Member BenefitsYou Belong Here
As a customer of United Power, you are a member-owner of a not-for-profit electric cooperative. We have been delivering co-op power to homes, farms, businesses, and industries along Colorado's northern Front Range for more than 85 years. We are one of the fastest-growing electric distribution cooperatives in the country, and we are proud of our reliable service record, fostering relationships in the communities we serve, and our dedication to innovative energy programs.
Your cooperative membership comes with an assurance that we will work diligently to provide reliable electric service and several other valuable member benefits.
Member Choice GrantsPowering Positivity
Within our service territory there are several nonprofit organizations that bring value to the community or communities they help support. Member Choice Grants allow our members to nominate a nonprofit organization within the cooperative's service territory to receive grant funds from United Power. These grants will help them continue to work toward accomplishing their mission and serve the local community. In this way, we are able to support the causes our members truly care about.
Nominating an organization to receive a Member Choice Grant is as simple as filling out the form below and providing a brief reason why you feel the organization should receive the grant.
2026 Member Choice Grant nominations are now open!Member Choice Grant nominations closed on Sept. 25.
Message From Our CEOMessage From Your President & CEOA Letter to Members
Back in the early 20th century, the advent of electricity was viewed with worry and concern. It was called the “unrestrained demon” with stories of catastrophes awaiting society and warnings that electricity would even disturb sleep. Light switches had warnings not to ignite them with matches.
Today, a similar sense of uncertainty surrounds artificial intelligence (AI) and the rapid growth of data centers. While the two are inextricably interconnected, they are not the same thing.
AI needs data centers to exist, but data centers do not deal exclusively with AI. Colorado has between 60–80 data centers powering the digital services we use every day, including online banking, streaming services, and even Facebook. Every time we use a credit card at a gas station or order from Amazon, that information passes through a data center somewhere, including facilities located in United Power’s service area. Some of that information uses machine learning and large language models to recognize preferences and make suggestions.
At United Power, we treat requests for electric service from data centers the same way we manage requests from housing developers or commercial and industrial projects. As part of our obligation to serve, we evaluate each request and determine what infrastructure is needed to deliver reliable power.
Since 2002, United Power’s Board of Directors has operated under a “growth pays” model. Developers of any kind of project are required to pay the up front costs for the equipment necessary to bring power to the site. This protects members from bearing the costs of growth-related infrastructure.
To handle large load requests, United Power has developed the “LIT process” answering three basic questions:
The location of the desired service, since not all parts of the system can readily accommodate the power needed.
The investment that will be required by the requesting party.
The timing of the requested power.
Often, data centers will ask for far more capacity than they need right away, making this careful planning process even more important.
United Power’s load has been growing for 20 years. The benefit of steady growth is that it allows us to spread the kilowatt-hour costs over more members. It also allows us to buy in greater quantities — the more power we purchase, the lower our costs.
There is also an added benefit when the co-op can use member-owned back-up generation for grid stability during times of high demand. United Power is running a pilot program where select large commercial and industrial members allow the cooperative to control their back-up resources in emergency situations. The program is a win-win: participants receive bill credits for offering their back-up resources, and the cooperative receives cost competitive capacity.
There is no doubt that the rapid growth of data centers across the country is creating challenges for the entire utility industry. Demand for equipment such as gas generators, transformers, and other electrical infrastructure has increased, putting pressure on already constrained supply chains.
However, electricity is a business requirement for data centers. If utilities are unable or unwilling or to serve them, data center operators will serve themselves. This represents a significant risk and forces data centers to procure utility equipment on their own — putting them in direct competition with utilities for critical equipment. Lead times for gas generators have moved from under two years to five, and the price has increased by more than 50%. A local example of this impact is our natural gas plant in Keenesburg. United Power opened Mountain Peak Power last July, completing the project in just 20 months. Today, it would take five years to get the necessary equipment, and it would cost twice as much.
Clearly, there are valid concerns about the impacts of AI, but it is important not to confuse the critical nature of data centers with the worries about AI. Data centers support many of the services we rely on every day and are an important part of our lives.
The electric utility industry has dealt with growth spikes in the past — the cooperative movement that illuminated rural America, the adoption of air conditioning, and the digital revolution that began in the 1990s and continues to this day. Utilities have managed that growth every time.
At United Power, we will continue to plan responsibly for growth and focus on the needs of all our members, large and small.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments.
Meter Disconnects, Upgrades, and TamperingMeter Disconnects
United Power will help coordinate service disconnects for members performing tree trimming, home renovation projects, system upgrades, or any other work that requires temporary interruptions. Please contact the cooperative to schedule service disconnects at your home or business prior to work being conducted.
Contact a member services representative with any questions about service disconnects at 303-637-1300.
Members and member-hired electricians or contractors are not authorized to tamper, disconnect, or otherwise bypass United Power meters.
My AccountTake Control of Your Account Electronically
United Power offers members easy access to their account online through SmartHub and free United Power app.
Take control of your electricity use and United Power account. In one place you can:
New Commercial ConstructionElectrical Service For New Commercial Construction
While filling out the above application, please remember to attached any site plans and CAD files. Please fill out and submit Landbase App for any CAD files. Once submitted, a project manager/coordinator will review your request and create a work/design order. Please allow up to 10 business days for the design and cost letter to be sent out, but larger projects may take up to 20 business days. (Note:A coordinator may request a site visit prior to this letter being sent.)
Payment will need to be made up front.
Once payment has been received, a Right of Way (ROW) review can begin, if necessary. Once complete, the work order is assigned and scheduled by Operations. Scheduling can usually be made 4-6 weeks out.
Upon completion of construction, an electrician-installed meter housing will need to be inspected by the city and/or county. Secondary line is brought to United Power's transformer by an electrician. United Power will provide the meter housing and CTs.
After inspection, a meter release is sent to United Power and forwarded to Operations. It may take between 2-10 business days for meters to be set.
New ERA
United Power was fortunate to receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service that directly lowers power supply costs over the next 10-15 years. These funds will help mitigate the rising cost of power to stabilize rates for co-op members.
Four of the seven projects approved as part of United Power’s 2024 grant application are already serving members’ energy needs, and the next three will come online by 2030. In total, the grant will support seven new generation resources, including local facilities that will bring jobs and tax revenue to the cities and counties United Power serves.
New MeteringNew Metering Process
Your new construction will be ready for meter installation once all the following are complete:
Construction is finished.
The electrician-installed meter housing has passed inspection by the city and/or county.
The inspector has submitted a passed meter release to United Power.
After United Power receives the meter release and gathers the remaining required details – such as service billing information – a meter connect service order is created and assigned to a technician.
United Power aims to complete new service connections within 15 business days. The connection timeline may take longer during periods of high demand or when site conditions require additional work.
NOTICE: Current meter connect lead time is 12-15 business days.
New ResidentialElectrical Service For New Residential Construction
A United Power project manager/coordinator will review your application request once it has been received. After review, the coordinator will create a work order/design and send a design and cost letter to the applicant. Please allow up to 10 business days for the design and cost letter to be sent out. (Note: A coordinator may request a site visit prior to this letter being sent.)
Payment for services will need to be made up front.
Once payment has been received, a Right of Way (ROW) review can begin, if necessary. Once complete, the work order is assigned and scheduled by Operations. Scheduling can usually be made 3-5 weeks out.
Upon completion of construction, an electrician-installed meter housing will need to be inspected by the city and/or county. United Power installed pedestals will also need to be inspected.
After inspection, a meter release is sent to United Power and forwarded to Operations. It may take between 2-10 business days for meters to be set.
Member BenefitsYou Belong Here
As a customer of United Power, you are a member-owner of a not-for-profit electric cooperative. We have been delivering co-op power to homes, farms, businesses, and industries along Colorado's northern Front Range for more than 85 years. We are one of the fastest-growing electric distribution cooperatives in the country, and we are proud of our reliable service record, fostering relationships in the communities we serve, and our dedication to innovative energy programs.
Your cooperative membership comes with an assurance that we will work diligently to provide reliable electric service and several other valuable member benefits.
Member Choice GrantsPowering Positivity
Within our service territory there are several nonprofit organizations that bring value to the community or communities they help support. Member Choice Grants allow our members to nominate a nonprofit organization within the cooperative's service territory to receive grant funds from United Power. These grants will help them continue to work toward accomplishing their mission and serve the local community. In this way, we are able to support the causes our members truly care about.
Nominating an organization to receive a Member Choice Grant is as simple as filling out the form below and providing a brief reason why you feel the organization should receive the grant.
2026 Member Choice Grant nominations are now open!Member Choice Grant nominations closed on Sept. 25.
Message From Our CEOMessage From Your President & CEOA Letter to Members
Back in the early 20th century, the advent of electricity was viewed with worry and concern. It was called the “unrestrained demon” with stories of catastrophes awaiting society and warnings that electricity would even disturb sleep. Light switches had warnings not to ignite them with matches.
Today, a similar sense of uncertainty surrounds artificial intelligence (AI) and the rapid growth of data centers. While the two are inextricably interconnected, they are not the same thing.
AI needs data centers to exist, but data centers do not deal exclusively with AI. Colorado has between 60–80 data centers powering the digital services we use every day, including online banking, streaming services, and even Facebook. Every time we use a credit card at a gas station or order from Amazon, that information passes through a data center somewhere, including facilities located in United Power’s service area. Some of that information uses machine learning and large language models to recognize preferences and make suggestions.
At United Power, we treat requests for electric service from data centers the same way we manage requests from housing developers or commercial and industrial projects. As part of our obligation to serve, we evaluate each request and determine what infrastructure is needed to deliver reliable power.
Since 2002, United Power’s Board of Directors has operated under a “growth pays” model. Developers of any kind of project are required to pay the up front costs for the equipment necessary to bring power to the site. This protects members from bearing the costs of growth-related infrastructure.
To handle large load requests, United Power has developed the “LIT process” answering three basic questions:
The location of the desired service, since not all parts of the system can readily accommodate the power needed.
The investment that will be required by the requesting party.
The timing of the requested power.
Often, data centers will ask for far more capacity than they need right away, making this careful planning process even more important.
United Power’s load has been growing for 20 years. The benefit of steady growth is that it allows us to spread the kilowatt-hour costs over more members. It also allows us to buy in greater quantities — the more power we purchase, the lower our costs.
There is also an added benefit when the co-op can use member-owned back-up generation for grid stability during times of high demand. United Power is running a pilot program where select large commercial and industrial members allow the cooperative to control their back-up resources in emergency situations. The program is a win-win: participants receive bill credits for offering their back-up resources, and the cooperative receives cost competitive capacity.
There is no doubt that the rapid growth of data centers across the country is creating challenges for the entire utility industry. Demand for equipment such as gas generators, transformers, and other electrical infrastructure has increased, putting pressure on already constrained supply chains.
However, electricity is a business requirement for data centers. If utilities are unable or unwilling or to serve them, data center operators will serve themselves. This represents a significant risk and forces data centers to procure utility equipment on their own — putting them in direct competition with utilities for critical equipment. Lead times for gas generators have moved from under two years to five, and the price has increased by more than 50%. A local example of this impact is our natural gas plant in Keenesburg. United Power opened Mountain Peak Power last July, completing the project in just 20 months. Today, it would take five years to get the necessary equipment, and it would cost twice as much.
Clearly, there are valid concerns about the impacts of AI, but it is important not to confuse the critical nature of data centers with the worries about AI. Data centers support many of the services we rely on every day and are an important part of our lives.
The electric utility industry has dealt with growth spikes in the past — the cooperative movement that illuminated rural America, the adoption of air conditioning, and the digital revolution that began in the 1990s and continues to this day. Utilities have managed that growth every time.
At United Power, we will continue to plan responsibly for growth and focus on the needs of all our members, large and small.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments.
Meter Disconnects, Upgrades, and TamperingMeter Disconnects
United Power will help coordinate service disconnects for members performing tree trimming, home renovation projects, system upgrades, or any other work that requires temporary interruptions. Please contact the cooperative to schedule service disconnects at your home or business prior to work being conducted.
Contact a member services representative with any questions about service disconnects at 303-637-1300.
Members and member-hired electricians or contractors are not authorized to tamper, disconnect, or otherwise bypass United Power meters.
My AccountTake Control of Your Account Electronically
United Power offers members easy access to their account online through SmartHub and free United Power app.
Take control of your electricity use and United Power account. In one place you can:
New Commercial ConstructionElectrical Service For New Commercial Construction
While filling out the above application, please remember to attached any site plans and CAD files. Please fill out and submit Landbase App for any CAD files. Once submitted, a project manager/coordinator will review your request and create a work/design order. Please allow up to 10 business days for the design and cost letter to be sent out, but larger projects may take up to 20 business days. (Note:A coordinator may request a site visit prior to this letter being sent.)
Payment will need to be made up front.
Once payment has been received, a Right of Way (ROW) review can begin, if necessary. Once complete, the work order is assigned and scheduled by Operations. Scheduling can usually be made 4-6 weeks out.
Upon completion of construction, an electrician-installed meter housing will need to be inspected by the city and/or county. Secondary line is brought to United Power's transformer by an electrician. United Power will provide the meter housing and CTs.
After inspection, a meter release is sent to United Power and forwarded to Operations. It may take between 2-10 business days for meters to be set.
New ERA
United Power was fortunate to receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service that directly lowers power supply costs over the next 10-15 years. These funds will help mitigate the rising cost of power to stabilize rates for co-op members.
Four of the seven projects approved as part of United Power’s 2024 grant application are already serving members’ energy needs, and the next three will come online by 2030. In total, the grant will support seven new generation resources, including local facilities that will bring jobs and tax revenue to the cities and counties United Power serves.
New MeteringNew Metering Process
Your new construction will be ready for meter installation once all the following are complete:
Construction is finished.
The electrician-installed meter housing has passed inspection by the city and/or county.
The inspector has submitted a passed meter release to United Power.
After United Power receives the meter release and gathers the remaining required details – such as service billing information – a meter connect service order is created and assigned to a technician.
United Power aims to complete new service connections within 15 business days. The connection timeline may take longer during periods of high demand or when site conditions require additional work.
NOTICE: Current meter connect lead time is 12-15 business days.
New ResidentialElectrical Service For New Residential Construction
A United Power project manager/coordinator will review your application request once it has been received. After review, the coordinator will create a work order/design and send a design and cost letter to the applicant. Please allow up to 10 business days for the design and cost letter to be sent out. (Note: A coordinator may request a site visit prior to this letter being sent.)
Payment for services will need to be made up front.
Once payment has been received, a Right of Way (ROW) review can begin, if necessary. Once complete, the work order is assigned and scheduled by Operations. Scheduling can usually be made 3-5 weeks out.
Upon completion of construction, an electrician-installed meter housing will need to be inspected by the city and/or county. United Power installed pedestals will also need to be inspected.
After inspection, a meter release is sent to United Power and forwarded to Operations. It may take between 2-10 business days for meters to be set.
