Now that COVID vaccinations are widely available and restrictions are lifting, United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures. Beginning on May 18th, late fees and reconnect fees, which were temporarily waived during the height of the COVID shutdowns, will be reinstated. On June 1st, select teams of United Power employees will return to the office, and United Power will open its Brighton lobby to walk-in visitors and for in-person payments.

United Power was one of the first Colorado utilities to pause disconnections for non-payment and waive late fees and disconnect fees when the initial pandemic stay-at-home orders were issued. Disconnections for non-payment resumed in July 2020, and on May 18th, late fees for payments not received by the due date and reconnection fees to restore electric service will resume. United Power offers several ways to avoid fees, including payment arrangements, enrolling in Pay As You Go pre-paid electric service, and applying for Co-op Cares Funds. The cooperative allocated $550,000 in relief funds to help members financially impacted by COVID. Any member struggling to make their payments in full or on time is encouraged to call United Power to access resources for assistance.

“We want to help our members avoid additional fees and disconnections, but they need to reach out to us before they are past due on their payments,” said Francis Ashu, United Power Director of Member Services. “Through our Co-op Cares fund, we have been able to help almost two thousand members financially impacted by COVID, and there are still funds available for members who are facing hardships.”

On June 1st, United Power’s Brighton Headquarters lobby at 500 Cooperative Way will re-open. While we will continue providing a suite of remote options to assist members, our Representatives will be available to assist members in person during regular business hours of Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Masks and social distancing will be required for all visitors and employees as directed by local health code mandates. The Carbon Valley and Coal Creek offices remain closed to visitors. Payment kiosks accept cash, check, and card payments and are available at all United Power offices and the Bank of Colorado Operations Center in Ft Lupton.

“Our dedicated employees are anxious to see our members and interact with them in person again. We are glad that a safe return to normal operations is possible,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President, and Chief Executive Officer. “United Power has taken every precaution to protect employees from being affected by COVID. With one office re-opening, we will continue to adhere to health department guidelines in the office, and some teams will continue to work remotely. To further protect our employees and ensure they are here to serve our members, we are offering an on-site vaccine clinic for employees and family members.”

Jim Jaeger is Remembered for His Commitment, Support of Local Community

Brighton, Colo. – Former United Power director Jim Jaeger, who passed away on April 13, is remembered as a valuable member of the Brighton community. Jaeger was a longtime business owner and lifelong community servant, known for his activity as a volunteer and a strong supporter of local sports. He was dedicated to representing members of his community and making the world a better place for those less fortunate.

Jaeger joined United Power’s Board of Directors in March of 2002 as a representative in the cooperative’s South District and served until his retirement in 2014. When elected to the board, Jaeger said he knew little about cooperatives or distributive electricity, but he learned quickly and was passionate about directing United Power toward member-first initiatives and programs and guiding it through challenges.

While sitting on the board, Jaeger served as both vice president and secretary/treasurer, each for two years, and represented the cooperative on the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s board for five years. In addition to serving on the United Power board, Jaeger also represented his community on the local school board for eight years.

“We are saddened by his passing,” said Troy Whitmore, the cooperative’s Government & Regulatory Relations Officer. “He truly was a pillar of his community, an honorable man and a good friend. He will be greatly missed.”

United Power a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to more than 99,000 meters at homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. 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. At the end of 2020, the cooperative reached more than 97,000 meters representing more than 300,000 members. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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