Title
United Power 79th Annual Meeting and Director Election held April 18th
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Wednesday | April 18, 2018
Card Teaser
More than 350 registered members attended United Power's 79th Annual Meeting and voted in the annual director election.
When United Power met for its 79th Annual Meeting and Director Election at the Adams County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, the four incumbent directors facing re-election found themselves running unopposed in their respective districts, a first since 2005. In a cost-saving decision, the cooperative’s board voted to have an onsite election instead of mailing ballots to members.
More than 350 registered members attended the Annual Meeting and voted in the director election. South District incumbent, Susan Petrocco, retained her seat with 321 votes. Rick Newman, Mountain District, and Brian A. McCormick, West District, retained their seats with 311 votes each. In the East District, Tim Erickson also retained his seat with 310 votes.
United Power has spent the past year engaging in innovative solutions to bring members more reliable and efficient power this past year in hopes of “Powering the Future,” the theme of the 79th Annual Meeting. Members were able to enjoy a free dinner, educational and informational exhibit booths, live entertainment and more during the course of the evening.
“Our Annual Meeting is more than an event to inform our members,” said John Parker, United Power Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a chance for them to celebrate our accomplishments with us. Everything we’re doing is an effort to bring them safe, reliable and sustainable power.”
During the meeting, Board President James Vigesaa also announced the purchase of Frederick Power & Light, the municipal electric utility serving the town of Frederick, Colo. United Power’s purchase will add approximately 2,400 new members in the coming months.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 83,000 homes and businesses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative at Facebook.com/UnitedPower.###
Title
United Power Adds Officer, Emphasizes Member Focus
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Thursday | August 15, 2019
Card Teaser
In August, United Power welcomed Meghan Dewey to fill its newly created role of Member Engagement Officer.
Brighton, CO – In August, United Power welcomed Meghan Dewey to fill its newly created role of Member Engagement Officer. At United Power, Dewey will be responsible for developing and implementing a cohesive engagement strategy highlighting the cooperative’s commitment to its communities and its members. She will direct member services, new business, energy management and marketing and communications to develop programs to meet members’ diverse and changing needs.
“I am delighted to join United Power as its first Member Engagement Officer,” Dewey said. “United Power’s commitment to its members and community, and its strong track record of performance and innovation, provides a real foundation for our future. I’m looking forward to working together with our members, our board, community leaders, and the United Power executive team to continue to provide value to our members and help lead us forward into a better energy future – the cooperative way.”
Dewey comes to United Power with a track record of enhancing customer experience and implementing successful customer-minded energy efficiency programs after spending seven years in various leadership roles at one of California’s largest utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric. While with PG&E, she spearheaded one of the country’s largest and most impactful energy efficiency programs and technology portfolios with more than 100 customer programs. She was most recently involved in the company’s wildfire safety program, designing new programs, products and services to advance customers’ resiliency and meet their energy needs during proactive power shutoffs.
In addition to her experience leading program development and new product design, Dewey also oversaw the company’s legislative strategy for energy efficiency and demand-side management. She successfully advocated for landmark legislation giving investor-owned utilities the ability to develop new program models that would help meet the state’s aggressive carbon neutral goals. She served as co-chair of a statewide stakeholder engagement coalition representing California investor-owned utilities as the state moved to a new energy efficiency administration and program design model.
Committed to extending her leadership influence beyond the office, Dewey has also been active in representing the industry on various boards and committees and mentoring men and women pursuing careers in the energy and utility industry.
“United Power has a bold vision for its future, and we’re excited to add Meghan’s perspective as we develop our long-term strategy,” said John Parker, United Power Chief Executive Officer. “She brings a wealth of experience with her from her time at PG&E and will be a valuable addition as we continue to look for better ways to serve our members.”
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 90,000 homes and businesses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative at Facebook.com/UnitedPower.
###
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United Power Among Nation’s Best in Reliability and Resiliency
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Tuesday | February 27, 2024
Card Teaser
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.
Title
United Power and Xcel Energy Announce Strategic Relationship for Power Supply
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Thursday | September 14, 2023
Card Teaser
Xcel Energy to provide United Power and its members with excess low-carbon, renewable electricity.
Xcel Energy to provide United Power and its members with excess low-carbon, renewable electricityBrighton, CO – United Power an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, and Xcel Energy, one of the nation’s largest investor-owned utilities, entered into a strategic relationship to explore opportunities for maximizing the value of their combined portfolios and advancing the State of Colorado’s progress toward a low-carbon energy footprint. The utilities are entering a power supply arrangement that would provide United Power access to Xcel Energy’s increasingly carbon neutral portfolio to the benefit of Xcel Energy customers and United Power members. The working agreement will allow both utilities to leverage cost savings through power purchases while continuing to invest in new, clean renewable resources.
“This is a win-win for both utilities,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “The ability of two large utilities working toward a common goal will benefit everyone. Together we will plan our energy needs, negotiate lower pricing, and assure reliability for our members and customers. This is an important step as we enter the new future of electric procurement and delivery.”
The agreement aims to facilitate a shared strategic vision for electric power delivery. Xcel Energy seeks to leverage its renewable energy resources by making sales to United Power at times when excess energy is available, providing United Power with access to Xcel Energy’s significant portfolio at attractive prices. The two utilities hope to develop a long-term relationship in which both will work in tandem to drive down power costs, understand how best to serve the future load of the cooperative’s members and Xcel Energy’s customers, and work toward the mutual goal of integrating more renewable energy in support of the State of Colorado’s renewable resource goals.
“The electric industry is changing, and United Power is working with Xcel Energy to help lead this revolution,” stated Gabriel. “Meeting federal and state requirements, keeping costs economical, and making certain our load is predicable are planned outcomes of this strategic relationship.”
United Power is preparing for an exit from its current wholesale power contract with another power supplier on May 1, 2024. The electric cooperative has been securing a variety of power generation contracts to continue to supply its members following its exit from the contract.
“Today’s announcement solidifies our close working relationship with United Power, one of the largest and fastest-growing cooperative utilities in Colorado, by supplying increasingly carbon-free energy from Xcel Energy’s generation resources,” said Robert Kenney, President of Xcel Energy-Colorado. “Our strategic relationship will maximize the value of both companies’ combined generation towards achieving our goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2030, from 2005 levels, and providing 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.”
United Power serves nearly 110,000 meters and maintains and operates over 6,500 miles of distribution line. The 900-square mile service territory wraps around the north and west borders of the Denver International Airport. It includes the north and northeast metropolitan development corridors along Interstate 25, Interstate 76, State Highway 85, and E-470 and the Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons, two of Colorado’s most iconic and historic mountain canyons. As a result of its geographic location, United Power’s system is experiencing significant demand and energy growth, averaging approximately 6% annually.
To learn more about United Power’s power supply transition, visit Power Supply.
About 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 co-ops 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 Co-op 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 (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About Xcel EnergyXcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook. ###
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United Power Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients
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Wednesday | April 17, 2019
Card Teaser
United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2019.
United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2019. Each year, the cooperative awards more than $19,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected seventeen high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities and a brief essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year.
United Power’s 2019 scholarship recipients will be announced during the cooperative’s Annual Meeting & Director Election on April 17 and recognized in its monthly newsletter to members. The 2019 scholarship recipients are:
• Daniel Smith, Weld Central, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
• Alexx McMillan, Prairie View High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
• Amanda Ruybal, Brighton High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
• Megan Lewis, Frederick High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship, $1,000
• Alexia Simonton, Holy Family, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship, $1,000
• Kaylee Speer, Frederick High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000
• Amanda Schmidt, Frederick High School, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
United Power dedicates a book scholarship to each high school within its service territory, provided it receives an application. This year, United Power distributed ten $1,000 book scholarships, including one “at-large” selection.
Book scholarships for 2019 were awarded to Ayaka Hayashi, Brighton High School; Elena Pocs, Prairie View High School; Scott Hampton, Eagle Ridge Academy; Hailee Hurtado, Frederick High School; Joanna Santibanez, Ft. Lupton High School; Kelley McAmis, Mead High School; Hannah Rockwell, Weld Central High School; Anna Yocom, Mountain Territory; Emily Thoren, Erie High School; and Sophia Kate Thompson, at-large selection.
Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, and thank you to all the students who submitted their application. United Power is committed to supporting the postsecondary education efforts of students it serves.
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United Power Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients
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Friday | May 1, 2020
Card Teaser
United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2020.
United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2020. Each year, the cooperative awards more than $19,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected seventeen high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities and a brief essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year.
United Power’s 2020 scholarship recipients will be announced during the cooperative’s Annual Meeting & Director Election on April 15 and recognized in its monthly newsletter to members. The 2020 scholarship recipients are:
• Jade Glaister, Legacy High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
• Wesley Swieter, Weld Central High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
• Madison Harper, Erie High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
• Skylar Tempel, Erie High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship, $1,000
• Calla Winner, Peak to Peak Charter, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship, $1,000
• Elizabeth Dexter, Fort Lupton High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000
• Rylie James, Prospect Ridge Academy, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
United Power dedicates a book scholarship to each high school within its service territory, provided it receives an application. This year, United Power distributed ten $1,000 book scholarships, including one “at-large” selection. Book scholarships for 2020 were awarded to Brianna Diaz, Brighton High School; Angelica Fletcher, Prairie View High School; Megan Harrison, Eagle Ridge Academy; Michael Clementson, Frederick High School; Dina Zito, Ft. Lupton High School; Blake LaVanchy, Mead High School; Ivonne Olivas, Weld Central High School; Claire Diekman, Mountain Territory; Jeffrey Fitzjohn, Erie High School; and Claire Fisk, at-large selection.
Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, and thank you to all the students who submitted their application. United Power is committed to supporting the postsecondary education efforts of students it serves.
Title
United Power 79th Annual Meeting and Director Election held April 18th
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Wednesday | April 18, 2018
Card Teaser
More than 350 registered members attended United Power's 79th Annual Meeting and voted in the annual director election.
When United Power met for its 79th Annual Meeting and Director Election at the Adams County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, the four incumbent directors facing re-election found themselves running unopposed in their respective districts, a first since 2005. In a cost-saving decision, the cooperative’s board voted to have an onsite election instead of mailing ballots to members.
More than 350 registered members attended the Annual Meeting and voted in the director election. South District incumbent, Susan Petrocco, retained her seat with 321 votes. Rick Newman, Mountain District, and Brian A. McCormick, West District, retained their seats with 311 votes each. In the East District, Tim Erickson also retained his seat with 310 votes.
United Power has spent the past year engaging in innovative solutions to bring members more reliable and efficient power this past year in hopes of “Powering the Future,” the theme of the 79th Annual Meeting. Members were able to enjoy a free dinner, educational and informational exhibit booths, live entertainment and more during the course of the evening.
“Our Annual Meeting is more than an event to inform our members,” said John Parker, United Power Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a chance for them to celebrate our accomplishments with us. Everything we’re doing is an effort to bring them safe, reliable and sustainable power.”
During the meeting, Board President James Vigesaa also announced the purchase of Frederick Power & Light, the municipal electric utility serving the town of Frederick, Colo. United Power’s purchase will add approximately 2,400 new members in the coming months.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 83,000 homes and businesses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative at Facebook.com/UnitedPower.###
Title
United Power Adds Officer, Emphasizes Member Focus
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Thursday | August 15, 2019
Card Teaser
In August, United Power welcomed Meghan Dewey to fill its newly created role of Member Engagement Officer.
Brighton, CO – In August, United Power welcomed Meghan Dewey to fill its newly created role of Member Engagement Officer. At United Power, Dewey will be responsible for developing and implementing a cohesive engagement strategy highlighting the cooperative’s commitment to its communities and its members. She will direct member services, new business, energy management and marketing and communications to develop programs to meet members’ diverse and changing needs.
“I am delighted to join United Power as its first Member Engagement Officer,” Dewey said. “United Power’s commitment to its members and community, and its strong track record of performance and innovation, provides a real foundation for our future. I’m looking forward to working together with our members, our board, community leaders, and the United Power executive team to continue to provide value to our members and help lead us forward into a better energy future – the cooperative way.”
Dewey comes to United Power with a track record of enhancing customer experience and implementing successful customer-minded energy efficiency programs after spending seven years in various leadership roles at one of California’s largest utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric. While with PG&E, she spearheaded one of the country’s largest and most impactful energy efficiency programs and technology portfolios with more than 100 customer programs. She was most recently involved in the company’s wildfire safety program, designing new programs, products and services to advance customers’ resiliency and meet their energy needs during proactive power shutoffs.
In addition to her experience leading program development and new product design, Dewey also oversaw the company’s legislative strategy for energy efficiency and demand-side management. She successfully advocated for landmark legislation giving investor-owned utilities the ability to develop new program models that would help meet the state’s aggressive carbon neutral goals. She served as co-chair of a statewide stakeholder engagement coalition representing California investor-owned utilities as the state moved to a new energy efficiency administration and program design model.
Committed to extending her leadership influence beyond the office, Dewey has also been active in representing the industry on various boards and committees and mentoring men and women pursuing careers in the energy and utility industry.
“United Power has a bold vision for its future, and we’re excited to add Meghan’s perspective as we develop our long-term strategy,” said John Parker, United Power Chief Executive Officer. “She brings a wealth of experience with her from her time at PG&E and will be a valuable addition as we continue to look for better ways to serve our members.”
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 90,000 homes and businesses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative at Facebook.com/UnitedPower.
###
Title
United Power Among Nation’s Best in Reliability and Resiliency
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Tuesday | February 27, 2024
Card Teaser
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.
Title
United Power and Xcel Energy Announce Strategic Relationship for Power Supply
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/UP_Xcel_PowerAgreement.jpg?h=45932144&itok=rr3lSnjK
Thursday | September 14, 2023
Card Teaser
Xcel Energy to provide United Power and its members with excess low-carbon, renewable electricity.
Xcel Energy to provide United Power and its members with excess low-carbon, renewable electricityBrighton, CO – United Power an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, and Xcel Energy, one of the nation’s largest investor-owned utilities, entered into a strategic relationship to explore opportunities for maximizing the value of their combined portfolios and advancing the State of Colorado’s progress toward a low-carbon energy footprint. The utilities are entering a power supply arrangement that would provide United Power access to Xcel Energy’s increasingly carbon neutral portfolio to the benefit of Xcel Energy customers and United Power members. The working agreement will allow both utilities to leverage cost savings through power purchases while continuing to invest in new, clean renewable resources.
“This is a win-win for both utilities,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “The ability of two large utilities working toward a common goal will benefit everyone. Together we will plan our energy needs, negotiate lower pricing, and assure reliability for our members and customers. This is an important step as we enter the new future of electric procurement and delivery.”
The agreement aims to facilitate a shared strategic vision for electric power delivery. Xcel Energy seeks to leverage its renewable energy resources by making sales to United Power at times when excess energy is available, providing United Power with access to Xcel Energy’s significant portfolio at attractive prices. The two utilities hope to develop a long-term relationship in which both will work in tandem to drive down power costs, understand how best to serve the future load of the cooperative’s members and Xcel Energy’s customers, and work toward the mutual goal of integrating more renewable energy in support of the State of Colorado’s renewable resource goals.
“The electric industry is changing, and United Power is working with Xcel Energy to help lead this revolution,” stated Gabriel. “Meeting federal and state requirements, keeping costs economical, and making certain our load is predicable are planned outcomes of this strategic relationship.”
United Power is preparing for an exit from its current wholesale power contract with another power supplier on May 1, 2024. The electric cooperative has been securing a variety of power generation contracts to continue to supply its members following its exit from the contract.
“Today’s announcement solidifies our close working relationship with United Power, one of the largest and fastest-growing cooperative utilities in Colorado, by supplying increasingly carbon-free energy from Xcel Energy’s generation resources,” said Robert Kenney, President of Xcel Energy-Colorado. “Our strategic relationship will maximize the value of both companies’ combined generation towards achieving our goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2030, from 2005 levels, and providing 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.”
United Power serves nearly 110,000 meters and maintains and operates over 6,500 miles of distribution line. The 900-square mile service territory wraps around the north and west borders of the Denver International Airport. It includes the north and northeast metropolitan development corridors along Interstate 25, Interstate 76, State Highway 85, and E-470 and the Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons, two of Colorado’s most iconic and historic mountain canyons. As a result of its geographic location, United Power’s system is experiencing significant demand and energy growth, averaging approximately 6% annually.
To learn more about United Power’s power supply transition, visit Power Supply.
About 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 co-ops 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 Co-op 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 (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About Xcel EnergyXcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook. ###
Title
United Power Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients
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Wednesday | April 17, 2019
Card Teaser
United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2019.
United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2019. Each year, the cooperative awards more than $19,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected seventeen high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities and a brief essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year.
United Power’s 2019 scholarship recipients will be announced during the cooperative’s Annual Meeting & Director Election on April 17 and recognized in its monthly newsletter to members. The 2019 scholarship recipients are:
• Daniel Smith, Weld Central, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
• Alexx McMillan, Prairie View High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
• Amanda Ruybal, Brighton High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
• Megan Lewis, Frederick High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship, $1,000
• Alexia Simonton, Holy Family, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship, $1,000
• Kaylee Speer, Frederick High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000
• Amanda Schmidt, Frederick High School, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
United Power dedicates a book scholarship to each high school within its service territory, provided it receives an application. This year, United Power distributed ten $1,000 book scholarships, including one “at-large” selection.
Book scholarships for 2019 were awarded to Ayaka Hayashi, Brighton High School; Elena Pocs, Prairie View High School; Scott Hampton, Eagle Ridge Academy; Hailee Hurtado, Frederick High School; Joanna Santibanez, Ft. Lupton High School; Kelley McAmis, Mead High School; Hannah Rockwell, Weld Central High School; Anna Yocom, Mountain Territory; Emily Thoren, Erie High School; and Sophia Kate Thompson, at-large selection.
Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, and thank you to all the students who submitted their application. United Power is committed to supporting the postsecondary education efforts of students it serves.
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United Power Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients
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Friday | May 1, 2020
Card Teaser
United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2020.
United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2020. Each year, the cooperative awards more than $19,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected seventeen high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities and a brief essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year.
United Power’s 2020 scholarship recipients will be announced during the cooperative’s Annual Meeting & Director Election on April 15 and recognized in its monthly newsletter to members. The 2020 scholarship recipients are:
• Jade Glaister, Legacy High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
• Wesley Swieter, Weld Central High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
• Madison Harper, Erie High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
• Skylar Tempel, Erie High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship, $1,000
• Calla Winner, Peak to Peak Charter, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship, $1,000
• Elizabeth Dexter, Fort Lupton High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000
• Rylie James, Prospect Ridge Academy, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
United Power dedicates a book scholarship to each high school within its service territory, provided it receives an application. This year, United Power distributed ten $1,000 book scholarships, including one “at-large” selection. Book scholarships for 2020 were awarded to Brianna Diaz, Brighton High School; Angelica Fletcher, Prairie View High School; Megan Harrison, Eagle Ridge Academy; Michael Clementson, Frederick High School; Dina Zito, Ft. Lupton High School; Blake LaVanchy, Mead High School; Ivonne Olivas, Weld Central High School; Claire Diekman, Mountain Territory; Jeffrey Fitzjohn, Erie High School; and Claire Fisk, at-large selection.
Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, and thank you to all the students who submitted their application. United Power is committed to supporting the postsecondary education efforts of students it serves.
