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United Power Hosts Member Forum to Discuss Power Supply
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Monday | June 13, 2022
Card Teaser
United Power held a member forum on June 7 to discuss the upcoming exit from its current wholesale power contract.
United Power held a member forum on June 7 to discuss the upcoming exit from its current wholesale power contract and highlight opportunities to purchase low cost, high reliability power that is produced in an environmentally responsible manner. In April, the cooperative filed a nonconditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, reaffirming its decision to leave its wholesale power supplier. The withdrawal is effective May 1, 2024.
Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Dean Hubbuck, the cooperative’s Chief Energy Resources Officer, discussed the exit process, goals of the transition, and impact to members with both in person and virtual attendees. Gabriel reassured members the shift in power suppliers would not affect their status as members of the cooperative and the exit was ultimately about controlling costs and potentially lowering rates.
“We’re working diligently so that we can save money,” Gabriel said. “If we can control costs and if we can manage to get better pricing out in the market, we are able then to lower rates. I think that’s something that’s critical as a member-owned cooperative.”
Hubbuck provided a high-level overview of various steps the cooperative has taken to negotiate a fair and equitable contract termination fee through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including several recent decisions in favor of United Power, and its recent request for proposal (RFP) for new power supply.
“We are expecting a healthy response to our RFP, which is due in the early part of August,” Hubbuck said. “We’ll spend about two months evaluating proposals before selecting a handful of suppliers to work with directly. We hope to select a supplier, or group of suppliers, and begin contract negotiations early next year.”
United Power has attempted to negotiate contract modifications with its wholesale power supplier, including an option for partial requirements, but has been met with resistance. The current contract no longer makes economic sense for the cooperative or its members. It limits local generation and member flexibility while rates are well above market price.
“Historically, our wholesale power contract was entered into because, at that time, our most pressing issue was to secure a reliable source of power when very few viable options were available,” said Beth Martin, United Power’s Board Chairman. “Our situation has substantially changed, with more affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable power supply options now available. We believe we should deliver electricity that is more reflective of the current market price, ultimately helping our members save."
More information about United Power’s contract negotiations and transition to new power suppliers is available on the Power Supply page. Members who were unable to attend the Power Supply Forum can watch it here.
United Power Hosts Members at Carbon Valley Open House Celebration
Monday | August 30, 2021
United Power joined a small group of elite cooperatives in June when it surpassed 100,000 meters served off its lines. To celebrate, the co-op hosted an Open House Celebration for members at its Carbon Valley Service Center on August 28.
Read more >
United Power Joins National Organization GridWise Alliance
Thursday | July 22, 2021
United Power is now a member of the GridWise Alliance, a national organization which helps foster relationships among a diverse group of industry stakeholders and advocates for public policy changes that benefit grid modernization.
Read more >
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United Power Joins Southwest Power Pool
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Thursday | June 23, 2022
Card Teaser
United Power is the first distribution utility in the Western Interconnection to join the SPP.
Brighton, CO - United Power, an electric cooperative based in Brighton, Colorado, is the first distribution utility in the Western Interconnection to join the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). SPP is a regional transmission organization (RTO), a nonprofit corporation mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale electricity prices on behalf of its members.
“Since United Power is leaving our current wholesale power supplier in 2024, it is important that we seek out memberships and partnerships that will help us assure a reliable power source at the lowest cost possible,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “Our membership with SPP is one of the critical pieces we wanted in place as we move toward a new energy future for our members.”
SPP works as an aggregator of generation resources, dispatching the power where it is needed. The value of belonging to an RTO is multi-pronged for cooperatives like United Power. The power pool is charged with building reliability and predictability into their power marketplace and helping to reduce the risks that come with varying weather conditions. It is also committed to providing the lowest cost power available to serve its members, minute by minute.
The SPP is responsible for identifying power needs for the region it serves. Members of SPP will have an active role in determining where new transmission is built and will be able to have their interests represented directly.
“Membership matters. Our membership in SPP means we will have a meaningful say in the strategic direction of the organization,” stated Gabriel. “Members have an active role in determining how this new energy market develops and how the organization grows. We will be able to directly represent the interests of all United Power members.”
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops 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, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
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United Power Lineman to Help Power Guatemala
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Friday | May 4, 2018
Card Teaser
United Power Journeyman Lineman, Kelly Snow, is among seven volunteer linemen selected by the Colorado Rural Electric Association to support a program to help electrify remote communities in northwestern Guatemala this fall.
United Power Journeyman Lineman, Kelly Snow, is among seven volunteer linemen selected by the Colorado Rural Electric Association to support a program to help electrify remote communities in northwestern Guatemala this fall.
The Colorado crew will join eight linemen from co-ops in Oklahoma on a joint project coordinated through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s philanthropic NRECA International Foundation.
“We’re very excited about this inaugural CREA-sponsored project in Guatemala,” said CREA Executive Director Kent Singer. “Our group includes outstanding co-op linemen, who will volunteer their time and expertise to bring much needed electricity to people and communities who have never experienced it before.”
The volunteers will build power lines in the village of Pie del Cerro and, potentially, in neighboring Tierra Blanca Salinas. Both communities are located far from larger population areas near a rain forest in the Ixcan region, close to the Mexican border. Collectively, the communities have about 100 households, five churches, two elementary schools and two health centers — all without access to reliable and affordable electricity. The local residents live in small one or two room homes without running water, refrigeration or the use of electronic appliances for household chores or business services. Farming is the local industry; they produce corn, beans cardamom seeds, cocoa and vegetables.
A local utility, Empresa Municipal Rural de Electricidad (EMRE), based in Playa Grande, Ixcan, will maintain the power lines once they are built. The project will consist of 130 poles and two transformers on 4.34 miles of primary line and 3.86 miles of secondary line. Most of the terrain will be flat, but about 1 mile of line will be built through dense rain forest growth. Each home will receive at least two light bulbs and two electrical outlets.
“We’re proud to have Kelly representing United Power on this very worthy project,” said Bryant Robbins, Chief Operations Officer. “Electrifying rural communities is the foundation that electric cooperatives were formed, and it’s part of our ongoing commitment to communities around the world.”
A selection committee consisting of CREA staff members and two board members from CREA’s Colorado Electric Educational Institute interviewed applicants and selected six co-op linemen and two alternates for the trip. The seventh spot will be filled by CREA Director of Safety and Loss Control Dale Kishbaugh.
“Thanks to all of the linemen who were interested in participating in this trip,” Singer said. “It is great to see how many of our co-op family were willing to leave their homes for an extended period for such a grueling trip to help others in another country. This project will bring economic possibilities to these villages, as well as better access to education and enhanced safety and lifestyles.”
Volunteers selected for the project include: Christian Baker, Holy Cross Energy, Glenwood Springs,Springs; Kris Barbee, Southeast Colorado Power Association, La Junta; Ben Ludington, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, Fort Collins; Kelly Snow, United Power, Brighton; Chet Stickler, Holy Cross, Glenwood Springs; and Nate Towne, Mountain Parks Electric, Granby.
Alternates are Chris Stanworth, White River Electric; and Baker McKonly, La Plata Electric Association, Durango.
CREA is the statewide trade association for Colorado’s 22 electric cooperatives and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.
United Power Lineman Traveling to Guatemala in September
Monday | September 3, 2018
Veteran United Power lineman Kelly Snow has been selected to join five other Colorado linemen and eight Oklahoma linemen to bring power to two remote jungle villages in Guatemala this September.
Read more >
United Power Linemen Wearing FR Face Masks
Friday | April 10, 2020
In recognition of a CDC recommendation to wear masks, United Power line crews are being given masks made locally from extra fire-resistant shirts.
Read more >
Title
United Power Hosts Member Forum to Discuss Power Supply
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/TransmissionSolar.jpg?itok=vn6mc-kQ
Monday | June 13, 2022
Card Teaser
United Power held a member forum on June 7 to discuss the upcoming exit from its current wholesale power contract.
United Power held a member forum on June 7 to discuss the upcoming exit from its current wholesale power contract and highlight opportunities to purchase low cost, high reliability power that is produced in an environmentally responsible manner. In April, the cooperative filed a nonconditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, reaffirming its decision to leave its wholesale power supplier. The withdrawal is effective May 1, 2024.
Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Dean Hubbuck, the cooperative’s Chief Energy Resources Officer, discussed the exit process, goals of the transition, and impact to members with both in person and virtual attendees. Gabriel reassured members the shift in power suppliers would not affect their status as members of the cooperative and the exit was ultimately about controlling costs and potentially lowering rates.
“We’re working diligently so that we can save money,” Gabriel said. “If we can control costs and if we can manage to get better pricing out in the market, we are able then to lower rates. I think that’s something that’s critical as a member-owned cooperative.”
Hubbuck provided a high-level overview of various steps the cooperative has taken to negotiate a fair and equitable contract termination fee through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including several recent decisions in favor of United Power, and its recent request for proposal (RFP) for new power supply.
“We are expecting a healthy response to our RFP, which is due in the early part of August,” Hubbuck said. “We’ll spend about two months evaluating proposals before selecting a handful of suppliers to work with directly. We hope to select a supplier, or group of suppliers, and begin contract negotiations early next year.”
United Power has attempted to negotiate contract modifications with its wholesale power supplier, including an option for partial requirements, but has been met with resistance. The current contract no longer makes economic sense for the cooperative or its members. It limits local generation and member flexibility while rates are well above market price.
“Historically, our wholesale power contract was entered into because, at that time, our most pressing issue was to secure a reliable source of power when very few viable options were available,” said Beth Martin, United Power’s Board Chairman. “Our situation has substantially changed, with more affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable power supply options now available. We believe we should deliver electricity that is more reflective of the current market price, ultimately helping our members save."
More information about United Power’s contract negotiations and transition to new power suppliers is available on the Power Supply page. Members who were unable to attend the Power Supply Forum can watch it here.
United Power Hosts Members at Carbon Valley Open House Celebration
Monday | August 30, 2021
United Power joined a small group of elite cooperatives in June when it surpassed 100,000 meters served off its lines. To celebrate, the co-op hosted an Open House Celebration for members at its Carbon Valley Service Center on August 28.
Read more >
United Power Joins National Organization GridWise Alliance
Thursday | July 22, 2021
United Power is now a member of the GridWise Alliance, a national organization which helps foster relationships among a diverse group of industry stakeholders and advocates for public policy changes that benefit grid modernization.
Read more >
Title
United Power Joins Southwest Power Pool
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/TransmissionSolar.jpg?itok=vn6mc-kQ
Thursday | June 23, 2022
Card Teaser
United Power is the first distribution utility in the Western Interconnection to join the SPP.
Brighton, CO - United Power, an electric cooperative based in Brighton, Colorado, is the first distribution utility in the Western Interconnection to join the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). SPP is a regional transmission organization (RTO), a nonprofit corporation mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale electricity prices on behalf of its members.
“Since United Power is leaving our current wholesale power supplier in 2024, it is important that we seek out memberships and partnerships that will help us assure a reliable power source at the lowest cost possible,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “Our membership with SPP is one of the critical pieces we wanted in place as we move toward a new energy future for our members.”
SPP works as an aggregator of generation resources, dispatching the power where it is needed. The value of belonging to an RTO is multi-pronged for cooperatives like United Power. The power pool is charged with building reliability and predictability into their power marketplace and helping to reduce the risks that come with varying weather conditions. It is also committed to providing the lowest cost power available to serve its members, minute by minute.
The SPP is responsible for identifying power needs for the region it serves. Members of SPP will have an active role in determining where new transmission is built and will be able to have their interests represented directly.
“Membership matters. Our membership in SPP means we will have a meaningful say in the strategic direction of the organization,” stated Gabriel. “Members have an active role in determining how this new energy market develops and how the organization grows. We will be able to directly represent the interests of all United Power members.”
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops 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, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
Title
United Power Lineman to Help Power Guatemala
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/05_04_2018_Guatemala.png?itok=8ngelyuC
Friday | May 4, 2018
Card Teaser
United Power Journeyman Lineman, Kelly Snow, is among seven volunteer linemen selected by the Colorado Rural Electric Association to support a program to help electrify remote communities in northwestern Guatemala this fall.
United Power Journeyman Lineman, Kelly Snow, is among seven volunteer linemen selected by the Colorado Rural Electric Association to support a program to help electrify remote communities in northwestern Guatemala this fall.
The Colorado crew will join eight linemen from co-ops in Oklahoma on a joint project coordinated through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s philanthropic NRECA International Foundation.
“We’re very excited about this inaugural CREA-sponsored project in Guatemala,” said CREA Executive Director Kent Singer. “Our group includes outstanding co-op linemen, who will volunteer their time and expertise to bring much needed electricity to people and communities who have never experienced it before.”
The volunteers will build power lines in the village of Pie del Cerro and, potentially, in neighboring Tierra Blanca Salinas. Both communities are located far from larger population areas near a rain forest in the Ixcan region, close to the Mexican border. Collectively, the communities have about 100 households, five churches, two elementary schools and two health centers — all without access to reliable and affordable electricity. The local residents live in small one or two room homes without running water, refrigeration or the use of electronic appliances for household chores or business services. Farming is the local industry; they produce corn, beans cardamom seeds, cocoa and vegetables.
A local utility, Empresa Municipal Rural de Electricidad (EMRE), based in Playa Grande, Ixcan, will maintain the power lines once they are built. The project will consist of 130 poles and two transformers on 4.34 miles of primary line and 3.86 miles of secondary line. Most of the terrain will be flat, but about 1 mile of line will be built through dense rain forest growth. Each home will receive at least two light bulbs and two electrical outlets.
“We’re proud to have Kelly representing United Power on this very worthy project,” said Bryant Robbins, Chief Operations Officer. “Electrifying rural communities is the foundation that electric cooperatives were formed, and it’s part of our ongoing commitment to communities around the world.”
A selection committee consisting of CREA staff members and two board members from CREA’s Colorado Electric Educational Institute interviewed applicants and selected six co-op linemen and two alternates for the trip. The seventh spot will be filled by CREA Director of Safety and Loss Control Dale Kishbaugh.
“Thanks to all of the linemen who were interested in participating in this trip,” Singer said. “It is great to see how many of our co-op family were willing to leave their homes for an extended period for such a grueling trip to help others in another country. This project will bring economic possibilities to these villages, as well as better access to education and enhanced safety and lifestyles.”
Volunteers selected for the project include: Christian Baker, Holy Cross Energy, Glenwood Springs,Springs; Kris Barbee, Southeast Colorado Power Association, La Junta; Ben Ludington, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, Fort Collins; Kelly Snow, United Power, Brighton; Chet Stickler, Holy Cross, Glenwood Springs; and Nate Towne, Mountain Parks Electric, Granby.
Alternates are Chris Stanworth, White River Electric; and Baker McKonly, La Plata Electric Association, Durango.
CREA is the statewide trade association for Colorado’s 22 electric cooperatives and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.
United Power Lineman Traveling to Guatemala in September
Monday | September 3, 2018
Veteran United Power lineman Kelly Snow has been selected to join five other Colorado linemen and eight Oklahoma linemen to bring power to two remote jungle villages in Guatemala this September.
Read more >
United Power Linemen Wearing FR Face Masks
Friday | April 10, 2020
In recognition of a CDC recommendation to wear masks, United Power line crews are being given masks made locally from extra fire-resistant shirts.
Read more >
