United Power to Hold 80th Annual Meeting April 17
Monday | February 18, 2019
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.
Read more >
Title
United Power to Host 2023 Annual Meeting on April 12
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Friday | April 7, 2023
Card Teaser
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.###
Title
United Power to Host Fleet Electrification Conference
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EV_plugin.jpg?h=45932144&itok=UKkauilg
Monday | August 23, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
###
Title
United Power to Resume Nonpayment Disconnects
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2020_NL_Disconnects.jpg?itok=wM8RFORu
Tuesday | June 30, 2020
Card Teaser
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
Title
United Power Tops 99,000 Meters
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MayJune2021_NL_Meter.jpg?itok=djHDyuiS
Monday | May 17, 2021
Card Teaser
The cooperative connected more than 550 new meters throughout the month of April, accelerating its path toward 100,000 meters.
Co-op Expects to Reach 100,000 Meter Milestone Before End of Summer
United Power recently topped 99,000 meter connections thanks to record-setting growth in April. The cooperative connected more than 550 new meters throughout the month, accelerating its path toward 100,000 meters. Leadership within the cooperative now project reaching that number before the end of the summer.
“If growth continues at the rate we have experienced so far this year, we are in tremendous shape to reach 100,000 meters very soon,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Reaching the mark is a significant achievement for the cooperative.”
There are more than 800 electric cooperatives nationally. United Power would become just the 31st co-op to reach the 100,000 meter milestone. It would also join Intermountain REA as the only other Colorado co-op to reach the milestone.
Year over year, United Power has ranked among the fastest growing cooperatives nationwide, due to consistent development in the area it serves, which includes several fast-growing suburban communities. Growth continued even as United Power braced for a slow down amid the pandemic. Instead, another strong year enabled United Power to keep rates the same as it entered 2021.
United Power is planning a special member celebration for surpassing 100,000 meters later this summer. Watch our social media for updates about upcoming events and contests.
“I am grateful to arrive in time to recognize and celebrate this accomplishment with the cooperative,” said Gabriel. “We cannot wait to celebrate it with our members, too.”
Title
United Power Urges Tri-State to Lead the Change for its Member Cooperatives
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb
Thursday | August 5, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
Title
United Power Warns Members About Rooftop Solar Scams
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2023_NL_Solar.jpg?h=45932144&itok=GMjjc4rk
Thursday | May 23, 2024
Card Teaser
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.
Title
United Power Warns of Spam Calls
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/06_27_2018_PhoneScams.png?itok=EuwMTsy2
Wednesday | June 27, 2018
Card Teaser
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.
United Power to Hold 80th Annual Meeting April 17
Monday | February 18, 2019
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.
Read more >
Title
United Power to Host 2023 Annual Meeting on April 12
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/04_18_2018_AnnualMeeting79.png?h=45932144&itok=OsZd0myY
Friday | April 7, 2023
Card Teaser
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.###
Title
United Power to Host Fleet Electrification Conference
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EV_plugin.jpg?h=45932144&itok=UKkauilg
Monday | August 23, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
###
Title
United Power to Resume Nonpayment Disconnects
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2020_NL_Disconnects.jpg?itok=wM8RFORu
Tuesday | June 30, 2020
Card Teaser
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
Title
United Power Tops 99,000 Meters
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MayJune2021_NL_Meter.jpg?itok=djHDyuiS
Monday | May 17, 2021
Card Teaser
The cooperative connected more than 550 new meters throughout the month of April, accelerating its path toward 100,000 meters.
Co-op Expects to Reach 100,000 Meter Milestone Before End of Summer
United Power recently topped 99,000 meter connections thanks to record-setting growth in April. The cooperative connected more than 550 new meters throughout the month, accelerating its path toward 100,000 meters. Leadership within the cooperative now project reaching that number before the end of the summer.
“If growth continues at the rate we have experienced so far this year, we are in tremendous shape to reach 100,000 meters very soon,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Reaching the mark is a significant achievement for the cooperative.”
There are more than 800 electric cooperatives nationally. United Power would become just the 31st co-op to reach the 100,000 meter milestone. It would also join Intermountain REA as the only other Colorado co-op to reach the milestone.
Year over year, United Power has ranked among the fastest growing cooperatives nationwide, due to consistent development in the area it serves, which includes several fast-growing suburban communities. Growth continued even as United Power braced for a slow down amid the pandemic. Instead, another strong year enabled United Power to keep rates the same as it entered 2021.
United Power is planning a special member celebration for surpassing 100,000 meters later this summer. Watch our social media for updates about upcoming events and contests.
“I am grateful to arrive in time to recognize and celebrate this accomplishment with the cooperative,” said Gabriel. “We cannot wait to celebrate it with our members, too.”
Title
United Power Urges Tri-State to Lead the Change for its Member Cooperatives
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb
Thursday | August 5, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
Title
United Power Warns Members About Rooftop Solar Scams
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2023_NL_Solar.jpg?h=45932144&itok=GMjjc4rk
Thursday | May 23, 2024
Card Teaser
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.
Title
United Power Warns of Spam Calls
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/06_27_2018_PhoneScams.png?itok=EuwMTsy2
Wednesday | June 27, 2018
Card Teaser
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.
