United Power 78th Annual Meeting of Members Held on April 18th
Tuesday | April 18, 2017
Brighton, Colo.—Growth in every industry sector is a challenge United Power is facing as they work on “Building Tomorrow’s Cooperative,” the theme of the 78th Annual Meeting held on Apr. 18th.
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United Power 79th Annual Meeting and Director Election held April 18th
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Wednesday | April 18, 2018
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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.###
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United Power Advances Capital Credit Retirement to Alleviate COVID Impacts
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Tuesday | April 28, 2020
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Members are getting cash back from their co-op in May.
Article originally published on April 18, 2020.
United Power is returning $5.5 million in Capital Credits to members beginning in May and nearly every member is getting a payment. Due to the unique economic stresses being placed on our members because of the COVID 19 situation, United Power’s Board of Directors has opted to distribute Capital Credit refunds earlier than in prior years. In past years the retirements were made in August, but the United Power Board felt members could use the economic relief now.
“We know that many of our members have been impacted by this health emergency – through cuts in pay, job losses, or increased health costs,” said Bryant Robbins, Chief Executive Officer. “This retirement will provide money back to nearly all our members when they need it most.”
In 2020, United Power is retiring $5.5 million to members. The total amount of money retired is divided among all members and is being issued in May. Additionally, while these payments have typically been issued as checks, more refunds will be applied to bills in order to reduce the need for our members to go to a bank during this health emergency. Members receiving a retirement of $50 or less, will see a bill credit directly on their May electric bill. Those receiving larger retirement amounts will receive a check.
Capital credits represent ownership in United Power and are one of the most unique and rewarding benefits afforded to members of electric cooperatives. Unlike investor-owned utilities that maximize profits to pay dividends to shareholders, not-for-profit electric co-ops like United Power provide our members with “at cost” electric service—we do not exist to earn a profit. At the end of each year, after all operational expenses have been covered, a portion of any excess funds is returned to the members in the form of capital credits. Learn more about capital credits, or if you have additional questions please call our Member Services team at 303-637-1300.
In addition to the advancement of Capital Credit refunds, the cooperative has temporarily suspended disconnections and is providing payment arrangements for members who have been directly impacted by COVID 19. The Board of Directors has also established the Co-op Cares fund allocating $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to provide direct assistance to members facing hardships due to the pandemic.
Any members who may have troubles paying their electric bills are encouraged to call United Power at 303-637-1300 and our Member Services team will match them with all of the available resources and assistance options.
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United Power Among Nation’s Best in Reliability and Resiliency
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Tuesday | February 27, 2024
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Cooperative achieves record SAIDI score for second year in a row.
Cooperative Achieves Record SAIDI Score for Second Year in a Row
United Power’s core responsibility to its members as an electric cooperative is ensuring consistently reliable power, which means the lights stay on and the power continues flowing whenever you need it to be available. Several years ago, the co-op’s operations and engineering staff began coordinating the implementation of an innovative system maintenance strategy. It incorporated embedded devices throughout the system and preventative maintenance practices to meet ambitious goals for reliability and resiliency – defined as the ability to rapidly recover from power outages, such as reducing frequency or duration.
Results exceeded expectations. United Power successfully prevented thousands of potential power interruptions before they occurred, dramatically reducing the number of outages members experience and limiting the duration when outages do occur. The strategy has produced sustained improvements in reliability and resiliency year-over-year since it was implemented in 2017, cementing the cooperative’s status among the best performing electric utilities in the country.
By the Numbers
Electric utilities measure system performance and develop improvement plans using a variety of indicators, such as the System Average Interruption Duration Index – more commonly known as SAIDI – and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index, or SAIFI. These indicators, among the many that United Power and other electric utilities use to measure how successful systems are performing, essentially analyze data and calculate outage expectations for an average member.
SAIDI measures the total outage time an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (cumulative duration of all outages experienced). The national average is approximately 120 minutes. United Power has not produced a SAIDI score above 72 minutes since 2017 and has maintained a score below 60 minutes – less than half the national average – for the past two years.
SAIFI measures the total number of outages an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (frequency of outages experienced). United Power’s SAIFI score of 0.65 in 2023 means the average meter experienced fewer than one outage throughout the year. Put another way, many of the cooperative’s members did not experience an outage last year.
Other performance indicators are used, as well. One of those indicators measures the system’s overall availability rate. The co-op’s availability in 2023 was greater than 99%.
“These metrics demonstrate the success of the strategies we are using to improve reliability and resiliency across our system,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and CEO. “Thank you to our operations and engineering teams, who are responsible for interpreting data from the system and designing the strategies we practice in the field.”
Preventative Maintenance Practices Installed
United Power incorporated a proactive approach to system maintenance in 2017. The strategy relies on analyzing data collected across thousands of miles of line and isolating the worst-performing segments. Targeted maintenance projects are then scheduled to improve the performance for that segment.
One example of this strategy is the co-op’s drone maintenance program. The program began in United Power’s mountain territory, where accessing poles and infrastructure can be difficult and time consuming due to the rugged terrain and weather. Drones can quickly conduct detailed investigations and document broken, failing, or aging equipment. Drones have saved the cooperative countless hours and prevented hundreds of potential outages. Since completing initial inspections in Coal Creek Canyon and Golden Gate Canyon, the drone maintenance program has been used throughout the entire service territory.
Advanced Monitoring Technology
Preventative maintenance would not be possible without automated monitoring devices embedded throughout the system that report irregularities and potential concerns. These devices capture important information to help system operators determine the best power restoration process in the event of an outage and can help crews in the field pinpoint the time and location of a fault.
The ability to quickly locate a fault, identify its cause, and restore power to members, often remotely due to redundancies built into the system for this very purpose, has significantly improved the cooperative’s outage response and reduced the duration of outages. Identifying problematic areas would be difficult without this information and could create additional delays in power restoration because lineworkers would need to physically inspect miles of line to locate and repair the cause.
Readying for the Power Supply Transition
United Power will be transitioning to new power suppliers on May 1 as the cooperative exits its existing power supply contract. United Power’s robust distribution system is ready to take the cooperative into the future of our new energy supply. This transition will have no impact on the system’s reliability.
The added flexibility of additional power supply contracts as the cooperative grows may even improve system performance in the long term with the ability to make proactive infrastructure upgrades.
United Power is already among the best performing electric utilities in the country, and leadership at the co-op is continually seeking to improve its system reliability and resiliency. Whether it is proactive maintenance strategies, automated devices, or other system improvements, the cooperative is always looking for ways to improve and meet member expectations.
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United Power and Ameresco Celebrate Construction of Colorado’s Largest Distributed Battery Energy Storage System
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Monday | July 29, 2024
BRIGHTON, CO and FRAMINGHAM, MA – July 29, 2024 – United Power, Inc., an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, today announced the successful completion of construction of multiple Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in collaboration with Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. These battery energy storage systems underscore significant advancements in utility infrastructure, enhancing both resiliency and energy security as the industry shifts toward a more sustainable future. Together they also represent the largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio in Ameresco’s history.
The assets are designed to provide 78.3 MW, 313.34 MWh of battery storage capacity to the United Power electric distribution system across multiple sites. Five of the sites have been placed in service and the remaining three sites are expected to be placed in service by the end of the summer. Strategically positioned throughout United Power’s service territory, these eight advanced battery systems are pivotal in enabling United Power to enhance load balancing and integrate renewable resources seamlessly.
“The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power grid, and we are excited to be moving ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such systems. These battery energy storage systems will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power.
The Ameresco-owned assets consist of four 11.75 MW and four 7.84 MW battery energy storage systems across the eight different substation sites owned by United Power, located in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties. In addition, Ameresco integrated Stem’s AI-driven clean energy software to efficiently operate and maintain the systems. These batteries will allow the cooperative to store and dispatch power efficiently during periods of high consumption. By leveraging this innovative technology, United Power optimizes its energy resources, enhances its grid resilience, and ensures a reliable electricity supply for its members.
“Partnering with United Power on these transformational battery energy storage systems has been incredible – in just under a year of working together we have accomplished so much,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President, Ameresco. “The inclusion of this expansive set of assets in Ameresco’s portfolio is an amazing milestone for our team, as our largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio to date. Energy storage plays – and will continue to play – a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, optimizing renewable energy utilization, and fostering a resilient and efficient energy future. We look forward to continuing to help support utility companies in meeting increasing demand.”
Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate completing construction of the BESS assets. The event took place at United Power's Bromley Substation located in Brighton, CO.
To learn more about United Power’s industry leading energy transition outlined in its long-term vision for the future, read Our Cooperative Roadmap at www.unitedpower.com/roadmap.
For additional information on Ameresco and its energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com.
About United Power: United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 112,000 meters. It’s 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.
About Ameresco, Inc.: Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
The announcement of the development of a renewable energy asset by Ameresco is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such asset, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s overall total assets in development or operation. This project was included in our previously reported assets in development as of March 31, 2024.
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United Power and Silicon Ranch Expand Partnership with New 150 MW Byers Solar Farm
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Wednesday | January 22, 2025
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Partners to collaborate on fifth joint energy project since 2014.
Partners to collaborate on fifth joint energy project since 2014Brighton, CO – United Power, Inc. (United Power), an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern front range, announces the signing of a power purchase agreement for its latest solar resource, the 150-megawatt (MW) Byers Solar Farm. Located in Adams County, 10 miles northeast of Byers, the new solar installation is being developed in partnership with Silicon Ranch, one of the nation’s largest independent power producers and a community-focused renewable energy company.
“As United Power continues to add to its diverse power portfolio, the Byers Solar Farm illustrates the best-case scenario for local production,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “Our partnership with Silicon Ranch allows us to build this project with the latest technology and development techniques to optimize the use of the site. Additionally, there are strong financial and environmental incentives for generating and delivering clean, renewable electricity locally.”
The solar farm will be built, owned, and operated by Silicon Ranch, who will also be responsible for its operation and maintenance, with United Power purchasing all the power it produces. As the long-term owner of both the facility and the underlying property, Silicon Ranch is taking a thoughtful approach to stewardship of the land, with plans to establish short grass prairie at the site by pre-seeding ahead of construction. In addition, the company is exploring opportunities to employ managed sheep grazing on the site, through its Regenerative Energy® platform of land stewardship that it deploys at sites across the country, including the Mavericks Solar Farm that serves United Power.
“Silicon Ranch is honored by the trust and confidence that United Power and its members continue to place in our company to deliver value on their behalf, and we are grateful for the opportunity to expand our relationship and the positive impact we can have together,” said Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and CEO Reagan Farr. “As we enter our second decade of partnership with United Power, Silicon Ranch looks forward to continuing our meaningful work together by collaborating to help make communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient here in northern Colorado.”
United Power has partnered with Silicon Ranch on four other energy infrastructure projects since 2014 – Fort Lupton Solar (13 MW), Mavericks Solar (6.5 MW), Platteville Solar (16 MW), and Rattlesnake Solar (6 MW). Each of these installations, located within the cooperative’s service territory, was developed working closely with local governments and neighboring landowners to make sure the projects fulfilled the needs of each community and United Power.
“Byers Solar Farm continues United Power’s march toward energy independence,” said Gabriel. “Since leaving our wholesale power contract on May 1, 2024, United Power has worked to build a power portfolio that both reduces our carbon emissions and stabilizes our costs. Our vision to diversify and hyper-localize power production will pay dividends to cooperative members in an increasingly volatile energy market.”
Learn more about United Power and its ongoing energy transition plans in Our Cooperative Roadmap.
About United Power:United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving nearly 114,000 meters. Its 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. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About Silicon Ranch:Founded in 2011, Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized solar energy, battery storage, and carbon solutions. The company is one of the largest independent power producers in the U.S., with a portfolio that includes more than seven gigawatts of solar and battery storage systems that are contracted, under construction, or operating across the U.S. and Canada. Silicon Ranch owns and operates every project in its portfolio and has maintained an unrivaled track record of project execution. Silicon Ranch has the largest wholly owned agrivoltaics portfolio in the country under Regenerative Energy®, its nationally recognized holistic approach to project design, construction, and land stewardship. This model incorporates regenerative ranching and other regenerative land stewardship practices to restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and improve water quality. Silicon Ranch’s carbon solutions platform, Clearloop, helps businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint by commissioning new solar projects in American communities where significant economic and environmental benefits can be achieved. To learn more, visit siliconranch.com and clearloop.us. Follow Silicon Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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United Power and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Execute Settlement Term Sheet
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Wednesday | November 8, 2023
Terms outline Settlement Agreement for power purchases and sale of utility assets.
Following execution of a Settlement Agreement, United Power and Tri-State will file to dismiss litigation in the Adams County District Court.
Settlement Agreement does not address contract termination payment proceeding before federal regulators.
Brighton/Westminster, Colorado – On Nov. 1, 2023, United Power, Inc. (United Power) and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) executed a Term Sheet that sets forth terms for the two utilities to make good faith efforts to execute a formal Settlement Agreement involving power purchases and the sale of utility assets from Tri-State to United Power.
The Term Sheet provides for a mutual release of claims and that the parties will cooperate to complete a Settlement Agreement and related agreements by Dec. 8, 2023, at which time United Power and Tri-State will jointly file for dismissal of the lawsuit, with prejudice, pending in the Adams County District Court.
On Nov. 1, 2023, Tri-State’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the Term Sheet. On Nov. 6, 2023, United Power’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the Term Sheet.
Tri-State and United Power will continue to take actions to ensure United Power’s timely exit by May 1, 2024, upon payment of a contract termination payment, with the amount to be set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission).
The Settlement Agreement will not address the Commission proceeding related to the contract termination payment that members will pay to Tri-State to terminate their contracts early and withdraw from membership. The parties expect the Commission to issue a decision in that proceeding shortly.
No further public comments will be made about the Settlement Agreement.
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 Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About Tri-State Generation and TransmissionTri-State is a power supply cooperative of 45 members, operating on a not-for-profit basis, including 42 utility electric distribution cooperative and public power district members in four states. Together with our member/owners, we deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State, visit www.tristate.coop.
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United Power and Xcel Energy Announce Strategic Relationship for Power Supply
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Thursday | September 14, 2023
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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 2018 Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Camp Delegates
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Monday | April 2, 2018
2018 D.C. Youth Tour Delegates
United Power selected three local students to represent the cooperative at this year’s Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington D.C in June. Hannah Rockwell of Brighton, Megan Lewis from Firestone and Jordyn Saffy of Brighton were selected based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, volunteer efforts and a brief essay.
Local electric cooperatives throughout the country sponsor approximately 1,500 ambitious high school students from small towns and cities for an incredible week in the nation’s capital with the objective of providing an educational experience for young people on the organization and operation of a cooperative. Cooperatives are committed to educating America’s rural youth about the country and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities.
Hannah Rockwell is a student at Weld Central High School where she is an athlete in cross country and track. She is a member of the National Honor Society and president of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America Club. Hannah loves school and her future plans include pursuing a career in medicine.
Megan Lewis attends Frederick High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Advisory Committee. Megan is active in musicals/plays at her school, and is on both the varsity cross country and tennis teams. Her future plans include college and medical school.
Jordyn Saffy attends high school at Eagle Ridge Academy. Jordan is captain of the volleyball team, president of the spirit team and participates in track and field. Her future plans include a degree in health sciences, which she intends to use to help those in need.
2018 Youth Leadership Camp Winners
United Power has also selected Brooklyn Stubby of Mapleton Early College in Commerce City and Catera Gagna of Brighton to represent the cooperative at the 2018 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs, Colorado this July. The camp is offered to high school juniors and seniors in the United Power service area. Interested students are asked to apply, and winners are selected based on academic performance, extracurriculr activities and volunteer efforts.
The primary objective of the camp is to provide an educational experience for youth on the organization and operation of a cooperative. The camp strives to help develop leadership skills that will assist students with challenges they will face in the future.
Brooklyn Stubby attends Mapleton Early College and is active in student council, swimming and student mentoring. Brooklyn is keeping her options open, but is considering physical therapy, detective work or personal training/nutrition.
Catera Gagna is a student at Brighton High School and plays softball. She is a member of the principal’s honor roll, student government and volunteers at a local elementary school. Catera plans to attend college and pursue a career in engineering.
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United Power Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients
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Wednesday | April 17, 2019
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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.
United Power 78th Annual Meeting of Members Held on April 18th
Tuesday | April 18, 2017
Brighton, Colo.—Growth in every industry sector is a challenge United Power is facing as they work on “Building Tomorrow’s Cooperative,” the theme of the 78th Annual Meeting held on Apr. 18th.
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United Power 79th Annual Meeting and Director Election held April 18th
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Wednesday | April 18, 2018
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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.###
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United Power Advances Capital Credit Retirement to Alleviate COVID Impacts
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Tuesday | April 28, 2020
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Members are getting cash back from their co-op in May.
Article originally published on April 18, 2020.
United Power is returning $5.5 million in Capital Credits to members beginning in May and nearly every member is getting a payment. Due to the unique economic stresses being placed on our members because of the COVID 19 situation, United Power’s Board of Directors has opted to distribute Capital Credit refunds earlier than in prior years. In past years the retirements were made in August, but the United Power Board felt members could use the economic relief now.
“We know that many of our members have been impacted by this health emergency – through cuts in pay, job losses, or increased health costs,” said Bryant Robbins, Chief Executive Officer. “This retirement will provide money back to nearly all our members when they need it most.”
In 2020, United Power is retiring $5.5 million to members. The total amount of money retired is divided among all members and is being issued in May. Additionally, while these payments have typically been issued as checks, more refunds will be applied to bills in order to reduce the need for our members to go to a bank during this health emergency. Members receiving a retirement of $50 or less, will see a bill credit directly on their May electric bill. Those receiving larger retirement amounts will receive a check.
Capital credits represent ownership in United Power and are one of the most unique and rewarding benefits afforded to members of electric cooperatives. Unlike investor-owned utilities that maximize profits to pay dividends to shareholders, not-for-profit electric co-ops like United Power provide our members with “at cost” electric service—we do not exist to earn a profit. At the end of each year, after all operational expenses have been covered, a portion of any excess funds is returned to the members in the form of capital credits. Learn more about capital credits, or if you have additional questions please call our Member Services team at 303-637-1300.
In addition to the advancement of Capital Credit refunds, the cooperative has temporarily suspended disconnections and is providing payment arrangements for members who have been directly impacted by COVID 19. The Board of Directors has also established the Co-op Cares fund allocating $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to provide direct assistance to members facing hardships due to the pandemic.
Any members who may have troubles paying their electric bills are encouraged to call United Power at 303-637-1300 and our Member Services team will match them with all of the available resources and assistance options.
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United Power Among Nation’s Best in Reliability and Resiliency
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Tuesday | February 27, 2024
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Cooperative achieves record SAIDI score for second year in a row.
Cooperative Achieves Record SAIDI Score for Second Year in a Row
United Power’s core responsibility to its members as an electric cooperative is ensuring consistently reliable power, which means the lights stay on and the power continues flowing whenever you need it to be available. Several years ago, the co-op’s operations and engineering staff began coordinating the implementation of an innovative system maintenance strategy. It incorporated embedded devices throughout the system and preventative maintenance practices to meet ambitious goals for reliability and resiliency – defined as the ability to rapidly recover from power outages, such as reducing frequency or duration.
Results exceeded expectations. United Power successfully prevented thousands of potential power interruptions before they occurred, dramatically reducing the number of outages members experience and limiting the duration when outages do occur. The strategy has produced sustained improvements in reliability and resiliency year-over-year since it was implemented in 2017, cementing the cooperative’s status among the best performing electric utilities in the country.
By the Numbers
Electric utilities measure system performance and develop improvement plans using a variety of indicators, such as the System Average Interruption Duration Index – more commonly known as SAIDI – and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index, or SAIFI. These indicators, among the many that United Power and other electric utilities use to measure how successful systems are performing, essentially analyze data and calculate outage expectations for an average member.
SAIDI measures the total outage time an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (cumulative duration of all outages experienced). The national average is approximately 120 minutes. United Power has not produced a SAIDI score above 72 minutes since 2017 and has maintained a score below 60 minutes – less than half the national average – for the past two years.
SAIFI measures the total number of outages an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (frequency of outages experienced). United Power’s SAIFI score of 0.65 in 2023 means the average meter experienced fewer than one outage throughout the year. Put another way, many of the cooperative’s members did not experience an outage last year.
Other performance indicators are used, as well. One of those indicators measures the system’s overall availability rate. The co-op’s availability in 2023 was greater than 99%.
“These metrics demonstrate the success of the strategies we are using to improve reliability and resiliency across our system,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and CEO. “Thank you to our operations and engineering teams, who are responsible for interpreting data from the system and designing the strategies we practice in the field.”
Preventative Maintenance Practices Installed
United Power incorporated a proactive approach to system maintenance in 2017. The strategy relies on analyzing data collected across thousands of miles of line and isolating the worst-performing segments. Targeted maintenance projects are then scheduled to improve the performance for that segment.
One example of this strategy is the co-op’s drone maintenance program. The program began in United Power’s mountain territory, where accessing poles and infrastructure can be difficult and time consuming due to the rugged terrain and weather. Drones can quickly conduct detailed investigations and document broken, failing, or aging equipment. Drones have saved the cooperative countless hours and prevented hundreds of potential outages. Since completing initial inspections in Coal Creek Canyon and Golden Gate Canyon, the drone maintenance program has been used throughout the entire service territory.
Advanced Monitoring Technology
Preventative maintenance would not be possible without automated monitoring devices embedded throughout the system that report irregularities and potential concerns. These devices capture important information to help system operators determine the best power restoration process in the event of an outage and can help crews in the field pinpoint the time and location of a fault.
The ability to quickly locate a fault, identify its cause, and restore power to members, often remotely due to redundancies built into the system for this very purpose, has significantly improved the cooperative’s outage response and reduced the duration of outages. Identifying problematic areas would be difficult without this information and could create additional delays in power restoration because lineworkers would need to physically inspect miles of line to locate and repair the cause.
Readying for the Power Supply Transition
United Power will be transitioning to new power suppliers on May 1 as the cooperative exits its existing power supply contract. United Power’s robust distribution system is ready to take the cooperative into the future of our new energy supply. This transition will have no impact on the system’s reliability.
The added flexibility of additional power supply contracts as the cooperative grows may even improve system performance in the long term with the ability to make proactive infrastructure upgrades.
United Power is already among the best performing electric utilities in the country, and leadership at the co-op is continually seeking to improve its system reliability and resiliency. Whether it is proactive maintenance strategies, automated devices, or other system improvements, the cooperative is always looking for ways to improve and meet member expectations.
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United Power and Ameresco Celebrate Construction of Colorado’s Largest Distributed Battery Energy Storage System
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Monday | July 29, 2024
BRIGHTON, CO and FRAMINGHAM, MA – July 29, 2024 – United Power, Inc., an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, today announced the successful completion of construction of multiple Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in collaboration with Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. These battery energy storage systems underscore significant advancements in utility infrastructure, enhancing both resiliency and energy security as the industry shifts toward a more sustainable future. Together they also represent the largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio in Ameresco’s history.
The assets are designed to provide 78.3 MW, 313.34 MWh of battery storage capacity to the United Power electric distribution system across multiple sites. Five of the sites have been placed in service and the remaining three sites are expected to be placed in service by the end of the summer. Strategically positioned throughout United Power’s service territory, these eight advanced battery systems are pivotal in enabling United Power to enhance load balancing and integrate renewable resources seamlessly.
“The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power grid, and we are excited to be moving ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such systems. These battery energy storage systems will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power.
The Ameresco-owned assets consist of four 11.75 MW and four 7.84 MW battery energy storage systems across the eight different substation sites owned by United Power, located in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties. In addition, Ameresco integrated Stem’s AI-driven clean energy software to efficiently operate and maintain the systems. These batteries will allow the cooperative to store and dispatch power efficiently during periods of high consumption. By leveraging this innovative technology, United Power optimizes its energy resources, enhances its grid resilience, and ensures a reliable electricity supply for its members.
“Partnering with United Power on these transformational battery energy storage systems has been incredible – in just under a year of working together we have accomplished so much,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President, Ameresco. “The inclusion of this expansive set of assets in Ameresco’s portfolio is an amazing milestone for our team, as our largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio to date. Energy storage plays – and will continue to play – a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, optimizing renewable energy utilization, and fostering a resilient and efficient energy future. We look forward to continuing to help support utility companies in meeting increasing demand.”
Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate completing construction of the BESS assets. The event took place at United Power's Bromley Substation located in Brighton, CO.
To learn more about United Power’s industry leading energy transition outlined in its long-term vision for the future, read Our Cooperative Roadmap at www.unitedpower.com/roadmap.
For additional information on Ameresco and its energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com.
About United Power: United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 112,000 meters. It’s 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.
About Ameresco, Inc.: Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
The announcement of the development of a renewable energy asset by Ameresco is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such asset, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s overall total assets in development or operation. This project was included in our previously reported assets in development as of March 31, 2024.
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United Power and Silicon Ranch Expand Partnership with New 150 MW Byers Solar Farm
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Wednesday | January 22, 2025
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Partners to collaborate on fifth joint energy project since 2014.
Partners to collaborate on fifth joint energy project since 2014Brighton, CO – United Power, Inc. (United Power), an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern front range, announces the signing of a power purchase agreement for its latest solar resource, the 150-megawatt (MW) Byers Solar Farm. Located in Adams County, 10 miles northeast of Byers, the new solar installation is being developed in partnership with Silicon Ranch, one of the nation’s largest independent power producers and a community-focused renewable energy company.
“As United Power continues to add to its diverse power portfolio, the Byers Solar Farm illustrates the best-case scenario for local production,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “Our partnership with Silicon Ranch allows us to build this project with the latest technology and development techniques to optimize the use of the site. Additionally, there are strong financial and environmental incentives for generating and delivering clean, renewable electricity locally.”
The solar farm will be built, owned, and operated by Silicon Ranch, who will also be responsible for its operation and maintenance, with United Power purchasing all the power it produces. As the long-term owner of both the facility and the underlying property, Silicon Ranch is taking a thoughtful approach to stewardship of the land, with plans to establish short grass prairie at the site by pre-seeding ahead of construction. In addition, the company is exploring opportunities to employ managed sheep grazing on the site, through its Regenerative Energy® platform of land stewardship that it deploys at sites across the country, including the Mavericks Solar Farm that serves United Power.
“Silicon Ranch is honored by the trust and confidence that United Power and its members continue to place in our company to deliver value on their behalf, and we are grateful for the opportunity to expand our relationship and the positive impact we can have together,” said Silicon Ranch Co-Founder and CEO Reagan Farr. “As we enter our second decade of partnership with United Power, Silicon Ranch looks forward to continuing our meaningful work together by collaborating to help make communities stronger, healthier, and more resilient here in northern Colorado.”
United Power has partnered with Silicon Ranch on four other energy infrastructure projects since 2014 – Fort Lupton Solar (13 MW), Mavericks Solar (6.5 MW), Platteville Solar (16 MW), and Rattlesnake Solar (6 MW). Each of these installations, located within the cooperative’s service territory, was developed working closely with local governments and neighboring landowners to make sure the projects fulfilled the needs of each community and United Power.
“Byers Solar Farm continues United Power’s march toward energy independence,” said Gabriel. “Since leaving our wholesale power contract on May 1, 2024, United Power has worked to build a power portfolio that both reduces our carbon emissions and stabilizes our costs. Our vision to diversify and hyper-localize power production will pay dividends to cooperative members in an increasingly volatile energy market.”
Learn more about United Power and its ongoing energy transition plans in Our Cooperative Roadmap.
About United Power:United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving nearly 114,000 meters. Its 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. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About Silicon Ranch:Founded in 2011, Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized solar energy, battery storage, and carbon solutions. The company is one of the largest independent power producers in the U.S., with a portfolio that includes more than seven gigawatts of solar and battery storage systems that are contracted, under construction, or operating across the U.S. and Canada. Silicon Ranch owns and operates every project in its portfolio and has maintained an unrivaled track record of project execution. Silicon Ranch has the largest wholly owned agrivoltaics portfolio in the country under Regenerative Energy®, its nationally recognized holistic approach to project design, construction, and land stewardship. This model incorporates regenerative ranching and other regenerative land stewardship practices to restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and improve water quality. Silicon Ranch’s carbon solutions platform, Clearloop, helps businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint by commissioning new solar projects in American communities where significant economic and environmental benefits can be achieved. To learn more, visit siliconranch.com and clearloop.us. Follow Silicon Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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United Power and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Execute Settlement Term Sheet
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Wednesday | November 8, 2023
Terms outline Settlement Agreement for power purchases and sale of utility assets.
Following execution of a Settlement Agreement, United Power and Tri-State will file to dismiss litigation in the Adams County District Court.
Settlement Agreement does not address contract termination payment proceeding before federal regulators.
Brighton/Westminster, Colorado – On Nov. 1, 2023, United Power, Inc. (United Power) and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) executed a Term Sheet that sets forth terms for the two utilities to make good faith efforts to execute a formal Settlement Agreement involving power purchases and the sale of utility assets from Tri-State to United Power.
The Term Sheet provides for a mutual release of claims and that the parties will cooperate to complete a Settlement Agreement and related agreements by Dec. 8, 2023, at which time United Power and Tri-State will jointly file for dismissal of the lawsuit, with prejudice, pending in the Adams County District Court.
On Nov. 1, 2023, Tri-State’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the Term Sheet. On Nov. 6, 2023, United Power’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the Term Sheet.
Tri-State and United Power will continue to take actions to ensure United Power’s timely exit by May 1, 2024, upon payment of a contract termination payment, with the amount to be set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission).
The Settlement Agreement will not address the Commission proceeding related to the contract termination payment that members will pay to Tri-State to terminate their contracts early and withdraw from membership. The parties expect the Commission to issue a decision in that proceeding shortly.
No further public comments will be made about the Settlement Agreement.
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 Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About Tri-State Generation and TransmissionTri-State is a power supply cooperative of 45 members, operating on a not-for-profit basis, including 42 utility electric distribution cooperative and public power district members in four states. Together with our member/owners, we deliver reliable, affordable and responsible power to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information about Tri-State, visit www.tristate.coop.
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United Power and Xcel Energy Announce Strategic Relationship for Power Supply
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Thursday | September 14, 2023
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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 2018 Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Camp Delegates
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Monday | April 2, 2018
2018 D.C. Youth Tour Delegates
United Power selected three local students to represent the cooperative at this year’s Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington D.C in June. Hannah Rockwell of Brighton, Megan Lewis from Firestone and Jordyn Saffy of Brighton were selected based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, volunteer efforts and a brief essay.
Local electric cooperatives throughout the country sponsor approximately 1,500 ambitious high school students from small towns and cities for an incredible week in the nation’s capital with the objective of providing an educational experience for young people on the organization and operation of a cooperative. Cooperatives are committed to educating America’s rural youth about the country and the role electric cooperatives play in developing strong rural communities.
Hannah Rockwell is a student at Weld Central High School where she is an athlete in cross country and track. She is a member of the National Honor Society and president of her school’s Future Business Leaders of America Club. Hannah loves school and her future plans include pursuing a career in medicine.
Megan Lewis attends Frederick High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the Student Advisory Committee. Megan is active in musicals/plays at her school, and is on both the varsity cross country and tennis teams. Her future plans include college and medical school.
Jordyn Saffy attends high school at Eagle Ridge Academy. Jordan is captain of the volleyball team, president of the spirit team and participates in track and field. Her future plans include a degree in health sciences, which she intends to use to help those in need.
2018 Youth Leadership Camp Winners
United Power has also selected Brooklyn Stubby of Mapleton Early College in Commerce City and Catera Gagna of Brighton to represent the cooperative at the 2018 Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs, Colorado this July. The camp is offered to high school juniors and seniors in the United Power service area. Interested students are asked to apply, and winners are selected based on academic performance, extracurriculr activities and volunteer efforts.
The primary objective of the camp is to provide an educational experience for youth on the organization and operation of a cooperative. The camp strives to help develop leadership skills that will assist students with challenges they will face in the future.
Brooklyn Stubby attends Mapleton Early College and is active in student council, swimming and student mentoring. Brooklyn is keeping her options open, but is considering physical therapy, detective work or personal training/nutrition.
Catera Gagna is a student at Brighton High School and plays softball. She is a member of the principal’s honor roll, student government and volunteers at a local elementary school. Catera plans to attend college and pursue a career in engineering.
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United Power Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients
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Wednesday | April 17, 2019
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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.
