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United Power Testifies in Support of Colorado Cooperative Governance House Bill
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Wednesday | April 7, 2021
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This bill allows electric cooperatives to modernize processes in director elections and corresponding procedures.
United Power’s Government and Regulatory Relations Officer, Troy Whitmore, testified Tuesday in front of the Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee in support of a House bill concerning governance requirements for Colorado’s electric cooperatives. House Bill 21-1131 “Cooperative Electric Associations Governance Requirements” makes current laws regarding transparency and governance applicable to all non-profit electric associations.
“We were pleased to participate in a thorough stakeholder process with Representative Amabile regarding this bill for several months prior to introduction,” said Troy Whitmore, Government & Regulatory Relations Officer, during his testimony. “The United Power Board of Directors has taken a position of support on this bill.”
This bill represents modernization improvements for electric cooperatives in director elections and corresponding procedures, formal authorization of virtual technology use for Board and member meetings, and clear instruction on Board policies regarding compensation and disclosure of conflicts of interest.
“We have no issue with the posting of rate tariffs and other important policies on our website as we already publish this important information. We take great pride in transparently communicating with our membership and other interested parties,” said Whitmore. “Back in 2010, we worked closely with Representative Claire Levy on a similar bill which improved our director election procedures and member notifications. This bill, HB 1131, further improves the foundational work accomplished more than a decade ago.”
In 2010, United Power worked with state lawmakers to clarify election requirements for cooperatives, which allowed United Power to count more member ballots as valid. An aspect of the 2021 House bill allows the cooperative to hold more electronic communications and elections—which have greatly expanded access and popularity over the last year.
“As previously interpreted from State statute, electric cooperatives in Colorado were not able to hold electronic director elections,” said Whitmore. “The passage of this bill would allow our Board to consider offering the addition of electronic balloting to our members for cooperative elections.”
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Chief Executive Officer, Duane Highley, and Geoffrey Hier, Government Relations Director for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, also testified in favor of the bill. HB21-1131 passed unanimously in Senate committee on Tuesday and is headed to the Senate floor sometime in the next week.
Read the full testimony of Mr. Troy Whitmore. Read the full text of HB21-1131 and monitor the status.
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United Power to Close Fort Lupton Office
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Wednesday | September 16, 2020
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Members who wish to conduct business in person can visit our Brighton headquarters.
After several years operating a storefront in Fort Lupton, United Power is closing its office located on Dexter Street in the Fort Lupton Safeway shopping center. All United Power lobbies have been closed to the public since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Fort Lupton office will not reopen. When conditions allow and offices reopen to the public, members who wish to conduct business in person will be able to visit our Brighton office, located just nine miles from Fort Lupton. The cooperative is also planning to open a self-serve payment kiosk in Fort Lupton to ensure members still have a local payment station that accepts cash, check, and card.
“The way our members want to conduct business with us is evolving. Before the pandemic, we were noticing a decline in the number of members visiting us in person. The pandemic stopped all in-person services, and our members quickly adapted to using remote tools to manage their accounts,” said Francis Ashu, Member Services Director. “Now more of our members are consistently interacting with us over the phone or online and leveraging self-serve payment options instead of visiting our front counters. Through these options, members have easy and safe access to account information from the comfort of their home, and we are able to provide the same level of quality service without the costs associated with operating a storefront location.”
Over the last few years, United Power has seen a steady increase in demand from members who prefer to use self-serve and digital account and payment options, and a corresponding reduction in visits to our offices. The co-op has responded by offering more ways for members to access their accounts and make quick and secure payments without visiting an office. Members can easily review account information and make payments through our online portal, mobile app and pay by phone features. Self-serve payment kiosks that accept cash, check and card payments are available in our Carbon Valley, Coal Creek and Brighton office with expanded hours beyond the business day. Since the pandemic related closures, our online, over the phone and self-serve support options have allowed United Power to continue to serve our members at a safe distance.
United Power member services representatives and other office personnel have also been working remotely while handling support inquiries. When employees return to the office, member services representatives from the Fort Lupton location will transfer to the Brighton Headquarters, and eventually in-person service will resume from the Brighton Headquarters lobby. The Brighton, Coal Creek and Carbon Valley offices house a consolidated mix of line crews, vehicle maintenance, member services, engineering and new construction teams. Whereas, the Fort Lupton office has been a member services-only storefront. Consolidating employee teams to these primary office locations will improve efficiency and save money for the cooperative and our members.
“The co-op has a long history of partnership with the town of Fort Lupton and the town has always welcomed our storefront location. We thank you for your hospitality over the years,” said Bryant Robbins, Acting Chief Executive Officer. “Be assured that this office closure doesn’t diminish our commitment to serving the Fort Lupton community—we remain as dedicated as ever to providing you with co-op power and supporting the community you call home.”
United Power remains committed to serving the Fort Lupton area with more than just electricity. Our crews continue to be dispatched from our Carbon Valley Service Center and our Brighton Headquarters for outages, and you will still see us working in the area to conduct system maintenance. You’ll still see our employees involved in the community, and our name on banners at ball parks and as a supporter of local organizations and community events. As your electric cooperative, we’re here to power what matters, no matter where you live in the service territory.
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United Power to Hold 80th Annual Meeting April 17
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Monday | February 18, 2019
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United Power will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the 2019 Annual Meeting of members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Adams County Fairground and Regional Park Complex. Registration and balloting open at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Director Election Ballots to Be Mailed in March
United Power will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the 2019 Annual Meeting of members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Adams County Fairground and Regional Park Complex. Registration and balloting open at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The annual business meeting will include a barbecue dinner, director election, cooperative update, anniversary celebration, and door prizes. All United Power members are invited to attend the annual business meeting of the not-for-profit electric cooperative and cast their ballots in the 2019 Director Election.
A seat in the East, West and South director districts will be up for a three-year term in the 2019 Director Election. Nominations by written petition were due to the cooperative on Friday, Feb. 15. The candidates running in the 2019 Director Election are as follows:
District E (East):
Elizabeth Martin
District S (South):
Keith E. Alquist, II
Bradley J. Case
District W (West):
Ursula J. Morgan
United Power will host four Meet the Candidate Forums where members can learn more about each candidate.
March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Adams County Fairgrounds
March 19 at 7:30 a.m. at Fort Lupton Recreation Center
March 21 at 7:30 a.m. at Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
March 22 at 7:30 a.m. at E.L.F. Grill
In addition, profiles provided by each candidate will be included in the ballot packets mailed to all members at the end of March. Members should return their ballots via postage-paid mail prior to Apr. 15, or vote in person at the Annual Meeting on Apr. 17. Members may also return ballots in a ballot drop-box located at each of United Power’s offices. Ballot drop boxes will close at 2 p.m. on Apr. 17.
To learn more about the candidates, for more information about the Meet the Candidate Forums, or for more information about the cooperative’s 80th Annual Meeting please visit the Annual Meeting page.
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United Power to Host 2023 Annual Meeting on April 12
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Friday | April 7, 2023
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United Power members are invited to attend the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Balloting in this year’s Director Election will close on April 11 for mail and electronic votes.
Deadline to Vote in Director Election Approaching
Brighton, CO – United Power members are invited to attend the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Members on April 12. Balloting in this year’s Director Election will close on April 11 for mail and electronic votes. Ballot boxes at United Power offices close at noon on April 12. The last opportunity to vote is in person on April 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. before the annual meeting begins. Members will also have the option to watch the meeting via livestream on the cooperative’s website.
Participating members will hear from cooperative leadership about the ways United Power continued to serve them over the prior year, including updates on power supply decisions, an overview on the co-op’s record-setting year in reliability, and a recap on the cooperative’s strong financial position. Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will also present on the future of the electric industry and the emergence of a shared energy economy, as well as how United Power is already embracing these changes. Members who are present at the meeting will receive an attendance gift and be entered to win one of several door prizes. Director Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the annual meeting.
Voting in the annual Director Election allows members to have a voice in the cooperative’s future. Four positions on United Power’s Board are up for election this year – one seat in the Mountain, South, West, and East Districts. The director candidates are Tamra “Tami” Waltemath in the Mountain District; Jamie Klein, Ken Kreutzer, Katherine “Kathy” Mills, and James Vigesaa in the South District; Virginia “Ginny” A. Buczek and Thomas “Tom” Hogan in the West District; and Steven “Steve” Douglas and Robert “Rob” Masden in the East District. Candidate statements are available online.
Balloting in this year’s election opened on March 13. Online and mail ballots must be received by 11:59 a.m. on April 11 or they can be dropped in a ballot box at one of United Power’s office locations by noon on April 12. Members may vote in person at the annual meeting. Directors represent all members and are therefore elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members may cast a vote for a director in each district. Directors serve in geographic districts to ensure United Power’s Board adequately represents members throughout the service territory and provides accessibility to cooperative leadership.
The 2023 Annual Meeting of Members will be held at the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Rd. in Brighton. Registration for the meeting opens at 4:30 p.m. and balloting closes at the beginning of the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m. The virtual stream will begin at 6:30 p.m. at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.
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 cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops, reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
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United Power to Host Fleet Electrification Conference
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Monday | August 23, 2021
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United Power is hosting the cooperative’s first-ever Fleet Electrification Conference at its Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, on September 29.
Conference to Feature Loveland-based Lightning eMotors
Brighton, CO – United Power is hosting the cooperative’s first-ever Fleet Electrification Conference at its Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, on September 29. Featured guest Lightning eMotors specializes in producing sustainable commercial fleet solutions, including electric vehicles. The free conference is open to public and private fleet operators and managers.
Guest speakers from United Power, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Northern Colorado Clean Cities will present their expertise in the emerging field of electrification at the conference. Topics covered during the conference include the State of Colorado’s new fleet electrification strategy, resources and funding options for fleet services, the growth and availability of charging infrastructure and the future of electrified fleets. During the conference, Lightning eMotors will also feature demonstration fleet electric vehicles.
United Power’s Fleet Electrification Conference convenes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and fleet vehicle demonstrations begin prior to the conference at 8 a.m. Interested attendees are encouraged to pre-register for the conference at www.unitedpowerfleets2021.rsvpify.com. Lunch will be provided.
What: United Power Fleet Electrification Conference
When: Wednesday, September 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: United Power’s Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, Colo.
Questions or comments regarding the upcoming conference can be directed to Joel Danforth, United Power’s Energy Programs and New Business Director, at 720-685-5644.
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 cooperatives in the nation, and in June 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. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
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United Power to Move Forward with Lawsuit Against Power Supplier
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Friday | October 23, 2020
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Colorado Public Utilities Commission declines to rule on corporate law issue
Brighton, CO - Yesterday the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CoPUC) dismissed without prejudice United Power and La Plata Electric’s complaint against Tri-State. The Commission acknowledged that the decision on whether Tri-State lawfully admitted the three non-utility partners, an action that allowed them to claim that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had exclusive jurisdiction over their rates, was a corporate law matter and should be decided by the courts. In May United Power filed a case against Tri-State in Adams County courts asserting that Tri-State fraudulently induced United Power to champion a 2019 Bylaw amendment to permit partial requirement membership. The admission of three non-utility members allowed Tri-State to apply for oversight with FERC, effectively setting aside the months of work by the CoPUC and suspending the administrative law judge’s ruling that favored a buyout methodology developed by United Power.
“We know the PUC was put in an awkward position of having to rule on a corporate law decision,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins. “We greatly appreciate the hard work of both the Commission and their staff. The need of having the District Court hear the case was not unexpected. We will continue to move forward in our efforts to lower the rates of the 97,000 meters that we serve.”
In November of 2019, United Power filed a complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) seeking a fair buyout charge. This summer, United Power received a favorable ruling from the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned by the PUC to hear the case. Then on August 28th, FERC reversed an earlier decision and determined they have sole jurisdiction over the exit fee matter, even while acknowledging that they have not determined that Tri-State’s proposed methodology represented a “just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory exit charge”.
“While we are disappointed that the commission is unable to rule on this issue, we believe our case in Adams County will show that the non-utility members were unlawfully added according to both State Statutes and their own bylaws,” stated Robbins.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to nearly 97,000 meters at homes, business, and farms in Colorado's north central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop.###
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United Power to Resume Nonpayment Disconnects
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Tuesday | June 30, 2020
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On July 1, the cooperative will resume disconnections for nonpayment for accounts with past due balances.
The past few months have been unprecedented in the history of the cooperative and the history of our country. As the coronavirus pandemic slowly began spreading across the country, United Power quickly realized its potential economic impact on members and suspended disconnections for nonpayment earlier than many other state utility providers.
Since the start of the pandemic, United Power has worked to support families and businesses throughout the communities it serves. Suspending disconnections due to nonpayment was among the many steps the cooperative took to reduce stress on members and provide some certainty during an uncertain time.
Much of the state has begun a slow phase-in of various services as it enters a period of recovery. United Power has also started making plans to resume normal business functions. On July 1, the cooperative will resume disconnections for accounts with past due balances.
Cooperatives like United Power are not-for-profit and have no shareholders, routinely returning excess revenues to members. This structure, and the desire to keep energy costs low, means co-ops have limited reserve margins to sustain high rates of nonpayment.
As Colorado slowly phases in general business activities, we understand some members may continue having trouble paying electric bills on time. United Power wants to help its members avoid any interruption in service. If you have missed payments and a past-due balance, please contact us to discuss payment options and energy management plans. If you’re still unable to pay your bill, please contact a Member Services Representative at 303-637-1300 as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Payment Assistance
United Power Tops 99,000 Meters
Monday | May 17, 2021
The cooperative connected more than 550 new meters throughout the month of April, accelerating its p...
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United Power Urges Tri-State to Lead the Change for its Member Cooperatives
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Thursday | August 5, 2021
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There has been much written in recent months about the dynamics between United Power and Tri-State Generation & Transmission. It is important to understand United Power’s position in this conversation.
Message From United Power's President & CEO
There has been much written in recent months about the dynamics between United Power and Tri-State Generation & Transmission. This has resulted in a significant amount of unneeded expense and tension between the two organizations as well as among at least seven other Tri-State members.
It is important to understand United Power’s position in this conversation:
We need a strong Tri-State G&T, and we need a Tri-State that recognizes the issues faced across our industry and communities.
We need a powerful transmission organization like Tri-State to assure our place as a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) comes to the West, and as additional resources are added to our fuel mix and the grid becomes more critical and complex.
We need our G&T to be responsive in driving down costs to help our rural economies and to support the growing membership demand for a cleaner, carbon-reduced future. And we need to make sure the exit from coal is rapidly executed while supporting the communities that will suffer in the short term from job and revenue loss.
We need Tri-State to realize the dynamics of a changing industry mean more of our members want to generate electricity locally, to be untethered from fossil-based resources and released from the paradigm of centralized generation that is decades old. This will require a dramatic new business model, deep cost cutting and jettisoning of inefficient generation even in the face of financial hurdles.
To achieve this goal means a radical re-envisioning of the G&T model, one in which utility members can purchase as much – or as little – power as they need to support their communities; one in which Tri-State operates its grid on the basis of formalized tariffs, such as an Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT), rather than “Hotel California” rules, where you can get in but never leave; one in which the G&T is the hub for renewable aggregation while not crippling the spokes; and one that is focused on the lowest possible costs and the needs of all its members, big and small.
It is important to be clear that the drive to remove coal from the fuel mix is only tangentially connected to regulation and political whim. It is tied 100% to the low cost of natural gas, coupled with the decreasing costs of renewable energy. This is economics, not politics. This disagreement has resulted in significant legal expenditures, tensions and burdens on staff and has not helped move the needle toward a low-cost, flexible, carbon-reduced environment.
United Power does not necessarily want to terminate its contract with Tri-State, although obtaining a reasonable price for termination would be a starting point for any analysis.
United Power wants to continue to buy a defined amount of generation (capacity and energy) from Tri-State and has offered to do so.
United Power wants to be an OATT customer and has offered to make this transition.
United Power wants to buy additional energy from Tri-State at competitive prices when markets come to the West in the next 24 months.
United Power wants to be able to buy as much energy generated in its service territory as its members want to provide. Our current Tri-State contract limits us to purchasing no more than 5% of our total power from local renewable resources.
It is illogical in a world that is moving to carbon-free resources that our members are not permitted to build and offer such resources. United Power intends to continue to be a leader in storage technology, which helps Tri-State avoid peaks and high demand, allows Tri-State to reduce its carbon footprint and smooths our transmission congestion.
In sum, United Power wants a strong, responsive and low-cost partner in Tri-State and the freedom to support our members with low-cost, clean and reliable power. Tri-State should be leading the change to a new G&T structure to address the energy needs of the future and help its member cooperatives better serve the individuals and families on their lines.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or comments.
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United Power Warns Members About Rooftop Solar Scams
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Thursday | May 23, 2024
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United Power is not affiliated with any solar vendors. Please contact us if you have concerns.
United Power is not Affiliated with any Solar Vendors; Please Contact Us if you have Concerns
United Power is proud to be ranked among the top electric utilities across the country in member-owned rooftop solar installations. In fact, we have surpassed 12,000 net metering agreements. While we empower our members to pursue solar if it suits their energy needs and lifestyle, we do not contract or partner with any company that sells solar panels.
Some members have recently reported door-to-door salespeople who are claiming to represent the cooperative and are using intentionally misleading promises to persuade members into making costly decisions about installing solar panels. One company, Sign and Shine, has gone a step further and is using the United Power logo in their online advertising efforts. We understand that this may cause confusion, so we are setting the record straight. United Power is not affiliated with this company. If approached by Sign and Shine or any other company claiming to work with or on behalf of United Power, we encourage members to conduct due diligence with the Colorado Secretary of State and the Better Business Bureau. Likewise, members may contact United Power’s Energy Solutions team at 303-637-1300 for information regarding United Power's solar programs or the process to install solar panels on their homes.
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United Power Warns of Spam Calls
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Wednesday | June 27, 2018
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United Power members have reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of the cooperative and demanding payment for past due account balances.
United Power members have reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of the cooperative and demanding payment for past due account balances. In an effort to protect its members, United Power proactively warns about the potential for phone scams.
The cooperative never calls members in person to collect overdue payments on account balances. Notice of delinquency or disconnection is sent via mail and followed up with an automated phone message instructing members to initiate payment at the closest United Power office, online or through the SmartHub app on their phone. The cooperative will also never require or demand prepaid debit or MoneyPak as the only forms of payment.
Some scammers use sophisticated software to disguise their phone number so that it appears to be coming from a recognized United Power service line. This is known as “caller ID spoofing.” Others instruct members to call a 1-800 number, which may also use United Power messaging. The cooperative does not maintain a 1-800 number, and warns members not to be fooled by false messaging from scammers.
To keep up with the current status of your electric account, reference your monthly statement, check your account via SmartHub (available free to members as a smart phone app, as well) or call United Power’s Member Services Department at 303-637-1300. If you are ever in doubt about a potential scam call, hang up and call United Power at 303-659-0551.
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United Power Testifies in Support of Colorado Cooperative Governance House Bill
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Wednesday | April 7, 2021
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This bill allows electric cooperatives to modernize processes in director elections and corresponding procedures.
United Power’s Government and Regulatory Relations Officer, Troy Whitmore, testified Tuesday in front of the Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee in support of a House bill concerning governance requirements for Colorado’s electric cooperatives. House Bill 21-1131 “Cooperative Electric Associations Governance Requirements” makes current laws regarding transparency and governance applicable to all non-profit electric associations.
“We were pleased to participate in a thorough stakeholder process with Representative Amabile regarding this bill for several months prior to introduction,” said Troy Whitmore, Government & Regulatory Relations Officer, during his testimony. “The United Power Board of Directors has taken a position of support on this bill.”
This bill represents modernization improvements for electric cooperatives in director elections and corresponding procedures, formal authorization of virtual technology use for Board and member meetings, and clear instruction on Board policies regarding compensation and disclosure of conflicts of interest.
“We have no issue with the posting of rate tariffs and other important policies on our website as we already publish this important information. We take great pride in transparently communicating with our membership and other interested parties,” said Whitmore. “Back in 2010, we worked closely with Representative Claire Levy on a similar bill which improved our director election procedures and member notifications. This bill, HB 1131, further improves the foundational work accomplished more than a decade ago.”
In 2010, United Power worked with state lawmakers to clarify election requirements for cooperatives, which allowed United Power to count more member ballots as valid. An aspect of the 2021 House bill allows the cooperative to hold more electronic communications and elections—which have greatly expanded access and popularity over the last year.
“As previously interpreted from State statute, electric cooperatives in Colorado were not able to hold electronic director elections,” said Whitmore. “The passage of this bill would allow our Board to consider offering the addition of electronic balloting to our members for cooperative elections.”
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Chief Executive Officer, Duane Highley, and Geoffrey Hier, Government Relations Director for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, also testified in favor of the bill. HB21-1131 passed unanimously in Senate committee on Tuesday and is headed to the Senate floor sometime in the next week.
Read the full testimony of Mr. Troy Whitmore. Read the full text of HB21-1131 and monitor the status.
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United Power to Close Fort Lupton Office
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Wednesday | September 16, 2020
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Members who wish to conduct business in person can visit our Brighton headquarters.
After several years operating a storefront in Fort Lupton, United Power is closing its office located on Dexter Street in the Fort Lupton Safeway shopping center. All United Power lobbies have been closed to the public since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the Fort Lupton office will not reopen. When conditions allow and offices reopen to the public, members who wish to conduct business in person will be able to visit our Brighton office, located just nine miles from Fort Lupton. The cooperative is also planning to open a self-serve payment kiosk in Fort Lupton to ensure members still have a local payment station that accepts cash, check, and card.
“The way our members want to conduct business with us is evolving. Before the pandemic, we were noticing a decline in the number of members visiting us in person. The pandemic stopped all in-person services, and our members quickly adapted to using remote tools to manage their accounts,” said Francis Ashu, Member Services Director. “Now more of our members are consistently interacting with us over the phone or online and leveraging self-serve payment options instead of visiting our front counters. Through these options, members have easy and safe access to account information from the comfort of their home, and we are able to provide the same level of quality service without the costs associated with operating a storefront location.”
Over the last few years, United Power has seen a steady increase in demand from members who prefer to use self-serve and digital account and payment options, and a corresponding reduction in visits to our offices. The co-op has responded by offering more ways for members to access their accounts and make quick and secure payments without visiting an office. Members can easily review account information and make payments through our online portal, mobile app and pay by phone features. Self-serve payment kiosks that accept cash, check and card payments are available in our Carbon Valley, Coal Creek and Brighton office with expanded hours beyond the business day. Since the pandemic related closures, our online, over the phone and self-serve support options have allowed United Power to continue to serve our members at a safe distance.
United Power member services representatives and other office personnel have also been working remotely while handling support inquiries. When employees return to the office, member services representatives from the Fort Lupton location will transfer to the Brighton Headquarters, and eventually in-person service will resume from the Brighton Headquarters lobby. The Brighton, Coal Creek and Carbon Valley offices house a consolidated mix of line crews, vehicle maintenance, member services, engineering and new construction teams. Whereas, the Fort Lupton office has been a member services-only storefront. Consolidating employee teams to these primary office locations will improve efficiency and save money for the cooperative and our members.
“The co-op has a long history of partnership with the town of Fort Lupton and the town has always welcomed our storefront location. We thank you for your hospitality over the years,” said Bryant Robbins, Acting Chief Executive Officer. “Be assured that this office closure doesn’t diminish our commitment to serving the Fort Lupton community—we remain as dedicated as ever to providing you with co-op power and supporting the community you call home.”
United Power remains committed to serving the Fort Lupton area with more than just electricity. Our crews continue to be dispatched from our Carbon Valley Service Center and our Brighton Headquarters for outages, and you will still see us working in the area to conduct system maintenance. You’ll still see our employees involved in the community, and our name on banners at ball parks and as a supporter of local organizations and community events. As your electric cooperative, we’re here to power what matters, no matter where you live in the service territory.
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United Power to Hold 80th Annual Meeting April 17
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Monday | February 18, 2019
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United Power will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the 2019 Annual Meeting of members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Adams County Fairground and Regional Park Complex. Registration and balloting open at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Director Election Ballots to Be Mailed in March
United Power will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the 2019 Annual Meeting of members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Adams County Fairground and Regional Park Complex. Registration and balloting open at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The annual business meeting will include a barbecue dinner, director election, cooperative update, anniversary celebration, and door prizes. All United Power members are invited to attend the annual business meeting of the not-for-profit electric cooperative and cast their ballots in the 2019 Director Election.
A seat in the East, West and South director districts will be up for a three-year term in the 2019 Director Election. Nominations by written petition were due to the cooperative on Friday, Feb. 15. The candidates running in the 2019 Director Election are as follows:
District E (East):
Elizabeth Martin
District S (South):
Keith E. Alquist, II
Bradley J. Case
District W (West):
Ursula J. Morgan
United Power will host four Meet the Candidate Forums where members can learn more about each candidate.
March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Adams County Fairgrounds
March 19 at 7:30 a.m. at Fort Lupton Recreation Center
March 21 at 7:30 a.m. at Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
March 22 at 7:30 a.m. at E.L.F. Grill
In addition, profiles provided by each candidate will be included in the ballot packets mailed to all members at the end of March. Members should return their ballots via postage-paid mail prior to Apr. 15, or vote in person at the Annual Meeting on Apr. 17. Members may also return ballots in a ballot drop-box located at each of United Power’s offices. Ballot drop boxes will close at 2 p.m. on Apr. 17.
To learn more about the candidates, for more information about the Meet the Candidate Forums, or for more information about the cooperative’s 80th Annual Meeting please visit the Annual Meeting page.
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United Power to Host 2023 Annual Meeting on April 12
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Friday | April 7, 2023
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United Power members are invited to attend the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Balloting in this year’s Director Election will close on April 11 for mail and electronic votes.
Deadline to Vote in Director Election Approaching
Brighton, CO – United Power members are invited to attend the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Meeting of Members on April 12. Balloting in this year’s Director Election will close on April 11 for mail and electronic votes. Ballot boxes at United Power offices close at noon on April 12. The last opportunity to vote is in person on April 12 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. before the annual meeting begins. Members will also have the option to watch the meeting via livestream on the cooperative’s website.
Participating members will hear from cooperative leadership about the ways United Power continued to serve them over the prior year, including updates on power supply decisions, an overview on the co-op’s record-setting year in reliability, and a recap on the cooperative’s strong financial position. Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will also present on the future of the electric industry and the emergence of a shared energy economy, as well as how United Power is already embracing these changes. Members who are present at the meeting will receive an attendance gift and be entered to win one of several door prizes. Director Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the annual meeting.
Voting in the annual Director Election allows members to have a voice in the cooperative’s future. Four positions on United Power’s Board are up for election this year – one seat in the Mountain, South, West, and East Districts. The director candidates are Tamra “Tami” Waltemath in the Mountain District; Jamie Klein, Ken Kreutzer, Katherine “Kathy” Mills, and James Vigesaa in the South District; Virginia “Ginny” A. Buczek and Thomas “Tom” Hogan in the West District; and Steven “Steve” Douglas and Robert “Rob” Masden in the East District. Candidate statements are available online.
Balloting in this year’s election opened on March 13. Online and mail ballots must be received by 11:59 a.m. on April 11 or they can be dropped in a ballot box at one of United Power’s office locations by noon on April 12. Members may vote in person at the annual meeting. Directors represent all members and are therefore elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members may cast a vote for a director in each district. Directors serve in geographic districts to ensure United Power’s Board adequately represents members throughout the service territory and provides accessibility to cooperative leadership.
The 2023 Annual Meeting of Members will be held at the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Rd. in Brighton. Registration for the meeting opens at 4:30 p.m. and balloting closes at the beginning of the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m. The virtual stream will begin at 6:30 p.m. at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.
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 cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops, reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
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United Power to Host Fleet Electrification Conference
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Monday | August 23, 2021
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United Power is hosting the cooperative’s first-ever Fleet Electrification Conference at its Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, on September 29.
Conference to Feature Loveland-based Lightning eMotors
Brighton, CO – United Power is hosting the cooperative’s first-ever Fleet Electrification Conference at its Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, on September 29. Featured guest Lightning eMotors specializes in producing sustainable commercial fleet solutions, including electric vehicles. The free conference is open to public and private fleet operators and managers.
Guest speakers from United Power, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Northern Colorado Clean Cities will present their expertise in the emerging field of electrification at the conference. Topics covered during the conference include the State of Colorado’s new fleet electrification strategy, resources and funding options for fleet services, the growth and availability of charging infrastructure and the future of electrified fleets. During the conference, Lightning eMotors will also feature demonstration fleet electric vehicles.
United Power’s Fleet Electrification Conference convenes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and fleet vehicle demonstrations begin prior to the conference at 8 a.m. Interested attendees are encouraged to pre-register for the conference at www.unitedpowerfleets2021.rsvpify.com. Lunch will be provided.
What: United Power Fleet Electrification Conference
When: Wednesday, September 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: United Power’s Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, Colo.
Questions or comments regarding the upcoming conference can be directed to Joel Danforth, United Power’s Energy Programs and New Business Director, at 720-685-5644.
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 cooperatives in the nation, and in June 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. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
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United Power to Move Forward with Lawsuit Against Power Supplier
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Friday | October 23, 2020
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Colorado Public Utilities Commission declines to rule on corporate law issue
Brighton, CO - Yesterday the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CoPUC) dismissed without prejudice United Power and La Plata Electric’s complaint against Tri-State. The Commission acknowledged that the decision on whether Tri-State lawfully admitted the three non-utility partners, an action that allowed them to claim that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had exclusive jurisdiction over their rates, was a corporate law matter and should be decided by the courts. In May United Power filed a case against Tri-State in Adams County courts asserting that Tri-State fraudulently induced United Power to champion a 2019 Bylaw amendment to permit partial requirement membership. The admission of three non-utility members allowed Tri-State to apply for oversight with FERC, effectively setting aside the months of work by the CoPUC and suspending the administrative law judge’s ruling that favored a buyout methodology developed by United Power.
“We know the PUC was put in an awkward position of having to rule on a corporate law decision,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins. “We greatly appreciate the hard work of both the Commission and their staff. The need of having the District Court hear the case was not unexpected. We will continue to move forward in our efforts to lower the rates of the 97,000 meters that we serve.”
In November of 2019, United Power filed a complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) seeking a fair buyout charge. This summer, United Power received a favorable ruling from the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned by the PUC to hear the case. Then on August 28th, FERC reversed an earlier decision and determined they have sole jurisdiction over the exit fee matter, even while acknowledging that they have not determined that Tri-State’s proposed methodology represented a “just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory exit charge”.
“While we are disappointed that the commission is unable to rule on this issue, we believe our case in Adams County will show that the non-utility members were unlawfully added according to both State Statutes and their own bylaws,” stated Robbins.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to nearly 97,000 meters at homes, business, and farms in Colorado's north central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop.###
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United Power to Resume Nonpayment Disconnects
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Tuesday | June 30, 2020
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On July 1, the cooperative will resume disconnections for nonpayment for accounts with past due balances.
The past few months have been unprecedented in the history of the cooperative and the history of our country. As the coronavirus pandemic slowly began spreading across the country, United Power quickly realized its potential economic impact on members and suspended disconnections for nonpayment earlier than many other state utility providers.
Since the start of the pandemic, United Power has worked to support families and businesses throughout the communities it serves. Suspending disconnections due to nonpayment was among the many steps the cooperative took to reduce stress on members and provide some certainty during an uncertain time.
Much of the state has begun a slow phase-in of various services as it enters a period of recovery. United Power has also started making plans to resume normal business functions. On July 1, the cooperative will resume disconnections for accounts with past due balances.
Cooperatives like United Power are not-for-profit and have no shareholders, routinely returning excess revenues to members. This structure, and the desire to keep energy costs low, means co-ops have limited reserve margins to sustain high rates of nonpayment.
As Colorado slowly phases in general business activities, we understand some members may continue having trouble paying electric bills on time. United Power wants to help its members avoid any interruption in service. If you have missed payments and a past-due balance, please contact us to discuss payment options and energy management plans. If you’re still unable to pay your bill, please contact a Member Services Representative at 303-637-1300 as soon as possible to discuss your options.
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United Power Tops 99,000 Meters
Monday | May 17, 2021
The cooperative connected more than 550 new meters throughout the month of April, accelerating its p...
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United Power Urges Tri-State to Lead the Change for its Member Cooperatives
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Thursday | August 5, 2021
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There has been much written in recent months about the dynamics between United Power and Tri-State Generation & Transmission. It is important to understand United Power’s position in this conversation.
Message From United Power's President & CEO
There has been much written in recent months about the dynamics between United Power and Tri-State Generation & Transmission. This has resulted in a significant amount of unneeded expense and tension between the two organizations as well as among at least seven other Tri-State members.
It is important to understand United Power’s position in this conversation:
We need a strong Tri-State G&T, and we need a Tri-State that recognizes the issues faced across our industry and communities.
We need a powerful transmission organization like Tri-State to assure our place as a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) comes to the West, and as additional resources are added to our fuel mix and the grid becomes more critical and complex.
We need our G&T to be responsive in driving down costs to help our rural economies and to support the growing membership demand for a cleaner, carbon-reduced future. And we need to make sure the exit from coal is rapidly executed while supporting the communities that will suffer in the short term from job and revenue loss.
We need Tri-State to realize the dynamics of a changing industry mean more of our members want to generate electricity locally, to be untethered from fossil-based resources and released from the paradigm of centralized generation that is decades old. This will require a dramatic new business model, deep cost cutting and jettisoning of inefficient generation even in the face of financial hurdles.
To achieve this goal means a radical re-envisioning of the G&T model, one in which utility members can purchase as much – or as little – power as they need to support their communities; one in which Tri-State operates its grid on the basis of formalized tariffs, such as an Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT), rather than “Hotel California” rules, where you can get in but never leave; one in which the G&T is the hub for renewable aggregation while not crippling the spokes; and one that is focused on the lowest possible costs and the needs of all its members, big and small.
It is important to be clear that the drive to remove coal from the fuel mix is only tangentially connected to regulation and political whim. It is tied 100% to the low cost of natural gas, coupled with the decreasing costs of renewable energy. This is economics, not politics. This disagreement has resulted in significant legal expenditures, tensions and burdens on staff and has not helped move the needle toward a low-cost, flexible, carbon-reduced environment.
United Power does not necessarily want to terminate its contract with Tri-State, although obtaining a reasonable price for termination would be a starting point for any analysis.
United Power wants to continue to buy a defined amount of generation (capacity and energy) from Tri-State and has offered to do so.
United Power wants to be an OATT customer and has offered to make this transition.
United Power wants to buy additional energy from Tri-State at competitive prices when markets come to the West in the next 24 months.
United Power wants to be able to buy as much energy generated in its service territory as its members want to provide. Our current Tri-State contract limits us to purchasing no more than 5% of our total power from local renewable resources.
It is illogical in a world that is moving to carbon-free resources that our members are not permitted to build and offer such resources. United Power intends to continue to be a leader in storage technology, which helps Tri-State avoid peaks and high demand, allows Tri-State to reduce its carbon footprint and smooths our transmission congestion.
In sum, United Power wants a strong, responsive and low-cost partner in Tri-State and the freedom to support our members with low-cost, clean and reliable power. Tri-State should be leading the change to a new G&T structure to address the energy needs of the future and help its member cooperatives better serve the individuals and families on their lines.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or comments.
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United Power Warns Members About Rooftop Solar Scams
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Thursday | May 23, 2024
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United Power is not affiliated with any solar vendors. Please contact us if you have concerns.
United Power is not Affiliated with any Solar Vendors; Please Contact Us if you have Concerns
United Power is proud to be ranked among the top electric utilities across the country in member-owned rooftop solar installations. In fact, we have surpassed 12,000 net metering agreements. While we empower our members to pursue solar if it suits their energy needs and lifestyle, we do not contract or partner with any company that sells solar panels.
Some members have recently reported door-to-door salespeople who are claiming to represent the cooperative and are using intentionally misleading promises to persuade members into making costly decisions about installing solar panels. One company, Sign and Shine, has gone a step further and is using the United Power logo in their online advertising efforts. We understand that this may cause confusion, so we are setting the record straight. United Power is not affiliated with this company. If approached by Sign and Shine or any other company claiming to work with or on behalf of United Power, we encourage members to conduct due diligence with the Colorado Secretary of State and the Better Business Bureau. Likewise, members may contact United Power’s Energy Solutions team at 303-637-1300 for information regarding United Power's solar programs or the process to install solar panels on their homes.
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United Power Warns of Spam Calls
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Wednesday | June 27, 2018
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United Power members have reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of the cooperative and demanding payment for past due account balances.
United Power members have reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of the cooperative and demanding payment for past due account balances. In an effort to protect its members, United Power proactively warns about the potential for phone scams.
The cooperative never calls members in person to collect overdue payments on account balances. Notice of delinquency or disconnection is sent via mail and followed up with an automated phone message instructing members to initiate payment at the closest United Power office, online or through the SmartHub app on their phone. The cooperative will also never require or demand prepaid debit or MoneyPak as the only forms of payment.
Some scammers use sophisticated software to disguise their phone number so that it appears to be coming from a recognized United Power service line. This is known as “caller ID spoofing.” Others instruct members to call a 1-800 number, which may also use United Power messaging. The cooperative does not maintain a 1-800 number, and warns members not to be fooled by false messaging from scammers.
To keep up with the current status of your electric account, reference your monthly statement, check your account via SmartHub (available free to members as a smart phone app, as well) or call United Power’s Member Services Department at 303-637-1300. If you are ever in doubt about a potential scam call, hang up and call United Power at 303-659-0551.
