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United Power will not Mail Director Ballots in 2018
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Thursday | March 15, 2018
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Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed.
Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed. Due to the lack of challengers, the board of directors has decided to conduct a simplified, cost-saving balloting process this year.
In previous elections, ballots were mailed to members who could then submit their votes via return mail; however, ballots this year will be cast in person at the Annual Meeting and Director Election on April 18 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton, 9755 Henderson Road.
During registration, members in attendance at the annual meeting will receive a ballot and be able to cast their votes for candidates in each of the director seats up for election. Although directors run in geographic districts in order to accurately represent United Power members, they are elected at-large, meaning members are able to cast a vote in each district.
The candidates for director are Susan Petrocco in the South District, Tim Erickson in the East District, Brian A. McCormick in the West District and Rick Newman in the Mountain District.
Members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting not only to cast their vote in this year’s director election, but also to engage with the cooperative’s leadership and learn about ways United Power is implementing innovative processes to provide the most reliable power across its service area.
This year’s Annual Meeting includes a free barbecue dinner, live music and a presentation from United Power’s CEO, John Parker. Following the conclusion of the meeting, members are eligible to win one of many available door prizes, including a Kitchen Aid mixer, Keurig and more.
Member registration opens at 4:30 p.m., and the official business meeting begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the business meeting. For more information about this year’s meeting, including candidate profiles, dinner menu and a list of door prizes, go to www.unitedpower.com/annualmeeting.
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United Power’s 85th Annual Meeting Serves as Backdrop for Exciting Future
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Monday | April 22, 2024
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United Power signed a historic funding agreement as members were welcomed to the cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on April 17.
Brighton, CO –- United Power President and CEO Mark A. Gabriel was joined by the cooperative’s board of directors for the historic signing of a funding agreement as members were welcomed to the cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on April 17. The funding agreement, scheduled to close later this month, will provide the cooperative with $627 million toward its exit fee for its current wholesale power contract, with at least $179 million of that amount for prepayment for use of Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s transmission system. The prepayment amount will be credited back monthly with interest against United Power’s transmission bills.
“This year’s annual meeting marked a key celebration for our cooperative,” stated Gabriel. “And it is especially meaningful to know we have the support of investors as we leave our restrictive wholesale power contract and create a new energy portfolio that better meets the needs of our members. Remaining nimble and responsive to the needs of our membership and the energy market will help to create a more predictable power supply and more stable costs into the future.”
United Power filed its intent to leave its wholesale power supplier two years ago, starting the countdown clock on the required notice period to terminate the contract. The cooperative executed a withdrawal agreement on April 11, and will exit the wholesale power contract on May 1. The decision to leave the contract was driven by a desire to exercise control over the cooperative’s wholesale power mix, to better leverage local generation opportunities, and to cut additional costs that were disproportionately allocated to United Power’s members.
“United Power had very little control over our power supplier, even though we were their largest member,” stated Beth Martin, United Power Board Chair. “The decisions they made about power supply, financing, even day-to-day spending did not align with what we believe our membership needs. Today’s agreement ensures that we can be better stewards of the investment our members have made in the cooperative. Today we are taking back our cooperative.”
The historic agreement was signed by United Power as the annual meeting doors opened and the cooperative celebrated its 85th anniversary with more than 500 members and guests in attendance. The annual event provides members with updates about the accomplishments of the past year, as well as a report on the financial health of the cooperative. Martin and Gabriel shared a video presentation highlighting the cooperative’s significant achievements over the previous year. Highlights included reporting on the many new power contracts United Power has in place to provide a mix of local generation and new renewable resources. The power mix will be supplemented by innovative energy projects, such as localized utility-scale battery storage, which will mitigate expensive energy purchases during peak power windows. These projects were the result of long-term planning laid out in United Power’s Our Cooperative Roadmap.
“Our vision of generating power close to where it is consumed – known as hyper localization – is one of the key strategies we are using in developing our power supply,” Gabriel said. “Why not use power generated next door or in your neighborhood, rather than transporting it hundreds of miles from centralized generation plants? It is an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power delivery system.”
The cooperative also continued its excellent record in system reliability and resiliency in 2023. United Power’s outage duration and response rates rank among the best when measured against electric utilities nationwide, including other cooperatives and investor-owned utilities.
“Our excellent service record can be tied to several important factors,” Gabriel said. “Our crews’ focus on maintenance of existing infrastructure, coupled with identification and targeting of aging or damaged equipment before it causes an outage, is key to keeping the lights on.”
The presentation also highlighted the expansion of United Power’s electric vehicle programs and rebates and the launch of its all-new battery storage pilot program; celebrated the success of its online member chat feature, with its intuitive navigation connecting members to the information they need quickly and efficiently; and acknowledged the cooperative’s first Sustainability Report, which highlights key operational areas, provides performance metrics, and recaps several important cooperative focus areas.
“There are a lot of exciting developments on the horizon, and we are looking forward to a new energy future,” Martin said. “But it’s important to know that we are still concentrating on the core business of being a utility.”
Keith Alquist, United Power’s Board Treasurer, presented the cooperative’s financials and reported another strong year. The efforts of the co-op over the past year resulted in United Power receiving an ‘A’ rating and stable outlook from Fitch Ratings. Fitch is one of the three nationally recognized credit rating agencies and publishes forward-looking opinions on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments.
Gabriel concluded the business meeting with a presentation about the innovative steps the cooperative is taking to embrace the industry’s shifting direction. His presentation highlighted the cooperative’s plans to meet the future energy needs of its members, and how the co-op plans to respond to growth on its system.
“The resolution of the issue with our power supplier is really a new beginning for United Power’s exciting and bold vision for the future,” Gabriel said.
Results of the Director Election were announced at the conclusion of the meeting. Voting in the Director Election was conducted via mail-in and electronic balloting. Nearly 5,500 member ballots were cast in the election, which also introduced new, redrawn district boundaries. Mountain District incumbent Stephen Whiteside retained his seat with 4,819 votes in an uncontested race. North District incumbent Brian A. McCormick and South District incumbent Brad Case also ran unopposed and retained their seats with 4,776 votes and 4,767 votes, respectively. Paige Wagner-Maul received 3,064 votes to win election in the Central District. Incumbent Tim Erickson received 2,197 votes.
Members also voted to approve a bylaw amendment on this year’s ballot to extend director term lengths from three years to four years.
Videos and information presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting, including the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Report, are available here.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, 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.###
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Update to United Power Text Notifications
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Thursday | June 10, 2021
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Text messages had been coming from a short code. Starting today, text messages from the cooperative will come from a new toll-free number.
United Power members who have enrolled to receive text message notifications from the cooperative about their account may have received a text this afternoon. This message was to alert members about a change in now notifications are delivered.
Text messaging is an important method for us to communicate with. From billing alerts to service updates, text messaging is an effective way for us to help keep you updated on your service and news regarding United Power.
We wanted to let you know of a small change to our text messaging. When you receive a text message from United Power it has previously come from a short code. Starting today, text messages from the cooperative will come from a new toll-free number, 844-980-3030. We're making this change to help ensure we continue to communicate with you effectively through text.
This change will not affect your service or communication from us in any way. If you have questions, please contact a member services representative at 303-637-1300.
To change your notification preferences, login to your SmartHub account and select Manage Contacts from the Notifications menu. From there you can add, edit or delete voice, email and text notifications.
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UPDATED: Official Notice of Nominations for 2018 Director Petitions
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Friday | February 16, 2018
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The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018.
UPDATED FEBRUARY 21, 2018
OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018. Districts E (East), S (South), W (West), and M (Mountain) are all up for three-year terms.
District E (East)
Tim Erickson
District S (South)
Bradley Joseph Case – WITHDRAWN
Susan Petrocco
District W (West)
Brian Anthony McCormick
District M (Mtn)
Richard Earnest Newman
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Re-Posted: 2-21-18 Headquarters Office
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
Member Website
OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018. Districts E (East), S (South), W (West), and M (Mountain) are all up for three-year terms.
District E (East) Tim Erickson
District S (South) Bradley Joseph Case
Susan Petrocco
District W (West) Brian Anthony McCormick
District M (Mtn) Richard Earnest Newman
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Posted: 2-16-18 Headquarters Office
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
Member Website
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Vestas Benefits from LED Rebate
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
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In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year.
Providing commercial members with efficient ways to help them save money and conserve energy is one of the many ways United Power partners with and gives back to its communities. In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year.
The rebate program is in partnership with Tri-State Generation & Transmission, the cooperative’s wholesale power provider.
Before the installation of new lighting, the facility was using fluorescent lighting, which can dim over time creating “dark spots” throughout the work floor. This can result in inadequate lighting for workers and cause potential safety concerns.
In total, Vestas replaced lighting in five sections of its plant, including the main work areas. The clean quality of LED lighting provides workers with more consistent, reliable light, and because LED lighting is so efficient, also cuts energy use. The overhaul cut energy use in some areas of the plant nearly in half.
United Power makes energy savings easy through its commercial energy audit programs and rebates on select energy improvement projects. The cooperative also offers no-cost services to commercial members, including energy efficiency walkthroughs and analyses.
These incentives and programs from Tri-State G&T and United Power are available to all commercial and industrial members. Similar rebates are also available to residential members. Learn more at www.unitedpower.com/rebates.
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Watt Drives Demand
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Wednesday | August 1, 2018
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Demand is measured in kilowatts (kW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, which is the equivalent of turning on ten 100-watt light bulbs at once. Understanding the wattage of your household appliances will help you take control of your energy bill, but where can you learn more about this information?
This past month, United Power announced a new line item would be appearing on member electric bills to prepare them for a new rate structure taking effect next year. The new line item, a Demand Charge, will not have a cost associated immediately, but will show the member’s highest usage interval in kilowatts (kW) from the previous month. The Demand Charge line item is appearing on bills now with no charge to give members an opportunity to understand how this new rate can help them better manage their energy costs.
Members on the standard residential rate are very familiar with total energy used, which is billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). But the new residential demand rate will also measure the power, or demand component of electricity consumption, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). This demand component is something that many customers are less familiar with, so let’s talk about “watt” drives your demand.
Demand is measured in kilowatts (kW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, which is the equivalent of turning on ten 100-watt light bulbs at once. Understanding the wattage of your household appliances will help you take control of your energy bill, but where can you learn more about this information?
Common wattage ratings can be found online, or by using tools like a Kill-A-Watt monitor. Below are some sample wattage ratings for common household appliances. Remember: the larger the wattage of an appliance, and the more appliances you operate at once, the higher the impact it can have on the energy usage and demand on your overall electric bill.
Now is the time to pay attention to your energy use patterns. Staggering the use of higher wattage appliances will be the easiest way to manage your electric bill under the new rate structure. How many appliances do you run at once? Do you come home and turn everything on after the house has been empty all day? Are you using technology to help you remember to offset energy use like timers, delay start settings and programmable thermostats? Focusing on how you’re using your household appliances will help you see the corresponding affect to your energy and demand, and United Power’s new Demand rate will put you in the driver’s seat of your electric bill.
We All Need the Utility System
Monday | August 9, 2021
United Power switched to a demand rate in January 2019 as a way to more fairly charge its members fo...
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We all Need the Utility System
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
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Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system?
Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system?
Our distribution electric system, or grid, is a network of poles, wires, transformers and substations – all interconnected to deliver the power you need, when you need it. The system is carefully engineered to meet the needs of the energy consumers connected to it, while ensuring the installation, operation and maintenance is economical.
Costs to maintain the system aren’t just based on the power you buy, system infrastructure costs are also attributed to how much power you use at a given time. When you use more power at once, you’re creating a higher demand on the system. These surges in demand have a greater impact on the grid, so they cost more money.
With the traditional blended rate where the impact of demand surges is rolled up into a charge based on the power used, some members have been paying more than they should, while others aren’t paying enough. But here’s the thing: whether you use a lot of energy, a little energy, or generate your own, we all need a reliable grid to be there when we need it.
By separating demand and energy components on your bill, we are more fairly distributing these costs to members based on how they use power. Each member will now pay their fair share of the cooperative distribution system they rely on.
If you want more information on how you use power, login to the Power Portal to view your usage and demand trends. Visit www.unitedpower.com/powerportal to begin. Find your high demand periods, think back to what was running in your home, and then stagger those appliances moving forward. The grid, and your wallet, will thank you.
If you have additional questions about the demand rate and how it will impact you, email unitednewsline@unitedpower.com.
Demand for Electricity is like Demand for Water
You can fill the same 5-gallon bucket with either a garden hose, or a fire hose. A garden hose will not fill as quickly – but the hose costs less to operate, and the impact on the water system is minimal. Fill that same bucket with a fire hose, and it will fill up very quickly, but the surge of water from a fire hose requires larger pipes and a more expensive hose. In the end, both buckets would be full with the same amount of water, but filling a bucket more slowly – smoothing the water use over time – creates less demand on the system and costs less to do.
We May Have Money For You
Wednesday | November 8, 2023
United Power is attempting to return unclaimed capital credit retirements to members.
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What are Vampire Loads?
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Friday | January 25, 2019
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All of these items are responsible for contributing to your “vampire load,” also known as the “phantom load.” Vampire loads come from devices that use electricity even when they appear to be off.
The desktop computer in your office. The living room TV and gaming console in standby or rest mode. Even the cell phone charger you keep plugged in throughout the day. All of these items are responsible for contributing to your “vampire load,” also known as the “phantom load.” Vampire loads come from devices that use electricity even when they appear to be off. These loads are approaching 10 percent of the average household electric use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Electronics and appliances in standby or rest modes require a little electricity to maintain minimal function of the device so it’s ready to go when you return to using it. The primary culprits are televisions, desktop computers and, particularly, gaming consoles which can use as much electricity as a refrigerator even when not in use thanks to frequent system updates. Chargers are another contributor to the phantom load. A single charger might not be a drain on your bill, but in an increasingly plugged in world, the impact can begin to add up.
So how can you limit your vampire loads? The obvious solution is to simply unplug devices when not in use and disabling auto-update features that draw power when in rest mode. If you want a limited impact on your daily routine, consider investing in smart power strips. These devices can usually connect to your phone through WiFi or Bluetooth so you can turn them off and on automatically. Many of them even come with surge protection to keep your devices safe during storms or other events that may cause a surge.
In the digital, connected age, these vampire, or phantom, loads can become a real problem. A little investment and some small changes can end up saving you on your bill. For more energy efficiency information, check out My Energy.
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What is Demand?
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Monday | December 19, 2022
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The demand rate addresses how members use the system in different ways.
Demand Rate Addresses How Members Use the System in Different Ways
It has been nearly four years since United Power adopted its current rate structure that includes an energy and demand charge. Separating demand from energy charges was implemented as a way to more fairly charge members for their electric usage and impact on the cooperative’s system. While more electric utilities are making the transition to a demand rate, United Power was among the first to introduce a demand charge across its membership. To help our members learn more about demand, we have produced numerous resources dedicated to educating members so they may make the most of the rate.
What is Demand?
Demand refers simply to the maximum electricity needed at a given time and its impact on the system. The demand charge is the total wattage of all the power being used at that highest interval and is billed as kilowatts (kW). As the cooperative gained new insights about how each meter impacts the system differently, the decision was made to utilize demand as a measurement that helps the cooperative more fairly bill members for their usage. Since some members use electricity in ways that make them more expensive to serve, demand helps to make sure everyone is paying their fair share. When the demand charge was first introduced, the majority of our members saw very little change. Most members saw only a $1–2 increase or decrease in their bill monthly.
Is Demand an Added Charge?
No. The demand charge on your monthly bill was separated from the energy charge, essentially “unbundling” the details of your energy use. A traditional “blended” energy rate combines energy usage and demand into a single charge for all members. The blended rate placed an equal burden on all members for system maintenance costs despite differences in how they use energy. Under the old, blended rate some members were paying more than they should while others were not paying enough. United Power’s current rates separate demand — billed as the highest 15-minute interval of energy usage during each billing cycle — from the energy charge so members are now more fairly billed for both their usage and impact on the system.
How To Reduce My Demand
Now that you can see the impact of both the total energy you use and your highest usage intervals, you have more control over your total bill. By reducing overall energy use with simple tips like turning off devices that aren’t in use and using a programmable thermostat, you can affect your energy charge. To lower your demand charge, avoid using multiple appliances at once. Set the delay feature on your dishwasher so it runs after all the lights are off and avoid doing laundry while the air conditioner is running.
What is the Fixed Charge?
The “fixed charge” is a line item on your monthly billing statement that all members pay regardless of how much energy they use. The fixed charge is a standard amount and covers a portion of the costs for billing, collections, member services, and metering. These services are required whether you use a lot of energy, or none at all, and all residential members pay the same amount.
You can learn more about the fixed charge and other elements of your billing statement on our Understanding Your Bill page.
Member Rate Options
United Power introduced demand with a corresponding reduction in its energy charge and most members did not experience significant changes to their monthly bills. However, you may still benefit by switching to a different rate.
The cooperative offers a variety of rate options for residential members to fit the many ways members use electricity. To ask our trusted advisors if a new rate plan is right for you, schedule a phone assessment here.
Members can find more information about United Power’s demand charge — including steps you can take to control your demand and a calculator to help understand how appliances may contribute to demand — on our Understanding Demand page.
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United Power will not Mail Director Ballots in 2018
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Thursday | March 15, 2018
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Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed.
Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed. Due to the lack of challengers, the board of directors has decided to conduct a simplified, cost-saving balloting process this year.
In previous elections, ballots were mailed to members who could then submit their votes via return mail; however, ballots this year will be cast in person at the Annual Meeting and Director Election on April 18 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton, 9755 Henderson Road.
During registration, members in attendance at the annual meeting will receive a ballot and be able to cast their votes for candidates in each of the director seats up for election. Although directors run in geographic districts in order to accurately represent United Power members, they are elected at-large, meaning members are able to cast a vote in each district.
The candidates for director are Susan Petrocco in the South District, Tim Erickson in the East District, Brian A. McCormick in the West District and Rick Newman in the Mountain District.
Members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting not only to cast their vote in this year’s director election, but also to engage with the cooperative’s leadership and learn about ways United Power is implementing innovative processes to provide the most reliable power across its service area.
This year’s Annual Meeting includes a free barbecue dinner, live music and a presentation from United Power’s CEO, John Parker. Following the conclusion of the meeting, members are eligible to win one of many available door prizes, including a Kitchen Aid mixer, Keurig and more.
Member registration opens at 4:30 p.m., and the official business meeting begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the business meeting. For more information about this year’s meeting, including candidate profiles, dinner menu and a list of door prizes, go to www.unitedpower.com/annualmeeting.
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United Power’s 85th Annual Meeting Serves as Backdrop for Exciting Future
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Monday | April 22, 2024
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United Power signed a historic funding agreement as members were welcomed to the cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on April 17.
Brighton, CO –- United Power President and CEO Mark A. Gabriel was joined by the cooperative’s board of directors for the historic signing of a funding agreement as members were welcomed to the cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on April 17. The funding agreement, scheduled to close later this month, will provide the cooperative with $627 million toward its exit fee for its current wholesale power contract, with at least $179 million of that amount for prepayment for use of Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s transmission system. The prepayment amount will be credited back monthly with interest against United Power’s transmission bills.
“This year’s annual meeting marked a key celebration for our cooperative,” stated Gabriel. “And it is especially meaningful to know we have the support of investors as we leave our restrictive wholesale power contract and create a new energy portfolio that better meets the needs of our members. Remaining nimble and responsive to the needs of our membership and the energy market will help to create a more predictable power supply and more stable costs into the future.”
United Power filed its intent to leave its wholesale power supplier two years ago, starting the countdown clock on the required notice period to terminate the contract. The cooperative executed a withdrawal agreement on April 11, and will exit the wholesale power contract on May 1. The decision to leave the contract was driven by a desire to exercise control over the cooperative’s wholesale power mix, to better leverage local generation opportunities, and to cut additional costs that were disproportionately allocated to United Power’s members.
“United Power had very little control over our power supplier, even though we were their largest member,” stated Beth Martin, United Power Board Chair. “The decisions they made about power supply, financing, even day-to-day spending did not align with what we believe our membership needs. Today’s agreement ensures that we can be better stewards of the investment our members have made in the cooperative. Today we are taking back our cooperative.”
The historic agreement was signed by United Power as the annual meeting doors opened and the cooperative celebrated its 85th anniversary with more than 500 members and guests in attendance. The annual event provides members with updates about the accomplishments of the past year, as well as a report on the financial health of the cooperative. Martin and Gabriel shared a video presentation highlighting the cooperative’s significant achievements over the previous year. Highlights included reporting on the many new power contracts United Power has in place to provide a mix of local generation and new renewable resources. The power mix will be supplemented by innovative energy projects, such as localized utility-scale battery storage, which will mitigate expensive energy purchases during peak power windows. These projects were the result of long-term planning laid out in United Power’s Our Cooperative Roadmap.
“Our vision of generating power close to where it is consumed – known as hyper localization – is one of the key strategies we are using in developing our power supply,” Gabriel said. “Why not use power generated next door or in your neighborhood, rather than transporting it hundreds of miles from centralized generation plants? It is an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power delivery system.”
The cooperative also continued its excellent record in system reliability and resiliency in 2023. United Power’s outage duration and response rates rank among the best when measured against electric utilities nationwide, including other cooperatives and investor-owned utilities.
“Our excellent service record can be tied to several important factors,” Gabriel said. “Our crews’ focus on maintenance of existing infrastructure, coupled with identification and targeting of aging or damaged equipment before it causes an outage, is key to keeping the lights on.”
The presentation also highlighted the expansion of United Power’s electric vehicle programs and rebates and the launch of its all-new battery storage pilot program; celebrated the success of its online member chat feature, with its intuitive navigation connecting members to the information they need quickly and efficiently; and acknowledged the cooperative’s first Sustainability Report, which highlights key operational areas, provides performance metrics, and recaps several important cooperative focus areas.
“There are a lot of exciting developments on the horizon, and we are looking forward to a new energy future,” Martin said. “But it’s important to know that we are still concentrating on the core business of being a utility.”
Keith Alquist, United Power’s Board Treasurer, presented the cooperative’s financials and reported another strong year. The efforts of the co-op over the past year resulted in United Power receiving an ‘A’ rating and stable outlook from Fitch Ratings. Fitch is one of the three nationally recognized credit rating agencies and publishes forward-looking opinions on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments.
Gabriel concluded the business meeting with a presentation about the innovative steps the cooperative is taking to embrace the industry’s shifting direction. His presentation highlighted the cooperative’s plans to meet the future energy needs of its members, and how the co-op plans to respond to growth on its system.
“The resolution of the issue with our power supplier is really a new beginning for United Power’s exciting and bold vision for the future,” Gabriel said.
Results of the Director Election were announced at the conclusion of the meeting. Voting in the Director Election was conducted via mail-in and electronic balloting. Nearly 5,500 member ballots were cast in the election, which also introduced new, redrawn district boundaries. Mountain District incumbent Stephen Whiteside retained his seat with 4,819 votes in an uncontested race. North District incumbent Brian A. McCormick and South District incumbent Brad Case also ran unopposed and retained their seats with 4,776 votes and 4,767 votes, respectively. Paige Wagner-Maul received 3,064 votes to win election in the Central District. Incumbent Tim Erickson received 2,197 votes.
Members also voted to approve a bylaw amendment on this year’s ballot to extend director term lengths from three years to four years.
Videos and information presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting, including the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Report, are available here.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, 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.###
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Update to United Power Text Notifications
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Thursday | June 10, 2021
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Text messages had been coming from a short code. Starting today, text messages from the cooperative will come from a new toll-free number.
United Power members who have enrolled to receive text message notifications from the cooperative about their account may have received a text this afternoon. This message was to alert members about a change in now notifications are delivered.
Text messaging is an important method for us to communicate with. From billing alerts to service updates, text messaging is an effective way for us to help keep you updated on your service and news regarding United Power.
We wanted to let you know of a small change to our text messaging. When you receive a text message from United Power it has previously come from a short code. Starting today, text messages from the cooperative will come from a new toll-free number, 844-980-3030. We're making this change to help ensure we continue to communicate with you effectively through text.
This change will not affect your service or communication from us in any way. If you have questions, please contact a member services representative at 303-637-1300.
To change your notification preferences, login to your SmartHub account and select Manage Contacts from the Notifications menu. From there you can add, edit or delete voice, email and text notifications.
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UPDATED: Official Notice of Nominations for 2018 Director Petitions
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Friday | February 16, 2018
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The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018.
UPDATED FEBRUARY 21, 2018
OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018. Districts E (East), S (South), W (West), and M (Mountain) are all up for three-year terms.
District E (East)
Tim Erickson
District S (South)
Bradley Joseph Case – WITHDRAWN
Susan Petrocco
District W (West)
Brian Anthony McCormick
District M (Mtn)
Richard Earnest Newman
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Re-Posted: 2-21-18 Headquarters Office
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
Member Website
OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018. Districts E (East), S (South), W (West), and M (Mountain) are all up for three-year terms.
District E (East) Tim Erickson
District S (South) Bradley Joseph Case
Susan Petrocco
District W (West) Brian Anthony McCormick
District M (Mtn) Richard Earnest Newman
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Posted: 2-16-18 Headquarters Office
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
Member Website
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Vestas Benefits from LED Rebate
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
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In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year.
Providing commercial members with efficient ways to help them save money and conserve energy is one of the many ways United Power partners with and gives back to its communities. In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year.
The rebate program is in partnership with Tri-State Generation & Transmission, the cooperative’s wholesale power provider.
Before the installation of new lighting, the facility was using fluorescent lighting, which can dim over time creating “dark spots” throughout the work floor. This can result in inadequate lighting for workers and cause potential safety concerns.
In total, Vestas replaced lighting in five sections of its plant, including the main work areas. The clean quality of LED lighting provides workers with more consistent, reliable light, and because LED lighting is so efficient, also cuts energy use. The overhaul cut energy use in some areas of the plant nearly in half.
United Power makes energy savings easy through its commercial energy audit programs and rebates on select energy improvement projects. The cooperative also offers no-cost services to commercial members, including energy efficiency walkthroughs and analyses.
These incentives and programs from Tri-State G&T and United Power are available to all commercial and industrial members. Similar rebates are also available to residential members. Learn more at www.unitedpower.com/rebates.
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Watt Drives Demand
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Wednesday | August 1, 2018
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Demand is measured in kilowatts (kW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, which is the equivalent of turning on ten 100-watt light bulbs at once. Understanding the wattage of your household appliances will help you take control of your energy bill, but where can you learn more about this information?
This past month, United Power announced a new line item would be appearing on member electric bills to prepare them for a new rate structure taking effect next year. The new line item, a Demand Charge, will not have a cost associated immediately, but will show the member’s highest usage interval in kilowatts (kW) from the previous month. The Demand Charge line item is appearing on bills now with no charge to give members an opportunity to understand how this new rate can help them better manage their energy costs.
Members on the standard residential rate are very familiar with total energy used, which is billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). But the new residential demand rate will also measure the power, or demand component of electricity consumption, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). This demand component is something that many customers are less familiar with, so let’s talk about “watt” drives your demand.
Demand is measured in kilowatts (kW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, which is the equivalent of turning on ten 100-watt light bulbs at once. Understanding the wattage of your household appliances will help you take control of your energy bill, but where can you learn more about this information?
Common wattage ratings can be found online, or by using tools like a Kill-A-Watt monitor. Below are some sample wattage ratings for common household appliances. Remember: the larger the wattage of an appliance, and the more appliances you operate at once, the higher the impact it can have on the energy usage and demand on your overall electric bill.
Now is the time to pay attention to your energy use patterns. Staggering the use of higher wattage appliances will be the easiest way to manage your electric bill under the new rate structure. How many appliances do you run at once? Do you come home and turn everything on after the house has been empty all day? Are you using technology to help you remember to offset energy use like timers, delay start settings and programmable thermostats? Focusing on how you’re using your household appliances will help you see the corresponding affect to your energy and demand, and United Power’s new Demand rate will put you in the driver’s seat of your electric bill.
We All Need the Utility System
Monday | August 9, 2021
United Power switched to a demand rate in January 2019 as a way to more fairly charge its members fo...
Read more >
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We all Need the Utility System
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
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Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system?
Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system?
Our distribution electric system, or grid, is a network of poles, wires, transformers and substations – all interconnected to deliver the power you need, when you need it. The system is carefully engineered to meet the needs of the energy consumers connected to it, while ensuring the installation, operation and maintenance is economical.
Costs to maintain the system aren’t just based on the power you buy, system infrastructure costs are also attributed to how much power you use at a given time. When you use more power at once, you’re creating a higher demand on the system. These surges in demand have a greater impact on the grid, so they cost more money.
With the traditional blended rate where the impact of demand surges is rolled up into a charge based on the power used, some members have been paying more than they should, while others aren’t paying enough. But here’s the thing: whether you use a lot of energy, a little energy, or generate your own, we all need a reliable grid to be there when we need it.
By separating demand and energy components on your bill, we are more fairly distributing these costs to members based on how they use power. Each member will now pay their fair share of the cooperative distribution system they rely on.
If you want more information on how you use power, login to the Power Portal to view your usage and demand trends. Visit www.unitedpower.com/powerportal to begin. Find your high demand periods, think back to what was running in your home, and then stagger those appliances moving forward. The grid, and your wallet, will thank you.
If you have additional questions about the demand rate and how it will impact you, email unitednewsline@unitedpower.com.
Demand for Electricity is like Demand for Water
You can fill the same 5-gallon bucket with either a garden hose, or a fire hose. A garden hose will not fill as quickly – but the hose costs less to operate, and the impact on the water system is minimal. Fill that same bucket with a fire hose, and it will fill up very quickly, but the surge of water from a fire hose requires larger pipes and a more expensive hose. In the end, both buckets would be full with the same amount of water, but filling a bucket more slowly – smoothing the water use over time – creates less demand on the system and costs less to do.
We May Have Money For You
Wednesday | November 8, 2023
United Power is attempting to return unclaimed capital credit retirements to members.
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What are Vampire Loads?
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Friday | January 25, 2019
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All of these items are responsible for contributing to your “vampire load,” also known as the “phantom load.” Vampire loads come from devices that use electricity even when they appear to be off.
The desktop computer in your office. The living room TV and gaming console in standby or rest mode. Even the cell phone charger you keep plugged in throughout the day. All of these items are responsible for contributing to your “vampire load,” also known as the “phantom load.” Vampire loads come from devices that use electricity even when they appear to be off. These loads are approaching 10 percent of the average household electric use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Electronics and appliances in standby or rest modes require a little electricity to maintain minimal function of the device so it’s ready to go when you return to using it. The primary culprits are televisions, desktop computers and, particularly, gaming consoles which can use as much electricity as a refrigerator even when not in use thanks to frequent system updates. Chargers are another contributor to the phantom load. A single charger might not be a drain on your bill, but in an increasingly plugged in world, the impact can begin to add up.
So how can you limit your vampire loads? The obvious solution is to simply unplug devices when not in use and disabling auto-update features that draw power when in rest mode. If you want a limited impact on your daily routine, consider investing in smart power strips. These devices can usually connect to your phone through WiFi or Bluetooth so you can turn them off and on automatically. Many of them even come with surge protection to keep your devices safe during storms or other events that may cause a surge.
In the digital, connected age, these vampire, or phantom, loads can become a real problem. A little investment and some small changes can end up saving you on your bill. For more energy efficiency information, check out My Energy.
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What is Demand?
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Monday | December 19, 2022
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The demand rate addresses how members use the system in different ways.
Demand Rate Addresses How Members Use the System in Different Ways
It has been nearly four years since United Power adopted its current rate structure that includes an energy and demand charge. Separating demand from energy charges was implemented as a way to more fairly charge members for their electric usage and impact on the cooperative’s system. While more electric utilities are making the transition to a demand rate, United Power was among the first to introduce a demand charge across its membership. To help our members learn more about demand, we have produced numerous resources dedicated to educating members so they may make the most of the rate.
What is Demand?
Demand refers simply to the maximum electricity needed at a given time and its impact on the system. The demand charge is the total wattage of all the power being used at that highest interval and is billed as kilowatts (kW). As the cooperative gained new insights about how each meter impacts the system differently, the decision was made to utilize demand as a measurement that helps the cooperative more fairly bill members for their usage. Since some members use electricity in ways that make them more expensive to serve, demand helps to make sure everyone is paying their fair share. When the demand charge was first introduced, the majority of our members saw very little change. Most members saw only a $1–2 increase or decrease in their bill monthly.
Is Demand an Added Charge?
No. The demand charge on your monthly bill was separated from the energy charge, essentially “unbundling” the details of your energy use. A traditional “blended” energy rate combines energy usage and demand into a single charge for all members. The blended rate placed an equal burden on all members for system maintenance costs despite differences in how they use energy. Under the old, blended rate some members were paying more than they should while others were not paying enough. United Power’s current rates separate demand — billed as the highest 15-minute interval of energy usage during each billing cycle — from the energy charge so members are now more fairly billed for both their usage and impact on the system.
How To Reduce My Demand
Now that you can see the impact of both the total energy you use and your highest usage intervals, you have more control over your total bill. By reducing overall energy use with simple tips like turning off devices that aren’t in use and using a programmable thermostat, you can affect your energy charge. To lower your demand charge, avoid using multiple appliances at once. Set the delay feature on your dishwasher so it runs after all the lights are off and avoid doing laundry while the air conditioner is running.
What is the Fixed Charge?
The “fixed charge” is a line item on your monthly billing statement that all members pay regardless of how much energy they use. The fixed charge is a standard amount and covers a portion of the costs for billing, collections, member services, and metering. These services are required whether you use a lot of energy, or none at all, and all residential members pay the same amount.
You can learn more about the fixed charge and other elements of your billing statement on our Understanding Your Bill page.
Member Rate Options
United Power introduced demand with a corresponding reduction in its energy charge and most members did not experience significant changes to their monthly bills. However, you may still benefit by switching to a different rate.
The cooperative offers a variety of rate options for residential members to fit the many ways members use electricity. To ask our trusted advisors if a new rate plan is right for you, schedule a phone assessment here.
Members can find more information about United Power’s demand charge — including steps you can take to control your demand and a calculator to help understand how appliances may contribute to demand — on our Understanding Demand page.
