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United Power Purchases New Facility in Western Corridor of Territory
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Thursday | April 27, 2017
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Brighton, Colo.—United Power has closed on the purchase of a 130,000 square foot facility located on the west side of the cooperative’s service territory to serve as the fourth location serving our members.
Brighton, Colo.—United Power has closed on the purchase of a 130,000 square foot facility located on the west side of the cooperative’s service territory to serve as the fourth location serving our members. The new facility is located on the east side of I-25, just south of Highway 119.
“The purchase of this building is a great step toward meeting some of United Power’s strategic goals,” said United Power CEO, Darryl Schriver. “As the territory becomes more populated, our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to our members is vital. This west office will allow us to dispatch trucks and personnel to the west and north sides of our territory quickly without the substantial drive time from the headquarters in Brighton.”
The new facility will help the cooperative free up space in the Brighton headquarters to have more room for training and storage. Plans are also in place to lease part of the west facility back to United Power’s primary contractor, Ward Electric. Ward Electric recently added United Power logos to their trucks to help members quickly identify cooperative contractors in the field.
“This facility is a win for the cooperative, for Ward Electric and for our members,” stated Schriver. “We’ve been able to negotiate a great financial deal on this purchase, in part because the seller appreciated the cooperative’s profile in the community and sees us a valuable resource. Now we’ll be able to better support the rapidly growing areas in our territory by having trucks and staff that can respond from both sides of our plains territory.”
United Power purchased the facility for $8.76 million and took possession on April 25th. United Power is also in negotiations to acquire an adjacent plot of undeveloped land. The additional property would allow for the addition of on-site material storage and expanded parking. The cooperative will be communicating updates about the new facility and how it will be used via the member newsletter United Newsline and on the website.
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United Power Ranked in Top 10 List for Energy Storage
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Monday | August 19, 2019
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United Power was among the smallest utilities, and only Colorado utility, to make the list.
Brighton, Colo. — United Power has been named as one of a select group of utilities that connected the most energy storage capacity to the grid in 2018, earning it a spot on the annual Top 10 utility industry list compiled by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA).
In survey results released August 6, United Power ranked No. 10 on the utility energy storage list for Annual Megawatt-hours with 18.2 megawatt-hours (MWh) in interconnected capacity in 2018.
United Power was the only Colorado utility to be listed in the top ten and is among the smallest of the utilities to make the list. The survey ranked battery storage initiatives from a mix of investor-owned, municipal and cooperative utility systems – including some of the largest energy companies in the country. United Power is a member-owned electric cooperative serving just over 92,000 meters and is currently operating two Tesla battery storage systems—one of which is the largest battery storage system in Colorado.
“Being recognized in the top 10 with some of the largest utilities across the country is an honor and a testament to the innovation that our board and staff are working hard to achieve. We want to ensure that the latest emerging energy technologies are powering our members into the future,” said John Parker, United Power’s Chief Executive Officer. “Despite being one of the smaller utilities on this list, we continue to be leaders in energy innovation in Colorado, among cooperatives, and when measured against some of the largest investor-owned utilities across the country.”
The 12th Annual Utility Market Survey collected figures from over 500 utilities across the country. The full Top 10 listings are available online.
“The utilities in the Top 10 are truly spearheading the progress we’ve seen in the electric sector this past year,” said Julia Hamm, SEPA’s President and CEO. “It goes beyond just energy storage - they are implementing replicable business models and paving the way to a clean and modern energy future, something that won’t be possible without utilities’ leadership and cooperation.”
To learn more about the Energy Storage Top 10 Rankings, please contact Jordan Nachbar, JNachbar@sepapower.org or 202-559-2034
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United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 92,000 homes and businesses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Twitter or Facebook.
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is dedicated to helping electric power stakeholders address the most pressing issues they encounter as they pursue the transition to a clean and modern electric future and a carbon-free energy system by 2050. We are a trusted partner providing education, research, standards, and collaboration to help utilities, electric customers, and other industry players across four pathways: Transportation Electrification, Grid Integration, Regulatory Innovation and Utility Business Models. Through educational activities, working groups, peer-to-peer engagements and advisory services, SEPA convenes interested parties to facilitate information exchange and knowledge transfer to offer the highest value for our members and partner organizations. For more information, visit www.sepapower.org.
Follow SEPA on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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United Power Recognizes Earth Day
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Thursday | April 22, 2021
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This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
Cooperative Encourages Members to Practice Energy Efficiency
Brighton, CO – In the spring of 1970, more than 20 million Americans were inspired to gather in communities across the country to celebrate the first Earth Day. The celebration was designed to bring awareness to environmental issues and encourage using our resources more efficiently. This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
“Our members are the drivers of energy efficiency, and we want to help them make better decisions about how they use electricity in their homes and businesses,” said United Power Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Gabriel. “As a cooperative, we are uniquely situated to provide tools for members to make energy efficiency a priority this Earth Day. We encourage our members to take a moment to consider the ways they can improve their energy use, save money and help contribute to environmental wellness both locally and globally.”
Thinking about ways to implement energy efficiency goals may seem daunting to many individuals and families, but it does not have to be. United Power offers members a wealth of information about how to practice energy efficiency. Here are some easy and low-cost tips to start your energy saving journey:
Invest in LED Lighting
Many homes and businesses may still utilize older, less efficient forms of lighting. Traditional lighting converts energy into heat to produce light. The heat lost during generation is wasted. Newer, more efficient LEDs, or light emitting diodes, turn energy directly into light, producing little wasted energy. Although LEDs can be a more expensive investment initially, they will pay for themselves in time because they have a far longer life than traditional bulbs and use far less energy. It is one of the quickest ways to practice energy efficiency in your home.
Manage Your Demand
Demand is the amount of energy you use in a given time. United Power recommends members stagger the use of large appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, clothing washers and dryers to keep demand costs down. When possible, you can also try to use smaller appliances to do the job of bigger ones, such as cooking in a crockpot.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Heating and cooling account for approximately half of the average family’s annual energy use. Because spring weather in Colorado is impossible to predict, you never know if you will be cranking up the heat or blasting your air conditioning. Adjusting your thermostat even a single degree per an eight-hour period is estimated to result in a 1 percent savings on your energy bill. During warm nights, you can also take advantage of Colorado’s mild climate by opening a couple windows, known as cross ventilation.
Turn Appliances Completely Off
Whether you are leaving for a short trip to the grocery store or a weeklong family vacation, take care to ensure any appliances are turned off. Many newer appliances have what is called a “standby” mode, which still draws a small amount of energy. Televisions and gaming systems are most notable for these modes. These loads can add up quickly. According to the US Department of Energy, these loads account for approximately 10 percent of the average family’s energy use.
Simple, quick and cheap steps can show immediate results. These steps will help you, help the cooperative and, most importantly, help the environment. For members who want to go a step further and generate solar energy at home, these simple energy savings tips can help you get the most out of your solar investment. For more information on how to manage energy use in your home, go to Managing My Energy.
How United Power is Forging a Renewable Future
United Power has long been invested in pursuing renewable projects that make economic sense for both the cooperative and its members. The cooperative has built a national reputation for its introduction of innovative renewable projects over the past decade, beginning with the launch of its community solar garden, Sol Partners, in May 2010.
As your cooperative, United Power continues to monitor the renewable energy landscape and recognizes the future of electrical generation will be an “all of the above” strategy of investing in a variety of generation sources. The addition of these projects, from utility scale solar farms to a state-leading battery storage facility, helps build some cost stability for members.
The addition of the Platteville Solar Farm in December brought United Power’s cumulative solar production to more than 45 megawatts. Together with the cooperative’s other renewable projects and its members’ rooftop solar systems, United Power produces nearly 85 total megawatts, accounting for 14 percent of its energy needs and enough to power more than 11,000 homes and businesses.
“United Power has demonstrative success in planning for and implementing renewable projects that provide tangible benefits for our members,” Gabriel said. “As we plan for the future, we’ll continue to prioritize projects that establish us as a leader in the energy industry and also meet our members’ expectations for us as their cooperative. What we’re doing now is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and environmentally friendly electric utility.”
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United Power Releases Exit Fee Calculations for All Tri-State Members’ Use
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Tuesday | November 1, 2022
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United Power has filed two exit fee calculators in conjunction with its response to the FERC initial decision by Administrative Law Judge Renee Terry.
Dynamic Calculators Included in Recent FERC Exceptions Filing
Brighton, CO - United Power has filed two exit fee calculators in conjunction with its response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) initial decision by Administrative Law Judge Renee Terry. These calculators may be used to assist FERC and others as they evaluate the impact of (1) United Power’s proposed balance sheet approach (BSA) incorporating the most recent available data and (2) certain modifications to the BSA proposed by FERC trial staff and adopted by the initial decision.
The tools allow all 42 utility members to assess their exit fees from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State) under (1) United Power’s as-filed BSA (“Appendix A”) and (2) the BSA implementing certain adjustments adopted in the initial decision (“Appendix B”). Working copies of the calculator tools, definitions, and descriptions can be found at www.unitedpower.com/powersupply.
The Appendix B fees are modeled based on FERC staff’s exemplary calculations previewed during the hearing process that were adopted in the initial decision, as well as publicly available data, such as Tri-State’s annual financial reports. Each of the 42 utility members can enter a desired departure date and select variables implementing the exit options available under the initial decision. The Appendix B model also calculates alternatives proposed by United Power in its concurrently filed exceptions brief (e.g., a principled 10-year revenue averaging option and transmission revenue adjustment that United Power describes in the brief). These alternatives improve upon the calculations reflecting the initial decision’s overarching principle that the exit fees should be based on the net costs Tri-State incurred to serve the exiting member.
“We appreciate the hard work by FERC staff in proposing solutions for departure from our power supplier that are in most respects aligned with what United Power has consistently advocated as a fair outcome,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “By following United Power’s balance sheet approach, everyone can calculate their actual cost to depart. This is critical for future planning for our current power supplier and its utility members. Though the initial decision modifications present implementation questions and other obstacles that we challenge in our exceptions brief, we believe the decision’s principles chart a course toward members’ fair transition to competitive supply and open access.”
United Power has formally indicated its departure from Tri-State, effective May 1, 2024. Learn more about United Power’s departure plan at www.unitedpower.com/powersupply.
About United PowerUnited Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
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United Power Resumes In-Person Services and Collection of Late Fees, Reconnect Fees
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Wednesday | May 12, 2021
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United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures.
Now that COVID vaccinations are widely available and restrictions are lifting, United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures. Beginning on May 18th, late fees and reconnect fees, which were temporarily waived during the height of the COVID shutdowns, will be reinstated. On June 1st, select teams of United Power employees will return to the office, and United Power will open its Brighton lobby to walk-in visitors and for in-person payments.
United Power was one of the first Colorado utilities to pause disconnections for non-payment and waive late fees and disconnect fees when the initial pandemic stay-at-home orders were issued. Disconnections for non-payment resumed in July 2020, and on May 18th, late fees for payments not received by the due date and reconnection fees to restore electric service will resume. United Power offers several ways to avoid fees, including payment arrangements, enrolling in Pay As You Go pre-paid electric service, and applying for Co-op Cares Funds. The cooperative allocated $550,000 in relief funds to help members financially impacted by COVID. Any member struggling to make their payments in full or on time is encouraged to call United Power to access resources for assistance.
“We want to help our members avoid additional fees and disconnections, but they need to reach out to us before they are past due on their payments,” said Francis Ashu, United Power Director of Member Services. “Through our Co-op Cares fund, we have been able to help almost two thousand members financially impacted by COVID, and there are still funds available for members who are facing hardships.”
On June 1st, United Power’s Brighton Headquarters lobby at 500 Cooperative Way will re-open. While we will continue providing a suite of remote options to assist members, our Representatives will be available to assist members in person during regular business hours of Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be required for all visitors and employees as directed by local health code mandates. The Carbon Valley and Coal Creek offices remain closed to visitors. Payment kiosks accept cash, check, and card payments and are available at all United Power offices and the Bank of Colorado Operations Center in Ft Lupton.
“Our dedicated employees are anxious to see our members and interact with them in person again. We are glad that a safe return to normal operations is possible,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President, and Chief Executive Officer. “United Power has taken every precaution to protect employees from being affected by COVID. With one office re-opening, we will continue to adhere to health department guidelines in the office, and some teams will continue to work remotely. To further protect our employees and ensure they are here to serve our members, we are offering an on-site vaccine clinic for employees and family members.”
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United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with NextEra Energy Resources
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Tuesday | April 9, 2024
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Agreement adds 150 MW of solar to the cooperative’s power mix.
Agreement adds 150 MW of Solar to the Cooperative’s Power MixBrighton, CO—United Power, Inc. (United Power), an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, and a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage, announce the signing of a power purchase agreement on April 9. Under the 25-year agreement, United Power will receive output from NextEra Energy Resources’ South Platte Solar project, which is scheduled to begin operations in December 2027.
“United Power continues to build on our growing portfolio of local, renewable resources under this agreement,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “Our strategy is to continue to add resources to our power mix that complement our growth. This new resource is scheduled to come online at the end of 2027 to offset the ongoing territory growth that we expect to see.”
NextEra Energy Resources, the owner and operator of the South Platte Solar project, is building the 150 MW facility in Morgan County. The solar installation is expected to generate more than 350,000 MWh annually.
“We are thrilled to work with United Power to deliver clean, sustainable energy to its members through our South Platte Solar project,” said Jim Shandalov, VP of Power Origination at NextEra Energy Resources. “Adding 150 MW of solar energy to its supply mix will enable United Power to deliver cost-effective, clean energy in response to its growing power demand.”
United Power serves more than 110,000 meters and maintains and operates over 6,500 miles of distribution line. The 900-square mile service territory wraps around the north and west borders of the Denver International Airport. It includes the north and northeast metropolitan development corridors along Interstate 25, Interstate 76, State Highway 85, and E-470 and the Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons, two of Colorado’s most iconic and historic mountain canyons. As a result of its geographic location, United Power’s system is experiencing significant demand and energy growth, averaging approximately 6% annually.
United Power is building an energy portfolio ahead of leaving its current wholesale power supplier on May 1. Since July 2023, the cooperative has announced multiple agreements with providers and generation sources for portfolio assets related to this exit. To learn more about these contracts and United Power’s power supply transition, visit www.unitedpower.com/powersupply.
About United PowerUnited Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern Front Range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About NextEra Energy ResourcesNextEra Energy Resources, LLC (together with its affiliated entities, “NextEra Energy Resources”) is a clean energy leader and is one of the largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., with approximately 30,600 megawatts of total net generating capacity, primarily in 41 states and Canada as of year-end 2023. NextEra Energy Resources is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. The business operates clean, emissions-free nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet. NextEra Energy Resources offers a wide range of clean energy solutions to help businesses and customers across the country meet their emissions reduction goals. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit: www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.###
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United Power Purchases New Facility in Western Corridor of Territory
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Thursday | April 27, 2017
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Brighton, Colo.—United Power has closed on the purchase of a 130,000 square foot facility located on the west side of the cooperative’s service territory to serve as the fourth location serving our members.
Brighton, Colo.—United Power has closed on the purchase of a 130,000 square foot facility located on the west side of the cooperative’s service territory to serve as the fourth location serving our members. The new facility is located on the east side of I-25, just south of Highway 119.
“The purchase of this building is a great step toward meeting some of United Power’s strategic goals,” said United Power CEO, Darryl Schriver. “As the territory becomes more populated, our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to our members is vital. This west office will allow us to dispatch trucks and personnel to the west and north sides of our territory quickly without the substantial drive time from the headquarters in Brighton.”
The new facility will help the cooperative free up space in the Brighton headquarters to have more room for training and storage. Plans are also in place to lease part of the west facility back to United Power’s primary contractor, Ward Electric. Ward Electric recently added United Power logos to their trucks to help members quickly identify cooperative contractors in the field.
“This facility is a win for the cooperative, for Ward Electric and for our members,” stated Schriver. “We’ve been able to negotiate a great financial deal on this purchase, in part because the seller appreciated the cooperative’s profile in the community and sees us a valuable resource. Now we’ll be able to better support the rapidly growing areas in our territory by having trucks and staff that can respond from both sides of our plains territory.”
United Power purchased the facility for $8.76 million and took possession on April 25th. United Power is also in negotiations to acquire an adjacent plot of undeveloped land. The additional property would allow for the addition of on-site material storage and expanded parking. The cooperative will be communicating updates about the new facility and how it will be used via the member newsletter United Newsline and on the website.
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United Power Ranked in Top 10 List for Energy Storage
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Monday | August 19, 2019
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United Power was among the smallest utilities, and only Colorado utility, to make the list.
Brighton, Colo. — United Power has been named as one of a select group of utilities that connected the most energy storage capacity to the grid in 2018, earning it a spot on the annual Top 10 utility industry list compiled by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA).
In survey results released August 6, United Power ranked No. 10 on the utility energy storage list for Annual Megawatt-hours with 18.2 megawatt-hours (MWh) in interconnected capacity in 2018.
United Power was the only Colorado utility to be listed in the top ten and is among the smallest of the utilities to make the list. The survey ranked battery storage initiatives from a mix of investor-owned, municipal and cooperative utility systems – including some of the largest energy companies in the country. United Power is a member-owned electric cooperative serving just over 92,000 meters and is currently operating two Tesla battery storage systems—one of which is the largest battery storage system in Colorado.
“Being recognized in the top 10 with some of the largest utilities across the country is an honor and a testament to the innovation that our board and staff are working hard to achieve. We want to ensure that the latest emerging energy technologies are powering our members into the future,” said John Parker, United Power’s Chief Executive Officer. “Despite being one of the smaller utilities on this list, we continue to be leaders in energy innovation in Colorado, among cooperatives, and when measured against some of the largest investor-owned utilities across the country.”
The 12th Annual Utility Market Survey collected figures from over 500 utilities across the country. The full Top 10 listings are available online.
“The utilities in the Top 10 are truly spearheading the progress we’ve seen in the electric sector this past year,” said Julia Hamm, SEPA’s President and CEO. “It goes beyond just energy storage - they are implementing replicable business models and paving the way to a clean and modern energy future, something that won’t be possible without utilities’ leadership and cooperation.”
To learn more about the Energy Storage Top 10 Rankings, please contact Jordan Nachbar, JNachbar@sepapower.org or 202-559-2034
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United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 92,000 homes and businesses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Twitter or Facebook.
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is dedicated to helping electric power stakeholders address the most pressing issues they encounter as they pursue the transition to a clean and modern electric future and a carbon-free energy system by 2050. We are a trusted partner providing education, research, standards, and collaboration to help utilities, electric customers, and other industry players across four pathways: Transportation Electrification, Grid Integration, Regulatory Innovation and Utility Business Models. Through educational activities, working groups, peer-to-peer engagements and advisory services, SEPA convenes interested parties to facilitate information exchange and knowledge transfer to offer the highest value for our members and partner organizations. For more information, visit www.sepapower.org.
Follow SEPA on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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United Power Recognizes Earth Day
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Thursday | April 22, 2021
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This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
Cooperative Encourages Members to Practice Energy Efficiency
Brighton, CO – In the spring of 1970, more than 20 million Americans were inspired to gather in communities across the country to celebrate the first Earth Day. The celebration was designed to bring awareness to environmental issues and encourage using our resources more efficiently. This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22.
“Our members are the drivers of energy efficiency, and we want to help them make better decisions about how they use electricity in their homes and businesses,” said United Power Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Gabriel. “As a cooperative, we are uniquely situated to provide tools for members to make energy efficiency a priority this Earth Day. We encourage our members to take a moment to consider the ways they can improve their energy use, save money and help contribute to environmental wellness both locally and globally.”
Thinking about ways to implement energy efficiency goals may seem daunting to many individuals and families, but it does not have to be. United Power offers members a wealth of information about how to practice energy efficiency. Here are some easy and low-cost tips to start your energy saving journey:
Invest in LED Lighting
Many homes and businesses may still utilize older, less efficient forms of lighting. Traditional lighting converts energy into heat to produce light. The heat lost during generation is wasted. Newer, more efficient LEDs, or light emitting diodes, turn energy directly into light, producing little wasted energy. Although LEDs can be a more expensive investment initially, they will pay for themselves in time because they have a far longer life than traditional bulbs and use far less energy. It is one of the quickest ways to practice energy efficiency in your home.
Manage Your Demand
Demand is the amount of energy you use in a given time. United Power recommends members stagger the use of large appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, clothing washers and dryers to keep demand costs down. When possible, you can also try to use smaller appliances to do the job of bigger ones, such as cooking in a crockpot.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Heating and cooling account for approximately half of the average family’s annual energy use. Because spring weather in Colorado is impossible to predict, you never know if you will be cranking up the heat or blasting your air conditioning. Adjusting your thermostat even a single degree per an eight-hour period is estimated to result in a 1 percent savings on your energy bill. During warm nights, you can also take advantage of Colorado’s mild climate by opening a couple windows, known as cross ventilation.
Turn Appliances Completely Off
Whether you are leaving for a short trip to the grocery store or a weeklong family vacation, take care to ensure any appliances are turned off. Many newer appliances have what is called a “standby” mode, which still draws a small amount of energy. Televisions and gaming systems are most notable for these modes. These loads can add up quickly. According to the US Department of Energy, these loads account for approximately 10 percent of the average family’s energy use.
Simple, quick and cheap steps can show immediate results. These steps will help you, help the cooperative and, most importantly, help the environment. For members who want to go a step further and generate solar energy at home, these simple energy savings tips can help you get the most out of your solar investment. For more information on how to manage energy use in your home, go to Managing My Energy.
How United Power is Forging a Renewable Future
United Power has long been invested in pursuing renewable projects that make economic sense for both the cooperative and its members. The cooperative has built a national reputation for its introduction of innovative renewable projects over the past decade, beginning with the launch of its community solar garden, Sol Partners, in May 2010.
As your cooperative, United Power continues to monitor the renewable energy landscape and recognizes the future of electrical generation will be an “all of the above” strategy of investing in a variety of generation sources. The addition of these projects, from utility scale solar farms to a state-leading battery storage facility, helps build some cost stability for members.
The addition of the Platteville Solar Farm in December brought United Power’s cumulative solar production to more than 45 megawatts. Together with the cooperative’s other renewable projects and its members’ rooftop solar systems, United Power produces nearly 85 total megawatts, accounting for 14 percent of its energy needs and enough to power more than 11,000 homes and businesses.
“United Power has demonstrative success in planning for and implementing renewable projects that provide tangible benefits for our members,” Gabriel said. “As we plan for the future, we’ll continue to prioritize projects that establish us as a leader in the energy industry and also meet our members’ expectations for us as their cooperative. What we’re doing now is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and environmentally friendly electric utility.”
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United Power Releases Exit Fee Calculations for All Tri-State Members’ Use
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Tuesday | November 1, 2022
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United Power has filed two exit fee calculators in conjunction with its response to the FERC initial decision by Administrative Law Judge Renee Terry.
Dynamic Calculators Included in Recent FERC Exceptions Filing
Brighton, CO - United Power has filed two exit fee calculators in conjunction with its response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) initial decision by Administrative Law Judge Renee Terry. These calculators may be used to assist FERC and others as they evaluate the impact of (1) United Power’s proposed balance sheet approach (BSA) incorporating the most recent available data and (2) certain modifications to the BSA proposed by FERC trial staff and adopted by the initial decision.
The tools allow all 42 utility members to assess their exit fees from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State) under (1) United Power’s as-filed BSA (“Appendix A”) and (2) the BSA implementing certain adjustments adopted in the initial decision (“Appendix B”). Working copies of the calculator tools, definitions, and descriptions can be found at www.unitedpower.com/powersupply.
The Appendix B fees are modeled based on FERC staff’s exemplary calculations previewed during the hearing process that were adopted in the initial decision, as well as publicly available data, such as Tri-State’s annual financial reports. Each of the 42 utility members can enter a desired departure date and select variables implementing the exit options available under the initial decision. The Appendix B model also calculates alternatives proposed by United Power in its concurrently filed exceptions brief (e.g., a principled 10-year revenue averaging option and transmission revenue adjustment that United Power describes in the brief). These alternatives improve upon the calculations reflecting the initial decision’s overarching principle that the exit fees should be based on the net costs Tri-State incurred to serve the exiting member.
“We appreciate the hard work by FERC staff in proposing solutions for departure from our power supplier that are in most respects aligned with what United Power has consistently advocated as a fair outcome,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “By following United Power’s balance sheet approach, everyone can calculate their actual cost to depart. This is critical for future planning for our current power supplier and its utility members. Though the initial decision modifications present implementation questions and other obstacles that we challenge in our exceptions brief, we believe the decision’s principles chart a course toward members’ fair transition to competitive supply and open access.”
United Power has formally indicated its departure from Tri-State, effective May 1, 2024. Learn more about United Power’s departure plan at www.unitedpower.com/powersupply.
About United PowerUnited Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
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United Power Resumes In-Person Services and Collection of Late Fees, Reconnect Fees
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Wednesday | May 12, 2021
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United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures.
Now that COVID vaccinations are widely available and restrictions are lifting, United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures. Beginning on May 18th, late fees and reconnect fees, which were temporarily waived during the height of the COVID shutdowns, will be reinstated. On June 1st, select teams of United Power employees will return to the office, and United Power will open its Brighton lobby to walk-in visitors and for in-person payments.
United Power was one of the first Colorado utilities to pause disconnections for non-payment and waive late fees and disconnect fees when the initial pandemic stay-at-home orders were issued. Disconnections for non-payment resumed in July 2020, and on May 18th, late fees for payments not received by the due date and reconnection fees to restore electric service will resume. United Power offers several ways to avoid fees, including payment arrangements, enrolling in Pay As You Go pre-paid electric service, and applying for Co-op Cares Funds. The cooperative allocated $550,000 in relief funds to help members financially impacted by COVID. Any member struggling to make their payments in full or on time is encouraged to call United Power to access resources for assistance.
“We want to help our members avoid additional fees and disconnections, but they need to reach out to us before they are past due on their payments,” said Francis Ashu, United Power Director of Member Services. “Through our Co-op Cares fund, we have been able to help almost two thousand members financially impacted by COVID, and there are still funds available for members who are facing hardships.”
On June 1st, United Power’s Brighton Headquarters lobby at 500 Cooperative Way will re-open. While we will continue providing a suite of remote options to assist members, our Representatives will be available to assist members in person during regular business hours of Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be required for all visitors and employees as directed by local health code mandates. The Carbon Valley and Coal Creek offices remain closed to visitors. Payment kiosks accept cash, check, and card payments and are available at all United Power offices and the Bank of Colorado Operations Center in Ft Lupton.
“Our dedicated employees are anxious to see our members and interact with them in person again. We are glad that a safe return to normal operations is possible,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President, and Chief Executive Officer. “United Power has taken every precaution to protect employees from being affected by COVID. With one office re-opening, we will continue to adhere to health department guidelines in the office, and some teams will continue to work remotely. To further protect our employees and ensure they are here to serve our members, we are offering an on-site vaccine clinic for employees and family members.”
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United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with NextEra Energy Resources
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Tuesday | April 9, 2024
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Agreement adds 150 MW of solar to the cooperative’s power mix.
Agreement adds 150 MW of Solar to the Cooperative’s Power MixBrighton, CO—United Power, Inc. (United Power), an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, and a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage, announce the signing of a power purchase agreement on April 9. Under the 25-year agreement, United Power will receive output from NextEra Energy Resources’ South Platte Solar project, which is scheduled to begin operations in December 2027.
“United Power continues to build on our growing portfolio of local, renewable resources under this agreement,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “Our strategy is to continue to add resources to our power mix that complement our growth. This new resource is scheduled to come online at the end of 2027 to offset the ongoing territory growth that we expect to see.”
NextEra Energy Resources, the owner and operator of the South Platte Solar project, is building the 150 MW facility in Morgan County. The solar installation is expected to generate more than 350,000 MWh annually.
“We are thrilled to work with United Power to deliver clean, sustainable energy to its members through our South Platte Solar project,” said Jim Shandalov, VP of Power Origination at NextEra Energy Resources. “Adding 150 MW of solar energy to its supply mix will enable United Power to deliver cost-effective, clean energy in response to its growing power demand.”
United Power serves more than 110,000 meters and maintains and operates over 6,500 miles of distribution line. The 900-square mile service territory wraps around the north and west borders of the Denver International Airport. It includes the north and northeast metropolitan development corridors along Interstate 25, Interstate 76, State Highway 85, and E-470 and the Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons, two of Colorado’s most iconic and historic mountain canyons. As a result of its geographic location, United Power’s system is experiencing significant demand and energy growth, averaging approximately 6% annually.
United Power is building an energy portfolio ahead of leaving its current wholesale power supplier on May 1. Since July 2023, the cooperative has announced multiple agreements with providers and generation sources for portfolio assets related to this exit. To learn more about these contracts and United Power’s power supply transition, visit www.unitedpower.com/powersupply.
About United PowerUnited Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern Front Range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.About NextEra Energy ResourcesNextEra Energy Resources, LLC (together with its affiliated entities, “NextEra Energy Resources”) is a clean energy leader and is one of the largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., with approximately 30,600 megawatts of total net generating capacity, primarily in 41 states and Canada as of year-end 2023. NextEra Energy Resources is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. The business operates clean, emissions-free nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet. NextEra Energy Resources offers a wide range of clean energy solutions to help businesses and customers across the country meet their emissions reduction goals. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit: www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.###
