Co-op Cares Fund
Supporting Members During Financial Crisis and Difficulty
Co-op Cares Fund Established
United Power understands the COVID-19 pandemic has economically impacted many of its members. To support members during this time, the cooperative’s Board of Directors approved a special allocation of $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to be used to help offset electric bills for residential and small business members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – particularly those who have been affected by illness, job losses or business closure. The Co-op Cares Fund will be available for assistance through the end of 2020, or when the fund is depleted. Learn more.
To apply for the Co-op Cares Fund, login to your online account and complete an application.
The application can be found under Contact Us > Report an Issue/Inquiry > Submit Other Issue > Inquiry Type: Application – Coop Cares Fund.
Temporary Suspension of Disconnects
Out of care for our members, United Power has temporarily suspended disconnects for non-payment due to impacts from the COVID-19 situation. We are continuing all other operations as usual, so you will still receive a bill and alerts about your account status. Please remember you will still be responsible for payment of your energy usage during this time. We encourage you to pay what you can when you can and to stay in contact with us on your situation.
Additional Resources
Temporary Payment Arrangement: United Power understands that circumstances sometimes prevent you from paying your bill in full. In the event you cannot make your payment, we’ll work with you to arrange a temporary payment schedule. Payment arrangements are made on an individual basis.
Budget Billing: Another option that allows members to have more consistent payment amounts is Budget Billing. Budget Billing is a 12-month plan consisting of 11 equal payments and a 12th, or final settlement payment, which is adjusted up or down depending on your actual usage. You are only billed for the electricity you use. Your Budget Billing monthly payment is estimated based on your past electric usage, so you must have at least six months of usage history with United Power before you are eligible for this program.
Pay As You Go – Prepaid Electric Service: Pay for electricity before you use it, just like a prepaid cellphone plan. You’ll receive alerts when your account is running low and then you decide to refill your account for a few days, or a few weeks at a time. With Pay As You Go, you no longer pay late fees or reconnect fees, and there are no deposit requirements. Current United Power Members may be able to use a previously paid deposit as a credit upon enrollment in the program.
If you're experiencing a hardship that is preventing you from making your payment in full or you would like information on payment or billing options, please contact United Power at 303-637-1300.
If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, LEAP may be able to help. The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps needy Coloradoans pay their winter utility bills from November 1st through April 30th. Energy Outreach Colorado and the federal government provide funds to LEAP, which is administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services. To see if you qualify and to download an application, contact Energy Outreach Colorado.
Learn more about LEAP and apply here: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/leap
In response to COVID-19, participants can now receive bill payment assistance TWO times this program year while not exceeding total program year benefit of $1,500. This program has been extended through September 30, 2020 or until funds are exhausted. Prior to receiving bill payment assistance from Energy Outreach Colorado, all eligible households must first apply for LEAP.
The following organizations receive funds from the Operation Round-Up Foundation to support United Power members in need. Please contact an organization near you to apply for assistance. Through these organizations, you may qualify for assistance with utility bills, rent, and medical bills. In addition, these organizations can also help direct you to other critical resources including food, clothing, housing and employment resources.
ALMOST HOME (BRIGHTON)
231 N. Main St., Brighton, Colo. 80601
303-659-6199
Promotes self-sufficiency and provides housing assistance for the homeless and those in need in Adams and Weld County. Operates an emergency homeless shelter and provides case management services, financial assistance for rent and utilities and other resources.
CARBON VALLEY HELP CENTER (FIRESTONE)
150 Buchanan Ave., Firestone, Colo. 80520
303-833-6626
Helps people in immediate need move toward self-sufficiency by unifying Carbon Valley resources and information about a variety of regional resources. Client specialists work with individuals to get them information and assistance they need to regain confidence.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES (FT. LUPTON)
240 Denver Ave, Fort Lupton, CO 80621
303-857-0521
Serves tens of thousands of people each year in seven ministries: Marisol Services (for women), Early Childhood Education, Shelter Services, Archdiocesan Housing, Sacred House Counseling; Family, Kinship and Senior Services; and Parish & Community Services. They also provide disaster relief services.
CANYON CARES (COAL CREEK CANYON)
73 Gross Dam Rd., Golden, Colo. 80403
720-515-1129
Serves the community by providing short-term resources to help care for the necessities and urgent needs of residents in Coal Creek Canyon and unincorporated Gilpin County in Colorado’s Front Range.
Unison Housing Partners | 3033 W 71st Ave., Suite 1000, Westminster, Colo. 80030
303-227-2090
Areas Served: Adams County
Association for Senior Citizens | 2839 W 44th Ave., Denver, Colo. 80211
303-455-9642
Areas Served: Jefferson County
Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, Inc. | 851 Dry Gulch Road,
970-577-0610
Areas Served: Boulder County, Larimer County
Emergency Family Assistance Association | 900 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, Colo.
303-442-3042
Areas Served: Boulder County
Energy Outreach Colorado | 225 E 16th Ave., Denver, Colo. 80203
888-775-5327, 719-442-2046
Areas Served: All counties
Broomfield FISH (Fellowship in Serving Humanity) | 6 Garden Center, Broomfield, Colo. 80020
303-465-1600
Areas Served: City and County of Broomfield
JeffCo Action Center, Inc. | 8755 W 14th Ave., Lakewood, Colo. 80215
303-237-7704
Areas Served: Jefferson County
OUR Center (Outreach United Resource Center) | 220 Collyer St., Longmont, Colo. 80501
303-772-5529
Areas Served: St. Vrain Valley School District
Seniors' Resource Center | 3227 Chase St., Wheat Ridge, Colo. 80212
303-238-8151
Areas Served: Jefferson County, Clear Creek County, Gilpin County, Park County
Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars | 1400 Carr Street, Lakewood, Colo. 80214
303-421-1630
Areas Served: All counties