Title
United Power Recognizes Earth Day
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Thursday | April 22, 2021
Card Teaser
This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
Cooperative Encourages Members to Practice Energy Efficiency
Brighton, CO – In the spring of 1970, more than 20 million Americans were inspired to gather in communities across the country to celebrate the first Earth Day. The celebration was designed to bring awareness to environmental issues and encourage using our resources more efficiently. This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
“Our members are the drivers of energy efficiency, and we want to help them make better decisions about how they use electricity in their homes and businesses,” said United Power Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Gabriel. “As a cooperative, we are uniquely situated to provide tools for members to make energy efficiency a priority this Earth Day. We encourage our members to take a moment to consider the ways they can improve their energy use, save money and help contribute to environmental wellness both locally and globally.”
Thinking about ways to implement energy efficiency goals may seem daunting to many individuals and families, but it does not have to be. United Power offers members a wealth of information about how to practice energy efficiency. Here are some easy and low-cost tips to start your energy saving journey:
Invest in LED Lighting
Many homes and businesses may still utilize older, less efficient forms of lighting. Traditional lighting converts energy into heat to produce light. The heat lost during generation is wasted. Newer, more efficient LEDs, or light emitting diodes, turn energy directly into light, producing little wasted energy. Although LEDs can be a more expensive investment initially, they will pay for themselves in time because they have a far longer life than traditional bulbs and use far less energy. It is one of the quickest ways to practice energy efficiency in your home.
Manage Your Demand
Demand is the amount of energy you use in a given time. United Power recommends members stagger the use of large appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, clothing washers and dryers to keep demand costs down. When possible, you can also try to use smaller appliances to do the job of bigger ones, such as cooking in a crockpot.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Heating and cooling account for approximately half of the average family’s annual energy use. Because spring weather in Colorado is impossible to predict, you never know if you will be cranking up the heat or blasting your air conditioning. Adjusting your thermostat even a single degree per an eight-hour period is estimated to result in a 1 percent savings on your energy bill. During warm nights, you can also take advantage of Colorado’s mild climate by opening a couple windows, known as cross ventilation.
Turn Appliances Completely Off
Whether you are leaving for a short trip to the grocery store or a weeklong family vacation, take care to ensure any appliances are turned off. Many newer appliances have what is called a “standby” mode, which still draws a small amount of energy. Televisions and gaming systems are most notable for these modes. These loads can add up quickly. According to the US Department of Energy, these loads account for approximately 10 percent of the average family’s energy use.
Simple, quick and cheap steps can show immediate results. These steps will help you, help the cooperative and, most importantly, help the environment. For members who want to go a step further and generate solar energy at home, these simple energy savings tips can help you get the most out of your solar investment. For more information on how to manage energy use in your home, go to Managing My Energy.
How United Power is Forging a Renewable Future
United Power has long been invested in pursuing renewable projects that make economic sense for both the cooperative and its members. The cooperative has built a national reputation for its introduction of innovative renewable projects over the past decade, beginning with the launch of its community solar garden, Sol Partners, in May 2010.
As your cooperative, United Power continues to monitor the renewable energy landscape and recognizes the future of electrical generation will be an “all of the above” strategy of investing in a variety of generation sources. The addition of these projects, from utility scale solar farms to a state-leading battery storage facility, helps build some cost stability for members.
The addition of the Platteville Solar Farm in December brought United Power’s cumulative solar production to more than 45 megawatts. Together with the cooperative’s other renewable projects and its members’ rooftop solar systems, United Power produces nearly 85 total megawatts, accounting for 14 percent of its energy needs and enough to power more than 11,000 homes and businesses.
“United Power has demonstrative success in planning for and implementing renewable projects that provide tangible benefits for our members,” Gabriel said. “As we plan for the future, we’ll continue to prioritize projects that establish us as a leader in the energy industry and also meet our members’ expectations for us as their cooperative. What we’re doing now is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and environmentally friendly electric utility.”
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United Power Resumes In-Person Services and Collection of Late Fees, Reconnect Fees
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/Touchstone_Energy_Office_073.jpg?itok=hzUKd7Ke
Wednesday | May 12, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures.
Now that COVID vaccinations are widely available and restrictions are lifting, United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures. Beginning on May 18th, late fees and reconnect fees, which were temporarily waived during the height of the COVID shutdowns, will be reinstated. On June 1st, select teams of United Power employees will return to the office, and United Power will open its Brighton lobby to walk-in visitors and for in-person payments.
United Power was one of the first Colorado utilities to pause disconnections for non-payment and waive late fees and disconnect fees when the initial pandemic stay-at-home orders were issued. Disconnections for non-payment resumed in July 2020, and on May 18th, late fees for payments not received by the due date and reconnection fees to restore electric service will resume. United Power offers several ways to avoid fees, including payment arrangements, enrolling in Pay As You Go pre-paid electric service, and applying for Co-op Cares Funds. The cooperative allocated $550,000 in relief funds to help members financially impacted by COVID. Any member struggling to make their payments in full or on time is encouraged to call United Power to access resources for assistance.
“We want to help our members avoid additional fees and disconnections, but they need to reach out to us before they are past due on their payments,” said Francis Ashu, United Power Director of Member Services. “Through our Co-op Cares fund, we have been able to help almost two thousand members financially impacted by COVID, and there are still funds available for members who are facing hardships.”
On June 1st, United Power’s Brighton Headquarters lobby at 500 Cooperative Way will re-open. While we will continue providing a suite of remote options to assist members, our Representatives will be available to assist members in person during regular business hours of Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be required for all visitors and employees as directed by local health code mandates. The Carbon Valley and Coal Creek offices remain closed to visitors. Payment kiosks accept cash, check, and card payments and are available at all United Power offices and the Bank of Colorado Operations Center in Ft Lupton.
“Our dedicated employees are anxious to see our members and interact with them in person again. We are glad that a safe return to normal operations is possible,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President, and Chief Executive Officer. “United Power has taken every precaution to protect employees from being affected by COVID. With one office re-opening, we will continue to adhere to health department guidelines in the office, and some teams will continue to work remotely. To further protect our employees and ensure they are here to serve our members, we are offering an on-site vaccine clinic for employees and family members.”
Title
United Power Selected by US Department of Energy to Receive $6.1 Million Investment
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb
Thursday | February 29, 2024
Card Teaser
The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was selected as one of 17 clean energy projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations and communities.
Brighton, CO - United Power was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $6.1 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding as part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was selected as one of 17 clean energy projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations and communities to receive more than $366 million to ensure more reliable power, lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide economic growth opportunities, and support our nation’s rural and remote communities.
“We are excited that this unique project was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy through this program,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power CEO and President. “United Power is in the process of changing our operating structure to invest in more local power generation, and that includes developing energy solutions along with local leadership. United Power has a long history of partnering with the communities we serve to bring them the services their residents need, and this innovative microgrid project is an illustration of that commitment. I encourage all our members to read more about our vision for United Power’s energy future on our Cooperative Roadmap, which can be found at unitedpower.com. Building a cooperative for tomorrow through new energy solutions is a just one of the ways we are showing our members that we are here for good.”
The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was submitted with the goal of increasing the reliability of the city’s municipal water treatment plant. The project will replace an aging diesel generator with a floating photovoltaic array, coupled with battery storage, that will help to ensure a clean, reliable water source for residents of Fort Lupton. The project will bring construction jobs to the area, and United Power is partnering with Aims Community College and the BUENO Centre for Multicultural Education to provide contracting outreach in the community. Schneider Electric will lead the construction of the microgrid, which will improve power resiliency, reduce water evaporation, and help the city deliver reliable water services. The project is eligible for up to $6.1 million in funding.
“We expect this project to increase power redundancy while reducing our costs,” stated Chris Cross, Fort Lupton City Administrator. “We are projecting a 9% savings on the city’s monthly power bill. Coupled with the floating panel benefits to the water storage, we are excited to see how high our overall savings will be from the project.”
“This project captures our drive to revolutionize the energy landscape,” said Jana Gerber, Microgrid President, Schneider Electric North America. “The Fort Lupton microgrid is a perfect complement for our focus on streamlining energy delivery, while providing more sustainable energy solutions. Bringing additional jobs and training opportunities to residents is a key component of the project and will help build the skillsets workers will need in an expanded energy economy.”
Learn more about the ERA program and projects selected for award negotiations here.
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, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED)The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) was established to accelerate clean energy technologies and fill a critical innovation gap on the path to achieving our nation’s climate goals of net zero emissions by 2050. OCED’s mission is to deliver clean energy demonstration projects at scale in partnership with the private sector to accelerate deployment, market adoption, and the equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system. Visit energy.gov/oced to learn more. ###
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United Power Statement on Tri-State Announcement to Reduce Rates & Implement Partial Requirements Contracts
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb
Thursday | October 8, 2020
Tri-State Generation and Transmission, United Power’s power supplier, announced a plan to reduce rates by 8% over the next three years, as well as allow for partial requirements contracts with certain requirements. The improvements are part of the power supplier’s goals to meet the guidelines of their Responsible Energy Plan. United Power’s interim CEO, Bryant Robbins issued the following statement in response to the components of the proposed plan:
“United Power is very supportive of Tri-State’s efforts to lower rates. We think this is a great step in the right direction for the future of Tri-State and congratulate their efforts in trying to make this happen. Unfortunately for United Power, we serve an area in which our competitors’ rates are as much 25% to 35% less than ours. We are going to need much more than the proposed 8% reduction in Wholesale Power to be competitive,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins.
“Based upon our preliminary analysis, we don’t think the Partial Requirements/added flexibility has a positive impact on our needs. The approved plan is not what we proposed a couple of years ago and just doesn’t appear to viable to United Power and its membership,” added Robbins. “However, we hope it does meet the needs of the other [Tri-State] cooperatives.”
“United Power will continue to pursue a just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory exit charge,” Robbins concluded. “Once received, our Board can then determine the appropriate direction and future of our Power Supply that is in the best interest of our membership. We also remain available to Tri-State for discussions to potentially resolve the issues.”
United Power is continuing to work on this. Read more on our Power Supply page.
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United Power Students Leave for D.C.
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2019_NL_YouthTour.jpg?itok=Sy6gs2gr
Monday | July 1, 2019
Card Teaser
Colorado students boarded a bus from United Power on Friday, June 14 to join nearly 2,000 other high school students for the 2019 Youth Leadership Tour in Washington D.C.
Colorado students boarded a bus from United Power on Friday, June 14 to join nearly 2,000 other high school students for the 2019 Youth Leadership Tour in Washington D.C.
Each year, United Power selects three ambitious high school students to represent the co-op at the Youth Tour. This year, United Power sponsored Catera Gagna, Brighton High School, Bethany Flanagan, Weld Central High School, and Brooklyn Stubby, Mapleton Early College.
Students will have an opportunity to meet with elected officials, tour Washington D.C. landmarks and learn the value of the cooperatives they represent. Applications to represent the cooperative during next year’s tour will be available in December.
Title
United Power Supports Local Students
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/FridayNightLights_0.jpg?h=45932144&itok=P4tlum0Z
Sunday | November 19, 2023
Card Teaser
Demonstrating our commitment to local schools and communities through support and engagement.
Demonstrating Our Commitment to Local Schools Through Support and Engagement
As an electric cooperative, we understand — and appreciate — the value education adds to the communities we serve. United Power partners with local high schools, helping equip students for success on the field, in the classroom, and after they graduate and pursue a postsecondary education or a rewarding career.
Friday Night Lights
United Power serves nearly two dozen local high schools and some of the most dedicated student athletes in Colorado.
The cooperative presented $1,000 donations to the athletic programs at Prairie View and Brighton High Schools during their annual crosstown rivalry game on Sept. 29. The first 1,000 attendees at the football game also received clear stadium bags.
Mead Energy Academy
United Power and the Mead Energy Academy have a long-standing partnership. The cooperative’s Mavericks Solar Farm, named after the high school’s mascot, provides education opportunities for students to learn more about the role solar energy plays in a diversified energy mix.
Students from Mead Energy Academy were able to witness a live public safety demonstration from United Power lineworkers in October to learn about electrical safety and careers in the energy industry.
Day in the Boots
United Power would not be able to keep members’ lights on without its dedicated and hardworking team in operations. Construction students from the Careers and Technical Education (CTE) programs at 27J, RE-3J, and Adams 12 school districts got to spend a day in the boots of these essential workers, experiencing the various career options that are available within the energy industry first-hand.
Careers in Energy
Cooperatives provide various career opportunities spanning many fields and specialties, including engineering, finance, human resources, information technology, communications, and more. Each year, United Power supports local career fairs where students can learn about all the career pathways available at cooperatives.
Leadership Training Trips
Students are the future leaders in our communities. The cooperative provides leadership training opportunities for local students at the Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs and Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Applications for the annual youth trips open soon.
Learn more about youth trips and apply online.
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United Power Suspending Disconnects
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Tuesday | March 17, 2020
Card Teaser
Out of concern for our members and the communities they call home, United Power is suspending service disconnects and late fees for our residential members.
Article originally published on March 17, 2020
Out of concern for our members and the communities they call home, United Power is suspending service disconnects and late fees for our residential members. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and re-evaluate our processes on an ongoing basis. If you anticipate difficulty paying your bill, please give us a call. Our Member Services team is available to help you at 303-637-1300.
Remember, you don't need to come to a United Power office to make a payment. We offer several convenient ways for you to access your account and make payments that are fee-free, secure and will post to your account immediately. For more information about United Power's response to COVID-19, click here.
Title
United Power Recognizes Earth Day
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EartDay.jpg?itok=kAniev3J
Thursday | April 22, 2021
Card Teaser
This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
Cooperative Encourages Members to Practice Energy Efficiency
Brighton, CO – In the spring of 1970, more than 20 million Americans were inspired to gather in communities across the country to celebrate the first Earth Day. The celebration was designed to bring awareness to environmental issues and encourage using our resources more efficiently. This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
“Our members are the drivers of energy efficiency, and we want to help them make better decisions about how they use electricity in their homes and businesses,” said United Power Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Gabriel. “As a cooperative, we are uniquely situated to provide tools for members to make energy efficiency a priority this Earth Day. We encourage our members to take a moment to consider the ways they can improve their energy use, save money and help contribute to environmental wellness both locally and globally.”
Thinking about ways to implement energy efficiency goals may seem daunting to many individuals and families, but it does not have to be. United Power offers members a wealth of information about how to practice energy efficiency. Here are some easy and low-cost tips to start your energy saving journey:
Invest in LED Lighting
Many homes and businesses may still utilize older, less efficient forms of lighting. Traditional lighting converts energy into heat to produce light. The heat lost during generation is wasted. Newer, more efficient LEDs, or light emitting diodes, turn energy directly into light, producing little wasted energy. Although LEDs can be a more expensive investment initially, they will pay for themselves in time because they have a far longer life than traditional bulbs and use far less energy. It is one of the quickest ways to practice energy efficiency in your home.
Manage Your Demand
Demand is the amount of energy you use in a given time. United Power recommends members stagger the use of large appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, clothing washers and dryers to keep demand costs down. When possible, you can also try to use smaller appliances to do the job of bigger ones, such as cooking in a crockpot.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Heating and cooling account for approximately half of the average family’s annual energy use. Because spring weather in Colorado is impossible to predict, you never know if you will be cranking up the heat or blasting your air conditioning. Adjusting your thermostat even a single degree per an eight-hour period is estimated to result in a 1 percent savings on your energy bill. During warm nights, you can also take advantage of Colorado’s mild climate by opening a couple windows, known as cross ventilation.
Turn Appliances Completely Off
Whether you are leaving for a short trip to the grocery store or a weeklong family vacation, take care to ensure any appliances are turned off. Many newer appliances have what is called a “standby” mode, which still draws a small amount of energy. Televisions and gaming systems are most notable for these modes. These loads can add up quickly. According to the US Department of Energy, these loads account for approximately 10 percent of the average family’s energy use.
Simple, quick and cheap steps can show immediate results. These steps will help you, help the cooperative and, most importantly, help the environment. For members who want to go a step further and generate solar energy at home, these simple energy savings tips can help you get the most out of your solar investment. For more information on how to manage energy use in your home, go to Managing My Energy.
How United Power is Forging a Renewable Future
United Power has long been invested in pursuing renewable projects that make economic sense for both the cooperative and its members. The cooperative has built a national reputation for its introduction of innovative renewable projects over the past decade, beginning with the launch of its community solar garden, Sol Partners, in May 2010.
As your cooperative, United Power continues to monitor the renewable energy landscape and recognizes the future of electrical generation will be an “all of the above” strategy of investing in a variety of generation sources. The addition of these projects, from utility scale solar farms to a state-leading battery storage facility, helps build some cost stability for members.
The addition of the Platteville Solar Farm in December brought United Power’s cumulative solar production to more than 45 megawatts. Together with the cooperative’s other renewable projects and its members’ rooftop solar systems, United Power produces nearly 85 total megawatts, accounting for 14 percent of its energy needs and enough to power more than 11,000 homes and businesses.
“United Power has demonstrative success in planning for and implementing renewable projects that provide tangible benefits for our members,” Gabriel said. “As we plan for the future, we’ll continue to prioritize projects that establish us as a leader in the energy industry and also meet our members’ expectations for us as their cooperative. What we’re doing now is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and environmentally friendly electric utility.”
Title
United Power Resumes In-Person Services and Collection of Late Fees, Reconnect Fees
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/Touchstone_Energy_Office_073.jpg?itok=hzUKd7Ke
Wednesday | May 12, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures.
Now that COVID vaccinations are widely available and restrictions are lifting, United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures. Beginning on May 18th, late fees and reconnect fees, which were temporarily waived during the height of the COVID shutdowns, will be reinstated. On June 1st, select teams of United Power employees will return to the office, and United Power will open its Brighton lobby to walk-in visitors and for in-person payments.
United Power was one of the first Colorado utilities to pause disconnections for non-payment and waive late fees and disconnect fees when the initial pandemic stay-at-home orders were issued. Disconnections for non-payment resumed in July 2020, and on May 18th, late fees for payments not received by the due date and reconnection fees to restore electric service will resume. United Power offers several ways to avoid fees, including payment arrangements, enrolling in Pay As You Go pre-paid electric service, and applying for Co-op Cares Funds. The cooperative allocated $550,000 in relief funds to help members financially impacted by COVID. Any member struggling to make their payments in full or on time is encouraged to call United Power to access resources for assistance.
“We want to help our members avoid additional fees and disconnections, but they need to reach out to us before they are past due on their payments,” said Francis Ashu, United Power Director of Member Services. “Through our Co-op Cares fund, we have been able to help almost two thousand members financially impacted by COVID, and there are still funds available for members who are facing hardships.”
On June 1st, United Power’s Brighton Headquarters lobby at 500 Cooperative Way will re-open. While we will continue providing a suite of remote options to assist members, our Representatives will be available to assist members in person during regular business hours of Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be required for all visitors and employees as directed by local health code mandates. The Carbon Valley and Coal Creek offices remain closed to visitors. Payment kiosks accept cash, check, and card payments and are available at all United Power offices and the Bank of Colorado Operations Center in Ft Lupton.
“Our dedicated employees are anxious to see our members and interact with them in person again. We are glad that a safe return to normal operations is possible,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President, and Chief Executive Officer. “United Power has taken every precaution to protect employees from being affected by COVID. With one office re-opening, we will continue to adhere to health department guidelines in the office, and some teams will continue to work remotely. To further protect our employees and ensure they are here to serve our members, we are offering an on-site vaccine clinic for employees and family members.”
Title
United Power Selected by US Department of Energy to Receive $6.1 Million Investment
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb
Thursday | February 29, 2024
Card Teaser
The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was selected as one of 17 clean energy projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations and communities.
Brighton, CO - United Power was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $6.1 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding as part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was selected as one of 17 clean energy projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations and communities to receive more than $366 million to ensure more reliable power, lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide economic growth opportunities, and support our nation’s rural and remote communities.
“We are excited that this unique project was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy through this program,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power CEO and President. “United Power is in the process of changing our operating structure to invest in more local power generation, and that includes developing energy solutions along with local leadership. United Power has a long history of partnering with the communities we serve to bring them the services their residents need, and this innovative microgrid project is an illustration of that commitment. I encourage all our members to read more about our vision for United Power’s energy future on our Cooperative Roadmap, which can be found at unitedpower.com. Building a cooperative for tomorrow through new energy solutions is a just one of the ways we are showing our members that we are here for good.”
The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was submitted with the goal of increasing the reliability of the city’s municipal water treatment plant. The project will replace an aging diesel generator with a floating photovoltaic array, coupled with battery storage, that will help to ensure a clean, reliable water source for residents of Fort Lupton. The project will bring construction jobs to the area, and United Power is partnering with Aims Community College and the BUENO Centre for Multicultural Education to provide contracting outreach in the community. Schneider Electric will lead the construction of the microgrid, which will improve power resiliency, reduce water evaporation, and help the city deliver reliable water services. The project is eligible for up to $6.1 million in funding.
“We expect this project to increase power redundancy while reducing our costs,” stated Chris Cross, Fort Lupton City Administrator. “We are projecting a 9% savings on the city’s monthly power bill. Coupled with the floating panel benefits to the water storage, we are excited to see how high our overall savings will be from the project.”
“This project captures our drive to revolutionize the energy landscape,” said Jana Gerber, Microgrid President, Schneider Electric North America. “The Fort Lupton microgrid is a perfect complement for our focus on streamlining energy delivery, while providing more sustainable energy solutions. Bringing additional jobs and training opportunities to residents is a key component of the project and will help build the skillsets workers will need in an expanded energy economy.”
Learn more about the ERA program and projects selected for award negotiations here.
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, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED)The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) was established to accelerate clean energy technologies and fill a critical innovation gap on the path to achieving our nation’s climate goals of net zero emissions by 2050. OCED’s mission is to deliver clean energy demonstration projects at scale in partnership with the private sector to accelerate deployment, market adoption, and the equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system. Visit energy.gov/oced to learn more. ###
Title
United Power Statement on Tri-State Announcement to Reduce Rates & Implement Partial Requirements Contracts
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb
Thursday | October 8, 2020
Tri-State Generation and Transmission, United Power’s power supplier, announced a plan to reduce rates by 8% over the next three years, as well as allow for partial requirements contracts with certain requirements. The improvements are part of the power supplier’s goals to meet the guidelines of their Responsible Energy Plan. United Power’s interim CEO, Bryant Robbins issued the following statement in response to the components of the proposed plan:
“United Power is very supportive of Tri-State’s efforts to lower rates. We think this is a great step in the right direction for the future of Tri-State and congratulate their efforts in trying to make this happen. Unfortunately for United Power, we serve an area in which our competitors’ rates are as much 25% to 35% less than ours. We are going to need much more than the proposed 8% reduction in Wholesale Power to be competitive,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins.
“Based upon our preliminary analysis, we don’t think the Partial Requirements/added flexibility has a positive impact on our needs. The approved plan is not what we proposed a couple of years ago and just doesn’t appear to viable to United Power and its membership,” added Robbins. “However, we hope it does meet the needs of the other [Tri-State] cooperatives.”
“United Power will continue to pursue a just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory exit charge,” Robbins concluded. “Once received, our Board can then determine the appropriate direction and future of our Power Supply that is in the best interest of our membership. We also remain available to Tri-State for discussions to potentially resolve the issues.”
United Power is continuing to work on this. Read more on our Power Supply page.
Title
United Power Students Leave for D.C.
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2019_NL_YouthTour.jpg?itok=Sy6gs2gr
Monday | July 1, 2019
Card Teaser
Colorado students boarded a bus from United Power on Friday, June 14 to join nearly 2,000 other high school students for the 2019 Youth Leadership Tour in Washington D.C.
Colorado students boarded a bus from United Power on Friday, June 14 to join nearly 2,000 other high school students for the 2019 Youth Leadership Tour in Washington D.C.
Each year, United Power selects three ambitious high school students to represent the co-op at the Youth Tour. This year, United Power sponsored Catera Gagna, Brighton High School, Bethany Flanagan, Weld Central High School, and Brooklyn Stubby, Mapleton Early College.
Students will have an opportunity to meet with elected officials, tour Washington D.C. landmarks and learn the value of the cooperatives they represent. Applications to represent the cooperative during next year’s tour will be available in December.
Title
United Power Supports Local Students
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/FridayNightLights_0.jpg?h=45932144&itok=P4tlum0Z
Sunday | November 19, 2023
Card Teaser
Demonstrating our commitment to local schools and communities through support and engagement.
Demonstrating Our Commitment to Local Schools Through Support and Engagement
As an electric cooperative, we understand — and appreciate — the value education adds to the communities we serve. United Power partners with local high schools, helping equip students for success on the field, in the classroom, and after they graduate and pursue a postsecondary education or a rewarding career.
Friday Night Lights
United Power serves nearly two dozen local high schools and some of the most dedicated student athletes in Colorado.
The cooperative presented $1,000 donations to the athletic programs at Prairie View and Brighton High Schools during their annual crosstown rivalry game on Sept. 29. The first 1,000 attendees at the football game also received clear stadium bags.
Mead Energy Academy
United Power and the Mead Energy Academy have a long-standing partnership. The cooperative’s Mavericks Solar Farm, named after the high school’s mascot, provides education opportunities for students to learn more about the role solar energy plays in a diversified energy mix.
Students from Mead Energy Academy were able to witness a live public safety demonstration from United Power lineworkers in October to learn about electrical safety and careers in the energy industry.
Day in the Boots
United Power would not be able to keep members’ lights on without its dedicated and hardworking team in operations. Construction students from the Careers and Technical Education (CTE) programs at 27J, RE-3J, and Adams 12 school districts got to spend a day in the boots of these essential workers, experiencing the various career options that are available within the energy industry first-hand.
Careers in Energy
Cooperatives provide various career opportunities spanning many fields and specialties, including engineering, finance, human resources, information technology, communications, and more. Each year, United Power supports local career fairs where students can learn about all the career pathways available at cooperatives.
Leadership Training Trips
Students are the future leaders in our communities. The cooperative provides leadership training opportunities for local students at the Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs and Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. Applications for the annual youth trips open soon.
Learn more about youth trips and apply online.
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United Power Suspending Disconnects
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Tuesday | March 17, 2020
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Out of concern for our members and the communities they call home, United Power is suspending service disconnects and late fees for our residential members.
Article originally published on March 17, 2020
Out of concern for our members and the communities they call home, United Power is suspending service disconnects and late fees for our residential members. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and re-evaluate our processes on an ongoing basis. If you anticipate difficulty paying your bill, please give us a call. Our Member Services team is available to help you at 303-637-1300.
Remember, you don't need to come to a United Power office to make a payment. We offer several convenient ways for you to access your account and make payments that are fee-free, secure and will post to your account immediately. For more information about United Power's response to COVID-19, click here.
