Title
Thank A Lineman
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Newsletter/Linemen.jpg?itok=HwbcEaW0
Friday | March 20, 2020
Card Teaser
On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
United Power is dedicated to keeping our members’ lights on. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of our skilled linemen, who work each day behind the scenes to improve our system and prevent outages before they happen. On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
Linemen must be prepared to face daily situations that may be less than ideal, regularly tasked with resolving intricate and hazardous problems in unknown or perilous conditions.
During the past year, our linemen have had to help restore power to members following severe hail storms and high winds, which caught many off guard. When severe weather hits our service territory, our linemen are ready to assess the situation and begin the process of restoring power. When the skies are clear and the wind is calm, our linemen are monitoring our system and making improvements to prevent outages where possible.
Our linemen are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to any situation in any type of weather. So next time you lose power, rest assured a highly trained United Power crew is on the way, dedicated to getting the lights back on quickly and safely.
Without our linemen, the power that makes our member’s homes comfortable wouldn’t be possible. We invite our members to take a moment to thank our United Power linemen for the work they do. Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support, or take a moment to drop a kind note in the mail.
United Power
Thank A Lineman
500 Cooperative Way
Brighton, CO 80603
Title
The Birth of a Cooperative
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_BirthCooperative.png?itok=m6DZoKJN
Thursday | January 3, 2019
Card Teaser
This is the first in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
Today, United Power enjoys a seat as one of the most progressive cooperatives across the country. Over the past 80 years, United Power has reached milestones few other cooperatives have, but not without first overcoming a few seasons of turbulence. This is the first in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
In June 1938, shortly after Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electric Administration, a group of local farmers in the counties northeast of Denver met to discuss the possibility of forming a cooperative to meet their needs. In October of that year, Union Rural Electric Association was born. The cooperative began construction on lines that would first serve members in late January of 1940.
Though the outbreak of WWII paused development, growth continued through the 1950s. During that time, Union REA entered a competitive territory battle with the state’s largest public utility, Public Service Company of Colorado (now Xcel Energy), which had begun to see the areas lucrative potential. The battle over service territory would continue throughout the 1980s.
Legislation passed in 1961 finally recognized Union REA, and all other utilities in the state, as full-fledged public utilities with the right to serve certified territories, temporarily halting PSCo’s encroachment on the cooperative’s territory. However, Union REA agreed to allow PSCo to serve some of the fastest growing towns in its territory following a negotiation in 1964.
In the 1970s, PSCo broke faith with the cooperative as growth exploded in the area during that time. The public utility began aggressively claiming territory beyond what Union REA felt was outlined in the agreement. During that time, Union lost nearly 2000 accounts, and many more were considered “at-risk.” In 1987, the Public Utilities Commission declared the agreement invalid in favor of the cooperative, triggering PSCo to initiate a takeover attempt later that year.
Now more than 10,000 members strong, the cooperative’s healthy growth, combined with the proximity to the Denver metro area, made Union an attractive takeover target. PSCo offered to buy out the cooperative for $62.5 million and compensate members with a $500 cash payout to replace lost capital credits. Union REA leadership felt the offer was disingenuous, and communicated directly with membership until a vote on Saturday, August 22, 1987. Union members ultimately voted against the takeover, placing their faith in the promise of the cooperative future.
Title
The Cooperative Principles
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Principles_1320x860.jpg?h=45932144&itok=ewoHuXBV
Saturday | January 31, 2026
Card Teaser
Understanding the seven principles that guide United Power and other cooperatives.
Understanding the Seven Principles that Guide United Power and Other Cooperatives
All cooperatives operate according to the same seven principles. These principles articulate the reasons cooperatives exist, which is for the good of their members, their communities, and one another.
1. Open & Voluntary MembershipMembership in a co-op is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
United Power members include anyone who receives power on its lines within its defined service territory.
2. Democratic Member ControlCo-ops are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
United Power members elect the co-op’s 11-person Board of Directors. Directors serve four year terms and are elected at the Annual Meeting held in April. The Board is the policy making arm of the cooperative and acts on behalf of its members.
3. Members’ Economic ParticipationMembers contribute equally to the capital of their co-op. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the co-op.
United Power members pay not just for the electricity they use, but also for the infrastructure required to distribute power and the resources necessary to maintain the system of poles, lines, and equipment. The cooperative’s rates are designed so that members share the burden relative to their demand on the system and so that no one pays for more than they use.
4. Autonomy & IndependenceCo-ops are autonomous organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.
United Power operates as an independent electric utility, most evidently demonstrated by its recent power purchase agreements.
5. Education, Training, & InformationEducation and training for members, elected representatives, CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the co-op’s development.
United Power’s Board members obtain and renew credentials that help them effectively govern the cooperative. Employees are also encouraged to attend continuing education and training conferences that better equip them to perform their jobs.
6. Cooperation Among CooperativesCo-ops improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs through cooperation in local, national, and regional structures.
United Power partners with other cooperatives and regional and national groups to advocate for policy that benefits electric cooperatives and their members. The co-op is a member of the Association of Large Distribution Cooperatives, where ideas and best practices are shared.
7. Concern for CommunitiesCo-ops work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
United Power is an advocate for the communities it serves, both as an economic development partner and proud supporter of local events, fairs, festivals, and more.
Title
The Power of Local Giving
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/RoundUp_Heart_1320x860.jpg?h=45932144&itok=epj5Ok2D
Tuesday | May 19, 2026
Card Teaser
Partner groups helped by Round Up.
Partner Groups Helped by Round UpClick Here to Sign Up for Round Up
On the fourth Monday of every month, the Weld County Food Bank sets up its mobile food pantry at the intersection of Weld County Road 37 and Lilac Drive in Lochbuie. Early in the morning, as volunteers unload pallets of food from the pantry’s box truck, cars begin lining the surrounding streets. Local families arrive eager and grateful to receive meats, produce, beans, rice, and various other food items. More than 200 households receive food through the pantry’s monthly distribution.
It is an unfortunate reality that all communities are home to vulnerable individuals and families who are struggling with financial limitations. In Weld County, nearly 40% of households are living in the margin between poverty and the basic cost of living, according to the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report. Service organizations like the Weld County Food Bank exist to provide some assistance. Operation Round Up, which is a program funded and operated by the United Power Round Up Foundation, was introduced at the cooperative to tie together the needs that often exceed availability, the philosophy that cooperatives give back to the local community, and the belief that members are motivated to contribute.
The United Power Round Up Foundation receives its funding from members who voluntarily elect to have their monthly billing statements “rounded up” to the next whole dollar. Those funds are monitored by a board of member volunteers, ensuring every dollar goes back into the community. The board works closely with partner organizations to leverage local connections and maximize each dollar’s benefit in the community.
The foundation board added two partner organizations in 2025 to address growing food insecurity in local communities. Weld County Food Bank and the Food Bank of the Rockies joined the roster of partner organizations receiving regular, ongoing assistance to support United Power members. Almost Home in Brighton, the Carbon Valley Help Center in Frederick, Canyon Cares in Coal Creek Canyon, and Catholic Charities in Fort Lupton have been partner organizations since 2017.
“We are able to reach more of the community working with partner organizations,” said Andrea Nabarrete, who joined the foundation board in 2005. “We have better outreach, better coverage of services, and it prioritizes the greatest impact to our members.”
Round Up donations average just $6 annually for members who are enrolled, but that small change makes waves. The foundation has been able to distribute approximately $3 million in assistance since it launched in 1995, including nearly $370,000 in 2025. Last year, Round Up celebrated its 30th anniversary.
“Round Up is a valuable way United Power demonstrates its commitment to the community beyond being the local electric utility,” said Round Up Foundation Board Chair Dale McCall. “It is a tremendous achievement to celebrate 30 years of giving back, but it is an even greater accomplishment to say we have been able to help so many people.”
Throughout the years, members have continued to show up for their neighbors through program participation. That is The Power of Local in action. Your giving changes lives.
“I am grateful to our members who participate,” said McCall, “and to the cooperative for continuing to support Round Up all this time.”
Title
The Value of Electricity
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/LateFall_NL_ValueElectricity.jpg?itok=UfW19mJL
Tuesday | November 22, 2022
Card Teaser
Electricity is so readily available and easy to access we may not realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other regular expenses.
When Compared to Other Expenses, Electricity has a Surprisingly High Value
Electricity is a commodity we always expect to be available when we need it. We use it to power almost everything in our lives to some extent – from the alarm clock that wakes us up for work or school, to the television that helps us wind down at night, or the cell phone that keeps us connected with our loved ones. It is so readily available and easy to access we do not often realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other daily or monthly expenses.
As a commodity people use frequently and pay for monthly, we are acutely aware of differences in our monthly billing statements. We may be even more mindful of our electric cost when rate increases make headlines. Given the regular information you receive about utility rates, you might be surprised to learn that electricity rates have one of the lowest cost increases over time when compared to other budget items like rent and education. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, electricity rates have been steadily decreasing since 1980 despite how increasingly reliant we are on the resource in our daily lives (source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics).
The average United Power family uses approximately 22-32 kWh per day, which is roughly equivalent to $3. Now think about your daily routine. Do you grab a coffee on your way to work or order food at a local restaurant during lunch? The average cup of coffee now costs just under $5, and for special blends or add-ons it could cost more. Fast casual meals at restaurants like Chipotle or Panera can cost more than $10. That means for the cost of a single cup of coffee, you could leave an LED TV on for more than 35 days or charge your phone more than 300 times on our standard residential rate. For just $5, you can do about 20 loads of laundry. If you were to shift your usage off-peak on our time-of-use rate, you could save even more.
To put it another way, most United Power members spend more on their cell phone plan ($4-5/day) than they do on electricity (as little at $2/day). The time you spend on your mobile device, which is probably a lot, is incomparable to how frequently you require reliable electric service. Many routines and daily tasks are becoming electrified with the introduction of new electronic devices, which means we are also using far more energy now than ever before.
The best way to capture the value of electricity is to make your home more energy efficient. You could make the transition to ENERGY STAR® appliances that require less energy, install a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust heating/cooling when you are away from home, or look into our rates that reward you for switching use to off-peak hours.
Title
Time to Begin Looking at Electric Vehicles
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EV_plugin.jpg?h=45932144&itok=UKkauilg
Thursday | September 23, 2021
Card Teaser
National Drive EV Week is September 25 - October 3, 2021
Excitement surrounding electric vehicles is beginning to pick up steam, and now is the perfect time for United Power members to assess the practicality of EV ownership for their daily lives. Join the cooperative in recognizing National Drive EV Week, a nationwide celebration to raise awareness about the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Living in Colorado already provides members who are interested in electric vehicles an immediate advantage. Consistently ahead of the curve in environmental sustainability, Colorado ranks inside the top 10 in electric vehicle ownership and charging infrastructure. That saturation will only continue to grow after Gov. Jared Polis signed a sustainable transportation bill in May that will invest nearly $1 billion in electric vehicle programs over the next 10 years.
The cost of ownership for electric vehicles is at an all-time low, with certain brands even offering highly affordable pricing options and sales or leasing incentives. In October, Consumer Reports published a detailed assessment of electric vehicles and concluded savings worth thousands of dollars over comparable gas-powered options. Coupled with the skyrocketing cost of gas, especially when compared to the relative affordability of electricity, the reasons to consider an electric-powered vehicle only become that much more enticing.
These savings are not only derived from gas, but also because electric vehicles do not require standard maintenance, such as oil changes, making them much cheaper to operate.
If you’ve ever considered an electric vehicle, there has never been a better time. To help members educate themselves on what’s available, United Power launched Choose EV. Choose EV contains a significant amount of information, including vehicle information, comparisons and a savings calculator (fuel to electricity). To learn more about the tools available to United Power members, go to Choose EV.
Title
Thank A Lineman
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Newsletter/Linemen.jpg?itok=HwbcEaW0
Friday | March 20, 2020
Card Teaser
On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
United Power is dedicated to keeping our members’ lights on. That wouldn’t be possible without the help of our skilled linemen, who work each day behind the scenes to improve our system and prevent outages before they happen. On April 18th, we will join in celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day, honoring the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers.
Linemen must be prepared to face daily situations that may be less than ideal, regularly tasked with resolving intricate and hazardous problems in unknown or perilous conditions.
During the past year, our linemen have had to help restore power to members following severe hail storms and high winds, which caught many off guard. When severe weather hits our service territory, our linemen are ready to assess the situation and begin the process of restoring power. When the skies are clear and the wind is calm, our linemen are monitoring our system and making improvements to prevent outages where possible.
Our linemen are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to any situation in any type of weather. So next time you lose power, rest assured a highly trained United Power crew is on the way, dedicated to getting the lights back on quickly and safely.
Without our linemen, the power that makes our member’s homes comfortable wouldn’t be possible. We invite our members to take a moment to thank our United Power linemen for the work they do. Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support, or take a moment to drop a kind note in the mail.
United Power
Thank A Lineman
500 Cooperative Way
Brighton, CO 80603
Title
The Birth of a Cooperative
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_BirthCooperative.png?itok=m6DZoKJN
Thursday | January 3, 2019
Card Teaser
This is the first in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
Today, United Power enjoys a seat as one of the most progressive cooperatives across the country. Over the past 80 years, United Power has reached milestones few other cooperatives have, but not without first overcoming a few seasons of turbulence. This is the first in a three part series chronicling the cooperative’s history leading up to its 80th Annual Meeting this April.
In June 1938, shortly after Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Rural Electric Administration, a group of local farmers in the counties northeast of Denver met to discuss the possibility of forming a cooperative to meet their needs. In October of that year, Union Rural Electric Association was born. The cooperative began construction on lines that would first serve members in late January of 1940.
Though the outbreak of WWII paused development, growth continued through the 1950s. During that time, Union REA entered a competitive territory battle with the state’s largest public utility, Public Service Company of Colorado (now Xcel Energy), which had begun to see the areas lucrative potential. The battle over service territory would continue throughout the 1980s.
Legislation passed in 1961 finally recognized Union REA, and all other utilities in the state, as full-fledged public utilities with the right to serve certified territories, temporarily halting PSCo’s encroachment on the cooperative’s territory. However, Union REA agreed to allow PSCo to serve some of the fastest growing towns in its territory following a negotiation in 1964.
In the 1970s, PSCo broke faith with the cooperative as growth exploded in the area during that time. The public utility began aggressively claiming territory beyond what Union REA felt was outlined in the agreement. During that time, Union lost nearly 2000 accounts, and many more were considered “at-risk.” In 1987, the Public Utilities Commission declared the agreement invalid in favor of the cooperative, triggering PSCo to initiate a takeover attempt later that year.
Now more than 10,000 members strong, the cooperative’s healthy growth, combined with the proximity to the Denver metro area, made Union an attractive takeover target. PSCo offered to buy out the cooperative for $62.5 million and compensate members with a $500 cash payout to replace lost capital credits. Union REA leadership felt the offer was disingenuous, and communicated directly with membership until a vote on Saturday, August 22, 1987. Union members ultimately voted against the takeover, placing their faith in the promise of the cooperative future.
Title
The Cooperative Principles
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Principles_1320x860.jpg?h=45932144&itok=ewoHuXBV
Saturday | January 31, 2026
Card Teaser
Understanding the seven principles that guide United Power and other cooperatives.
Understanding the Seven Principles that Guide United Power and Other Cooperatives
All cooperatives operate according to the same seven principles. These principles articulate the reasons cooperatives exist, which is for the good of their members, their communities, and one another.
1. Open & Voluntary MembershipMembership in a co-op is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership.
United Power members include anyone who receives power on its lines within its defined service territory.
2. Democratic Member ControlCo-ops are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
United Power members elect the co-op’s 11-person Board of Directors. Directors serve four year terms and are elected at the Annual Meeting held in April. The Board is the policy making arm of the cooperative and acts on behalf of its members.
3. Members’ Economic ParticipationMembers contribute equally to the capital of their co-op. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the co-op.
United Power members pay not just for the electricity they use, but also for the infrastructure required to distribute power and the resources necessary to maintain the system of poles, lines, and equipment. The cooperative’s rates are designed so that members share the burden relative to their demand on the system and so that no one pays for more than they use.
4. Autonomy & IndependenceCo-ops are autonomous organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control as well as their unique identity.
United Power operates as an independent electric utility, most evidently demonstrated by its recent power purchase agreements.
5. Education, Training, & InformationEducation and training for members, elected representatives, CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the co-op’s development.
United Power’s Board members obtain and renew credentials that help them effectively govern the cooperative. Employees are also encouraged to attend continuing education and training conferences that better equip them to perform their jobs.
6. Cooperation Among CooperativesCo-ops improve services, bolster local economies, and deal more effectively with social and community needs through cooperation in local, national, and regional structures.
United Power partners with other cooperatives and regional and national groups to advocate for policy that benefits electric cooperatives and their members. The co-op is a member of the Association of Large Distribution Cooperatives, where ideas and best practices are shared.
7. Concern for CommunitiesCo-ops work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership.
United Power is an advocate for the communities it serves, both as an economic development partner and proud supporter of local events, fairs, festivals, and more.
Title
The Power of Local Giving
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/RoundUp_Heart_1320x860.jpg?h=45932144&itok=epj5Ok2D
Tuesday | May 19, 2026
Card Teaser
Partner groups helped by Round Up.
Partner Groups Helped by Round UpClick Here to Sign Up for Round Up
On the fourth Monday of every month, the Weld County Food Bank sets up its mobile food pantry at the intersection of Weld County Road 37 and Lilac Drive in Lochbuie. Early in the morning, as volunteers unload pallets of food from the pantry’s box truck, cars begin lining the surrounding streets. Local families arrive eager and grateful to receive meats, produce, beans, rice, and various other food items. More than 200 households receive food through the pantry’s monthly distribution.
It is an unfortunate reality that all communities are home to vulnerable individuals and families who are struggling with financial limitations. In Weld County, nearly 40% of households are living in the margin between poverty and the basic cost of living, according to the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report. Service organizations like the Weld County Food Bank exist to provide some assistance. Operation Round Up, which is a program funded and operated by the United Power Round Up Foundation, was introduced at the cooperative to tie together the needs that often exceed availability, the philosophy that cooperatives give back to the local community, and the belief that members are motivated to contribute.
The United Power Round Up Foundation receives its funding from members who voluntarily elect to have their monthly billing statements “rounded up” to the next whole dollar. Those funds are monitored by a board of member volunteers, ensuring every dollar goes back into the community. The board works closely with partner organizations to leverage local connections and maximize each dollar’s benefit in the community.
The foundation board added two partner organizations in 2025 to address growing food insecurity in local communities. Weld County Food Bank and the Food Bank of the Rockies joined the roster of partner organizations receiving regular, ongoing assistance to support United Power members. Almost Home in Brighton, the Carbon Valley Help Center in Frederick, Canyon Cares in Coal Creek Canyon, and Catholic Charities in Fort Lupton have been partner organizations since 2017.
“We are able to reach more of the community working with partner organizations,” said Andrea Nabarrete, who joined the foundation board in 2005. “We have better outreach, better coverage of services, and it prioritizes the greatest impact to our members.”
Round Up donations average just $6 annually for members who are enrolled, but that small change makes waves. The foundation has been able to distribute approximately $3 million in assistance since it launched in 1995, including nearly $370,000 in 2025. Last year, Round Up celebrated its 30th anniversary.
“Round Up is a valuable way United Power demonstrates its commitment to the community beyond being the local electric utility,” said Round Up Foundation Board Chair Dale McCall. “It is a tremendous achievement to celebrate 30 years of giving back, but it is an even greater accomplishment to say we have been able to help so many people.”
Throughout the years, members have continued to show up for their neighbors through program participation. That is The Power of Local in action. Your giving changes lives.
“I am grateful to our members who participate,” said McCall, “and to the cooperative for continuing to support Round Up all this time.”
Title
The Value of Electricity
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/LateFall_NL_ValueElectricity.jpg?itok=UfW19mJL
Tuesday | November 22, 2022
Card Teaser
Electricity is so readily available and easy to access we may not realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other regular expenses.
When Compared to Other Expenses, Electricity has a Surprisingly High Value
Electricity is a commodity we always expect to be available when we need it. We use it to power almost everything in our lives to some extent – from the alarm clock that wakes us up for work or school, to the television that helps us wind down at night, or the cell phone that keeps us connected with our loved ones. It is so readily available and easy to access we do not often realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other daily or monthly expenses.
As a commodity people use frequently and pay for monthly, we are acutely aware of differences in our monthly billing statements. We may be even more mindful of our electric cost when rate increases make headlines. Given the regular information you receive about utility rates, you might be surprised to learn that electricity rates have one of the lowest cost increases over time when compared to other budget items like rent and education. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, electricity rates have been steadily decreasing since 1980 despite how increasingly reliant we are on the resource in our daily lives (source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics).
The average United Power family uses approximately 22-32 kWh per day, which is roughly equivalent to $3. Now think about your daily routine. Do you grab a coffee on your way to work or order food at a local restaurant during lunch? The average cup of coffee now costs just under $5, and for special blends or add-ons it could cost more. Fast casual meals at restaurants like Chipotle or Panera can cost more than $10. That means for the cost of a single cup of coffee, you could leave an LED TV on for more than 35 days or charge your phone more than 300 times on our standard residential rate. For just $5, you can do about 20 loads of laundry. If you were to shift your usage off-peak on our time-of-use rate, you could save even more.
To put it another way, most United Power members spend more on their cell phone plan ($4-5/day) than they do on electricity (as little at $2/day). The time you spend on your mobile device, which is probably a lot, is incomparable to how frequently you require reliable electric service. Many routines and daily tasks are becoming electrified with the introduction of new electronic devices, which means we are also using far more energy now than ever before.
The best way to capture the value of electricity is to make your home more energy efficient. You could make the transition to ENERGY STAR® appliances that require less energy, install a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust heating/cooling when you are away from home, or look into our rates that reward you for switching use to off-peak hours.
Title
Time to Begin Looking at Electric Vehicles
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EV_plugin.jpg?h=45932144&itok=UKkauilg
Thursday | September 23, 2021
Card Teaser
National Drive EV Week is September 25 - October 3, 2021
Excitement surrounding electric vehicles is beginning to pick up steam, and now is the perfect time for United Power members to assess the practicality of EV ownership for their daily lives. Join the cooperative in recognizing National Drive EV Week, a nationwide celebration to raise awareness about the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Living in Colorado already provides members who are interested in electric vehicles an immediate advantage. Consistently ahead of the curve in environmental sustainability, Colorado ranks inside the top 10 in electric vehicle ownership and charging infrastructure. That saturation will only continue to grow after Gov. Jared Polis signed a sustainable transportation bill in May that will invest nearly $1 billion in electric vehicle programs over the next 10 years.
The cost of ownership for electric vehicles is at an all-time low, with certain brands even offering highly affordable pricing options and sales or leasing incentives. In October, Consumer Reports published a detailed assessment of electric vehicles and concluded savings worth thousands of dollars over comparable gas-powered options. Coupled with the skyrocketing cost of gas, especially when compared to the relative affordability of electricity, the reasons to consider an electric-powered vehicle only become that much more enticing.
These savings are not only derived from gas, but also because electric vehicles do not require standard maintenance, such as oil changes, making them much cheaper to operate.
If you’ve ever considered an electric vehicle, there has never been a better time. To help members educate themselves on what’s available, United Power launched Choose EV. Choose EV contains a significant amount of information, including vehicle information, comparisons and a savings calculator (fuel to electricity). To learn more about the tools available to United Power members, go to Choose EV.
