to nearly all our members when they need it most.”
In 2020, United Power is retiring $5.5 million to members. The total amount of money retired is divided among all members and is being issued in May. Additionally, while these payments have typically been issued as checks, more refunds will be applied to bills in order to reduce the need for our members to go to a bank during this health emergency. Members receiving a retirement of $50 or less, will see a bill credit directly on their May electric bill. Those receiving larger retirement amounts will receive a check.
Capital credits represent ownership in United Power and are one of the most unique and rewarding benefits afforded to members of electric cooperatives. Unlike investor-owned utilities that maximize profits to pay dividends to shareholders, not-for-profit electric co-ops like United Power provide our members with “at cost” electric service—we do not exist to earn a profit. At the end of each year, after all operational expenses have been covered, a portion of any excess funds is returned to the members in the form of capital credits. Learn more about capital credits, or if you have additional questions please call our Member Services team at 303-637-1300.
In addition to the advancement of Capital Credit refunds, the cooperative has temporarily suspended disconnections and is providing payment arrangements for members who have been directly impacted by COVID 19. The Board of Directors has also established the Co-op Cares fund allocating $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to provide direct assistance to members facing hardships due to the pandemic.
Any members who may have troubles paying their electric bills are encouraged to call United Power at 303-637-1300 and our Member Services team will match them with all of the available resources and assistance options.
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United Power Among Nation’s Best in Reliability and Resiliency
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Tuesday | February 27, 2024
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Cooperative achieves record SAIDI score for second year in a row.
Cooperative Achieves Record SAIDI Score for Second Year in a Row
United Power’s core responsibility to its members as an electric cooperative is ensuring consistently reliable power, which means the lights stay on and the power continues flowing whenever you need it to be available. Several years ago, the co-op’s operations and engineering staff began coordinating the implementation of an innovative system maintenance strategy. It incorporated embedded devices throughout the system and preventative maintenance practices to meet ambitious goals for reliability and resiliency – defined as the ability to rapidly recover from power outages, such as reducing frequency or duration.
Results exceeded expectations. United Power successfully prevented thousands of potential power interruptions before they occurred, dramatically reducing the number of outages members experience and limiting the duration when outages do occur. The strategy has produced sustained improvements in reliability and resiliency year-over-year since it was implemented in 2017, cementing the cooperative’s status among the best performing electric utilities in the country.
By the Numbers
Electric utilities measure system performance and develop improvement plans using a variety of indicators, such as the System Average Interruption Duration Index – more commonly known as SAIDI – and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index, or SAIFI. These indicators, among the many that United Power and other electric utilities use to measure how successful systems are performing, essentially analyze data and calculate outage expectations for an average member.
SAIDI measures the total outage time an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (cumulative duration of all outages experienced). The national average is approximately 120 minutes. United Power has not produced a SAIDI score above 72 minutes since 2017 and has maintained a score below 60 minutes – less than half the national average – for the past two years.
SAIFI measures the total number of outages an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (frequency of outages experienced). United Power’s SAIFI score of 0.65 in 2023 means the average meter experienced fewer than one outage throughout the year. Put another way, many of the cooperative’s members did not experience an outage last year.
Other performance indicators are used, as well. One of those indicators measures the system’s overall availability rate. The co-op’s availability in 2023 was greater than 99%.
“These metrics demonstrate the success of the strategies we are using to improve reliability and resiliency across our system,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and CEO. “Thank you to our operations and engineering teams, who are responsible for interpreting data from the system and designing the strategies we practice in the field.”
Preventative Maintenance Practices Installed
United Power incorporated a proactive approach to system maintenance in 2017. The strategy relies on analyzing data collected across thousands of miles of line and isolating the worst-performing segments. Targeted maintenance projects are then scheduled to improve the performance for that segment.
One example of this strategy is the co-op’s drone maintenance program. The program began in United Power’s mountain territory, where accessing poles and infrastructure can be difficult and time consuming due to the rugged terrain and weather. Drones can quickly conduct detailed investigations and document broken, failing, or aging equipment. Drones have saved the cooperative countless hours and prevented hundreds of potential outages. Since completing initial inspections in Coal Creek Canyon and Golden Gate Canyon, the drone maintenance program has been used throughout the entire service territory.
Advanced Monitoring Technology
Preventative maintenance would not be possible without automated monitoring devices embedded throughout the system that report irregularities and potential concerns. These devices capture important information to help system operators determine the best power restoration process in the event of an outage and can help crews in the field pinpoint the time and location of a fault.
The ability to quickly locate a fault, identify its cause, and restore power to members, often remotely due to redundancies built into the system for this very purpose, has significantly improved the cooperative’s outage response and reduced the duration of outages. Identifying problematic areas would be difficult without this information and could create additional delays in power restoration because lineworkers would need to physically inspect miles of line to locate and repair the cause.
Readying for the Power Supply Transition
United Power will be transitioning to new power suppliers on May 1 as the cooperative exits its existing power supply contract. United Power’s robust distribution system is ready to take the cooperative into the future of our new energy supply. This transition will have no impact on the system’s reliability.
The added flexibility of additional power supply contracts as the cooperative grows may even improve system performance in the long term with the ability to make proactive infrastructure upgrades.
United Power is already among the best performing electric utilities in the country, and leadership at the co-op is continually seeking to improve its system reliability and resiliency. Whether it is proactive maintenance strategies, automated devices, or other system improvements, the cooperative is always looking for ways to improve and meet member expectations.
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United Power and Ameresco Celebrate Construction of Colorado’s Largest Distributed Battery Energy Storage System
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Monday | July 29, 2024
BRIGHTON, CO and FRAMINGHAM, MA – July 29, 2024 – United Power, Inc., an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, today announced the successful completion of construction of multiple Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in collaboration with Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. These battery energy storage systems underscore significant advancements in utility infrastructure, enhancing both resiliency and energy security as the industry shifts toward a more sustainable future. Together they also represent the largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio in Ameresco’s history.
The assets are designed to provide 78.3 MW, 313.34 MWh of battery storage capacity to the United Power electric distribution system across multiple sites. Five of the sites have been placed in service and the remaining three sites are expected to be placed in service by the end of the summer. Strategically positioned throughout United Power’s service territory, these eight advanced battery systems are pivotal in enabling United Power to enhance load balancing and integrate renewable resources seamlessly.
“The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power grid, and we are excited to be moving ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such systems. These battery energy storage systems will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power.
The Ameresco-owned assets consist of four 11.75 MW and four 7.84 MW battery energy storage systems across the eight different substation sites owned by United Power, located in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties. In addition, Ameresco integrated Stem’s AI-driven clean energy software to efficiently operate and maintain the systems. These batteries will allow the cooperative to store and dispatch power efficiently during periods of high consumption. By leveraging this innovative technology, United Power optimizes its energy resources, enhances its grid resilience, and ensures a reliable electricity supply for its members.
“Partnering with United Power on these transformational battery energy storage systems has been incredible – in just under a year of working together we have accomplished so much,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President, Ameresco. “The inclusion of this expansive set of assets in Ameresco’s portfolio is an amazing milestone for our team, as our largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio to date. Energy storage plays – and will continue to play – a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, optimizing renewable energy utilization, and fostering a resilient and efficient energy future. We look forward to continuing to help support utility companies in meeting increasing demand.”
Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate completing construction of the BESS assets. The event took place at United Power's Bromley Substation located in Brighton, CO.
To learn more about United Power’s industry leading energy transition outlined in its long-term vision for the future, read Our Cooperative Roadmap at www.unitedpower.com/roadmap.
For additional information on Ameresco and its energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com.
About United Power: United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 112,000 meters. It’s 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.
About Ameresco, Inc.: Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
The announcement of the development of a renewable energy asset by Ameresco is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such asset, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s overall total assets in development or operation. This project was included in our previously reported assets in development as of March 31, 2024.
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United Power and Transitional Energy Sign Letter of Intent to Develop Geothermal Resources
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Wednesday | February 16, 2022
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Transitional Energy & United Power announce a groundbreaking pilot to leverage energy from oil and gas wells to generate dispatchable power.
Groundbreaking Pilot to Leverage Energy from Oil and Gas Wells to Generate Dispatchable Power
Denver and Brighton, Colo. – Transitional Energy, a geothermal development company, joined Brighton-based United Power to announce that they have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a dispatchable energy pilot program. The program will focus on geothermal resources from oil and gas operations located in the electric cooperative’s service territory.
United Power provides electric service to multiple oil and gas operations in Colorado’s DJ Oil Basin. Transitional Energy’s program will use geothermal energy to generate dispatchable baseload electric power. The program may be used with both operational and abandoned wells to capture and convert what would otherwise be waste geothermal energy to electricity.
Many oil and gas operators use traditional electric service to power drilling rigs and other well pad equipment. Through this partnership, United Power and Transitional Energy will be able to provide a unique solution that can convert oil and gas operations using traditional electric service to facilities powered by up to 100% geothermal resources. Owner-operators of wells in the United Power service territory would work directly with Transitional Energy to utilize the technology to offset their energy purchases while reducing their greenhouse gas footprint.
Transitional Energy was founded in Colorado and is partially funded by a grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Taking advantage of the team’s oil and gas expertise as well as emerging advancements in Organic Rankine Cycle technology for heat recovery, Transitional Energy will tap into the geothermal potential of thousands of wellbores within the DJ Basin. Reuse of existing wells and infrastructure is a capital-efficient way to use the heat beneath our feet. This pilot program compliments the many innovative energy investments United Power has made in renewable energy projects in its territory.
“United Power is excited to work on this innovative pilot project,” stated Dean Hubbuck, United Power’s Chief Energy Resources Officer. “Utilizing clean, economical geothermal energy to provide local power that can be dispatched when needed is a critical component of our growing energy portfolio. Geothermal energy represents a huge untapped renewable resource that can reduce our reliance on power from other traditional sources.”
About Transitional EnergyTransitional Energy is a geothermal development company based in Denver. The company is majority women owned and Native led. With deep expertise in subsurface engineering, facilities engineering and geology, Transitional Energy is passionate about a clean energy future and utilizing existing oil and gas wells and infrastructure to generate geothermal energy. Learn more at www.transitionalenergy.us.About the United PowerUnited Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.###
