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.
We are Dedicated to Keeping the Lights On
Monday | April 4, 2022
On April 18th, we will celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day, to recognize and honor our lineworkers for their hard work and dedication.
Read more >
Title
What are Vampire Loads?
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2019_NL_Vampire.png?itok=lR6w03eY
Friday | January 25, 2019
Card Teaser
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.
The desktop computer in your office. The living room TV and gaming console in standby or rest mode. Even the cell phone charger you keep plugged in throughout the day. 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. These loads are approaching 10 percent of the average household electric use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Electronics and appliances in standby or rest modes require a little electricity to maintain minimal function of the device so it’s ready to go when you return to using it. The primary culprits are televisions, desktop computers and, particularly, gaming consoles which can use as much electricity as a refrigerator even when not in use thanks to frequent system updates. Chargers are another contributor to the phantom load. A single charger might not be a drain on your bill, but in an increasingly plugged in world, the impact can begin to add up.
So how can you limit your vampire loads? The obvious solution is to simply unplug devices when not in use and disabling auto-update features that draw power when in rest mode. If you want a limited impact on your daily routine, consider investing in smart power strips. These devices can usually connect to your phone through WiFi or Bluetooth so you can turn them off and on automatically. Many of them even come with surge protection to keep your devices safe during storms or other events that may cause a surge.
In the digital, connected age, these vampire, or phantom, loads can become a real problem. A little investment and some small changes can end up saving you on your bill. For more energy efficiency information, check out My Energy.
Title
White House Chronicle: Managing the Power Crisis at the Local Level
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/_DSC8999.jpg?h=2d828ae9&itok=cjSLqr09
Tuesday | January 6, 2026
Card Teaser
United Power President and CEO Mark Gabriel speaks about the need for all fuels and his approach to keeping the lights on.
Watch Video:
Title
Why Members Round Up
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2020_NL_RoundUp.jpg?h=45932144&itok=YdOl3AGv
Thursday | December 10, 2020
Card Teaser
In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses.
When United Power founded Operation Round Up in 1995 as a way for members to voluntarily help each other through a small monthly contribution built right into their billing statement, we envisioned being able to help vulnerable and struggling members in the communities we serve make ends meet. We couldn’t have imagined then that a nationwide pandemic would stretch the foundation to its limits as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.
It hasn’t been an easy year for anyone, and some have felt the impacts more than others. Although many more members are in need of assistance, the Round Up board has remained committed to finding the most effective ways to help meet needs throughout this time.
For those not familiar with Operation Round Up, it is a foundation funded entirely by members who “round up” their monthly billing statements to the next whole dollar. Participation is voluntary, and average yearly contributions are only $6, or approximately $.50 per month. Those funds are then redistributed to nonprofits in various parts of the service territory to ensure as many members receive help as possible. The Round Up Board selected these nonprofits because they have more resources and are better equipped to provide for members in need. The Board is made up of fellow United Power members who also live within the various parts of the service territory and are familiar with the specific needs of their respective areas.
This unusual year hasn’t prevented the board from going above and beyond to meet increased needs, which created an added burden on the foundation. Without the generous contributions of more than 20,000 members who have elected to round up their bill, this wouldn’t have been possible.
In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses:
“Yes, been rounding up for at least a decade. One of a list of gratifying things to give. Maximum of $12 a year. A feel good thing!”
Larry W., Commerce City
“I haven’t participated in Round-Up before, but I am signing up today. Sounds like a great program and I can see that even a little bit helps.”
Sam G., Firestone
“Yes we do. We have dealt with hardships and want to contribute to help others in need.”
Brad L., Frederick
“We participate in Round-Up to ensure that our little contribution helps members who are less fortunate, especially in these times of COVID-19.”
James D., Black Hawk
“Yes! We do participate in the Round-Up program. We are grateful for the opportunity to assist members of our and the greater United Power community when the need arises.”
Michelle B., Golden
“I haven’t yet, I did not know what it was! But will be signing up now.”
Terry H., Brighton
Why United Power Plans Outages
Monday | March 9, 2020
You may have at one time or another received a recorded message from United Power informing you of a “preplanned” outage in your area.
Read more >
Wildfire Mitigation a Cooperative Priority
Tuesday | September 15, 2020
As your cooperative, United Power takes these growing threats seriously. Leadership at the cooperative has continuously embraced a proactive and progressive approach to wildfire prevention.
Read more >
Wildfire Safety Seminar
Monday | February 14, 2022
In March, the Firestone Free Thinkers 4-H Club, in partnership with United Power, is hosting a free one-hour wildfire preparedness training, presented by the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District and the CVEMA.
Read more >
Winter Storm Grid Reliability
Friday | April 23, 2021
Several United Power members have asked about this severe weather situation that occurred in Texas, wondering if something similar could happen here at United Power.
Read more >
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.
We are Dedicated to Keeping the Lights On
Monday | April 4, 2022
On April 18th, we will celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day, to recognize and honor our lineworkers for their hard work and dedication.
Read more >
Title
What are Vampire Loads?
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2019_NL_Vampire.png?itok=lR6w03eY
Friday | January 25, 2019
Card Teaser
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.
The desktop computer in your office. The living room TV and gaming console in standby or rest mode. Even the cell phone charger you keep plugged in throughout the day. 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. These loads are approaching 10 percent of the average household electric use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Electronics and appliances in standby or rest modes require a little electricity to maintain minimal function of the device so it’s ready to go when you return to using it. The primary culprits are televisions, desktop computers and, particularly, gaming consoles which can use as much electricity as a refrigerator even when not in use thanks to frequent system updates. Chargers are another contributor to the phantom load. A single charger might not be a drain on your bill, but in an increasingly plugged in world, the impact can begin to add up.
So how can you limit your vampire loads? The obvious solution is to simply unplug devices when not in use and disabling auto-update features that draw power when in rest mode. If you want a limited impact on your daily routine, consider investing in smart power strips. These devices can usually connect to your phone through WiFi or Bluetooth so you can turn them off and on automatically. Many of them even come with surge protection to keep your devices safe during storms or other events that may cause a surge.
In the digital, connected age, these vampire, or phantom, loads can become a real problem. A little investment and some small changes can end up saving you on your bill. For more energy efficiency information, check out My Energy.
Title
White House Chronicle: Managing the Power Crisis at the Local Level
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/_DSC8999.jpg?h=2d828ae9&itok=cjSLqr09
Tuesday | January 6, 2026
Card Teaser
United Power President and CEO Mark Gabriel speaks about the need for all fuels and his approach to keeping the lights on.
Watch Video:
Title
Why Members Round Up
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2020_NL_RoundUp.jpg?h=45932144&itok=YdOl3AGv
Thursday | December 10, 2020
Card Teaser
In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses.
When United Power founded Operation Round Up in 1995 as a way for members to voluntarily help each other through a small monthly contribution built right into their billing statement, we envisioned being able to help vulnerable and struggling members in the communities we serve make ends meet. We couldn’t have imagined then that a nationwide pandemic would stretch the foundation to its limits as we celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.
It hasn’t been an easy year for anyone, and some have felt the impacts more than others. Although many more members are in need of assistance, the Round Up board has remained committed to finding the most effective ways to help meet needs throughout this time.
For those not familiar with Operation Round Up, it is a foundation funded entirely by members who “round up” their monthly billing statements to the next whole dollar. Participation is voluntary, and average yearly contributions are only $6, or approximately $.50 per month. Those funds are then redistributed to nonprofits in various parts of the service territory to ensure as many members receive help as possible. The Round Up Board selected these nonprofits because they have more resources and are better equipped to provide for members in need. The Board is made up of fellow United Power members who also live within the various parts of the service territory and are familiar with the specific needs of their respective areas.
This unusual year hasn’t prevented the board from going above and beyond to meet increased needs, which created an added burden on the foundation. Without the generous contributions of more than 20,000 members who have elected to round up their bill, this wouldn’t have been possible.
In November, we asked our members to tell us why they round up, and we received some tremendous responses:
“Yes, been rounding up for at least a decade. One of a list of gratifying things to give. Maximum of $12 a year. A feel good thing!”
Larry W., Commerce City
“I haven’t participated in Round-Up before, but I am signing up today. Sounds like a great program and I can see that even a little bit helps.”
Sam G., Firestone
“Yes we do. We have dealt with hardships and want to contribute to help others in need.”
Brad L., Frederick
“We participate in Round-Up to ensure that our little contribution helps members who are less fortunate, especially in these times of COVID-19.”
James D., Black Hawk
“Yes! We do participate in the Round-Up program. We are grateful for the opportunity to assist members of our and the greater United Power community when the need arises.”
Michelle B., Golden
“I haven’t yet, I did not know what it was! But will be signing up now.”
Terry H., Brighton
Why United Power Plans Outages
Monday | March 9, 2020
You may have at one time or another received a recorded message from United Power informing you of a “preplanned” outage in your area.
Read more >
Wildfire Mitigation a Cooperative Priority
Tuesday | September 15, 2020
As your cooperative, United Power takes these growing threats seriously. Leadership at the cooperative has continuously embraced a proactive and progressive approach to wildfire prevention.
Read more >
Wildfire Safety Seminar
Monday | February 14, 2022
In March, the Firestone Free Thinkers 4-H Club, in partnership with United Power, is hosting a free one-hour wildfire preparedness training, presented by the Frederick-Firestone Fire Protection District and the CVEMA.
Read more >
Winter Storm Grid Reliability
Friday | April 23, 2021
Several United Power members have asked about this severe weather situation that occurred in Texas, wondering if something similar could happen here at United Power.
Read more >
