Understanding Demand
United Power rates include an energy (kWh) component and a demand (kW) component. This rate structure breaks apart the traditional blended rate to charge each member more fairly for their use and impact on the local grid. The following information will help members better understand demand related to their energy use.
So, what is demand?Demand (kW) refers to the maximum amount of electrical power that is being consumed at a given time, as opposed to energy (kWh), which is the amount of power used over a period of time.
The Demand Charge line item that appears on your monthly bill represents the 15-minute interval with the highest amount of electricity used during that billing month – measured in kilowatts (kW).
FOR EXAMPLE: Get in the driver’s seat of your car for a moment. Energy (kWh) would be what is recorded on your car’s odometer – a measurement of total miles. Demand is like your speedometer – measuring the speed at which the energy flows. The demand charge is like the highest recorded “miles-per-hour” speed that month.
What is demand? (PDF)
United Power en Espanol
Utilice la función "Select Lanaguage" en la parte inferior de la página para traducir este sitio web en español.
Para obtener ayuda adicional, llame al 303-637-1300 opción 9
United Power EV Charging NetworkFast & Convenient Charging
United Power launched its first EV charging station through ChargePoint in Coal Creek Canyon in 2019, conveniently located at the cooperative's offices along Hwy. 72. The EV charging location provided rural residents and travelers access to fast charging in an area that previously had no charging infrastructure in place. As a cooperative, United Power is committed to providing the right opportunities and programs that make electric vehicles more practical and accessible for more of its members, especially those living in rural communities and areas.
United Power HistoryUnited Power's Story
United Power was originally founded as Union Rural Electric. The cooperative was incorporated in October of 1938 through the efforts of 26 original founders. Dubbed Union Rural Electric by the original founders, the name came to describe the “united” efforts of dozens of farmers from Adams, Boulder, Gilpin, Jefferson and Weld counties. Roughly a year after the cooperative was incorporated, construction began on 300 miles of distribution line that would serve 750 customers. Power first surged through the newly erected lines on January 29, 1940.
In April of 1990, the cooperative name was changed to United Power, Inc., a visible sign of a new, more powerful entity emerging in the electric industry. By November of the same year, United Power had added over 6,000 new customers with the acquisition of the Platte Valley Division. The Platte Valley Division encompassed the cities of Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg and the surrounding rural lands. The 1993 acquisition of customers in the city of Brighton fueled a second surge of growth, adding an additional 6,000 meters. In June 2021, the cooperative became just the 31st co-op nationwide to surpass the 100,000 meter milestone.
Vegetation ManagementPrevent Outages & Fires, Keep Trees Away from Wires
The increased risk of fires is a growing concern. As your cooperative, United Power takes the growing threat of wildfires seriously. Our goal is the safety of our members and the protection of the communities they live in.
One of the leading fire risks is vegetation. To protect your power and your community, United Power is concentrating significant resources on clearing vegetation from power lines. This includes portions of our mountain territory that are heavily forested and locations along the plains where trees are encroaching on power lines or utility infrastructure.
VendorsVendor Information
United Power contracts with vendors to provide products or services that allow United Power to perform reliably, efficiently and effectively throughout its various departments and service territory. Many products and services are acquired by issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) and requests for quotes (RFQs), which facilitates bidding processes to obtain quality services, products and supplies at favorable prices.
Business Interest Information
Vendors interested in working with United Power and to be considered for bidding on open requests should complete the business interest form below. Vendors who provide goods/services that do not require competitive bidding may also be contacted directly by a United Power representative.
Understanding Demand
United Power rates include an energy (kWh) component and a demand (kW) component. This rate structure breaks apart the traditional blended rate to charge each member more fairly for their use and impact on the local grid. The following information will help members better understand demand related to their energy use.
So, what is demand?Demand (kW) refers to the maximum amount of electrical power that is being consumed at a given time, as opposed to energy (kWh), which is the amount of power used over a period of time.
The Demand Charge line item that appears on your monthly bill represents the 15-minute interval with the highest amount of electricity used during that billing month – measured in kilowatts (kW).
FOR EXAMPLE: Get in the driver’s seat of your car for a moment. Energy (kWh) would be what is recorded on your car’s odometer – a measurement of total miles. Demand is like your speedometer – measuring the speed at which the energy flows. The demand charge is like the highest recorded “miles-per-hour” speed that month.
What is demand? (PDF)
United Power en Espanol
Utilice la función "Select Lanaguage" en la parte inferior de la página para traducir este sitio web en español.
Para obtener ayuda adicional, llame al 303-637-1300 opción 9
United Power EV Charging NetworkFast & Convenient Charging
United Power launched its first EV charging station through ChargePoint in Coal Creek Canyon in 2019, conveniently located at the cooperative's offices along Hwy. 72. The EV charging location provided rural residents and travelers access to fast charging in an area that previously had no charging infrastructure in place. As a cooperative, United Power is committed to providing the right opportunities and programs that make electric vehicles more practical and accessible for more of its members, especially those living in rural communities and areas.
United Power HistoryUnited Power's Story
United Power was originally founded as Union Rural Electric. The cooperative was incorporated in October of 1938 through the efforts of 26 original founders. Dubbed Union Rural Electric by the original founders, the name came to describe the “united” efforts of dozens of farmers from Adams, Boulder, Gilpin, Jefferson and Weld counties. Roughly a year after the cooperative was incorporated, construction began on 300 miles of distribution line that would serve 750 customers. Power first surged through the newly erected lines on January 29, 1940.
In April of 1990, the cooperative name was changed to United Power, Inc., a visible sign of a new, more powerful entity emerging in the electric industry. By November of the same year, United Power had added over 6,000 new customers with the acquisition of the Platte Valley Division. The Platte Valley Division encompassed the cities of Fort Lupton, Hudson, Keenesburg and the surrounding rural lands. The 1993 acquisition of customers in the city of Brighton fueled a second surge of growth, adding an additional 6,000 meters. In June 2021, the cooperative became just the 31st co-op nationwide to surpass the 100,000 meter milestone.
Vegetation ManagementPrevent Outages & Fires, Keep Trees Away from Wires
The increased risk of fires is a growing concern. As your cooperative, United Power takes the growing threat of wildfires seriously. Our goal is the safety of our members and the protection of the communities they live in.
One of the leading fire risks is vegetation. To protect your power and your community, United Power is concentrating significant resources on clearing vegetation from power lines. This includes portions of our mountain territory that are heavily forested and locations along the plains where trees are encroaching on power lines or utility infrastructure.
VendorsVendor Information
United Power contracts with vendors to provide products or services that allow United Power to perform reliably, efficiently and effectively throughout its various departments and service territory. Many products and services are acquired by issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) and requests for quotes (RFQs), which facilitates bidding processes to obtain quality services, products and supplies at favorable prices.
Business Interest Information
Vendors interested in working with United Power and to be considered for bidding on open requests should complete the business interest form below. Vendors who provide goods/services that do not require competitive bidding may also be contacted directly by a United Power representative.
