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Rosie's Moving In
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Tuesday | May 1, 2018
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Butterfly Pavilion, home to Rosie the tarantula, recently announced its plans to construct a new facility in Broomfield, inside United Power's service territory.
United Power members will soon share territory with one of Colorado’s most beloved invertebrates. Butterfly Pavilion, home to Rosie the tarantula, recently announced its plans to construct a new facility in Broomfield, just off Interstate 25 and Highway 7. The new facility will house a world-class research lab to serve as the hub for invertebrate knowledge, conservation, inspiration and connection.
As the hub for invertebrate research, the new facility will offer an opportunity for new discoveries to reach the public more quickly and help contribute to the conservation of pollinators.
“Butterfly Pavilion is launching this expansion to confront and solve global challenges in environmental conservation today and in the future,” said President and CEO Patrick Tennyson in a press release.
Butterfly Pavilion’s new facility will anchor Broomfield’s larger 900-acre science district in the Baseline neighborhood, which will include a linear park, a K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) school, and a “pollinator district,” with pollinator-friendly parks and open spaces.
The new facility expects to open in 2021. In the meantime, Butterfly Pavilion will continue operating at its current location.
In anticipation of this exciting move, United Power has partnered with Butterfly Pavilion to offer its members an exclusive opportunity to visit the current facility in Westminster at a discounted rate. Bring the coupon below in May, August or September between Monday and Thursday to receive $2 off general admission for guests of any age.
Butterfly Pavilion was founded in 1995 as the first stand-alone, nonprofit invertebrate zoo in the nation. Its mission is to foster an appreciation of invertebrates by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation.
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Rural Utilities Want Their Own Piece Of Colorado’s Low-Carbon Future. That Could Mean Breaking Up Big Power Providers
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Friday | December 20, 2019
Article published by Colorado Public Radio Dec. 20, 2019
Grace Hood/CPR News
United Power customer Stephen Whiteside loads a wheelbarrow with chopped wood near his rural home in Coal Creek Canyon Dec. 12, 2019.
When it comes to greening up Colorado’s power supply, seismic shifts aren’t just coming out of the state Capitol.
They’re also shaking out of rural Colorado, places like Coal Creek Canyon where utility customer Stephen Whiteside lives.
Whiteside is a conservative Republican. He’s also pro-renewable energy. It’s not a combination you’d expect, but a recent poll by Pew Research suggests many Republicans favor wind and solar.
But Whiteside doesn’t support renewables by building a big solar array in his backyard. He does it by cheering on his rural electric cooperative, United Power. In November, United Power said it’s considering parting ways with fossil fuel-heavy power provider Tri-State Generation and Transmission in pursuit of cheaper electricity bills and more renewable energy.
“I think that’s fairly recent that renewables may be more cost-effective than other types of energy,” Whiteside said. “To me that makes a lot of sense to pursue that kind of avenue.”
Grace Hood/CPR News
United Power customers Stephen and Sara Whiteside feed their horses near their rural home in Coal Creek Canyon outside Denver.
Right now, Tri-State gets about one-third of its power from renewable energy. Customers like Whiteside want more renewables because they think it will bring cheaper rates. According to a recent estimate by Standard and Poor’s, electricity rates for Whiteside and others under the Tri-State System could be as much as 20 percent above the statewide Colorado average.
Here’s how the model works now: United Power bands together with 42 other rural electricity providers, called electric cooperatives, to buy power from one entity: Tri-State.
“What that model has not done is kept up with the technological changes in the industry,” United Power CEO John Parker said.
Parker thinks it all adds up to growing pressure on the economic model that rural utilities have followed for decades. In the '80s and '90s, power providers like Tri-State invested heavily in coal-fired plants. Now, they’re trying to green up.
United Power is not the first or the last utility looking into leave Tri-State. La Plata Electric Association has filed a complaint with Colorado regulators seeking an exit fee from Tri-State.
Grace Hood/CPR News
John Parker, Chief Executive Officer of United Power, stands in front of the rural electric cooperative's large battery on Dec. 9, 2019. United Power is exploring whether it can procure wind and solar more cheaply by exiting its current contract with power provider Tri-State.
If those utilities part ways, they’ll follow in the footsteps of two other rural utilities: Colorado-based Delta Montrose Electric Association and New Mexico-based Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. Delta Montrose got the OK to leave its generation and transmission association (known as a G&T) with Tri-State in 2019. Kit Carson left in 2016.
“Just as the industry changes, [generation and transmission cooperatives] have to change,” said Lee Boughey, Tri-State senior manager for communications and public affairs.
Generation and Transmission Cooperatives like Tri-State formed in rural America in the middle of the last century. It was historically expensive for rural electricity providers to provide power because they just served a few customers per mile of the electricity line. That’s unlike urban utilities, which have hundreds of customers per mile. G&Ts helped shoulder the burden by providing power to rural utilities, building expensive coal-fired power plants and setting up contracts that lasted decades to help pay off the plants.
Flashforward to 2019, and power customers like Parker have a keen interest to modernize the grid and experiment with battery storage to keep customers like Whiteside happy. United Power owns the largest battery in the state, but it’s locked into a contract with Tri-State that lasts another 30 years. After power supplier Tri-State quoted United Power a $1.2 billion exit fee to leave its 30-year contract, Parker turned to state regulators for help.
“That’s the balance we’re trying to find. If it costs us $1.2 billion to get out, we probably can’t save enough money to make that work,” Parker said.
Boughey said 2019 was a big year for Tri-State. It opened up community solar options to its members and brought 104 megawatts of new wind power online. It announced plans to build a 100 megawatt new solar farm. Its Nucla coal-fired power plant was retired early from service, reducing emissions and making operations more efficient.
Tri-State’s member cooperatives are finalizing new contracts that would allow rural utilities like United Power more flexibility to buy renewables. Currently, they’re capped in their contracts at generating just 5 percent of renewable power locally.
Nate Minor
The Craig Station power plant features three generating units, all of which are fully or partially owned by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. Unit 1 will be retired by the end of 2025.
One of the challenges for Tri-State will be to get even more fossil fuel sources off its financial books as it faces regulatory pressure to do so in Colorado and New Mexico. Legislatures in both states passed carbon-reduction goals for utilities this year. Tri-State will be required to participate in expensive planning. However, there are no financial penalties if Tri-State doesn’t meet the goals.
“As we move into 2020 and chart our course for the future I think there should be confidence that we’ll be able to meet the challenges ahead,” Boughey said.
Similar disputes are playing out between rural utilities and their power suppliers across the United States. In Indiana, Tipmont Rural Electric is seeking to part ways from its power supplier over high rates. In Minneapolis, suburban utility Connexus is in the midst of talks with its power provider to get lower rates and more flexibility.
“Today memberships across the country are expecting more from their G&Ts. They’re expecting competitive prices and a greening of the grid,” Connexus CEO Greg Ridderbusch said.
Like United Power, Connexus is locked into a decades-long contact with its power provider. Ridderbusch said in the future it will be important for his utility and others to form more robust partnerships with their power suppliers.
“We need the G&T to lower the constraints on things we’re doing in our own backyard for our members,” Ridderbusch said.
Whiteside said he’s on United Power’s side.
“To have reliable electric service is absolutely critical,” Whiteside said. “If solar power can supplement the other sources that United Power has, it would make sense to do that if it’s available.”
As relationships start to shift across the country between power suppliers and rural utilities, all eyes will be on Colorado. The Public Utilities Commission could rule on the La Plata and United Power cases in 2020.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to reflect that Tri-State’s members will ultimately decide how to roll out a partial-requirements contract.
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Safe Tree Trimming
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Wednesday | July 21, 2021
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Observe ten-foot rule to safely trim trees near power lines.
Observe Ten-Foot Rule to Safely Trim Trees Near Power Lines
Summer is in full swing, and as trees begin to grow and bud, they may get close enough to come into contact with power lines. While the fires and damage from 2020 are still fresh on everyone’s minds, we want to remind members that trees near power lines can cause potential hazards, tree-related power outages and increase the risk of fire.
To protect your power and your community, United Power will be concentrating significant resources on clearing vegetation from power lines this summer – especially in portions of our mountain territory that are heavily forested. United Power adheres to industry best practices and will trim away any vegetation within ten feet of power lines. You can help protect your community from power outages, damaged utility equipment and fires by observing the ten-foot rule between trees and power lines.
If you encounter a tree in the vicinity of a primary line, immediately contact United Power. These are the high-voltage lines running from pole to pole, and they require specially trained tree-trimming crews. Report tree hazards on our website.
Members are responsible for trimming vegetation away from secondary lines – the lines that stretch beyond your electric meter to your service location. For your safety, United Power will disconnect secondary lines for tree trimming activity at no cost to the member. Avoid trimming when you encounter the following: tree limbs in direct contact with a power line, dead tree limbs hanging near power lines, tree limbs growing toward power lines.
Remember to trim only from a steady, level surface, removing small, easy to manage sections. Large tree/branch sections may call unexpectedly and take down power lines and cause potential injury. If this is not possible, contact a professional tree trimmer.
When in doubt about safety or responsibility, please contact United Power at 303-637-1300. We’ll be happy to assess the situation and keep you safe.
For more information on digging and planting safely, go to our Dig Safe, Plant Safe page.Â
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Safe Tree Trimming
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Tuesday | May 1, 2018
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As trees begin to grow and bud, they may come in contact with power lines, creating confusion about responsibility and concern about member safety.
May is National Electrical Safety Month
Were you aware tree limbs may become a safety hazard when in contact with power lines? Did you know attempting to trim a tree in contact with a power line puts you in danger of electrocution? Have you ever been uncertain about when and where to trim your trees located near power lines?
The warm weather of spring often arrives with May, which is also recognized as National Electrical Safety Month. As trees begin to grow and bud, they may come in contact with power lines, creating confusion about responsibility and concern about member safety. United Power wants to make sure you know the answers to your questions so you can safely tackle your spring yard work.
(For quick reference about who’s responsible for maintaining trees near power lines, please read “Who’s Responsible” below.)
When you encounter a tree in the vicinity of a primary power line, immediately contact United Power. Avoid trimming when you encounter the following: tree limbs in direct contact with a power line, dead tree limbs hanging near power lines, tree limbs growing toward power lines.
Observe the Ten-Foot Rule to safely trim trees on your property located near power lines. This means anything inside that radius may put you at risk. For your safety, United Power will disconnect secondary lines when notified in advance of any tree trimming activity at no cost to the member. Remember to trim only from a steady, level surface, removing small, easy to manage sections. Large tree/branch sections may fall unexpectedly and risk taking down power lines and causing potential injury. If this is not possible, contact a professional tree trimmer.
When in doubt about safety or responsibility, please contact United Power at 303-637-1300. We’ll be happy to send out a troubleshooter or one of our tree contractors to assess the situation and keep you safe.
Who's Responsible
United Power has an aggressive tree trimming program to reduce the number of tree related outages. However, in some cases, the homeowner may be responsible for keeping a line to their home clear of trees. Here is how it works:
United Power is responsible for trimming around primary lines. These are lines running from pole to pole. United Power maintains these lines because they are higher voltage and require special handling from a qualified tree trimming crew.
Members are responsible for obstructions in secondary lines. These are typically single lines stretching from our pole to a member’s home - often seen in backyards, crossing from the main electric line to the home.
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Safe Zones Around Pad-Mounted Transformers
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Friday | June 1, 2018
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Though pad-mounted transformers may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with it. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance.Â
Pad-mounted transformers, those big green utility boxes commonly seen around town, serve the purpose of lowering high voltage to standard household voltage used to power electronics, appliances and lighting. These transformers are not protected in the way overhead lines and substations are. Though they may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with it. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance.
United Power crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment. While it may be tempting to “camouflage” transformers with landscaping, please remember cooperative crews need at least 10-feet of clearance at the opening of a pad-mounted transformer and four-feet at the rear and sides of the housing. The distance allows crews to safely use tools required for working with energized equipment. It also ensures crews have the ability to move about safely should problems arise.
In many newer subdivisions and residential developments pad-mounted transformers are more common – and in many cases are located on consumer property. These transformers are connected to primary high voltage lines, and secondary lines can extend from the transform in several directions underground. Remember this before planting shrubs or trees, setting fence posts, installing sprinkler systems or digging anywhere near a transformer. You should always dial 811 before you dig to ensure lines are located so your project doesn’t disrupt utility service, cause serious injury or worse.
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Save Energy During Summer Heat Waves
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Monday | July 13, 2026
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Staying cool and saving energy is possible. Try a few of these simple tips in your home.Â
Summer is now here, and members may start to notice their electric usage increase over the next few days and weeks. Heat waves have brought record temperatures across parts of the West, and Colorado has already experienced many days above 90 degrees this July – with several approaching 100.Â
Staying cool and saving energy is possible. Try a few of these simple tips in your home.Â
Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees. Many people will not notice the slight change, but your energy usage will. You can save up to 3% for every degree you adjust the thermostat, according to the National Renewable Energy Lab.
Use programmable or smart thermostats. You can pre-cool your home so it is comfortable when you return from work or adjust the temperature remotely to save energy when you are away.Â
Use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans circulate air to create a “wind chill” effect, cooling you down without actually cooling the room. It pulls heat away from your body making you feel cooler. Paired with adjusting the thermostat, you can stay cooler without making your air conditioning work as hard. Since fans do not cool the room, remember to turn them off in empty rooms.Â
Block out the sun. Remember to close blinds or curtains. Open windows allow sunlight to warm the air in your home, which forces your air conditioner to work harder.Â
Cross ventilate your home. When the sun sets in the evening and the temperatures drop, open your windows to let Colorado’s mild climate do the work for your air conditioning.Â
United Power members can access their energy usage history through the Usage Explorer, available for free through SmartHub, the cooperative’s online account management tool. You can learn more about the Usage Explorer here.Â
You can find more tips about saving energy this summer here.Â
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September is National Preparedness Month
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Wednesday | September 4, 2019
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Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognizes National Preparedness Month.
Are You Ready?
Severe weather is a fact of life, and it’s important to make sure you and your family are prepared for when it occurs. Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognizes National Preparedness Month to educate and empower Americans to take simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies that could affect us where we live, work and visit. This year’s theme (Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters.) touches on four distinct aspects of emergency preparation:
Save Early for Disaster Costs
Emergencies hit us when we least expect and could be costly if we aren’t prepared beforehand. Do you have an emergency fund? Does your insurance adequately cover the costs of a natural disaster? Does your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance cover flood damages? It’s important to have funds available when emergencies disrupt daily life or if an ATM isn’t immediately available.
Make a Plan
Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as a conversation over dinner, and it’s important to include kids in the disaster planning process. Practice your plan, including evacuations, fire escapes and turning off utilities like natural gas.
Youth Preparedness
Teach children what to do in an emergency if they are at home or away. They should know how to communicate during an emergency, with you, friends or emergency responders. Review family emergency plans regularly, or even have them practice building their own emergency kits.
Get Involved in Community Preparedness
Take some time to learn about the hazards most likely to affect your community and their responses. Look for opportunities to get involved by volunteering with organizations before, during and after potential disasters. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) train volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters their community may face.
For more information on National Preparedness Month, including sample emergency communications plans, organizations you can volunteer with during disasters and more, visit www.ready.gov.
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September Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Tuesday | September 1, 2026
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
As I am writing this column for our members, your cooperative is experiencing the largest energy loads in its 88-year history — and the system is handling them well, thanks to continued investments in the critical assets needed to keep power flowing and the lights on in our homes and businesses.Â
Electricity today, as has been the case for more than 120 years, operates seamlessly as a backdrop in homes and businesses. Its absence is felt more than its presence. Continual reinvestment in technology and steady maintenance of these systems are necessary to ensure the quality of life electricity provides every single day, as well as a commitment to power restoration when service is interrupted.
All utilities operate in a negative feedback mode because reliability is so high. The member services team gets very few thank you calls each day — though they deserve it. They receive 730 live calls on an average day and more than 16,000 per month, answering questions about everything from billing and outages to understanding demand and explaining high bills.Â
United Power has an ongoing planning process that forecasts years out to understand system demands. Using a combination of engineering data, field knowledge, and growth projections, we prepare well ahead of the cooperative’s needs.Â
Analysis is done every year on the worst-performing feeders (those with the most outages) when determining where to focus resources. Areas prime for development are considered for new substations and future loads are estimated. Interdepartmental teamwork helps develop budgets for the Board of Directors to review and approve. A new asset management system being rolled out will add more rigor to that process. This is important for both maintenance and expansion of the system that you, our member-owners, count on each day.Â
The budgeting process includes many trade-offs in order to be conscious of the financial implications of system investments. Even without financial constraints, there is the practical reality of completing work in a timely fashion. Factors such as supply chain management, manufacturing lead times, and product availability all come into play as plans are put together.
Technological advances are also a factor in the decision process. This is more critical than ever now that United Power is energy independent and must plan for its own power supply. A great example is the new distributed energy resource management system (DERMS), launched earlier this year. It allows members with smart thermostats and electric vehicles to participate in programs that lower their costs and allows the cooperative to control peaks when power prices are high. Similar investments in battery energy storage systems (BESS) in 2018 — and expanded in 2024 — allow United Power to avoid paying for higher cost power and bring revenue back to the co-op, offsetting other costs.Â
I am proud of the people and processes that have allowed United Power to carefully invest in the system as growth continues, and thankful for the support from our Board. The women and men of your cooperative work diligently every day to keep the lights on and plan and prepare to make the right investments over time that ensure the system is robust enough to handle whatever comes its way.Â
As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments.
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September Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Tuesday | September 2, 2025
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
There has been a lot of talk recently about “saving” certain forms of electric generation, stopping other types, and investing significant resources in technologies that are not ready for prime time. There have also been announcements about building thousands of miles of new transmission line.
When it comes to choices in generation, “all of the above” really needs to be “ALL of the above” if we are going to support electrification across the West and certainly for United Power.Â
We recognize that diversity of resources is key to effectively running the cooperative, and we are taking action to ensure a safe, reliable, and affordable electric supply.
United Power partnered with Kindle Energy to open Mountain Peak Power in July. It is the newest and most efficient natural gas plant in Colorado. The 162 MW facility in Weld County provides critical electric capacity and is conveniently located near one of our substations that also has an 11 MW battery energy storage system. This project is a great example of our hyper-localization strategy and highlights the vision we laid out in Our Cooperative Roadmap. The plant was permitted in 10 months and constructed in 10 months. The same project today would take at least four years to obtain the needed equipment at 50% greater cost.Â
We are also in the final stages of negotiations for an additional 200 MW of solar, bolstered by 150 MW of battery storage, to replace other expiring thermal generation contracts. These will come online in 2027. The solar facility will be among the largest in Colorado, increasing the carbon-free generation resources in our portfolio to nearly 64% and representing a continued reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since leaving our former wholesale power supplier in May 2024.Â
The cooperative pioneered the use of distributed batteries with 115 MW spread across our system at nine substations, ranging in size up to 33 MW. Our engineering team has developed a unique way to automatically manage how we charge and deploy stored energy. These batteries are not only utilized to store energy but also provide critical contingency reserves that save United Power approximately $300,000 per month.Â
Recently, United Power joined forces with three other public power utilities — CORE Electric Cooperative, Platte River Power Authority, and Colorado Springs Utilities — to explore creating a regional transmission project, nicknamed Lariat Loop, that will better serve their member-customers. This collaboration aims to reduce electric transmission congestion, enhance system reliability, and expand access to renewable energy sources, all while supporting the State of Colorado’s ambitions carbon reduction goals.Â
Our members are directly involved in the “all of the above” electricity strategy. There are nearly 13,000 solar rooftops in our service territory. We will have a new distributed energy resource management system available in January that will allow additional interaction with our members’ resources such as thermostats and electric vehicles. We are rapidly moving to expand our distribution system operations plan, allowing resources from our larger members, such as oil and gas, to be bid into the Southwest Power Pool market coming in April 2026.Â
The bottom line is quite simple. While we support expanding transmission and investing in future technologies, and applaud efforts to bring a wide range of generation to the West, we must be realistic about what can be done today to support our growing member base. United Power lives the “all of the above” mantra every day. We buy wind. We buy solar. We buy natural gas. We buy hydropower. And yes, at times we even buy coal. Our focus remains on providing the most reliable and responsible resources we can in our commitment to you, our members.
As always, please feel free to reach out with your questions, comments, or concerns. I enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your continued support.
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September/October Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Monday | September 20, 2021
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Recently, two solar salesmen came to my home in Brighton offering to convince me of the value of adding solar. Their main sales pitch was a false narrative that United Power rates were slated to increase “dramatically” over the next several years due to our ongoing conversations with our power supplier, Tri-State G&T, about a contract modification. Ironically, just that day at our board of directors meeting, we presented a first look at our budget for 2022 which showed no immediate increase and a potential decrease in rates at some point in the foreseeable future. Their sales pitch was an out-and-out lie.
There are many factors driving the decision to add solar or storage, including economics, environmental responsibility or the desire for energy independence. We wholeheartedly support your decisions, whatever the rationale, but want to make sure the decision is being made with a full knowledge of the costs. Sadly, there are many unscrupulous salespeople who do not have your best financial interests at heart as we do at United Power. Please contact us for the facts as you make these significant investment decisions. You can also visit our website for more information about installing a solar system on your home, including questions to ask potential solar contractors, at Going Solar.
As a member-owner, it is important to realize the professionals at United Power are here to serve your needs with unbiased, fact-based information to make sure every electron is used in the most cost-effective way possible. This covers critical opportunities, such as our Rush Hour Rewards program, energy efficiency measures and rebates on everything from appliances to battery-powered lawn equipment. We are honored to serve as a resource for our members to help calculate the benefit of any decision when it comes to alternative energy options. We support decisions to add rooftop solar or storage to your home or business and are proud that nearly 7,000 of our members have made the decision to add solar to their homes. Another 3,000 of us are now driving electric vehicles, and soon members will be able to lease an electric vehicle charger for your home or business at a low monthly cost.
These are exciting times in the electricity business as technology expands its reach into everything from automobiles and vertical/indoor farming to advanced manufacturing and lawn tools. In this era of beneficial electrification, United Power is at the forefront of these amazing opportunities.
The growth at United Power – we are now more than 100,000 meters strong – has meant an influx of new members to our communities and a new relationship with your electricity provider. If you are new to the concept of an electric cooperative, as part of the “family” you are a part owner and reap the benefits in several ways:
As a member-owner, you will share in any excess margin in the form of capital credits, determined annually by the board of directors. Capital credits are returned to our members as either a check or a credit on your billing statement.
Participating in a uniquely cooperative process of democratic engagement in our governance. Members vote for who sits on our board or may even run as a candidate themselves.
Having a utility partner that directly supports community activities like the Adams County Fair. United Power also sponsors events like Summerfest in Brighton, Trappers Days in Fort Lupton and Miners Day in Frederick.
Being treated as a member – not just a customer – if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Finally, as I outlined in my letter to members in August, we are continuing to find a happy medium in our power supply with Tri-State G&T. It is critical that Tri-State continues to provide valuable transmission-related services, especially as we enter the new era of electricity markets. It is equally critical that United Power be able to follow its own destiny when it comes to the choice in at least a portion of its energy supply in order to lower our rates and be competitive in this changing market.
As winter approaches, we stand by to work with all our members on the efficient, sustainable use of the precious resource of electricity. Please call or email me at any time.
Email Mark A. Gabriel
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Shrinking the Window
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Monday | January 26, 2026
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Four more off-peak hours for time of use rates.
Four More Off-Peak Hours for Time of Use Rates
Members on a time of use rate will get the benefit of four more hours of off-peak power in 2026. Rate changes that went into effect on Jan. 1 shortened the on-peak energy window from 2-10 p.m. to 5-9 p.m., giving members more control over how their energy consumption impacts their billing statements.Â
United Power’s voluntary time of use rates feature two energy usage periods — on-peak and off-peak — with two different energy charges depending on when power is used. Members on a time of use rate are rewarded with a lower energy charge for switching energy use to off-peak hours.Â
Moving your energy usage away from peak hours may be easier than you think. You can use a smart thermostat to pre-cool your home in the summer or set timers on appliances to run overnight. If you do not have smart appliances, you could start them before you go to bed or first thing in the morning, depending on your schedule. You could also consider meal prepping on Sundays, which are considered off-peak.Â
All United Power rates, including the time of use options, include a demand charge. If you can stagger the use of high-energy appliances, such as your washer/dryer, air conditioner, and electric oven, you can control one more component of your bill.Â
Visit Residential Rates to review all the rate options and help decide if switching to a time of use rate is right for you.
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Rosie's Moving In
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Tuesday | May 1, 2018
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Butterfly Pavilion, home to Rosie the tarantula, recently announced its plans to construct a new facility in Broomfield, inside United Power's service territory.
United Power members will soon share territory with one of Colorado’s most beloved invertebrates. Butterfly Pavilion, home to Rosie the tarantula, recently announced its plans to construct a new facility in Broomfield, just off Interstate 25 and Highway 7. The new facility will house a world-class research lab to serve as the hub for invertebrate knowledge, conservation, inspiration and connection.
As the hub for invertebrate research, the new facility will offer an opportunity for new discoveries to reach the public more quickly and help contribute to the conservation of pollinators.
“Butterfly Pavilion is launching this expansion to confront and solve global challenges in environmental conservation today and in the future,” said President and CEO Patrick Tennyson in a press release.
Butterfly Pavilion’s new facility will anchor Broomfield’s larger 900-acre science district in the Baseline neighborhood, which will include a linear park, a K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) school, and a “pollinator district,” with pollinator-friendly parks and open spaces.
The new facility expects to open in 2021. In the meantime, Butterfly Pavilion will continue operating at its current location.
In anticipation of this exciting move, United Power has partnered with Butterfly Pavilion to offer its members an exclusive opportunity to visit the current facility in Westminster at a discounted rate. Bring the coupon below in May, August or September between Monday and Thursday to receive $2 off general admission for guests of any age.
Butterfly Pavilion was founded in 1995 as the first stand-alone, nonprofit invertebrate zoo in the nation. Its mission is to foster an appreciation of invertebrates by educating the public about the need to protect and care for threatened habitats globally, while conducting research for solutions in invertebrate conservation.
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Rural Utilities Want Their Own Piece Of Colorado’s Low-Carbon Future. That Could Mean Breaking Up Big Power Providers
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Friday | December 20, 2019
Article published by Colorado Public Radio Dec. 20, 2019
Grace Hood/CPR News
United Power customer Stephen Whiteside loads a wheelbarrow with chopped wood near his rural home in Coal Creek Canyon Dec. 12, 2019.
When it comes to greening up Colorado’s power supply, seismic shifts aren’t just coming out of the state Capitol.
They’re also shaking out of rural Colorado, places like Coal Creek Canyon where utility customer Stephen Whiteside lives.
Whiteside is a conservative Republican. He’s also pro-renewable energy. It’s not a combination you’d expect, but a recent poll by Pew Research suggests many Republicans favor wind and solar.
But Whiteside doesn’t support renewables by building a big solar array in his backyard. He does it by cheering on his rural electric cooperative, United Power. In November, United Power said it’s considering parting ways with fossil fuel-heavy power provider Tri-State Generation and Transmission in pursuit of cheaper electricity bills and more renewable energy.
“I think that’s fairly recent that renewables may be more cost-effective than other types of energy,” Whiteside said. “To me that makes a lot of sense to pursue that kind of avenue.”
Grace Hood/CPR News
United Power customers Stephen and Sara Whiteside feed their horses near their rural home in Coal Creek Canyon outside Denver.
Right now, Tri-State gets about one-third of its power from renewable energy. Customers like Whiteside want more renewables because they think it will bring cheaper rates. According to a recent estimate by Standard and Poor’s, electricity rates for Whiteside and others under the Tri-State System could be as much as 20 percent above the statewide Colorado average.
Here’s how the model works now: United Power bands together with 42 other rural electricity providers, called electric cooperatives, to buy power from one entity: Tri-State.
“What that model has not done is kept up with the technological changes in the industry,” United Power CEO John Parker said.
Parker thinks it all adds up to growing pressure on the economic model that rural utilities have followed for decades. In the '80s and '90s, power providers like Tri-State invested heavily in coal-fired plants. Now, they’re trying to green up.
United Power is not the first or the last utility looking into leave Tri-State. La Plata Electric Association has filed a complaint with Colorado regulators seeking an exit fee from Tri-State.
Grace Hood/CPR News
John Parker, Chief Executive Officer of United Power, stands in front of the rural electric cooperative's large battery on Dec. 9, 2019. United Power is exploring whether it can procure wind and solar more cheaply by exiting its current contract with power provider Tri-State.
If those utilities part ways, they’ll follow in the footsteps of two other rural utilities: Colorado-based Delta Montrose Electric Association and New Mexico-based Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. Delta Montrose got the OK to leave its generation and transmission association (known as a G&T) with Tri-State in 2019. Kit Carson left in 2016.
“Just as the industry changes, [generation and transmission cooperatives] have to change,” said Lee Boughey, Tri-State senior manager for communications and public affairs.
Generation and Transmission Cooperatives like Tri-State formed in rural America in the middle of the last century. It was historically expensive for rural electricity providers to provide power because they just served a few customers per mile of the electricity line. That’s unlike urban utilities, which have hundreds of customers per mile. G&Ts helped shoulder the burden by providing power to rural utilities, building expensive coal-fired power plants and setting up contracts that lasted decades to help pay off the plants.
Flashforward to 2019, and power customers like Parker have a keen interest to modernize the grid and experiment with battery storage to keep customers like Whiteside happy. United Power owns the largest battery in the state, but it’s locked into a contract with Tri-State that lasts another 30 years. After power supplier Tri-State quoted United Power a $1.2 billion exit fee to leave its 30-year contract, Parker turned to state regulators for help.
“That’s the balance we’re trying to find. If it costs us $1.2 billion to get out, we probably can’t save enough money to make that work,” Parker said.
Boughey said 2019 was a big year for Tri-State. It opened up community solar options to its members and brought 104 megawatts of new wind power online. It announced plans to build a 100 megawatt new solar farm. Its Nucla coal-fired power plant was retired early from service, reducing emissions and making operations more efficient.
Tri-State’s member cooperatives are finalizing new contracts that would allow rural utilities like United Power more flexibility to buy renewables. Currently, they’re capped in their contracts at generating just 5 percent of renewable power locally.
Nate Minor
The Craig Station power plant features three generating units, all of which are fully or partially owned by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. Unit 1 will be retired by the end of 2025.
One of the challenges for Tri-State will be to get even more fossil fuel sources off its financial books as it faces regulatory pressure to do so in Colorado and New Mexico. Legislatures in both states passed carbon-reduction goals for utilities this year. Tri-State will be required to participate in expensive planning. However, there are no financial penalties if Tri-State doesn’t meet the goals.
“As we move into 2020 and chart our course for the future I think there should be confidence that we’ll be able to meet the challenges ahead,” Boughey said.
Similar disputes are playing out between rural utilities and their power suppliers across the United States. In Indiana, Tipmont Rural Electric is seeking to part ways from its power supplier over high rates. In Minneapolis, suburban utility Connexus is in the midst of talks with its power provider to get lower rates and more flexibility.
“Today memberships across the country are expecting more from their G&Ts. They’re expecting competitive prices and a greening of the grid,” Connexus CEO Greg Ridderbusch said.
Like United Power, Connexus is locked into a decades-long contact with its power provider. Ridderbusch said in the future it will be important for his utility and others to form more robust partnerships with their power suppliers.
“We need the G&T to lower the constraints on things we’re doing in our own backyard for our members,” Ridderbusch said.
Whiteside said he’s on United Power’s side.
“To have reliable electric service is absolutely critical,” Whiteside said. “If solar power can supplement the other sources that United Power has, it would make sense to do that if it’s available.”
As relationships start to shift across the country between power suppliers and rural utilities, all eyes will be on Colorado. The Public Utilities Commission could rule on the La Plata and United Power cases in 2020.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated to reflect that Tri-State’s members will ultimately decide how to roll out a partial-requirements contract.
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Safe Tree Trimming
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Wednesday | July 21, 2021
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Observe ten-foot rule to safely trim trees near power lines.
Observe Ten-Foot Rule to Safely Trim Trees Near Power Lines
Summer is in full swing, and as trees begin to grow and bud, they may get close enough to come into contact with power lines. While the fires and damage from 2020 are still fresh on everyone’s minds, we want to remind members that trees near power lines can cause potential hazards, tree-related power outages and increase the risk of fire.
To protect your power and your community, United Power will be concentrating significant resources on clearing vegetation from power lines this summer – especially in portions of our mountain territory that are heavily forested. United Power adheres to industry best practices and will trim away any vegetation within ten feet of power lines. You can help protect your community from power outages, damaged utility equipment and fires by observing the ten-foot rule between trees and power lines.
If you encounter a tree in the vicinity of a primary line, immediately contact United Power. These are the high-voltage lines running from pole to pole, and they require specially trained tree-trimming crews. Report tree hazards on our website.
Members are responsible for trimming vegetation away from secondary lines – the lines that stretch beyond your electric meter to your service location. For your safety, United Power will disconnect secondary lines for tree trimming activity at no cost to the member. Avoid trimming when you encounter the following: tree limbs in direct contact with a power line, dead tree limbs hanging near power lines, tree limbs growing toward power lines.
Remember to trim only from a steady, level surface, removing small, easy to manage sections. Large tree/branch sections may call unexpectedly and take down power lines and cause potential injury. If this is not possible, contact a professional tree trimmer.
When in doubt about safety or responsibility, please contact United Power at 303-637-1300. We’ll be happy to assess the situation and keep you safe.
For more information on digging and planting safely, go to our Dig Safe, Plant Safe page.Â
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Safe Tree Trimming
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Tuesday | May 1, 2018
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As trees begin to grow and bud, they may come in contact with power lines, creating confusion about responsibility and concern about member safety.
May is National Electrical Safety Month
Were you aware tree limbs may become a safety hazard when in contact with power lines? Did you know attempting to trim a tree in contact with a power line puts you in danger of electrocution? Have you ever been uncertain about when and where to trim your trees located near power lines?
The warm weather of spring often arrives with May, which is also recognized as National Electrical Safety Month. As trees begin to grow and bud, they may come in contact with power lines, creating confusion about responsibility and concern about member safety. United Power wants to make sure you know the answers to your questions so you can safely tackle your spring yard work.
(For quick reference about who’s responsible for maintaining trees near power lines, please read “Who’s Responsible” below.)
When you encounter a tree in the vicinity of a primary power line, immediately contact United Power. Avoid trimming when you encounter the following: tree limbs in direct contact with a power line, dead tree limbs hanging near power lines, tree limbs growing toward power lines.
Observe the Ten-Foot Rule to safely trim trees on your property located near power lines. This means anything inside that radius may put you at risk. For your safety, United Power will disconnect secondary lines when notified in advance of any tree trimming activity at no cost to the member. Remember to trim only from a steady, level surface, removing small, easy to manage sections. Large tree/branch sections may fall unexpectedly and risk taking down power lines and causing potential injury. If this is not possible, contact a professional tree trimmer.
When in doubt about safety or responsibility, please contact United Power at 303-637-1300. We’ll be happy to send out a troubleshooter or one of our tree contractors to assess the situation and keep you safe.
Who's Responsible
United Power has an aggressive tree trimming program to reduce the number of tree related outages. However, in some cases, the homeowner may be responsible for keeping a line to their home clear of trees. Here is how it works:
United Power is responsible for trimming around primary lines. These are lines running from pole to pole. United Power maintains these lines because they are higher voltage and require special handling from a qualified tree trimming crew.
Members are responsible for obstructions in secondary lines. These are typically single lines stretching from our pole to a member’s home - often seen in backyards, crossing from the main electric line to the home.
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Safe Zones Around Pad-Mounted Transformers
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Friday | June 1, 2018
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Though pad-mounted transformers may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with it. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance.Â
Pad-mounted transformers, those big green utility boxes commonly seen around town, serve the purpose of lowering high voltage to standard household voltage used to power electronics, appliances and lighting. These transformers are not protected in the way overhead lines and substations are. Though they may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with it. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance.
United Power crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment. While it may be tempting to “camouflage” transformers with landscaping, please remember cooperative crews need at least 10-feet of clearance at the opening of a pad-mounted transformer and four-feet at the rear and sides of the housing. The distance allows crews to safely use tools required for working with energized equipment. It also ensures crews have the ability to move about safely should problems arise.
In many newer subdivisions and residential developments pad-mounted transformers are more common – and in many cases are located on consumer property. These transformers are connected to primary high voltage lines, and secondary lines can extend from the transform in several directions underground. Remember this before planting shrubs or trees, setting fence posts, installing sprinkler systems or digging anywhere near a transformer. You should always dial 811 before you dig to ensure lines are located so your project doesn’t disrupt utility service, cause serious injury or worse.
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Save Energy During Summer Heat Waves
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Monday | July 13, 2026
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Staying cool and saving energy is possible. Try a few of these simple tips in your home.Â
Summer is now here, and members may start to notice their electric usage increase over the next few days and weeks. Heat waves have brought record temperatures across parts of the West, and Colorado has already experienced many days above 90 degrees this July – with several approaching 100.Â
Staying cool and saving energy is possible. Try a few of these simple tips in your home.Â
Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees. Many people will not notice the slight change, but your energy usage will. You can save up to 3% for every degree you adjust the thermostat, according to the National Renewable Energy Lab.
Use programmable or smart thermostats. You can pre-cool your home so it is comfortable when you return from work or adjust the temperature remotely to save energy when you are away.Â
Use ceiling fans. Ceiling fans circulate air to create a “wind chill” effect, cooling you down without actually cooling the room. It pulls heat away from your body making you feel cooler. Paired with adjusting the thermostat, you can stay cooler without making your air conditioning work as hard. Since fans do not cool the room, remember to turn them off in empty rooms.Â
Block out the sun. Remember to close blinds or curtains. Open windows allow sunlight to warm the air in your home, which forces your air conditioner to work harder.Â
Cross ventilate your home. When the sun sets in the evening and the temperatures drop, open your windows to let Colorado’s mild climate do the work for your air conditioning.Â
United Power members can access their energy usage history through the Usage Explorer, available for free through SmartHub, the cooperative’s online account management tool. You can learn more about the Usage Explorer here.Â
You can find more tips about saving energy this summer here.Â
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September is National Preparedness Month
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Wednesday | September 4, 2019
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Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognizes National Preparedness Month.
Are You Ready?
Severe weather is a fact of life, and it’s important to make sure you and your family are prepared for when it occurs. Each September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recognizes National Preparedness Month to educate and empower Americans to take simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies that could affect us where we live, work and visit. This year’s theme (Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters.) touches on four distinct aspects of emergency preparation:
Save Early for Disaster Costs
Emergencies hit us when we least expect and could be costly if we aren’t prepared beforehand. Do you have an emergency fund? Does your insurance adequately cover the costs of a natural disaster? Does your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance cover flood damages? It’s important to have funds available when emergencies disrupt daily life or if an ATM isn’t immediately available.
Make a Plan
Preparing your family for an emergency is as simple as a conversation over dinner, and it’s important to include kids in the disaster planning process. Practice your plan, including evacuations, fire escapes and turning off utilities like natural gas.
Youth Preparedness
Teach children what to do in an emergency if they are at home or away. They should know how to communicate during an emergency, with you, friends or emergency responders. Review family emergency plans regularly, or even have them practice building their own emergency kits.
Get Involved in Community Preparedness
Take some time to learn about the hazards most likely to affect your community and their responses. Look for opportunities to get involved by volunteering with organizations before, during and after potential disasters. Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) train volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters their community may face.
For more information on National Preparedness Month, including sample emergency communications plans, organizations you can volunteer with during disasters and more, visit www.ready.gov.
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September Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Tuesday | September 1, 2026
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
As I am writing this column for our members, your cooperative is experiencing the largest energy loads in its 88-year history — and the system is handling them well, thanks to continued investments in the critical assets needed to keep power flowing and the lights on in our homes and businesses.Â
Electricity today, as has been the case for more than 120 years, operates seamlessly as a backdrop in homes and businesses. Its absence is felt more than its presence. Continual reinvestment in technology and steady maintenance of these systems are necessary to ensure the quality of life electricity provides every single day, as well as a commitment to power restoration when service is interrupted.
All utilities operate in a negative feedback mode because reliability is so high. The member services team gets very few thank you calls each day — though they deserve it. They receive 730 live calls on an average day and more than 16,000 per month, answering questions about everything from billing and outages to understanding demand and explaining high bills.Â
United Power has an ongoing planning process that forecasts years out to understand system demands. Using a combination of engineering data, field knowledge, and growth projections, we prepare well ahead of the cooperative’s needs.Â
Analysis is done every year on the worst-performing feeders (those with the most outages) when determining where to focus resources. Areas prime for development are considered for new substations and future loads are estimated. Interdepartmental teamwork helps develop budgets for the Board of Directors to review and approve. A new asset management system being rolled out will add more rigor to that process. This is important for both maintenance and expansion of the system that you, our member-owners, count on each day.Â
The budgeting process includes many trade-offs in order to be conscious of the financial implications of system investments. Even without financial constraints, there is the practical reality of completing work in a timely fashion. Factors such as supply chain management, manufacturing lead times, and product availability all come into play as plans are put together.
Technological advances are also a factor in the decision process. This is more critical than ever now that United Power is energy independent and must plan for its own power supply. A great example is the new distributed energy resource management system (DERMS), launched earlier this year. It allows members with smart thermostats and electric vehicles to participate in programs that lower their costs and allows the cooperative to control peaks when power prices are high. Similar investments in battery energy storage systems (BESS) in 2018 — and expanded in 2024 — allow United Power to avoid paying for higher cost power and bring revenue back to the co-op, offsetting other costs.Â
I am proud of the people and processes that have allowed United Power to carefully invest in the system as growth continues, and thankful for the support from our Board. The women and men of your cooperative work diligently every day to keep the lights on and plan and prepare to make the right investments over time that ensure the system is robust enough to handle whatever comes its way.Â
As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments.
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September Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Tuesday | September 2, 2025
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
There has been a lot of talk recently about “saving” certain forms of electric generation, stopping other types, and investing significant resources in technologies that are not ready for prime time. There have also been announcements about building thousands of miles of new transmission line.
When it comes to choices in generation, “all of the above” really needs to be “ALL of the above” if we are going to support electrification across the West and certainly for United Power.Â
We recognize that diversity of resources is key to effectively running the cooperative, and we are taking action to ensure a safe, reliable, and affordable electric supply.
United Power partnered with Kindle Energy to open Mountain Peak Power in July. It is the newest and most efficient natural gas plant in Colorado. The 162 MW facility in Weld County provides critical electric capacity and is conveniently located near one of our substations that also has an 11 MW battery energy storage system. This project is a great example of our hyper-localization strategy and highlights the vision we laid out in Our Cooperative Roadmap. The plant was permitted in 10 months and constructed in 10 months. The same project today would take at least four years to obtain the needed equipment at 50% greater cost.Â
We are also in the final stages of negotiations for an additional 200 MW of solar, bolstered by 150 MW of battery storage, to replace other expiring thermal generation contracts. These will come online in 2027. The solar facility will be among the largest in Colorado, increasing the carbon-free generation resources in our portfolio to nearly 64% and representing a continued reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since leaving our former wholesale power supplier in May 2024.Â
The cooperative pioneered the use of distributed batteries with 115 MW spread across our system at nine substations, ranging in size up to 33 MW. Our engineering team has developed a unique way to automatically manage how we charge and deploy stored energy. These batteries are not only utilized to store energy but also provide critical contingency reserves that save United Power approximately $300,000 per month.Â
Recently, United Power joined forces with three other public power utilities — CORE Electric Cooperative, Platte River Power Authority, and Colorado Springs Utilities — to explore creating a regional transmission project, nicknamed Lariat Loop, that will better serve their member-customers. This collaboration aims to reduce electric transmission congestion, enhance system reliability, and expand access to renewable energy sources, all while supporting the State of Colorado’s ambitions carbon reduction goals.Â
Our members are directly involved in the “all of the above” electricity strategy. There are nearly 13,000 solar rooftops in our service territory. We will have a new distributed energy resource management system available in January that will allow additional interaction with our members’ resources such as thermostats and electric vehicles. We are rapidly moving to expand our distribution system operations plan, allowing resources from our larger members, such as oil and gas, to be bid into the Southwest Power Pool market coming in April 2026.Â
The bottom line is quite simple. While we support expanding transmission and investing in future technologies, and applaud efforts to bring a wide range of generation to the West, we must be realistic about what can be done today to support our growing member base. United Power lives the “all of the above” mantra every day. We buy wind. We buy solar. We buy natural gas. We buy hydropower. And yes, at times we even buy coal. Our focus remains on providing the most reliable and responsible resources we can in our commitment to you, our members.
As always, please feel free to reach out with your questions, comments, or concerns. I enjoy hearing from you and appreciate your continued support.
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September/October Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Monday | September 20, 2021
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Recently, two solar salesmen came to my home in Brighton offering to convince me of the value of adding solar. Their main sales pitch was a false narrative that United Power rates were slated to increase “dramatically” over the next several years due to our ongoing conversations with our power supplier, Tri-State G&T, about a contract modification. Ironically, just that day at our board of directors meeting, we presented a first look at our budget for 2022 which showed no immediate increase and a potential decrease in rates at some point in the foreseeable future. Their sales pitch was an out-and-out lie.
There are many factors driving the decision to add solar or storage, including economics, environmental responsibility or the desire for energy independence. We wholeheartedly support your decisions, whatever the rationale, but want to make sure the decision is being made with a full knowledge of the costs. Sadly, there are many unscrupulous salespeople who do not have your best financial interests at heart as we do at United Power. Please contact us for the facts as you make these significant investment decisions. You can also visit our website for more information about installing a solar system on your home, including questions to ask potential solar contractors, at Going Solar.
As a member-owner, it is important to realize the professionals at United Power are here to serve your needs with unbiased, fact-based information to make sure every electron is used in the most cost-effective way possible. This covers critical opportunities, such as our Rush Hour Rewards program, energy efficiency measures and rebates on everything from appliances to battery-powered lawn equipment. We are honored to serve as a resource for our members to help calculate the benefit of any decision when it comes to alternative energy options. We support decisions to add rooftop solar or storage to your home or business and are proud that nearly 7,000 of our members have made the decision to add solar to their homes. Another 3,000 of us are now driving electric vehicles, and soon members will be able to lease an electric vehicle charger for your home or business at a low monthly cost.
These are exciting times in the electricity business as technology expands its reach into everything from automobiles and vertical/indoor farming to advanced manufacturing and lawn tools. In this era of beneficial electrification, United Power is at the forefront of these amazing opportunities.
The growth at United Power – we are now more than 100,000 meters strong – has meant an influx of new members to our communities and a new relationship with your electricity provider. If you are new to the concept of an electric cooperative, as part of the “family” you are a part owner and reap the benefits in several ways:
As a member-owner, you will share in any excess margin in the form of capital credits, determined annually by the board of directors. Capital credits are returned to our members as either a check or a credit on your billing statement.
Participating in a uniquely cooperative process of democratic engagement in our governance. Members vote for who sits on our board or may even run as a candidate themselves.
Having a utility partner that directly supports community activities like the Adams County Fair. United Power also sponsors events like Summerfest in Brighton, Trappers Days in Fort Lupton and Miners Day in Frederick.
Being treated as a member – not just a customer – if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Finally, as I outlined in my letter to members in August, we are continuing to find a happy medium in our power supply with Tri-State G&T. It is critical that Tri-State continues to provide valuable transmission-related services, especially as we enter the new era of electricity markets. It is equally critical that United Power be able to follow its own destiny when it comes to the choice in at least a portion of its energy supply in order to lower our rates and be competitive in this changing market.
As winter approaches, we stand by to work with all our members on the efficient, sustainable use of the precious resource of electricity. Please call or email me at any time.
Email Mark A. Gabriel
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Shrinking the Window
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Monday | January 26, 2026
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Four more off-peak hours for time of use rates.
Four More Off-Peak Hours for Time of Use Rates
Members on a time of use rate will get the benefit of four more hours of off-peak power in 2026. Rate changes that went into effect on Jan. 1 shortened the on-peak energy window from 2-10 p.m. to 5-9 p.m., giving members more control over how their energy consumption impacts their billing statements.Â
United Power’s voluntary time of use rates feature two energy usage periods — on-peak and off-peak — with two different energy charges depending on when power is used. Members on a time of use rate are rewarded with a lower energy charge for switching energy use to off-peak hours.Â
Moving your energy usage away from peak hours may be easier than you think. You can use a smart thermostat to pre-cool your home in the summer or set timers on appliances to run overnight. If you do not have smart appliances, you could start them before you go to bed or first thing in the morning, depending on your schedule. You could also consider meal prepping on Sundays, which are considered off-peak.Â
All United Power rates, including the time of use options, include a demand charge. If you can stagger the use of high-energy appliances, such as your washer/dryer, air conditioner, and electric oven, you can control one more component of your bill.Â
Visit Residential Rates to review all the rate options and help decide if switching to a time of use rate is right for you.
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