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United Power’s 85th Annual Meeting Serves as Backdrop for Exciting Future
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Monday | April 22, 2024
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United Power signed a historic funding agreement as members were welcomed to the cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on April 17.
Brighton, CO –- United Power President and CEO Mark A. Gabriel was joined by the cooperative’s board of directors for the historic signing of a funding agreement as members were welcomed to the cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on April 17. The funding agreement, scheduled to close later this month, will provide the cooperative with $627 million toward its exit fee for its current wholesale power contract, with at least $179 million of that amount for prepayment for use of Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s transmission system. The prepayment amount will be credited back monthly with interest against United Power’s transmission bills.
“This year’s annual meeting marked a key celebration for our cooperative,” stated Gabriel. “And it is especially meaningful to know we have the support of investors as we leave our restrictive wholesale power contract and create a new energy portfolio that better meets the needs of our members. Remaining nimble and responsive to the needs of our membership and the energy market will help to create a more predictable power supply and more stable costs into the future.”
United Power filed its intent to leave its wholesale power supplier two years ago, starting the countdown clock on the required notice period to terminate the contract. The cooperative executed a withdrawal agreement on April 11, and will exit the wholesale power contract on May 1. The decision to leave the contract was driven by a desire to exercise control over the cooperative’s wholesale power mix, to better leverage local generation opportunities, and to cut additional costs that were disproportionately allocated to United Power’s members.
“United Power had very little control over our power supplier, even though we were their largest member,” stated Beth Martin, United Power Board Chair. “The decisions they made about power supply, financing, even day-to-day spending did not align with what we believe our membership needs. Today’s agreement ensures that we can be better stewards of the investment our members have made in the cooperative. Today we are taking back our cooperative.”
The historic agreement was signed by United Power as the annual meeting doors opened and the cooperative celebrated its 85th anniversary with more than 500 members and guests in attendance. The annual event provides members with updates about the accomplishments of the past year, as well as a report on the financial health of the cooperative. Martin and Gabriel shared a video presentation highlighting the cooperative’s significant achievements over the previous year. Highlights included reporting on the many new power contracts United Power has in place to provide a mix of local generation and new renewable resources. The power mix will be supplemented by innovative energy projects, such as localized utility-scale battery storage, which will mitigate expensive energy purchases during peak power windows. These projects were the result of long-term planning laid out in United Power’s Our Cooperative Roadmap.
“Our vision of generating power close to where it is consumed – known as hyper localization – is one of the key strategies we are using in developing our power supply,” Gabriel said. “Why not use power generated next door or in your neighborhood, rather than transporting it hundreds of miles from centralized generation plants? It is an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power delivery system.”
The cooperative also continued its excellent record in system reliability and resiliency in 2023. United Power’s outage duration and response rates rank among the best when measured against electric utilities nationwide, including other cooperatives and investor-owned utilities.
“Our excellent service record can be tied to several important factors,” Gabriel said. “Our crews’ focus on maintenance of existing infrastructure, coupled with identification and targeting of aging or damaged equipment before it causes an outage, is key to keeping the lights on.”
The presentation also highlighted the expansion of United Power’s electric vehicle programs and rebates and the launch of its all-new battery storage pilot program; celebrated the success of its online member chat feature, with its intuitive navigation connecting members to the information they need quickly and efficiently; and acknowledged the cooperative’s first Sustainability Report, which highlights key operational areas, provides performance metrics, and recaps several important cooperative focus areas.
“There are a lot of exciting developments on the horizon, and we are looking forward to a new energy future,” Martin said. “But it’s important to know that we are still concentrating on the core business of being a utility.”
Keith Alquist, United Power’s Board Treasurer, presented the cooperative’s financials and reported another strong year. The efforts of the co-op over the past year resulted in United Power receiving an ‘A’ rating and stable outlook from Fitch Ratings. Fitch is one of the three nationally recognized credit rating agencies and publishes forward-looking opinions on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments.
Gabriel concluded the business meeting with a presentation about the innovative steps the cooperative is taking to embrace the industry’s shifting direction. His presentation highlighted the cooperative’s plans to meet the future energy needs of its members, and how the co-op plans to respond to growth on its system.
“The resolution of the issue with our power supplier is really a new beginning for United Power’s exciting and bold vision for the future,” Gabriel said.
Results of the Director Election were announced at the conclusion of the meeting. Voting in the Director Election was conducted via mail-in and electronic balloting. Nearly 5,500 member ballots were cast in the election, which also introduced new, redrawn district boundaries. Mountain District incumbent Stephen Whiteside retained his seat with 4,819 votes in an uncontested race. North District incumbent Brian A. McCormick and South District incumbent Brad Case also ran unopposed and retained their seats with 4,776 votes and 4,767 votes, respectively. Paige Wagner-Maul received 3,064 votes to win election in the Central District. Incumbent Tim Erickson received 2,197 votes.
Members also voted to approve a bylaw amendment on this year’s ballot to extend director term lengths from three years to four years.
Videos and information presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting, including the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Report, are available here.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
Update to United Power Text Notifications
Thursday | June 10, 2021
Text messages had been coming from a short code. Starting today, text messages from the cooperative will come from a new toll-free number.
Read more >
Title
UPDATED: Official Notice of Nominations for 2018 Director Petitions
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Friday | February 16, 2018
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The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018.
UPDATED FEBRUARY 21, 2018
OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018. Districts E (East), S (South), W (West), and M (Mountain) are all up for three-year terms.
District E (East)
Tim Erickson
District S (South)
Bradley Joseph Case – WITHDRAWN
Susan Petrocco
District W (West)
Brian Anthony McCormick
District M (Mtn)
Richard Earnest Newman
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Re-Posted: 2-21-18 Headquarters Office
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
Member Website
OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018. Districts E (East), S (South), W (West), and M (Mountain) are all up for three-year terms.
District E (East) Tim Erickson
District S (South) Bradley Joseph Case
Susan Petrocco
District W (West) Brian Anthony McCormick
District M (Mtn) Richard Earnest Newman
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Posted: 2-16-18 Headquarters Office
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
Member Website
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Vestas Benefits from LED Rebate
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
Card Teaser
In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year.
Providing commercial members with efficient ways to help them save money and conserve energy is one of the many ways United Power partners with and gives back to its communities. In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year.
The rebate program is in partnership with Tri-State Generation & Transmission, the cooperative’s wholesale power provider.
Before the installation of new lighting, the facility was using fluorescent lighting, which can dim over time creating “dark spots” throughout the work floor. This can result in inadequate lighting for workers and cause potential safety concerns.
In total, Vestas replaced lighting in five sections of its plant, including the main work areas. The clean quality of LED lighting provides workers with more consistent, reliable light, and because LED lighting is so efficient, also cuts energy use. The overhaul cut energy use in some areas of the plant nearly in half.
United Power makes energy savings easy through its commercial energy audit programs and rebates on select energy improvement projects. The cooperative also offers no-cost services to commercial members, including energy efficiency walkthroughs and analyses.
These incentives and programs from Tri-State G&T and United Power are available to all commercial and industrial members. Similar rebates are also available to residential members. Learn more at www.unitedpower.com/rebates.
Watt Drives Demand
Wednesday | August 1, 2018
Demand is measured in kilowatts (kW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, which is the equivalent of turning on ten 100-watt light bulbs at once. Understanding the wattage of your household appliances will help you take control of your energy bill, but where can you learn more about this information?
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We All Need the Utility System
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Monday | August 9, 2021
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United Power switched to a demand rate in January 2019 as a way to more fairly charge its members for their electric usage and impact on the cooperative’s system.
Demand Rate Addresses How We Use it Differently
United Power switched to a demand rate in January 2019 as a way to more fairly charge its members for their electric usage and impact on the cooperative’s system. Since its roll out, some members have asked why the switch was made and requested more information about demand and how to understand it.
Electric utilities like United Power often use terms like “distribution system,” “electric infrastructure” and “grid.” These terms refer to the interconnected network of poles, wires, transformers and substations that work to deliver — or distribute — power to members. The system is carefully engineered to meet the needs of more than 100,000 meters and the homes and businesses served off those meters.
Like any other household appliance or electronic device, pieces of our system wear out over time and need to be repaired, replaced or even upgraded to improve reliability. These maintenance costs aren’t based solely on how much power you use, however, but how and when you use it.
When you use more power at once, you’re creating a higher demand on the system. These demand surges have a greater impact on the grid.
For example, a member in a small apartment with a window air conditioning unit doesn’t have the same impact on the grid as a household with two air conditioning units and a hot tub.
Some devices on the system have capacity limitations, for example, meaning they can only maintain a certain amount of power at a given time. The cooperative places these devices strategically to ensure power reliability. When one household served off that device uses a larger share of energy, it causes more wear on it. In some cases, the cooperative may need to replace existing devices with higher capacity ones to accommodate increases in energy usage.
With the traditional blended rate, which bundles demand and energy usage, each United Power member shares an equal cost in the maintenance of the system despite using it in vastly different ways. This means some members have been paying more than they should, while others aren’t paying enough. Whether you use a lot of energy or a little, or even generate your own, a reliable grid is something we all depend on and need available to us.
By separating the demand and energy components on your bill, we are more fairly distributing these costs to members based on how they use power. Each member now pays their fair share of the cooperative distribution system they rely on.
United Power offers a free online resource for members who want to know more about how they use power. Power Portal breaks down your energy usage in 15-minute intervals so you can easily tell what habits are contributing to your demand. Visit Power Portal to learn more about this member resource.
If you have additional questions about the demand rate, you can go to Understanding Demand or reach one of our dedicated energy management specialists at 303-637-1300.
Demand for Electricity is like Demand for Water
You can fill the same 5-gallon bucket with either a garden hose, or a fire hose. A garden hose will not fill as quickly – but the hose costs less to operate, and the impact on the water system is minimal. Fill that same bucket with a fire hose, and it will fill up very quickly, but the surge of water from a fire hose requires larger pipes and a more expensive hose. In the end, both buckets would be full with the same amount of water, but filling a bucket more slowly – smoothing the water use over time – creates less demand on the system and costs less to do.
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We all Need the Utility System
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
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Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system?
Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system?
Our distribution electric system, or grid, is a network of poles, wires, transformers and substations – all interconnected to deliver the power you need, when you need it. The system is carefully engineered to meet the needs of the energy consumers connected to it, while ensuring the installation, operation and maintenance is economical.
Costs to maintain the system aren’t just based on the power you buy, system infrastructure costs are also attributed to how much power you use at a given time. When you use more power at once, you’re creating a higher demand on the system. These surges in demand have a greater impact on the grid, so they cost more money.
With the traditional blended rate where the impact of demand surges is rolled up into a charge based on the power used, some members have been paying more than they should, while others aren’t paying enough. But here’s the thing: whether you use a lot of energy, a little energy, or generate your own, we all need a reliable grid to be there when we need it.
By separating demand and energy components on your bill, we are more fairly distributing these costs to members based on how they use power. Each member will now pay their fair share of the cooperative distribution system they rely on.
If you want more information on how you use power, login to the Power Portal to view your usage and demand trends. Visit www.unitedpower.com/powerportal to begin. Find your high demand periods, think back to what was running in your home, and then stagger those appliances moving forward. The grid, and your wallet, will thank you.
If you have additional questions about the demand rate and how it will impact you, email unitednewsline@unitedpower.com.
Demand for Electricity is like Demand for Water
You can fill the same 5-gallon bucket with either a garden hose, or a fire hose. A garden hose will not fill as quickly – but the hose costs less to operate, and the impact on the water system is minimal. Fill that same bucket with a fire hose, and it will fill up very quickly, but the surge of water from a fire hose requires larger pipes and a more expensive hose. In the end, both buckets would be full with the same amount of water, but filling a bucket more slowly – smoothing the water use over time – creates less demand on the system and costs less to do.
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We are Dedicated to Keeping the Lights On
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Monday | April 4, 2022
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On April 18th, we will celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day, to recognize and honor our lineworkers for their hard work and dedication.
Lineman Appreciation Day is Sunday, April 18, 2021
United Power exists for many reasons, but as your cooperative our priority is providing our members with safe and reliable power and keeping your lights on. Without the help of our skilled lineworkers, who work each day behind the scenes to improve our system and prevent outages before they happen, that would not be possible. On April 18th, we will celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day, to recognize and honor our lineworkers for their hard work and dedication.
Being a lineworker along Colorado’s notorious Front Range is not an easy task. Our lineworkers must be prepared to face daily situations that may be less than ideal, regularly tasked with resolving hazardous problems in unknown or dangerous conditions. Over the past few years, the cooperative has had to navigate difficult record-setting weather events, including devastating floods, paralyzing winter storms, and hurricane-force winds. Last year, a strong winter storm dumped nearly two feet of snow across parts of the service territory, and in December, strong storms blasted northern Colorado with wind speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour.
When severe weather hits our service territory, our lineworkers are ready to assess the situation and begin the process of restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. When the skies are clear and winds are calm, our lineworkers are monitoring our system and making improvements to prevent future outages, where possible.
Our lineworkers are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to any situation in any type of weather. Next time you lose power, rest assured a highly-trained United Power crew is on the way, dedicated to getting the lights back on.
Without our lineworkers, the power that makes our members’ homes comfortable wouldn’t be possible. We invite our members to take a moment to thank our United Power lineworkers for the work they do. Use #ThankALineworker on social media to show your support or take a moment to drop a kind note in the mail.
United Power
Thank A Lineworker
500 Cooperative Way
Brighton, CO 80603
Submit a Note
We May Have Money For You
Wednesday | November 8, 2023
United Power is attempting to return unclaimed capital credit retirements to members.
Read more >
What are Vampire Loads?
Friday | January 25, 2019
All of these items are responsible for contributing to your “vampire load,” also known as the “phantom load.” Vampire loads come from devices that use electricity even when they appear to be off.
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What is Demand?
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Monday | December 19, 2022
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The demand rate addresses how members use the system in different ways.
Demand Rate Addresses How Members Use the System in Different Ways
It has been nearly four years since United Power adopted its current rate structure that includes an energy and demand charge. Separating demand from energy charges was implemented as a way to more fairly charge members for their electric usage and impact on the cooperative’s system. While more electric utilities are making the transition to a demand rate, United Power was among the first to introduce a demand charge across its membership. To help our members learn more about demand, we have produced numerous resources dedicated to educating members so they may make the most of the rate.
What is Demand?
Demand refers simply to the maximum electricity needed at a given time and its impact on the system. The demand charge is the total wattage of all the power being used at that highest interval and is billed as kilowatts (kW). As the cooperative gained new insights about how each meter impacts the system differently, the decision was made to utilize demand as a measurement that helps the cooperative more fairly bill members for their usage. Since some members use electricity in ways that make them more expensive to serve, demand helps to make sure everyone is paying their fair share. When the demand charge was first introduced, the majority of our members saw very little change. Most members saw only a $1–2 increase or decrease in their bill monthly.
Is Demand an Added Charge?
No. The demand charge on your monthly bill was separated from the energy charge, essentially “unbundling” the details of your energy use. A traditional “blended” energy rate combines energy usage and demand into a single charge for all members. The blended rate placed an equal burden on all members for system maintenance costs despite differences in how they use energy. Under the old, blended rate some members were paying more than they should while others were not paying enough. United Power’s current rates separate demand — billed as the highest 15-minute interval of energy usage during each billing cycle — from the energy charge so members are now more fairly billed for both their usage and impact on the system.
How To Reduce My Demand
Now that you can see the impact of both the total energy you use and your highest usage intervals, you have more control over your total bill. By reducing overall energy use with simple tips like turning off devices that aren’t in use and using a programmable thermostat, you can affect your energy charge. To lower your demand charge, avoid using multiple appliances at once. Set the delay feature on your dishwasher so it runs after all the lights are off and avoid doing laundry while the air conditioner is running.
What is the Fixed Charge?
The “fixed charge” is a line item on your monthly billing statement that all members pay regardless of how much energy they use. The fixed charge is a standard amount and covers a portion of the costs for billing, collections, member services, and metering. These services are required whether you use a lot of energy, or none at all, and all residential members pay the same amount.
You can learn more about the fixed charge and other elements of your billing statement on our Understanding Your Bill page.
Member Rate Options
United Power introduced demand with a corresponding reduction in its energy charge and most members did not experience significant changes to their monthly bills. However, you may still benefit by switching to a different rate.
The cooperative offers a variety of rate options for residential members to fit the many ways members use electricity. To ask our trusted advisors if a new rate plan is right for you, schedule a phone assessment here.
Members can find more information about United Power’s demand charge — including steps you can take to control your demand and a calculator to help understand how appliances may contribute to demand — on our Understanding Demand page.
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United Power’s 85th Annual Meeting Serves as Backdrop for Exciting Future
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Monday | April 22, 2024
Card Teaser
United Power signed a historic funding agreement as members were welcomed to the cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on April 17.
Brighton, CO –- United Power President and CEO Mark A. Gabriel was joined by the cooperative’s board of directors for the historic signing of a funding agreement as members were welcomed to the cooperative’s 85th Annual Meeting on April 17. The funding agreement, scheduled to close later this month, will provide the cooperative with $627 million toward its exit fee for its current wholesale power contract, with at least $179 million of that amount for prepayment for use of Tri-State Generation and Transmission’s transmission system. The prepayment amount will be credited back monthly with interest against United Power’s transmission bills.
“This year’s annual meeting marked a key celebration for our cooperative,” stated Gabriel. “And it is especially meaningful to know we have the support of investors as we leave our restrictive wholesale power contract and create a new energy portfolio that better meets the needs of our members. Remaining nimble and responsive to the needs of our membership and the energy market will help to create a more predictable power supply and more stable costs into the future.”
United Power filed its intent to leave its wholesale power supplier two years ago, starting the countdown clock on the required notice period to terminate the contract. The cooperative executed a withdrawal agreement on April 11, and will exit the wholesale power contract on May 1. The decision to leave the contract was driven by a desire to exercise control over the cooperative’s wholesale power mix, to better leverage local generation opportunities, and to cut additional costs that were disproportionately allocated to United Power’s members.
“United Power had very little control over our power supplier, even though we were their largest member,” stated Beth Martin, United Power Board Chair. “The decisions they made about power supply, financing, even day-to-day spending did not align with what we believe our membership needs. Today’s agreement ensures that we can be better stewards of the investment our members have made in the cooperative. Today we are taking back our cooperative.”
The historic agreement was signed by United Power as the annual meeting doors opened and the cooperative celebrated its 85th anniversary with more than 500 members and guests in attendance. The annual event provides members with updates about the accomplishments of the past year, as well as a report on the financial health of the cooperative. Martin and Gabriel shared a video presentation highlighting the cooperative’s significant achievements over the previous year. Highlights included reporting on the many new power contracts United Power has in place to provide a mix of local generation and new renewable resources. The power mix will be supplemented by innovative energy projects, such as localized utility-scale battery storage, which will mitigate expensive energy purchases during peak power windows. These projects were the result of long-term planning laid out in United Power’s Our Cooperative Roadmap.
“Our vision of generating power close to where it is consumed – known as hyper localization – is one of the key strategies we are using in developing our power supply,” Gabriel said. “Why not use power generated next door or in your neighborhood, rather than transporting it hundreds of miles from centralized generation plants? It is an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power delivery system.”
The cooperative also continued its excellent record in system reliability and resiliency in 2023. United Power’s outage duration and response rates rank among the best when measured against electric utilities nationwide, including other cooperatives and investor-owned utilities.
“Our excellent service record can be tied to several important factors,” Gabriel said. “Our crews’ focus on maintenance of existing infrastructure, coupled with identification and targeting of aging or damaged equipment before it causes an outage, is key to keeping the lights on.”
The presentation also highlighted the expansion of United Power’s electric vehicle programs and rebates and the launch of its all-new battery storage pilot program; celebrated the success of its online member chat feature, with its intuitive navigation connecting members to the information they need quickly and efficiently; and acknowledged the cooperative’s first Sustainability Report, which highlights key operational areas, provides performance metrics, and recaps several important cooperative focus areas.
“There are a lot of exciting developments on the horizon, and we are looking forward to a new energy future,” Martin said. “But it’s important to know that we are still concentrating on the core business of being a utility.”
Keith Alquist, United Power’s Board Treasurer, presented the cooperative’s financials and reported another strong year. The efforts of the co-op over the past year resulted in United Power receiving an ‘A’ rating and stable outlook from Fitch Ratings. Fitch is one of the three nationally recognized credit rating agencies and publishes forward-looking opinions on the relative ability of an entity to meet financial commitments.
Gabriel concluded the business meeting with a presentation about the innovative steps the cooperative is taking to embrace the industry’s shifting direction. His presentation highlighted the cooperative’s plans to meet the future energy needs of its members, and how the co-op plans to respond to growth on its system.
“The resolution of the issue with our power supplier is really a new beginning for United Power’s exciting and bold vision for the future,” Gabriel said.
Results of the Director Election were announced at the conclusion of the meeting. Voting in the Director Election was conducted via mail-in and electronic balloting. Nearly 5,500 member ballots were cast in the election, which also introduced new, redrawn district boundaries. Mountain District incumbent Stephen Whiteside retained his seat with 4,819 votes in an uncontested race. North District incumbent Brian A. McCormick and South District incumbent Brad Case also ran unopposed and retained their seats with 4,776 votes and 4,767 votes, respectively. Paige Wagner-Maul received 3,064 votes to win election in the Central District. Incumbent Tim Erickson received 2,197 votes.
Members also voted to approve a bylaw amendment on this year’s ballot to extend director term lengths from three years to four years.
Videos and information presented at the 2024 Annual Meeting, including the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Report, are available here.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900-square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson, and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.###
Update to United Power Text Notifications
Thursday | June 10, 2021
Text messages had been coming from a short code. Starting today, text messages from the cooperative will come from a new toll-free number.
Read more >
Title
UPDATED: Official Notice of Nominations for 2018 Director Petitions
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Friday | February 16, 2018
Card Teaser
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018.
UPDATED FEBRUARY 21, 2018
OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018. Districts E (East), S (South), W (West), and M (Mountain) are all up for three-year terms.
District E (East)
Tim Erickson
District S (South)
Bradley Joseph Case – WITHDRAWN
Susan Petrocco
District W (West)
Brian Anthony McCormick
District M (Mtn)
Richard Earnest Newman
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Re-Posted: 2-21-18 Headquarters Office
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
Member Website
OFFICIAL POSTING OF NOMINATIONS FOR DIRECTOR BY PETITION
The following persons have been nominated by petition to run for Director of United Power, Inc., in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Members scheduled April 18, 2018. Districts E (East), S (South), W (West), and M (Mountain) are all up for three-year terms.
District E (East) Tim Erickson
District S (South) Bradley Joseph Case
Susan Petrocco
District W (West) Brian Anthony McCormick
District M (Mtn) Richard Earnest Newman
This notice is posted pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Bylaws of United Power, Inc.
Posted: 2-16-18 Headquarters Office
Coal Creek Office
Ft. Lupton Office
Member Website
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Vestas Benefits from LED Rebate
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
Card Teaser
In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year.
Providing commercial members with efficient ways to help them save money and conserve energy is one of the many ways United Power partners with and gives back to its communities. In October, the cooperative presented Vestas, one of its largest commercial members, with a rebate check for $94,000 following a large-scale LED retrofit completed earlier this year.
The rebate program is in partnership with Tri-State Generation & Transmission, the cooperative’s wholesale power provider.
Before the installation of new lighting, the facility was using fluorescent lighting, which can dim over time creating “dark spots” throughout the work floor. This can result in inadequate lighting for workers and cause potential safety concerns.
In total, Vestas replaced lighting in five sections of its plant, including the main work areas. The clean quality of LED lighting provides workers with more consistent, reliable light, and because LED lighting is so efficient, also cuts energy use. The overhaul cut energy use in some areas of the plant nearly in half.
United Power makes energy savings easy through its commercial energy audit programs and rebates on select energy improvement projects. The cooperative also offers no-cost services to commercial members, including energy efficiency walkthroughs and analyses.
These incentives and programs from Tri-State G&T and United Power are available to all commercial and industrial members. Similar rebates are also available to residential members. Learn more at www.unitedpower.com/rebates.
Watt Drives Demand
Wednesday | August 1, 2018
Demand is measured in kilowatts (kW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, which is the equivalent of turning on ten 100-watt light bulbs at once. Understanding the wattage of your household appliances will help you take control of your energy bill, but where can you learn more about this information?
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We All Need the Utility System
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Monday | August 9, 2021
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United Power switched to a demand rate in January 2019 as a way to more fairly charge its members for their electric usage and impact on the cooperative’s system.
Demand Rate Addresses How We Use it Differently
United Power switched to a demand rate in January 2019 as a way to more fairly charge its members for their electric usage and impact on the cooperative’s system. Since its roll out, some members have asked why the switch was made and requested more information about demand and how to understand it.
Electric utilities like United Power often use terms like “distribution system,” “electric infrastructure” and “grid.” These terms refer to the interconnected network of poles, wires, transformers and substations that work to deliver — or distribute — power to members. The system is carefully engineered to meet the needs of more than 100,000 meters and the homes and businesses served off those meters.
Like any other household appliance or electronic device, pieces of our system wear out over time and need to be repaired, replaced or even upgraded to improve reliability. These maintenance costs aren’t based solely on how much power you use, however, but how and when you use it.
When you use more power at once, you’re creating a higher demand on the system. These demand surges have a greater impact on the grid.
For example, a member in a small apartment with a window air conditioning unit doesn’t have the same impact on the grid as a household with two air conditioning units and a hot tub.
Some devices on the system have capacity limitations, for example, meaning they can only maintain a certain amount of power at a given time. The cooperative places these devices strategically to ensure power reliability. When one household served off that device uses a larger share of energy, it causes more wear on it. In some cases, the cooperative may need to replace existing devices with higher capacity ones to accommodate increases in energy usage.
With the traditional blended rate, which bundles demand and energy usage, each United Power member shares an equal cost in the maintenance of the system despite using it in vastly different ways. This means some members have been paying more than they should, while others aren’t paying enough. Whether you use a lot of energy or a little, or even generate your own, a reliable grid is something we all depend on and need available to us.
By separating the demand and energy components on your bill, we are more fairly distributing these costs to members based on how they use power. Each member now pays their fair share of the cooperative distribution system they rely on.
United Power offers a free online resource for members who want to know more about how they use power. Power Portal breaks down your energy usage in 15-minute intervals so you can easily tell what habits are contributing to your demand. Visit Power Portal to learn more about this member resource.
If you have additional questions about the demand rate, you can go to Understanding Demand or reach one of our dedicated energy management specialists at 303-637-1300.
Demand for Electricity is like Demand for Water
You can fill the same 5-gallon bucket with either a garden hose, or a fire hose. A garden hose will not fill as quickly – but the hose costs less to operate, and the impact on the water system is minimal. Fill that same bucket with a fire hose, and it will fill up very quickly, but the surge of water from a fire hose requires larger pipes and a more expensive hose. In the end, both buckets would be full with the same amount of water, but filling a bucket more slowly – smoothing the water use over time – creates less demand on the system and costs less to do.
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We all Need the Utility System
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Thursday | November 1, 2018
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Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system?
Utilities throw around terms like distribution system, electric infrastructure and “the grid.” But as an electric consumer – and cooperative member – have you given much thought into how you use the electric system, and your role in maintaining that system?
Our distribution electric system, or grid, is a network of poles, wires, transformers and substations – all interconnected to deliver the power you need, when you need it. The system is carefully engineered to meet the needs of the energy consumers connected to it, while ensuring the installation, operation and maintenance is economical.
Costs to maintain the system aren’t just based on the power you buy, system infrastructure costs are also attributed to how much power you use at a given time. When you use more power at once, you’re creating a higher demand on the system. These surges in demand have a greater impact on the grid, so they cost more money.
With the traditional blended rate where the impact of demand surges is rolled up into a charge based on the power used, some members have been paying more than they should, while others aren’t paying enough. But here’s the thing: whether you use a lot of energy, a little energy, or generate your own, we all need a reliable grid to be there when we need it.
By separating demand and energy components on your bill, we are more fairly distributing these costs to members based on how they use power. Each member will now pay their fair share of the cooperative distribution system they rely on.
If you want more information on how you use power, login to the Power Portal to view your usage and demand trends. Visit www.unitedpower.com/powerportal to begin. Find your high demand periods, think back to what was running in your home, and then stagger those appliances moving forward. The grid, and your wallet, will thank you.
If you have additional questions about the demand rate and how it will impact you, email unitednewsline@unitedpower.com.
Demand for Electricity is like Demand for Water
You can fill the same 5-gallon bucket with either a garden hose, or a fire hose. A garden hose will not fill as quickly – but the hose costs less to operate, and the impact on the water system is minimal. Fill that same bucket with a fire hose, and it will fill up very quickly, but the surge of water from a fire hose requires larger pipes and a more expensive hose. In the end, both buckets would be full with the same amount of water, but filling a bucket more slowly – smoothing the water use over time – creates less demand on the system and costs less to do.
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We are Dedicated to Keeping the Lights On
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Monday | April 4, 2022
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On April 18th, we will celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day, to recognize and honor our lineworkers for their hard work and dedication.
Lineman Appreciation Day is Sunday, April 18, 2021
United Power exists for many reasons, but as your cooperative our priority is providing our members with safe and reliable power and keeping your lights on. Without the help of our skilled lineworkers, who work each day behind the scenes to improve our system and prevent outages before they happen, that would not be possible. On April 18th, we will celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day, to recognize and honor our lineworkers for their hard work and dedication.
Being a lineworker along Colorado’s notorious Front Range is not an easy task. Our lineworkers must be prepared to face daily situations that may be less than ideal, regularly tasked with resolving hazardous problems in unknown or dangerous conditions. Over the past few years, the cooperative has had to navigate difficult record-setting weather events, including devastating floods, paralyzing winter storms, and hurricane-force winds. Last year, a strong winter storm dumped nearly two feet of snow across parts of the service territory, and in December, strong storms blasted northern Colorado with wind speeds in excess of 115 miles per hour.
When severe weather hits our service territory, our lineworkers are ready to assess the situation and begin the process of restoring power as quickly and safely as possible. When the skies are clear and winds are calm, our lineworkers are monitoring our system and making improvements to prevent future outages, where possible.
Our lineworkers are on call 24 hours a day, ready to respond to any situation in any type of weather. Next time you lose power, rest assured a highly-trained United Power crew is on the way, dedicated to getting the lights back on.
Without our lineworkers, the power that makes our members’ homes comfortable wouldn’t be possible. We invite our members to take a moment to thank our United Power lineworkers for the work they do. Use #ThankALineworker on social media to show your support or take a moment to drop a kind note in the mail.
United Power
Thank A Lineworker
500 Cooperative Way
Brighton, CO 80603
Submit a Note
We May Have Money For You
Wednesday | November 8, 2023
United Power is attempting to return unclaimed capital credit retirements to members.
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What are Vampire Loads?
Friday | January 25, 2019
All of these items are responsible for contributing to your “vampire load,” also known as the “phantom load.” Vampire loads come from devices that use electricity even when they appear to be off.
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What is Demand?
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Monday | December 19, 2022
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The demand rate addresses how members use the system in different ways.
Demand Rate Addresses How Members Use the System in Different Ways
It has been nearly four years since United Power adopted its current rate structure that includes an energy and demand charge. Separating demand from energy charges was implemented as a way to more fairly charge members for their electric usage and impact on the cooperative’s system. While more electric utilities are making the transition to a demand rate, United Power was among the first to introduce a demand charge across its membership. To help our members learn more about demand, we have produced numerous resources dedicated to educating members so they may make the most of the rate.
What is Demand?
Demand refers simply to the maximum electricity needed at a given time and its impact on the system. The demand charge is the total wattage of all the power being used at that highest interval and is billed as kilowatts (kW). As the cooperative gained new insights about how each meter impacts the system differently, the decision was made to utilize demand as a measurement that helps the cooperative more fairly bill members for their usage. Since some members use electricity in ways that make them more expensive to serve, demand helps to make sure everyone is paying their fair share. When the demand charge was first introduced, the majority of our members saw very little change. Most members saw only a $1–2 increase or decrease in their bill monthly.
Is Demand an Added Charge?
No. The demand charge on your monthly bill was separated from the energy charge, essentially “unbundling” the details of your energy use. A traditional “blended” energy rate combines energy usage and demand into a single charge for all members. The blended rate placed an equal burden on all members for system maintenance costs despite differences in how they use energy. Under the old, blended rate some members were paying more than they should while others were not paying enough. United Power’s current rates separate demand — billed as the highest 15-minute interval of energy usage during each billing cycle — from the energy charge so members are now more fairly billed for both their usage and impact on the system.
How To Reduce My Demand
Now that you can see the impact of both the total energy you use and your highest usage intervals, you have more control over your total bill. By reducing overall energy use with simple tips like turning off devices that aren’t in use and using a programmable thermostat, you can affect your energy charge. To lower your demand charge, avoid using multiple appliances at once. Set the delay feature on your dishwasher so it runs after all the lights are off and avoid doing laundry while the air conditioner is running.
What is the Fixed Charge?
The “fixed charge” is a line item on your monthly billing statement that all members pay regardless of how much energy they use. The fixed charge is a standard amount and covers a portion of the costs for billing, collections, member services, and metering. These services are required whether you use a lot of energy, or none at all, and all residential members pay the same amount.
You can learn more about the fixed charge and other elements of your billing statement on our Understanding Your Bill page.
Member Rate Options
United Power introduced demand with a corresponding reduction in its energy charge and most members did not experience significant changes to their monthly bills. However, you may still benefit by switching to a different rate.
The cooperative offers a variety of rate options for residential members to fit the many ways members use electricity. To ask our trusted advisors if a new rate plan is right for you, schedule a phone assessment here.
Members can find more information about United Power’s demand charge — including steps you can take to control your demand and a calculator to help understand how appliances may contribute to demand — on our Understanding Demand page.
