Title
Why Members Round Up
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Thursday | December 10, 2020
Card Teaser
In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses.
When United Power founded Operation Round-Up in 1995 as a way for members to voluntarily help each other through a small monthly contribution built right into their billing statement, we envisioned being able to help vulnerable and struggling members in the communities we serve make ends meet. We couldn’t have imagined then that a nationwide pandemic would stretch the foundation to its limits as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.
It hasn’t been an easy year for anyone, and some have felt the impacts more than others. Although many more members are in need of assistance, the Round-Up board has remained committed to finding the most effective ways to help meet needs throughout this time.
For those not familiar with Operation Round-Up, it is a foundation funded entirely by members who “round up” their monthly billing statements to the next whole dollar. Participation is voluntary, and average yearly contributions are only $6, or approximately $.50 per month. Those funds are then redistributed to nonprofits in various parts of the service territory to ensure as many members receive help as possible. The Round-Up Board selected these nonprofits because they have more resources and are better equipped to provide for members in need. The Board is made up of fellow United Power members who also live within the various parts of the service territory and are familiar with the specific needs of their respective areas.
This unusual year hasn’t prevented the board from going above and beyond to meet increased needs, which created an added burden on the foundation. Without the generous contributions of more than 20,000 members who have elected to round up their bill, this wouldn’t have been possible.
In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses:
“Yes, been rounding up for at least a decade. One of a list of gratifying things to give. Maximum of $12 a year. A feel good thing!”
Larry W., Commerce City
“I haven’t participated in Round-Up before, but I am signing up today. Sounds like a great program and I can see that even a little bit helps.”
Sam G., Firestone
“Yes we do. We have dealt with hardships and want to contribute to help others in need.”
Brad L., Frederick
“We participate in Round-Up to ensure that our little contribution helps members who are less fortunate, especially in these times of COVID-19.”
James D., Black Hawk
“Yes! We do participate in the Round-Up program. We are grateful for the opportunity to assist members of our and the greater United Power community when the need arises.”
Michelle B., Golden
“I haven’t yet, I did not know what it was! But will be signing up now.”
Terry H., Brighton
Title
Why United Power Plans Outages
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Monday | March 9, 2020
Card Teaser
You may have at one time or another received a recorded message from United Power informing you of a “preplanned” outage in your area.
You may have at one time or another received a recorded message from United Power informing you of a “preplanned” outage in your area. At the time, you may have been curious what a planned outage is and why the cooperative needs to perform them. In order to maintain the reliability of the system, sometimes repairs need to be made to crucial parts of the electric grid. Some repairs can be made without interrupting power, but at other points it either wouldn’t be possible or would be too dangerous for linemen to work while power is flowing.
While the interruption of power may sound like an inconvenience, the short outage ensures greater long-term reliability. Regular system upgrades are necessary for optimal performance. The cooperative’s engineering and operations teams are constantly reviewing the system and identifying areas of improvement or where upgrades can minimize outages while increasing both reliability and security.
Aside from the safety of you and our crews and better performance leading to greater reliability, there are a few more things you should know about preplanned outages. When one of these outages is necessary, the cooperative makes upgrades that affect as few members as possible. Rarely do preplanned outages impact more than a few members. In the rare instance a larger number of members are impacted, there will be more advanced notice. Generally, the larger the outage, the more advanced notice members will receive. Preplanned outages are also scheduled for small windows – usually no more than five hours – when most members are away from the home.
United Power also sends members prerecorded phone messages informing them of work happening in their area. It’s important to differentiate these calls from preplanned outage notices. A notice of work in your area does not always mean you will experience an interruption in power.
In order to receive notices about work in your area or preplanned outages, your contact information on file with the cooperative must be up to date. As new software becomes available, you may also have more options for how to receive important updates from United Power. However, any notice the co-op sends will be tied to the information on your account. If the information on your account, such as phone numbers and email addresses, is not current or is incorrect, you could be missing these important notices.
You can check your contact information and make updates using the free online payment portal, SmartHub, or by calling the Member Services team at 303-637-1300.
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Why We Plan Outages
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Friday | February 2, 2018
Card Teaser
Have you ever received a notification from United Power informing you of a “planned outage?”
Have you ever received a notification from United Power informing you of a “planned outage?” You may have wondered, “What is a planned outage?” and “Why does my electric utility need to perform one?” Occasionally, the equipment we use to bring power to your home needs to be replaced, repaired, or updated. When this happens, as a way to keep our crews and you safe, we plan an interruption to electric service.
We do our best to plan these outages during times when members will be the least inconvenienced. We also try to avoid planning these outages during winter or summer months. We understand these are peak times of the year when you depend on running your heating and cooling units the most.
While they may sound slightly inconvenient, planned outages are actually beneficial to you. Regular system upgrades are necessary for optimal performance, and they increase reliability. Repairing and upgrading our equipment is also critical to maintaining public safety. If older lines need to be replaced, we plan for it, repair or replace it, and that keeps everyone safe.
Planned outages also allow us to keep you informed of when and how long you will be without power. In most cases, we will notify you in advance, by telephone, before an outage, so you can be prepared.
We will also keep you aware of when line crews will be working in your area. Here at United Power, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep you safe and to keep our system running smoothly. So the next time you hear about a planned outage, know that it is one of the best ways we can provide you with quality electric service.
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Wildfire Mitigation a Cooperative Priority
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Tuesday | September 15, 2020
Card Teaser
As your cooperative, United Power takes these growing threats seriously. Leadership at the cooperative has continuously embraced a proactive and progressive approach to wildfire prevention.
Wildfires have devastated parts of Colorado this year, with several blazing across the state in August. Near Grand Junction, the Pine Gulch Fire is the largest on record for the state and another near Glenwood Springs had threatened to join the list. Near Fort Collins, a third fire has even threatened parts of Poudre Valley REA’s electrical infrastructure. Although not attributed to any utility electrical system, these fires demonstrate the importance of having a developed fire mitigation plan in place for utilities like United Power, who reviews and updates its plan annually.
As your cooperative, United Power takes these growing threats seriously. Leadership at the cooperative has continuously embraced a proactive and progressive approach to wildfire prevention. United Power’s goal is the safety of its members and the protection of the communities they live in.
United Power made preparations to enhance its existing fire mitigation plan in early 2013 with a change in facility design and placement, making them more accessible and clear of potential hazards. The implementation also included an expansive vegetation management policy to keep infrastructure clear of hazards that could be easily ignited in the event of a system failure (such as a fault or equipment malfunction leading to an outage).
“As we reviewed our system design, we began to recognize the opportunity for better design methodology and the use of advanced technology to prepare for the unexpected,” said acting chief executive officer Bryant Robbins. “One of the things we heavily targeted was the prevention of wildfire risk on our system.”
Members in Coal Creek Canyon, and those driving through, may have noticed crews installing new line in parts of the canyon. This new line is an insulated conductor known as Hendrix cable, which provides a high level of protection when contact is made, such as a tree falling into the line. The strength of the line along with the covered protection goes a long way in preventing fires caused by electrical equipment in the mountain service territory. The new line has been one of the more high profile and visible elements of the cooperative’s fire mitigation plan, but the team at United Power went much further in developing system improvements to mitigate the wildfire risk to members.
Always looking for an opportunity to develop a better system, United Power became an early adopter of drone maintenance inspections and an industry leader in both system automation and the deployment of smart devices.
“These technologies are among the most innovative forms of outage management currently available to utilities,” said Engineering Director Robert Maxwell. “Their design also allows them to stop the flow of electricity to faults that could develop into fires without this technology. We’re far ahead of the curve in utilizing the latest technology when compared not just to other cooperatives but also larger electric utilities.”
Drones are able to quickly survey miles of line in a rapid period of time, freeing line crews to focus on preventable outages, which has been especially useful in the mountains where the terrain can often make pole inspections time consuming and difficult. The number of man hours saved and outages prevented from this innovative inspection format is incalculable.
Automated field devices further allow the system to identify and isolate problems to restore power quickly while minimizing the number of members affected and smart devices are able to immediately report problems back to the cooperative’s system operations. These improvements, along with the installation of advanced trip savers and fault detectors, help improve outage response and mitigate the potential for fires.
Although the current pandemic has interfered with many facets of our daily lives, United Power has continued to make progress implementing new technology onto its system to further mitigate the threat of wildfires. As the past month has shown throughout the state, a strategic fire mitigation plan is essential in Colorado.
“Wildfire preparedness is a priority for United Power, and we’ve been able to blend our efforts to mitigate fire dangers with our efforts to prevent outages,” said Robbins. “As our numbers continue to improve, we’ll also continue looking for the best opportunities to better serve our members, both safely and affordably.”
For more information about United Power’s fire mitigation improvements, go to Fire Mitigation.
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Wildfire Safety Seminar
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Monday | February 14, 2022
Card Teaser
In March, the Firestone Free Thinkers 4-H Club, in partnership with United Power, is hosting a free one-hour wildfire preparedness training, presented by the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District and the CVEMA.
Marshall Fire Reveals Urban Fire Threat; March 6 Seminar to Cover Fire Safety & Preparedness
Historic wildfires have devastated large parts of Colorado and its neighboring states over the past few years. However, the Marshall Fire in late December opened our eyes to the reality that wildfires are not simply a threat for our mountain communities. Given the right conditions, wildfires can spring up anywhere and quickly become uncontrollable.
The Marshall Fire erupted in eastern Boulder County before claiming nearly 1,000 homes and businesses in Boulder, Superior and Louisville, just miles from Denver and even closer to United Power members living in Coal Creek Canyon and Carbon Valley.
United Power has made significant investments in system improvements and upgrades to mitigate the potential for fires off its power lines, particularly in its own mountain communities. With multiple strong wind storms in December, including the storm that fueled the Marshall Fire, those system improvements have more than shown their value to members in both reliability and safety. The cooperative has also provided additional resources members can use to help mitigate the threat of wildfires on their own property, such as how to create “defensible space,” referring to the strategic removal of vegetation that could create a bridge for fire to pass over.
In March, the Firestone Free Thinkers 4-H Club, in partnership with United Power, is hosting a free one-hour fire safety and disaster preparedness training, presented by the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District and the Carbon Valley Emergency Management Agency. The training will discuss how to pack a “go kit” in case of an emergency, how to create defensible space, the difference between evacuations and shelter-in-place and hazards in Carbon Valley.
Fire Safety & Disaster Preparedness Training
FREE 1-HOUR EVENT. NO RSVP REQUIRED. Where:
United Power Carbon Valley Service Center
9586 E I-25 Frontage Rd, Longmont
When:
March 6, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m.
Contact:
CV Emergency Management, 720-526-6594www.fffd.us/227/emergency-management
Title
Winter Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Thursday | December 29, 2022
Card Teaser
A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
United Power had a tremendous year in 2022, from our system’s performance in limiting outages and outage duration to our important decision to withdraw from our wholesale power contract and seek a new power supplier.
Much is happening behind the scenes as we prepare for the next decade and beyond. The investments we make — strongly supported by your forward-thinking Board of Directors — position United Power for a future with diverse generation and storage technologies to meet the expectations of our members.
Our dedicated employees are the force behind our successful operations. It takes a team with diverse skill sets and abilities. Our line crews are on call 24/7 to respond to unexpected emergencies and restore power during an outage, and the excellent efforts of our office staff keep the business flowing day-to-day.
Our system relies on dozens of complicated processes that must occur to keep the lights on, and some are not obvious. Supply chain disruption planning, understanding operational challenges through asset management, protecting critical infrastructure across a remote footprint, and understanding and communicating with our members are just a few of these important, yet hidden, processes.
Electric utilities are one of the few businesses only recognized when they do not perform well. I am proud to say that thanks to our great team, our outage times were half the national average in 2022. Over the past several years, we have made a concerted effort to underground our lines where practical, use new and emerging technologies, and deploy additional sensors while focusing our maintenance efforts and investments on areas needing the most improvements.
Our Cooperative Roadmap (Roadmap) outlines the key directions for United Power as we boldly move into the future — a future with a shared energy economy, more electrification, and higher demands for reliability and resilience. We are, as previously announced, preparing for a future with a new power supplier and getting ready for a power market to come in 2025. These moves take many months, if not years, of preparation. The team at United Power is working toward these goals. At the same time, we are understanding of the economic challenges our members are facing, and we are working to keep rates low and reliability high while meeting state regulations.
We are also in the process of seeking federal funding to help support our infrastructure, as laid out in the Inflation Reduction Act, in areas such as wildfire mitigation, electric vehicle charging, and sensors. Under the legislation, individual members and businesses may also have opportunities to apply for direct federal funding for efficiency upgrades, such as energy storage projects, heat pumps, insulation, and electrification of industrial processes.
The upcoming year will be an exciting one as we continue the path outlined in our Roadmap. I am confident we will continue to be the best cooperative in Colorado and one of the best in the nation thanks to our tremendous team and the support from our Board, who are working to keep our communities strong.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me anytime.
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Winter Storm Grid Reliability
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Friday | April 23, 2021
Card Teaser
Several United Power members have asked about this severe weather situation that occurred in Texas, wondering if something similar could happen here at United Power.
Several United Power members have asked about this severe weather situation that occurred in Texas, wondering if something similar could happen here at United Power. There are a number of factors that are unique to the Texas power market and grid that make that region susceptible to both outages and price swings. At United Power we operate under a different wholesale power structure and have a more robust regional network to back up our power grid – both factors that help us avoid a situation like the one in Texas.
When the weather is at its worst, electric co-ops are at their best, working together to keep the lights on. United Power currently purchases all its wholesale power from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, which is a generation electric cooperative that provides service to four states. Tri-State and its members work around the clock to keep power reliable for distribution cooperatives like United Power.
How did our power supplier and our region perform during the severe winter weather?
Tri-State was able to provide the power its members needed, while managing costs to protect its members from higher electricity bills.
Tri-State’s initial analysis on the operational and financial impacts from the Feb. 13-17 winter storm, which has created financial difficulties for utility services providers in many parts of the U.S., show that the storm had an immaterial financial impact on Tri-State.
Sufficient resources were available to fully serve all the cooperative members electric loads, and no wholesale rate increase will be required or passed along to Tri-State's 42 member cooperatives and public power districts as a result of the severe weather.
What role did various generation technologies play during the recent severe weather?
Tri-State’s coal generation fleet performed extremely well during the weather event, providing reliable and low-cost power for the duration of the severe weather.
In response to the limited availability and high price of natural gas, Tri-State made the decision to use fuel oil at its dual-fuel combustion turbine generating plants. This action significantly reduced Tri-State’s exposure to record high natural gas prices, which were driven by lower supply and higher demand as space heating needs increased.
Tri-State’s solar resources performed adequately, but were below the monthly forecast. Wind resources were more significantly impacted and performed far below forecast due to low wind speeds and icing conditions. Such conditions for wind generation performance, however, are not unexpected during these types of severe winter weather events.
Tri-State's recent entry on Feb. 1 into the Southwest Power Pool’s Western Energy Imbalance Service market also supported the cooperative’s members through the weather event. The new market performed well, maximizing the efficient usage of the transmission system and dispatching the lowest-cost resources.
How does Tri-State ensure resources are available and prepare for severe weather?
Maintaining the electric grid is a real-time operation. Power must be generated at the very moment it’s used in the exact amount that’s needed at all times. Keeping our electric grid stable requires continual, real-time monitoring to balance supply and demand.
Tri-State plans its resources with a reserve that helps ensure that it will be able to meet its member cooperatives electricity needs. Tri-State also maintains operating reserves that can be brought on within 10 minutes, and works with other utilities in “reserve sharing groups” to help ensure loads can be met.
To anticipate electricity needs, Tri-State’s staff use a combination of load forecasts and weather conditions to predict system demand. They also rely on their experience. Looking ahead at generation availability and scheduling energy purchases helps ensure there is enough electricity to meet demand at the lowest costs available.
Operationally, Tri-State maintains its power plants and transmission system to be reliable year-round. When severe winter weather approaches, Tri-State prepares its power plants, and if severe weather is forecast that could affect its transmission infrastructure, Tri-State will position lineworkers in key areas to ensure they can address any issues as quickly as possible.
Why did the severe winter weather cause power outages in some areas of the country?
In the electric grid that serves the western U.S., including United Power, there were no reports of power outages tied to the availability of electricity.
In the eastern grid, where Tri-State serves several members in Nebraska as part of the Southwest Power Pool’s regional transmission organization, very cold weather increased electricity demand and power production challenges tightened power reserves, resulting in very limited and brief interruptions of power that were coordinated among transmission operators. Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) also required some load shedding in the eastern interconnection.
In the Texas electric grid operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), there were more significant issues as record cold weather increased electricity demand, which exceeded the resources available to produce electricity as fuel supplies and power plants were also affected by the record cold weather. As electricity reserves in ERCOT severely tightened, electric service was curtailed to help protect grid reliability. Prices for natural gas and electricity reached record levels. These conditions persisted for several days. Regulators are investigating the reliability and energy cost issues across the country.
How should member-owners prepare for weather-related power outages?
As recent wildfires and winter storms remind us, Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It’s important to be prepared and have an action plan for possible power outages, both for short- and long-term events. Some things to consider include:
Create a safety plan for all members of your family, including pets;
Stock up on supplies, including food, water, currency, batteries, flashlights, first aid kits. This also includes filling up your vehicle with gasoline before a cold spell;
Make sure sufficient supplies of medicines are available. Be prepared to be able to charge medical devices, or have another back up plan like back up oxygen canisters, etc.;
Be prepared to store larger quantities of water and in some cases, be prepared to boil water. Never use heating equipment intend for outdoors, such as camping gear, to heat water or cook inside your home;
Always have your mobile phone charged, and be prepared for alternative methods of charging (such as from a vehicle);
Routinely check on backup power sources if available, such as gas generators, to make sure they can operate during an outage;
Have a battery-powered radio on-hand; • Keep emergency numbers handy; and
Be prepared to move to an alternative location with power if necessary. This could be with family or friends, a local shelter, etc.
Title
Youth Opportunities Available
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
Card Teaser
Each year, United Power selects outstanding students who excel among their peers for an opportunity to represent the cooperative in Washington D.C. at the Youth Tour or at the annual Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp near Steamboat Springs.
All Applications Must be Postmarked by January
Scholarships
Applications Due: Jan. 31, 2019
Each year, United Power awards academic scholarships to outstanding students served by the cooperative. This year, United Power will award 17 scholarships for a total of $19,500. Awards range between $1,000 and $2,000. Eligibility varies for each scholarship, but in general overall academic achievement (such as GPA and ACT/SAT scores), extracurricular activities and community involvement rank high in the evaluation process. A brief written essay is required, and the applicants primary residence must be in United Power’s service territory.
Application
Washington D.C. Youth Tour
Applications Due: Jan. 12, 2019
United Power is accepting applications for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour held June 13–20, 2018 in Washington, D.C. The Tour is a unique opportunity for local students to gain an understanding of American history, develop leadership skills and better understand the role of electric cooperatives. United Power will send three students to represent the cooperative on this all-expense paid trip to our nation’s capital. United Power’s Youth Tour is open to high school students age 16 years or older whose primary residence is in United Power’s service territory.
Application
Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp
Application Due: Jan. 12, 2019
Each summer, United Power selects youth who stand out from among their peers to represent the co-op for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado at the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. Students immerse themselves in learning the value of cooperatives while crafting new friendships and developing leadership skills to model in their schools and communities back home. Camp will be held July 13-19, 2019. Interested students must complete an application, be 16 years of age or older and have a primary residents within United Power’s service territory.
Application
Youth Tour Returns in 2022
Thursday | July 7, 2022
United Power was able to send students to Washington, D.C. this year as part of the Electric Coopera...
Read more >
Title
Why Members Round Up
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Thursday | December 10, 2020
Card Teaser
In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses.
When United Power founded Operation Round-Up in 1995 as a way for members to voluntarily help each other through a small monthly contribution built right into their billing statement, we envisioned being able to help vulnerable and struggling members in the communities we serve make ends meet. We couldn’t have imagined then that a nationwide pandemic would stretch the foundation to its limits as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.
It hasn’t been an easy year for anyone, and some have felt the impacts more than others. Although many more members are in need of assistance, the Round-Up board has remained committed to finding the most effective ways to help meet needs throughout this time.
For those not familiar with Operation Round-Up, it is a foundation funded entirely by members who “round up” their monthly billing statements to the next whole dollar. Participation is voluntary, and average yearly contributions are only $6, or approximately $.50 per month. Those funds are then redistributed to nonprofits in various parts of the service territory to ensure as many members receive help as possible. The Round-Up Board selected these nonprofits because they have more resources and are better equipped to provide for members in need. The Board is made up of fellow United Power members who also live within the various parts of the service territory and are familiar with the specific needs of their respective areas.
This unusual year hasn’t prevented the board from going above and beyond to meet increased needs, which created an added burden on the foundation. Without the generous contributions of more than 20,000 members who have elected to round up their bill, this wouldn’t have been possible.
In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses:
“Yes, been rounding up for at least a decade. One of a list of gratifying things to give. Maximum of $12 a year. A feel good thing!”
Larry W., Commerce City
“I haven’t participated in Round-Up before, but I am signing up today. Sounds like a great program and I can see that even a little bit helps.”
Sam G., Firestone
“Yes we do. We have dealt with hardships and want to contribute to help others in need.”
Brad L., Frederick
“We participate in Round-Up to ensure that our little contribution helps members who are less fortunate, especially in these times of COVID-19.”
James D., Black Hawk
“Yes! We do participate in the Round-Up program. We are grateful for the opportunity to assist members of our and the greater United Power community when the need arises.”
Michelle B., Golden
“I haven’t yet, I did not know what it was! But will be signing up now.”
Terry H., Brighton
Title
Why United Power Plans Outages
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Monday | March 9, 2020
Card Teaser
You may have at one time or another received a recorded message from United Power informing you of a “preplanned” outage in your area.
You may have at one time or another received a recorded message from United Power informing you of a “preplanned” outage in your area. At the time, you may have been curious what a planned outage is and why the cooperative needs to perform them. In order to maintain the reliability of the system, sometimes repairs need to be made to crucial parts of the electric grid. Some repairs can be made without interrupting power, but at other points it either wouldn’t be possible or would be too dangerous for linemen to work while power is flowing.
While the interruption of power may sound like an inconvenience, the short outage ensures greater long-term reliability. Regular system upgrades are necessary for optimal performance. The cooperative’s engineering and operations teams are constantly reviewing the system and identifying areas of improvement or where upgrades can minimize outages while increasing both reliability and security.
Aside from the safety of you and our crews and better performance leading to greater reliability, there are a few more things you should know about preplanned outages. When one of these outages is necessary, the cooperative makes upgrades that affect as few members as possible. Rarely do preplanned outages impact more than a few members. In the rare instance a larger number of members are impacted, there will be more advanced notice. Generally, the larger the outage, the more advanced notice members will receive. Preplanned outages are also scheduled for small windows – usually no more than five hours – when most members are away from the home.
United Power also sends members prerecorded phone messages informing them of work happening in their area. It’s important to differentiate these calls from preplanned outage notices. A notice of work in your area does not always mean you will experience an interruption in power.
In order to receive notices about work in your area or preplanned outages, your contact information on file with the cooperative must be up to date. As new software becomes available, you may also have more options for how to receive important updates from United Power. However, any notice the co-op sends will be tied to the information on your account. If the information on your account, such as phone numbers and email addresses, is not current or is incorrect, you could be missing these important notices.
You can check your contact information and make updates using the free online payment portal, SmartHub, or by calling the Member Services team at 303-637-1300.
Title
Why We Plan Outages
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Friday | February 2, 2018
Card Teaser
Have you ever received a notification from United Power informing you of a “planned outage?”
Have you ever received a notification from United Power informing you of a “planned outage?” You may have wondered, “What is a planned outage?” and “Why does my electric utility need to perform one?” Occasionally, the equipment we use to bring power to your home needs to be replaced, repaired, or updated. When this happens, as a way to keep our crews and you safe, we plan an interruption to electric service.
We do our best to plan these outages during times when members will be the least inconvenienced. We also try to avoid planning these outages during winter or summer months. We understand these are peak times of the year when you depend on running your heating and cooling units the most.
While they may sound slightly inconvenient, planned outages are actually beneficial to you. Regular system upgrades are necessary for optimal performance, and they increase reliability. Repairing and upgrading our equipment is also critical to maintaining public safety. If older lines need to be replaced, we plan for it, repair or replace it, and that keeps everyone safe.
Planned outages also allow us to keep you informed of when and how long you will be without power. In most cases, we will notify you in advance, by telephone, before an outage, so you can be prepared.
We will also keep you aware of when line crews will be working in your area. Here at United Power, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep you safe and to keep our system running smoothly. So the next time you hear about a planned outage, know that it is one of the best ways we can provide you with quality electric service.
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Wildfire Mitigation a Cooperative Priority
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Tuesday | September 15, 2020
Card Teaser
As your cooperative, United Power takes these growing threats seriously. Leadership at the cooperative has continuously embraced a proactive and progressive approach to wildfire prevention.
Wildfires have devastated parts of Colorado this year, with several blazing across the state in August. Near Grand Junction, the Pine Gulch Fire is the largest on record for the state and another near Glenwood Springs had threatened to join the list. Near Fort Collins, a third fire has even threatened parts of Poudre Valley REA’s electrical infrastructure. Although not attributed to any utility electrical system, these fires demonstrate the importance of having a developed fire mitigation plan in place for utilities like United Power, who reviews and updates its plan annually.
As your cooperative, United Power takes these growing threats seriously. Leadership at the cooperative has continuously embraced a proactive and progressive approach to wildfire prevention. United Power’s goal is the safety of its members and the protection of the communities they live in.
United Power made preparations to enhance its existing fire mitigation plan in early 2013 with a change in facility design and placement, making them more accessible and clear of potential hazards. The implementation also included an expansive vegetation management policy to keep infrastructure clear of hazards that could be easily ignited in the event of a system failure (such as a fault or equipment malfunction leading to an outage).
“As we reviewed our system design, we began to recognize the opportunity for better design methodology and the use of advanced technology to prepare for the unexpected,” said acting chief executive officer Bryant Robbins. “One of the things we heavily targeted was the prevention of wildfire risk on our system.”
Members in Coal Creek Canyon, and those driving through, may have noticed crews installing new line in parts of the canyon. This new line is an insulated conductor known as Hendrix cable, which provides a high level of protection when contact is made, such as a tree falling into the line. The strength of the line along with the covered protection goes a long way in preventing fires caused by electrical equipment in the mountain service territory. The new line has been one of the more high profile and visible elements of the cooperative’s fire mitigation plan, but the team at United Power went much further in developing system improvements to mitigate the wildfire risk to members.
Always looking for an opportunity to develop a better system, United Power became an early adopter of drone maintenance inspections and an industry leader in both system automation and the deployment of smart devices.
“These technologies are among the most innovative forms of outage management currently available to utilities,” said Engineering Director Robert Maxwell. “Their design also allows them to stop the flow of electricity to faults that could develop into fires without this technology. We’re far ahead of the curve in utilizing the latest technology when compared not just to other cooperatives but also larger electric utilities.”
Drones are able to quickly survey miles of line in a rapid period of time, freeing line crews to focus on preventable outages, which has been especially useful in the mountains where the terrain can often make pole inspections time consuming and difficult. The number of man hours saved and outages prevented from this innovative inspection format is incalculable.
Automated field devices further allow the system to identify and isolate problems to restore power quickly while minimizing the number of members affected and smart devices are able to immediately report problems back to the cooperative’s system operations. These improvements, along with the installation of advanced trip savers and fault detectors, help improve outage response and mitigate the potential for fires.
Although the current pandemic has interfered with many facets of our daily lives, United Power has continued to make progress implementing new technology onto its system to further mitigate the threat of wildfires. As the past month has shown throughout the state, a strategic fire mitigation plan is essential in Colorado.
“Wildfire preparedness is a priority for United Power, and we’ve been able to blend our efforts to mitigate fire dangers with our efforts to prevent outages,” said Robbins. “As our numbers continue to improve, we’ll also continue looking for the best opportunities to better serve our members, both safely and affordably.”
For more information about United Power’s fire mitigation improvements, go to Fire Mitigation.
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Wildfire Safety Seminar
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Monday | February 14, 2022
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In March, the Firestone Free Thinkers 4-H Club, in partnership with United Power, is hosting a free one-hour wildfire preparedness training, presented by the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District and the CVEMA.
Marshall Fire Reveals Urban Fire Threat; March 6 Seminar to Cover Fire Safety & Preparedness
Historic wildfires have devastated large parts of Colorado and its neighboring states over the past few years. However, the Marshall Fire in late December opened our eyes to the reality that wildfires are not simply a threat for our mountain communities. Given the right conditions, wildfires can spring up anywhere and quickly become uncontrollable.
The Marshall Fire erupted in eastern Boulder County before claiming nearly 1,000 homes and businesses in Boulder, Superior and Louisville, just miles from Denver and even closer to United Power members living in Coal Creek Canyon and Carbon Valley.
United Power has made significant investments in system improvements and upgrades to mitigate the potential for fires off its power lines, particularly in its own mountain communities. With multiple strong wind storms in December, including the storm that fueled the Marshall Fire, those system improvements have more than shown their value to members in both reliability and safety. The cooperative has also provided additional resources members can use to help mitigate the threat of wildfires on their own property, such as how to create “defensible space,” referring to the strategic removal of vegetation that could create a bridge for fire to pass over.
In March, the Firestone Free Thinkers 4-H Club, in partnership with United Power, is hosting a free one-hour fire safety and disaster preparedness training, presented by the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District and the Carbon Valley Emergency Management Agency. The training will discuss how to pack a “go kit” in case of an emergency, how to create defensible space, the difference between evacuations and shelter-in-place and hazards in Carbon Valley.
Fire Safety & Disaster Preparedness Training
FREE 1-HOUR EVENT. NO RSVP REQUIRED. Where:
United Power Carbon Valley Service Center
9586 E I-25 Frontage Rd, Longmont
When:
March 6, 2022 @ 3:00 p.m.
Contact:
CV Emergency Management, 720-526-6594www.fffd.us/227/emergency-management
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Winter Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Thursday | December 29, 2022
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
United Power had a tremendous year in 2022, from our system’s performance in limiting outages and outage duration to our important decision to withdraw from our wholesale power contract and seek a new power supplier.
Much is happening behind the scenes as we prepare for the next decade and beyond. The investments we make — strongly supported by your forward-thinking Board of Directors — position United Power for a future with diverse generation and storage technologies to meet the expectations of our members.
Our dedicated employees are the force behind our successful operations. It takes a team with diverse skill sets and abilities. Our line crews are on call 24/7 to respond to unexpected emergencies and restore power during an outage, and the excellent efforts of our office staff keep the business flowing day-to-day.
Our system relies on dozens of complicated processes that must occur to keep the lights on, and some are not obvious. Supply chain disruption planning, understanding operational challenges through asset management, protecting critical infrastructure across a remote footprint, and understanding and communicating with our members are just a few of these important, yet hidden, processes.
Electric utilities are one of the few businesses only recognized when they do not perform well. I am proud to say that thanks to our great team, our outage times were half the national average in 2022. Over the past several years, we have made a concerted effort to underground our lines where practical, use new and emerging technologies, and deploy additional sensors while focusing our maintenance efforts and investments on areas needing the most improvements.
Our Cooperative Roadmap (Roadmap) outlines the key directions for United Power as we boldly move into the future — a future with a shared energy economy, more electrification, and higher demands for reliability and resilience. We are, as previously announced, preparing for a future with a new power supplier and getting ready for a power market to come in 2025. These moves take many months, if not years, of preparation. The team at United Power is working toward these goals. At the same time, we are understanding of the economic challenges our members are facing, and we are working to keep rates low and reliability high while meeting state regulations.
We are also in the process of seeking federal funding to help support our infrastructure, as laid out in the Inflation Reduction Act, in areas such as wildfire mitigation, electric vehicle charging, and sensors. Under the legislation, individual members and businesses may also have opportunities to apply for direct federal funding for efficiency upgrades, such as energy storage projects, heat pumps, insulation, and electrification of industrial processes.
The upcoming year will be an exciting one as we continue the path outlined in our Roadmap. I am confident we will continue to be the best cooperative in Colorado and one of the best in the nation thanks to our tremendous team and the support from our Board, who are working to keep our communities strong.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me anytime.
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Winter Storm Grid Reliability
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Friday | April 23, 2021
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Several United Power members have asked about this severe weather situation that occurred in Texas, wondering if something similar could happen here at United Power.
Several United Power members have asked about this severe weather situation that occurred in Texas, wondering if something similar could happen here at United Power. There are a number of factors that are unique to the Texas power market and grid that make that region susceptible to both outages and price swings. At United Power we operate under a different wholesale power structure and have a more robust regional network to back up our power grid – both factors that help us avoid a situation like the one in Texas.
When the weather is at its worst, electric co-ops are at their best, working together to keep the lights on. United Power currently purchases all its wholesale power from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, which is a generation electric cooperative that provides service to four states. Tri-State and its members work around the clock to keep power reliable for distribution cooperatives like United Power.
How did our power supplier and our region perform during the severe winter weather?
Tri-State was able to provide the power its members needed, while managing costs to protect its members from higher electricity bills.
Tri-State’s initial analysis on the operational and financial impacts from the Feb. 13-17 winter storm, which has created financial difficulties for utility services providers in many parts of the U.S., show that the storm had an immaterial financial impact on Tri-State.
Sufficient resources were available to fully serve all the cooperative members electric loads, and no wholesale rate increase will be required or passed along to Tri-State's 42 member cooperatives and public power districts as a result of the severe weather.
What role did various generation technologies play during the recent severe weather?
Tri-State’s coal generation fleet performed extremely well during the weather event, providing reliable and low-cost power for the duration of the severe weather.
In response to the limited availability and high price of natural gas, Tri-State made the decision to use fuel oil at its dual-fuel combustion turbine generating plants. This action significantly reduced Tri-State’s exposure to record high natural gas prices, which were driven by lower supply and higher demand as space heating needs increased.
Tri-State’s solar resources performed adequately, but were below the monthly forecast. Wind resources were more significantly impacted and performed far below forecast due to low wind speeds and icing conditions. Such conditions for wind generation performance, however, are not unexpected during these types of severe winter weather events.
Tri-State's recent entry on Feb. 1 into the Southwest Power Pool’s Western Energy Imbalance Service market also supported the cooperative’s members through the weather event. The new market performed well, maximizing the efficient usage of the transmission system and dispatching the lowest-cost resources.
How does Tri-State ensure resources are available and prepare for severe weather?
Maintaining the electric grid is a real-time operation. Power must be generated at the very moment it’s used in the exact amount that’s needed at all times. Keeping our electric grid stable requires continual, real-time monitoring to balance supply and demand.
Tri-State plans its resources with a reserve that helps ensure that it will be able to meet its member cooperatives electricity needs. Tri-State also maintains operating reserves that can be brought on within 10 minutes, and works with other utilities in “reserve sharing groups” to help ensure loads can be met.
To anticipate electricity needs, Tri-State’s staff use a combination of load forecasts and weather conditions to predict system demand. They also rely on their experience. Looking ahead at generation availability and scheduling energy purchases helps ensure there is enough electricity to meet demand at the lowest costs available.
Operationally, Tri-State maintains its power plants and transmission system to be reliable year-round. When severe winter weather approaches, Tri-State prepares its power plants, and if severe weather is forecast that could affect its transmission infrastructure, Tri-State will position lineworkers in key areas to ensure they can address any issues as quickly as possible.
Why did the severe winter weather cause power outages in some areas of the country?
In the electric grid that serves the western U.S., including United Power, there were no reports of power outages tied to the availability of electricity.
In the eastern grid, where Tri-State serves several members in Nebraska as part of the Southwest Power Pool’s regional transmission organization, very cold weather increased electricity demand and power production challenges tightened power reserves, resulting in very limited and brief interruptions of power that were coordinated among transmission operators. Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) also required some load shedding in the eastern interconnection.
In the Texas electric grid operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), there were more significant issues as record cold weather increased electricity demand, which exceeded the resources available to produce electricity as fuel supplies and power plants were also affected by the record cold weather. As electricity reserves in ERCOT severely tightened, electric service was curtailed to help protect grid reliability. Prices for natural gas and electricity reached record levels. These conditions persisted for several days. Regulators are investigating the reliability and energy cost issues across the country.
How should member-owners prepare for weather-related power outages?
As recent wildfires and winter storms remind us, Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It’s important to be prepared and have an action plan for possible power outages, both for short- and long-term events. Some things to consider include:
Create a safety plan for all members of your family, including pets;
Stock up on supplies, including food, water, currency, batteries, flashlights, first aid kits. This also includes filling up your vehicle with gasoline before a cold spell;
Make sure sufficient supplies of medicines are available. Be prepared to be able to charge medical devices, or have another back up plan like back up oxygen canisters, etc.;
Be prepared to store larger quantities of water and in some cases, be prepared to boil water. Never use heating equipment intend for outdoors, such as camping gear, to heat water or cook inside your home;
Always have your mobile phone charged, and be prepared for alternative methods of charging (such as from a vehicle);
Routinely check on backup power sources if available, such as gas generators, to make sure they can operate during an outage;
Have a battery-powered radio on-hand; • Keep emergency numbers handy; and
Be prepared to move to an alternative location with power if necessary. This could be with family or friends, a local shelter, etc.
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Youth Opportunities Available
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
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Each year, United Power selects outstanding students who excel among their peers for an opportunity to represent the cooperative in Washington D.C. at the Youth Tour or at the annual Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp near Steamboat Springs.
All Applications Must be Postmarked by January
Scholarships
Applications Due: Jan. 31, 2019
Each year, United Power awards academic scholarships to outstanding students served by the cooperative. This year, United Power will award 17 scholarships for a total of $19,500. Awards range between $1,000 and $2,000. Eligibility varies for each scholarship, but in general overall academic achievement (such as GPA and ACT/SAT scores), extracurricular activities and community involvement rank high in the evaluation process. A brief written essay is required, and the applicants primary residence must be in United Power’s service territory.
Application
Washington D.C. Youth Tour
Applications Due: Jan. 12, 2019
United Power is accepting applications for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour held June 13–20, 2018 in Washington, D.C. The Tour is a unique opportunity for local students to gain an understanding of American history, develop leadership skills and better understand the role of electric cooperatives. United Power will send three students to represent the cooperative on this all-expense paid trip to our nation’s capital. United Power’s Youth Tour is open to high school students age 16 years or older whose primary residence is in United Power’s service territory.
Application
Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp
Application Due: Jan. 12, 2019
Each summer, United Power selects youth who stand out from among their peers to represent the co-op for a week in the mountains of northwest Colorado at the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp. Students immerse themselves in learning the value of cooperatives while crafting new friendships and developing leadership skills to model in their schools and communities back home. Camp will be held July 13-19, 2019. Interested students must complete an application, be 16 years of age or older and have a primary residents within United Power’s service territory.
Application
Youth Tour Returns in 2022
Thursday | July 7, 2022
United Power was able to send students to Washington, D.C. this year as part of the Electric Coopera...
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