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05/30/2018 - 02:16 PM
Title Celebrating Lineman Appreciation Day – April 18 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_04_13_LinemanAppreciationDay.jpg?itok=7uCualCF Thursday | April 13, 2017 Card Teaser National Lineman Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18th and honors the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers. Your Power Works Because They Do! National Lineman Appreciation Day is celebrated each year on April 18th and honors the hard work, innovation and dedication of America’s electrical lineworkers. United Power will join in on the celebration to honor the hard working men and women who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on. We proudly recognize all electric linemen for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety. “Electric linemen work all hours of the day, often in hazardous conditions far from their families, going above and beyond to restore power to their communities,” said Bryant Robbins, United Power Chief Operations Officer “Our linemen, as well as linemen from across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition.” To honor United Power’s linemen, we invite members to take a moment to thank a lineman for the work they do.Use #ThankALineman on social media to show your support for the men and women who light our lives, or take a moment to drop a card of thanks in the mail.09/30/2019 - 09:42 AM
Title Celebrating National Energy Efficiency Day /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/2019-09/PowerStrip_Off.jpg?itok=PU7ggum4 Monday | September 30, 2019 Card Teaser October 2nd is National Energy Efficiency Day—a day to be reminded of the easy ways we can all reduce our energy use and save money. October 2nd is National Energy Efficiency Day—a day to be reminded of the easy ways we can all reduce our energy use and save money. By being as efficient as possible with the energy we use, we help our pocketbooks and the environment. Remember: the cleanest, most efficient energy is the energy we never have to generate. In honor of Energy Efficiency Day, here are 10 simple ways to reduce energy waste, at home and at work: 1. Make the switch to LED LEDs are a great example of how innovation and technology can make your life easier. They last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Tip: By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually. Buy LEDs in 2019 and you can earn a rebate from United Power for every bulb. 2. Seal Those Leaks On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. In fact, all the little leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window. Tip: Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs. 3. Heat and Cool Efficiently Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty home. Install a programmable thermostat and in colder weather schedule your home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep and increase when you are returning home or waking-up. In warm weather, schedule the thermostat to raise the temperature when you are away or asleep, and lower it at other times. Tip: Follow the U.S. Department of Energy recommended temperatures and be energy-efficient all year. 4. Maintain Your HVAC System Make sure to clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow down air flow, making the system work harder to keep you warm (or cool) and costing you more money. Tip: Consider getting a winter tune-up. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a semi-annual or yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can be vital to improve efficiency, saving you money and making your home more comfortable. 5. Look for the ENERGY STAR® Label ENERGY STAR® labeled windows can cut heating costs by as much as 30% compared to single-pane windows, while increasing indoor comfort and lessening fading of home furnishings. Tip: If you are undertaking a major home remodel or new build, consider installing ENERGY STAR® qualified HVAC equipment and appliances. United Power offers rebates on the purchase of new ENERGY STAR® air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines. 6. Turn the Electronics Off That sounds easy, but too often we forget and leave electronics plugged in that are not in use. Tip: Turn off unnecessary/idle lights, appliances and electronics. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once, and new Smart Powerstrips have timers and app controls to make it even easier. (Sometimes the simplest things are really effective!) 7. Winter Tip: Invite the Sun In It feels like the sun abandons us during the winter, but that doesn’t mean we should ignore it during the shorter days. Tip: Open curtains/shade on your west-and south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and save 2%-12%. 8. Summer Tip: Close Blinds and Shades This tip is easy to forget, but vital: excess sunlight will make it harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. Tip: During the day, keep your blinds and shades closed to prevent warm air from building up in your home. 9. Clean Your Clothing Efficiently That’s an easy one. A washing machine spends 90% of its energy to heat water. Tip: Consider using cold water instead. In addition, try to run full loads as much as possible, because the machine uses roughly the same amount of energy regardless of the load size. Also, consider air-drying. 10. Clean Up Your Dishes Efficiently If there’s one thing that has the power to unite people, it’s food. And with food comes dishes to clean. Fear not – there really is a more efficient way to use your dishwasher. Tip: Avoid the “rinse hold” cycle and skip heated drying – simply open the door at the end of the washing cycle and let the dishes air dry!04/08/2026 - 02:20 PM
Change to Cash Payments Wednesday | April 8, 2026 If you prefer to pay with cash, please have your account number ready and plan to make your next payment at a payment kiosk. Read more >01/23/2019 - 09:07 AM
Title Changes to How Electricity is Billed to be Phased-In Over Next Few Years /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/08_22_2018_DemandPhaseIn.png?itok=EWqGMaJe Wednesday | August 22, 2018 Card Teaser Following the results of a year-long trial of a pilot demand rate, the United Power Board of Directors agreed to a phase-in plan of a residential demand rate to replace the current rate structure. Following the results of a year-long trial of a pilot demand rate, the United Power Board of Directors agreed to a phase-in plan of a residential demand rate to replace the current rate structure. “Since we have detailed information about how members use power in their homes, the new demand rate will be a fairer way for us to bill members for their use,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “The impact on the system from residential users is lower than commercial customers, and their rates will reflect the difference. We believe a modest demand charge with a reasonable energy rate is the best way to recover our costs.” The dynamic pricing model will provide a more fair cost structure, and gives members an ability to control their costs by staggering the use of electric appliances. Learning about how a demand rate works will take a lot of communication, so the five year period is being used to help our members and employees better understand the rate and how members can control their costs with some simple strategies. All members will now be seeing a new line on their bill simply entitled “Demand Charge.” Initially, there will not be a dollar amount attached to this line item while we provide the information as education for members. By adding the new line it will allow members to see an actual number that corresponds to their use. In 2019 United Power will institute a demand charge and that will slowly increase, with a corresponding reduction in the energy charge. United Power has been actively communicating how a demand charge works via the newsletter United Newsline and members can find more information about Residential Demand here on our website. This information is being presented ahead of the rate change so our members have the opportunity to gain an understanding of this new way of thinking about their electric consumption. Many members will see very little change in their bills, but some members who use more energy all at once may be more heavily affected, and without the demand rate they have been driving up costs for other users. We will continue to communicate about these changes via the newsletter and our website.12/07/2022 - 11:38 AM
Title Changes to Rebates in 2023 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Refrigerator_Rebate.jpg?itok=GL-RKdJ8 Wednesday | December 7, 2022 Card Teaser Rebates for the purchase of new refrigerators, freezers, and clothes washers will be discontinued in 2023. Rebates for the purchase of new refrigerators, freezers, and clothes washers will be discontinued in 2023. Members who plan to apply for any of these appliance rebates must purchase before Dec. 31, 2022. Rebate applications must be received within 90 days or no later than Dec. 31, 2022, whichever comes first. Rebates will not be issued for refrigerators, freezers, or clothes washers purchased in 2023. Appliance rebates for electric clothes dryers, induction cooktops, and refrigerator/freezer recycling will continue to be offered in 2023. In addition, United Power members also qualify for water heater, whole house fan, heat pump, smart thermostat, and electric outdoor power equipment rebates. The application deadline for all rebates is 90 days from the date of purchase. United Power evaluates its menu of rebates and energy efficiency programs annually. Rebates are offered to help improve the overall load factor of the cooperative, to help members adopt new energy efficient technologies, or to lower the upfront costs of emerging technology. Rebates may end due to improvements in appliance efficiencies or when market prices come down. New rebates and programs are added for members as emerging technologies are developed. Find United Power’s current rebates and programs menu at www.unitedpower.com/rebates.01/25/2019 - 01:27 PM
Title Choosing Energy Efficiency Appliances /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2019_NL_Appliances.png?itok=VtH6YolH Friday | January 25, 2019 Card Teaser If you’re holding on to older household appliances, now may be a good time to consider swapping them out for newer, more energy efficient models. If you’re holding on to older household appliances, now may be a good time to consider swapping them out for newer, more energy efficient models. Old appliances are among the biggest consumers of energy in your home, but as technology evolves, so does energy efficiency. A new energy efficient appliance can be operated using as much as 75 percent less energy than outdated appliances. Old refrigerators are the biggest culprit of excessive energy usage among daily household appliances. While older refrigerators can cost upwards of $16/month to use, a new model may cost as little as $4/month. Newer, high-definition LED TVs also use a fraction of the electricity older liquid-crystal displays (LCD) and plasma screens do. And don’t forget about other appliances and electronics you use daily. Not only can new appliances save big on energy use, but they may also qualify for exclusive rebates from United Power and our wholesale power provider, Tri-State G&T. Select ENERGY STAR appliances are eligible for rebates, but must be requested within 120 days of purchase. For more information about United Power rebates, contact the energy management team at 303-659-0551 or go to www.unitedpower.com/rebates. Tips for Purchasing New Appliances With all the new information available about energy efficiency, it may be a little confusing to know what exactly to look for when shopping for new appliances and household electronics. Here are a few tips to help you out:- Look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum standards for efficiency and quality, meaning they’ll use less energy over their lifetimes than other models.
- Carefully review the EnergyGuide label. This yellow label provides information about how much energy an appliance uses compared to similar models.
- Consider the purchase price and cost to operate. These prices are important because you may be paying for the appliances energy use over the next 10-20 years, depending on when you choose to replace it again.
- Compare prices. Keep in mind, many retailers will match a lower price offered by competitors. Keep looking until you find the right appliance for the right price.
01/18/2021 - 09:00 AM
Title Co-op Cares Receives Funding for 2021 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/04_10_2020_CoopCaresFund.jpg?h=45932144&itok=ItS-xyIb Monday | January 11, 2021 Card Teaser An additional $250,000 has been allocated to the Co-op Cares Fund for this year. The United Power Board of Directors has allocated an additional $250,000 to the cooperative’s Co-op Cares Fund for this year. The fund was created in April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was designed to provide financial assistance to members who have been directly impacted, especially by illness or job loss. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of members who are struggling to make their payments because of the lasting effects of this pandemic,” said Laurie Burkhart, the cooperative’s chief financial officer. “The Co-op Cares Fund was the result of proactive measures by the cooperative to provide temporary relief to members who were unfortunately impacted in dramatic ways. The inability to make payments can be a serious burden to carry. We hope our Board’s additional allocation to the Co-op Cares Fund provides some measure of relief to our members.” The cooperative was able to finance the Co-op Cares Fund by allocating funds from unclaimed capital credits, which are capital credits that were not claimed by former United Power members after several attempts to notify them over a period of years. This past year, the Board allocated $300,000 in unclaimed credits to the Co-op Cares Fund. An initial allocation of $250,000 was made in April, and an additional $50,000 was added later in the year after it was clear more assistance was needed for impacted members. “The Co-op Cares Fund has been an important pillar in our strategy to provide support to our members during this difficult time, and complements the many other ways United Power is helping our members weather this situation,” said interim CEO Bryant Robbins in a December press release announcing the additional allocation. “Through this program, United Power has provided $550,000 in direct assistance to our members who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. We are proud to have already provided assistance to more than 1,500 members.” In addition to the Co-op Cares Fund, United Power has various means of helping members stay on top of their electric bills, including payment arrangements, extensions, prepay, budget billing and assistance from local agencies. United Power encourages members to contact Member Services so we can connect them with the most appropriate assistance program for their situation. “United Power has several ways to help members when they are having difficulty paying their electric bills,” stated Robbins. “All we are asking our members to do is pick up the phone and call us if they are having difficulty paying their bill. We can’t help you if we don’t know you are struggling.” The Co-op Cares Fund will be available for assistance through the end of 2021, or when the fund is depleted. United Power members who are impacted by the current emergency or any other situation can reach our Member Services department at 303-637-1300.09/25/2023 - 11:16 AM
Title Co-op Here to Stay /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/BucketTruck_Sept2023.jpg?h=45932144&itok=EnJL7rmy Monday | September 25, 2023 Card Teaser It is important that members know the upcoming power supply transition will not impact your membership with the cooperative. United Power Announced Three New Power Purchase Agreements in July United Power recently announced three new power purchase agreements in advance of its upcoming exit from its current wholesale power contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission in May 2024. The cooperative has reviewed dozens of power supply proposals over the past several months to determine the most fiscally and socially responsible partners moving forward. Finding and securing established partners in the energy industry will not only ensure sufficient power supply is available for United Power’s growing load, but having multiple agreements also presents added flexibility for the cooperative’s power mix. United Power tried to no avail to negotiate more contract flexibility and lower costs on behalf of its members. These costs are above market value, accounting for more than 70% of the cooperative’s operating expenses. Further, the existing contract locks United Power into a restrictive generation mix and prevents it from obtaining more than 5% of its total load from locally generated sources, such as utility-scale solar farms, gas-capture facilities, or even residential rooftop solar. The cooperative’s power purchase agreements announced in July demonstrate the freedom available by exiting its current wholesale power contract next year. Two of the three agreements will facilitate a large portion of United Power’s expected load when the cooperative exits its current contract. The cooperative’s load is presently the largest among Colorado distribution co-ops — at more than 630 megawatts (MW) — despite serving the smallest geographic footprint. The third agreement is an innovative battery storage solution that will help mitigate costs when power demand is high — also known as peak demand. “The energy industry is entering a period of revolutionary change,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We have always put our members first and will continue to do so while advancing our position as an industry-leading distribution cooperative. Leaving our restrictive wholesale power contract affords us the flexibility and freedom to keeps rates competitive, join national power markets, and attract innovative energy partners.” As the exit date approaches, questions about the cooperative’s future have started to circulate. It is important that members know the upcoming power supply transition will not impact your membership with the cooperative. United Power will continue as your power provider. New power suppliers will allow the co-op to better serve its members, who can expect the same commitment to delivering reliable and economical electricity to local homes and businesses. Office locations in Brighton, Coal Creek, and Carbon Valley will also still provide the service and support members have come to expect. Guzman to Provide Key Power Block United Power’s power purchase agreement with the Denver-based power supplier Guzman Energy locks in one-third of the cooperative’s power needs beginning in May 2024. The 15-year agreement features fixed wholesale power pricing that provides prearranged power supply costs and rate stability for members. Guzman partners with cooperatives, municipalities, companies, and tribes across North America to customize energy portfolios that make economic and environmental sense. New Utility-Scale Solar Addition United Power signed a 25-year power purchase agreement to receive power from Whetstone’s Solar of Alamosa project in Southern Colorado. It will add 30 MW of renewable energy to the co-op’s diverse portfolio of generation resources beginning in 2024. The solar farm sits atop one of the state’s highest elevation plateaus and receives some of the highest irradiance in the country. Built in 2012, project upgrades are scheduled throughout 2024 to achieve optimum power output. Ameresco’s Largest Battery Project United Power and Ameresco will partner to connect nearly 80 MW/315 MWh of battery storage capacity throughout the cooperative’s service territory. The groundbreaking project will allow United Power to balance its load while integrating renewable resources. Batteries will be located on eight different cooperative-owned substation sites in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties, storing and dispatching power during heavy consumption periods.01/03/2020 - 11:05 AM
Title Colorado Electric Cooperatives Ask State for Greater Local Control /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/RenewableEnergy2.jpg?itok=5eKC0tVy Friday | January 3, 2020 Card Teaser United Power and La Plata Electric push for lower rates and cleaner energy for customers Colorado electric cooperatives United Power and La Plata Electric Association are weighing all options to change their existing energy procurement contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (“Tri-State”). In dual November filings with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”), both cooperatives asked the state’s regulating body to exercise its authority to provide a just exit charge from its existing contract with Tri-State. Currently, both entities are required to purchase a minimum of 95% of their power from Tri-State under existing contracts that run through 2050. In addition, a recent S&P report downgraded Tri-State’s credit rating, with one of the reasons being that its Members’ retail energy rates were at least 20% higher than the statewide average. “As the largest member in the Tri-State cooperative, we have a responsibility to our 92,000 residential and commercial customers to provide them with the cleanest and most affordable energy possible,” said John Parker, Chief Executive Officer of United Power. “Our current contract with Tri-State forces us to purchase some of the dirtiest energy in Colorado, while our customers pay 20% more than what is the state average. We’ve spent 18 months trying to change this contract, and all that we have gotten from Tri-State is delays, evasions and excuses. On behalf of our customers, we will no longer accept this.” Tri-State relies heavily upon fossil fuels to provide power to its 43 cooperative members across four states, with 56% of its energy generation coming from coal, which is a significantly higher reliance on coal than other energy providers in Colorado. With the passage of HB19-1261, energy companies in Colorado must start work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Tri-State is not well-positioned to meet these new standards. As renewable energy production continues to drive down the price of energy, Tri-State’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is also hitting its members in the pocketbooks as well as putting the cooperatives at risk of not meeting the new clean energy standards. “Our community should have a choice,” said Jessica Matlock, Chief Executive Officer of La Plata Electric Association. “We want to be a part of the clean energy future and can achieve this through working in our backyard, with our community. We can bring jobs and economic growth to Colorado, while also supplying carbon-free energy to the region. We are disappointed that Tri-State is not partnering with us to achieve this clean energy future together. We want input into the process and choice when it comes to a cost-effective and clean energy future, not a one size fits all approach developed without input of the affected member cooperatives.” In response to United Power’s and La Plata Energy’s filings with the CPUC, Tri-State recently filed a motion to dismiss their complaints because they do not believe that the CPUC has jurisdiction over these matters. Instead, Tri-State claims that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has jurisdiction over their rates, even though their initial application was rejected in October for being deficient and incomplete. “Tri-State is going up against a much larger tide that they spent years refusing to confront,” said Parker. “Tri-State’s lack of urgency in addressing these matters is aimed solely at self-preservation rather than what is best for our customers.” The CPUC has set a date of January 10th to receive testimony on the matter and is expected to make a decision by early April. About United Power United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to more than 92,000 meters at homes, businesses and farms in Colorado's north-central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop. About La Plata Electric Association La Plata Electric Association, Inc. (LPEA) is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta, with segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties. There are 22 cooperatives in Colorado, LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative in the state, providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to approximately 34,000 members.05/30/2018 - 02:53 PM
Coming Soon – Another Location to Serve Our Members Better Monday | June 12, 2017 As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members. Read more >01/23/2019 - 12:35 PM
Title Coming Soon: A New Look to Your Bill /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/08_22_2018_DemandPhaseIn_0.png?h=45932144&itok=lHFf_EBe Monday | October 1, 2018 Card Teaser In the coming months, you’ll receive a newly designed billing statement that has been streamlined and re-organized so you can find the information you need as quickly and easily as possible. We’ve incorporated feedback from members like you to provide you with an easier to read bill. In the coming months, you’ll receive a newly designed billing statement that has been streamlined and re-organized so you can find the information you need as quickly and easily as possible. A quick glance at the new statement will allow you to easily see how much energy you used, the total amount due and the payment due date. The new design also includes more information about your energy use and consumption history, and more information relevant to members taking advantage of rebates, billing programs and those with net-metered service locations. More information about how to read the new bill will be included in your first statement with the new look. Watch your mailbox or your SmartHub statement alerts for your new United Power billing statement.01/22/2019 - 03:25 PM
Title Coming Soon: New Demand Rate on Billing Statements /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/July2018_NL_DemandComing.png?itok=gie9FG7S Monday | July 2, 2018 Card Teaser Beginning this fall, United Power residential members will begin to see a new line of information on their bill – the ‘Demand Charge.’ Beginning this fall, United Power residential members will begin to see a new line of information on their bill – the ‘Demand Charge.’ For the remainder of 2018, members will see a number of kW multiplied by a zero dollar amount. This number represents the highest level of ‘demand’ that your electric consumption creates on our system, and there is currently no cost assigned to that demand. While it is simply a way for you to begin understanding how you impact the electric grid today, it will eventually become a way for members to control and impact their own electric bills in the coming years. What’s in your rate? Today your rate incorporates many different costs – the cost of fuels to generate electricity, the cost to deliver the energy to your home, the cost to the electric cooperative to maintain and repair the system, even the cost of billing is included in the rates you pay. Residential members have been paying a blended bill for a long time, because most members use power in a very similar way. However, we now have access to more information about how individual members use power. We have information about every member’s energy consumption in 15 minute increments, and we can actually determine how individual households are impacting our system. This additional information allows us to break apart the various components of your electric bill and charge you more precisely for the two largest components of your bill: your impact on the electric system, or your ‘demand’ on the system, and amount of power you consume – your energy use. So, what is ‘demand’? The demand charge that United Power will show on your bill is the highest amount of electricity used during a 15 minute period in that billing month. Here’s a simple demonstration: Both Mary and Joe use the same amount of energy, but Joe’s demand is higher since he is using his appliances simultaneously. Mary has a lower demand because she’s staggering the use of her appliances. It costs more for the cooperative to serve Joe’s home than it does to serve Mary’s because we need to have the ability to produce and deliver the energy for both appliances at the same time. We may have to plan to have additional electric generation plants or increase system resources to meet Joe’s higher demand and that comes at a cost to the entire co-op. Under the new demand rate, if Joe continues to use power the same way his bill will be higher than in the past and Mary will see a savings. While these changes tend to be small for most households, the new rate structure will more closely represent the actual cost to provide that power. Now is the time to study the demand number printed on your bill and determine how you impact our electric system. In 2019, our members will begin to see a cost attached to the demand portion of the bill, and a corresponding reduction in the cost of energy. While this new rate structure will provide a fairer bill for each of our members, it’s important that you understand how your behavior affects your demand. To help you understand demand, we will be providing a series of articles in upcoming issues of United Newsline and on our website.