United Power Warns of Spam Calls
Wednesday | June 27, 2018
United Power members have reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of the cooperative and demanding payment for past due account balances.
Read more >
Title
United Power Welcomes Travis Storin as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/_DSC8999.jpg?h=2d828ae9&itok=cjSLqr09
Wednesday | November 20, 2024
Card Teaser
Storin will join the cooperative on Dec. 9.
Brighton, CO – United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Travis Storin as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He will join the cooperative on Dec. 9.
“Travis brings a broad mix of expertise and experience to the cooperative,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and Chief Executive Officer. “His background demonstrates a unique ability to work with a variety of initiatives within a diverse operation. Coupled with his extensive management and accounting background, Travis will help to direct United Power as we continue our energy transition.”
Storin, a certified public accountant, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and Master of Accountancy from the University of Georgia. He joins the cooperative after nearly 10 years at the City of Fort Collins, where he rose to the position of Chief Financial Officer in 2020. During his time working for the city, he led a capital effort to fund its broadband internet startup, led a successful ballot initiative raising approximately $1 billion for municipal projects, and implemented large software automation efforts to streamline and enhance financial services operations. Storin also worked in financial planning and analysis at Kaiser Permanente in Georgia, and as a senior audit associate for KPMG, LLP.
“Travis is the ideal candidate to fill this critical role on United Power’s leadership team,” said Gabriel. “After exiting our wholesale power contract earlier this year, it is vital that we have the right person in this key position. I am confident that Travis brings the leadership and expertise that our growing cooperative needs to continue to be successful. He is a talented addition to our team and will provide the oversight and guidance that our members expect.”
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, serving more than 113,000 meters. Its 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.###
Title
United Power will not Mail Director Ballots in 2018
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2018_03_15_UPNotMailingBallots.jpg?itok=sfS83auQ
Thursday | March 15, 2018
Card Teaser
Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed.
Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed. Due to the lack of challengers, the board of directors has decided to conduct a simplified, cost-saving balloting process this year.
In previous elections, ballots were mailed to members who could then submit their votes via return mail; however, ballots this year will be cast in person at the Annual Meeting and Director Election on April 18 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton, 9755 Henderson Road.
During registration, members in attendance at the annual meeting will receive a ballot and be able to cast their votes for candidates in each of the director seats up for election. Although directors run in geographic districts in order to accurately represent United Power members, they are elected at-large, meaning members are able to cast a vote in each district.
The candidates for director are Susan Petrocco in the South District, Tim Erickson in the East District, Brian A. McCormick in the West District and Rick Newman in the Mountain District.
Members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting not only to cast their vote in this year’s director election, but also to engage with the cooperative’s leadership and learn about ways United Power is implementing innovative processes to provide the most reliable power across its service area.
This year’s Annual Meeting includes a free barbecue dinner, live music and a presentation from United Power’s CEO, John Parker. Following the conclusion of the meeting, members are eligible to win one of many available door prizes, including a Kitchen Aid mixer, Keurig and more.
Member registration opens at 4:30 p.m., and the official business meeting begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the business meeting. For more information about this year’s meeting, including candidate profiles, dinner menu and a list of door prizes, go to www.unitedpower.com/annualmeeting.
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
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2018_02_16_DirectorPetitions.jpg?itok=Y0Q1Zz6D
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
Title
Vestas Benefits from LED Rebate
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Nov2018_NL_VestasRebate.png?itok=GkPB4CMp
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?
Read more >
Title
We All Need the Utility System
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2021_Demand.jpg?itok=bOjwW9nn
Monday | August 9, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
Title
We all Need the Utility System
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Nov2018_NL_DemandSystem.png?itok=k-t5U7wJ
Thursday | November 1, 2018
Card Teaser
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.
Title
We are Dedicated to Keeping the Lights On
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MarApr2021_Linemen.jpg?itok=GsebI8Z-
Monday | April 4, 2022
Card Teaser
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
United Power Warns of Spam Calls
Wednesday | June 27, 2018
United Power members have reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be representatives of the cooperative and demanding payment for past due account balances.
Read more >
Title
United Power Welcomes Travis Storin as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/_DSC8999.jpg?h=2d828ae9&itok=cjSLqr09
Wednesday | November 20, 2024
Card Teaser
Storin will join the cooperative on Dec. 9.
Brighton, CO – United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Travis Storin as its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He will join the cooperative on Dec. 9.
“Travis brings a broad mix of expertise and experience to the cooperative,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and Chief Executive Officer. “His background demonstrates a unique ability to work with a variety of initiatives within a diverse operation. Coupled with his extensive management and accounting background, Travis will help to direct United Power as we continue our energy transition.”
Storin, a certified public accountant, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and Master of Accountancy from the University of Georgia. He joins the cooperative after nearly 10 years at the City of Fort Collins, where he rose to the position of Chief Financial Officer in 2020. During his time working for the city, he led a capital effort to fund its broadband internet startup, led a successful ballot initiative raising approximately $1 billion for municipal projects, and implemented large software automation efforts to streamline and enhance financial services operations. Storin also worked in financial planning and analysis at Kaiser Permanente in Georgia, and as a senior audit associate for KPMG, LLP.
“Travis is the ideal candidate to fill this critical role on United Power’s leadership team,” said Gabriel. “After exiting our wholesale power contract earlier this year, it is vital that we have the right person in this key position. I am confident that Travis brings the leadership and expertise that our growing cooperative needs to continue to be successful. He is a talented addition to our team and will provide the oversight and guidance that our members expect.”
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, serving more than 113,000 meters. Its 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.###
Title
United Power will not Mail Director Ballots in 2018
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2018_03_15_UPNotMailingBallots.jpg?itok=sfS83auQ
Thursday | March 15, 2018
Card Teaser
Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed.
Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed. Due to the lack of challengers, the board of directors has decided to conduct a simplified, cost-saving balloting process this year.
In previous elections, ballots were mailed to members who could then submit their votes via return mail; however, ballots this year will be cast in person at the Annual Meeting and Director Election on April 18 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton, 9755 Henderson Road.
During registration, members in attendance at the annual meeting will receive a ballot and be able to cast their votes for candidates in each of the director seats up for election. Although directors run in geographic districts in order to accurately represent United Power members, they are elected at-large, meaning members are able to cast a vote in each district.
The candidates for director are Susan Petrocco in the South District, Tim Erickson in the East District, Brian A. McCormick in the West District and Rick Newman in the Mountain District.
Members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting not only to cast their vote in this year’s director election, but also to engage with the cooperative’s leadership and learn about ways United Power is implementing innovative processes to provide the most reliable power across its service area.
This year’s Annual Meeting includes a free barbecue dinner, live music and a presentation from United Power’s CEO, John Parker. Following the conclusion of the meeting, members are eligible to win one of many available door prizes, including a Kitchen Aid mixer, Keurig and more.
Member registration opens at 4:30 p.m., and the official business meeting begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the business meeting. For more information about this year’s meeting, including candidate profiles, dinner menu and a list of door prizes, go to www.unitedpower.com/annualmeeting.
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
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2018_02_16_DirectorPetitions.jpg?itok=Y0Q1Zz6D
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
Title
Vestas Benefits from LED Rebate
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Nov2018_NL_VestasRebate.png?itok=GkPB4CMp
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?
Read more >
Title
We All Need the Utility System
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2021_Demand.jpg?itok=bOjwW9nn
Monday | August 9, 2021
Card Teaser
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.
Title
We all Need the Utility System
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Nov2018_NL_DemandSystem.png?itok=k-t5U7wJ
Thursday | November 1, 2018
Card Teaser
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.
Title
We are Dedicated to Keeping the Lights On
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Monday | April 4, 2022
Card Teaser
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
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