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04/28/2020 - 01:34 PM
Title United Power Advances Capital Credit Retirement to Alleviate COVID Impacts /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MoneyFallingFromSky_0.jpg?itok=0_Z41tCx Tuesday | April 28, 2020 Card Teaser Members are getting cash back from their co-op in May. Article originally published on April 18, 2020. United Power is returning $5.5 million in Capital Credits to members beginning in May and nearly every member is getting a payment. Due to the unique economic stresses being placed on our members because of the COVID 19 situation, United Power’s Board of Directors has opted to distribute Capital Credit refunds earlier than in prior years. In past years the retirements were made in August, but the United Power Board felt members could use the economic relief now. “We know that many of our members have been impacted by this health emergency – through cuts in pay, job losses, or increased health costs,” said Bryant Robbins, Chief Executive Officer. “This retirement will provide money back to nearly all our members when they need it most.” In 2020, United Power is retiring $5.5 million to members. The total amount of money retired is divided among all members and is being issued in May. Additionally, while these payments have typically been issued as checks, more refunds will be applied to bills in order to reduce the need for our members to go to a bank during this health emergency. Members receiving a retirement of $50 or less, will see a bill credit directly on their May electric bill. Those receiving larger retirement amounts will receive a check. Capital credits represent ownership in United Power and are one of the most unique and rewarding benefits afforded to members of electric cooperatives. Unlike investor-owned utilities that maximize profits to pay dividends to shareholders, not-for-profit electric co-ops like United Power provide our members with “at cost” electric service—we do not exist to earn a profit. At the end of each year, after all operational expenses have been covered, a portion of any excess funds is returned to the members in the form of capital credits. Learn more about capital credits, or if you have additional questions please call our Member Services team at 303-637-1300. In addition to the advancement of Capital Credit refunds, the cooperative has temporarily suspended disconnections and is providing payment arrangements for members who have been directly impacted by COVID 19. The Board of Directors has also established the Co-op Cares fund allocating $250,000 in unclaimed capital credits to provide direct assistance to members facing hardships due to the pandemic. Any members who may have troubles paying their electric bills are encouraged to call United Power at 303-637-1300 and our Member Services team will match them with all of the available resources and assistance options.02/27/2024 - 11:21 AM
Title United Power Among Nation’s Best in Reliability and Resiliency /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Nov2021_NL_SystemReliability.jpg?h=45932144&itok=twbW3RYA Tuesday | February 27, 2024 Card Teaser Cooperative achieves record SAIDI score for second year in a row. Cooperative Achieves Record SAIDI Score for Second Year in a Row United Power’s core responsibility to its members as an electric cooperative is ensuring consistently reliable power, which means the lights stay on and the power continues flowing whenever you need it to be available. Several years ago, the co-op’s operations and engineering staff began coordinating the implementation of an innovative system maintenance strategy. It incorporated embedded devices throughout the system and preventative maintenance practices to meet ambitious goals for reliability and resiliency – defined as the ability to rapidly recover from power outages, such as reducing frequency or duration. Results exceeded expectations. United Power successfully prevented thousands of potential power interruptions before they occurred, dramatically reducing the number of outages members experience and limiting the duration when outages do occur. The strategy has produced sustained improvements in reliability and resiliency year-over-year since it was implemented in 2017, cementing the cooperative’s status among the best performing electric utilities in the country. By the Numbers Electric utilities measure system performance and develop improvement plans using a variety of indicators, such as the System Average Interruption Duration Index – more commonly known as SAIDI – and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index, or SAIFI. These indicators, among the many that United Power and other electric utilities use to measure how successful systems are performing, essentially analyze data and calculate outage expectations for an average member. SAIDI measures the total outage time an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (cumulative duration of all outages experienced). The national average is approximately 120 minutes. United Power has not produced a SAIDI score above 72 minutes since 2017 and has maintained a score below 60 minutes – less than half the national average – for the past two years. SAIFI measures the total number of outages an average member would expect to experience over the course of a year (frequency of outages experienced). United Power’s SAIFI score of 0.65 in 2023 means the average meter experienced fewer than one outage throughout the year. Put another way, many of the cooperative’s members did not experience an outage last year. Other performance indicators are used, as well. One of those indicators measures the system’s overall availability rate. The co-op’s availability in 2023 was greater than 99%. “These metrics demonstrate the success of the strategies we are using to improve reliability and resiliency across our system,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and CEO. “Thank you to our operations and engineering teams, who are responsible for interpreting data from the system and designing the strategies we practice in the field.” Preventative Maintenance Practices Installed United Power incorporated a proactive approach to system maintenance in 2017. The strategy relies on analyzing data collected across thousands of miles of line and isolating the worst-performing segments. Targeted maintenance projects are then scheduled to improve the performance for that segment. One example of this strategy is the co-op’s drone maintenance program. The program began in United Power’s mountain territory, where accessing poles and infrastructure can be difficult and time consuming due to the rugged terrain and weather. Drones can quickly conduct detailed investigations and document broken, failing, or aging equipment. Drones have saved the cooperative countless hours and prevented hundreds of potential outages. Since completing initial inspections in Coal Creek Canyon and Golden Gate Canyon, the drone maintenance program has been used throughout the entire service territory. Advanced Monitoring Technology Preventative maintenance would not be possible without automated monitoring devices embedded throughout the system that report irregularities and potential concerns. These devices capture important information to help system operators determine the best power restoration process in the event of an outage and can help crews in the field pinpoint the time and location of a fault. The ability to quickly locate a fault, identify its cause, and restore power to members, often remotely due to redundancies built into the system for this very purpose, has significantly improved the cooperative’s outage response and reduced the duration of outages. Identifying problematic areas would be difficult without this information and could create additional delays in power restoration because lineworkers would need to physically inspect miles of line to locate and repair the cause. Readying for the Power Supply Transition United Power will be transitioning to new power suppliers on May 1 as the cooperative exits its existing power supply contract. United Power’s robust distribution system is ready to take the cooperative into the future of our new energy supply. This transition will have no impact on the system’s reliability. The added flexibility of additional power supply contracts as the cooperative grows may even improve system performance in the long term with the ability to make proactive infrastructure upgrades. United Power is already among the best performing electric utilities in the country, and leadership at the co-op is continually seeking to improve its system reliability and resiliency. Whether it is proactive maintenance strategies, automated devices, or other system improvements, the cooperative is always looking for ways to improve and meet member expectations.07/29/2024 - 03:49 PM
Title United Power and Ameresco Celebrate Construction of Colorado’s Largest Distributed Battery Energy Storage System /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/United%20Power%20-%20Ribbon%20Cutting%20July%202024-5874.jpg?h=2d828ae9&itok=uUac8EBu Monday | July 29, 2024 BRIGHTON, CO and FRAMINGHAM, MA – July 29, 2024 – United Power, Inc., an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, today announced the successful completion of construction of multiple Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in collaboration with Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. These battery energy storage systems underscore significant advancements in utility infrastructure, enhancing both resiliency and energy security as the industry shifts toward a more sustainable future. Together they also represent the largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio in Ameresco’s history. The assets are designed to provide 78.3 MW, 313.34 MWh of battery storage capacity to the United Power electric distribution system across multiple sites. Five of the sites have been placed in service and the remaining three sites are expected to be placed in service by the end of the summer. Strategically positioned throughout United Power’s service territory, these eight advanced battery systems are pivotal in enabling United Power to enhance load balancing and integrate renewable resources seamlessly. “The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power grid, and we are excited to be moving ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such systems. These battery energy storage systems will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. The Ameresco-owned assets consist of four 11.75 MW and four 7.84 MW battery energy storage systems across the eight different substation sites owned by United Power, located in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties. In addition, Ameresco integrated Stem’s AI-driven clean energy software to efficiently operate and maintain the systems. These batteries will allow the cooperative to store and dispatch power efficiently during periods of high consumption. By leveraging this innovative technology, United Power optimizes its energy resources, enhances its grid resilience, and ensures a reliable electricity supply for its members. “Partnering with United Power on these transformational battery energy storage systems has been incredible – in just under a year of working together we have accomplished so much,” said Jonathan Mancini, Senior Vice President, Ameresco. “The inclusion of this expansive set of assets in Ameresco’s portfolio is an amazing milestone for our team, as our largest wholly owned BESS asset portfolio to date. Energy storage plays – and will continue to play – a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability, optimizing renewable energy utilization, and fostering a resilient and efficient energy future. We look forward to continuing to help support utility companies in meeting increasing demand.” Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate completing construction of the BESS assets. The event took place at United Power's Bromley Substation located in Brighton, CO. To learn more about United Power’s industry leading energy transition outlined in its long-term vision for the future, read Our Cooperative Roadmap at www.unitedpower.com/roadmap. For additional information on Ameresco and its energy solutions, visit www.ameresco.com. About United Power: United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 112,000 meters. It’s 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. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. About Ameresco, Inc.: Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com. The announcement of the development of a renewable energy asset by Ameresco is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such asset, of the company’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in the company’s overall total assets in development or operation. This project was included in our previously reported assets in development as of March 31, 2024. ###01/22/2025 - 09:29 AM
United Power and Silicon Ranch Expand Partnership with New 150 MW Byers Solar Farm Wednesday | January 22, 2025 Partners to collaborate on fifth joint energy project since 2014. Read more >02/16/2022 - 02:00 PM
United Power and Transitional Energy Sign Letter of Intent to Develop Geothermal Resources Wednesday | February 16, 2022 Transitional Energy & United Power announce a groundbreaking pilot to leverage energy from oil and gas wells to generate dispatchable power. Read more >11/08/2023 - 10:03 AM
Title United Power and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association Execute Settlement Term Sheet /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/10_08_2018_Tariffs.png?h=45932144&itok=LdJNvJkr Wednesday | November 8, 2023- Terms outline Settlement Agreement for power purchases and sale of utility assets.
- Following execution of a Settlement Agreement, United Power and Tri-State will file to dismiss litigation in the Adams County District Court.
- Settlement Agreement does not address contract termination payment proceeding before federal regulators.
09/14/2023 - 12:55 PM
United Power and Xcel Energy Announce Strategic Relationship for Power Supply Thursday | September 14, 2023 Xcel Energy to provide United Power and its members with excess low-carbon, renewable electricity. Read more >01/22/2019 - 10:01 AM
United Power Announces 2018 Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Camp Delegates Monday | April 2, 2018 Read more >04/29/2019 - 01:47 PM
Title United Power Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/May2018_NL_Scholarships_0.png?itok=EfJ7RiIp Wednesday | April 17, 2019 Card Teaser United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2019. United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2019. Each year, the cooperative awards more than $19,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected seventeen high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities and a brief essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year. United Power’s 2019 scholarship recipients will be announced during the cooperative’s Annual Meeting & Director Election on April 17 and recognized in its monthly newsletter to members. The 2019 scholarship recipients are: • Daniel Smith, Weld Central, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000 • Alexx McMillan, Prairie View High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000 • Amanda Ruybal, Brighton High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500 • Megan Lewis, Frederick High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship, $1,000 • Alexia Simonton, Holy Family, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship, $1,000 • Kaylee Speer, Frederick High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000 • Amanda Schmidt, Frederick High School, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000 United Power dedicates a book scholarship to each high school within its service territory, provided it receives an application. This year, United Power distributed ten $1,000 book scholarships, including one “at-large” selection. Book scholarships for 2019 were awarded to Ayaka Hayashi, Brighton High School; Elena Pocs, Prairie View High School; Scott Hampton, Eagle Ridge Academy; Hailee Hurtado, Frederick High School; Joanna Santibanez, Ft. Lupton High School; Kelley McAmis, Mead High School; Hannah Rockwell, Weld Central High School; Anna Yocom, Mountain Territory; Emily Thoren, Erie High School; and Sophia Kate Thompson, at-large selection. Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, and thank you to all the students who submitted their application. United Power is committed to supporting the postsecondary education efforts of students it serves.05/11/2020 - 12:15 PM
United Power Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients Friday | May 1, 2020 United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2020. Read more >05/12/2021 - 01:18 PM
Title United Power Announces 2021 Scholarship Recipients /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/May2018_NL_Scholarships_0.png?itok=EfJ7RiIp Wednesday | May 12, 2021 Card Teaser Each year, the cooperative awards more than $19,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. Brighton, CO – United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2021. Each year, the cooperative awards more than $19,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected seventeen high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities and a brief essay. Applications are made available at the end of each year. More information about United Power’s 2021 scholarship recipients can be found in the co-op’s monthly newsletter to members. The 2021 scholarship recipients are:- Sejal Goud, Standley Lake High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
- Lucas Stanford, Prairie View High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
- Elena Marraudino, Prairie View High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
- Alexander Juenemann, Erie High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship, $1,000
- Dominic Gittlein, Frederick High School, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship, $1,000
- Ashley Settergren, Brighton High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Emily Pira, Prairie View High School, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Claire Asmussen, Brighton High School
- Morgan Barba, Prairie View High School
- Walker Bargmann, Eagle Ridge Academy
- MacKenzie Umberger, Frederick High School
- Gabriela Tijerina, Ft. Lupton High School
- Jacob Choksey, Mead High School
- Brooke Dowdy, Weld Central High School
- Nolan Lindberg, Mountain Territory
- Isabelle Bieber, Erie High School
- Audrey Thompson, at-large selection
04/20/2022 - 09:48 AM
Title United Power Announces 2022 Scholarship Recipients /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/May2018_NL_Scholarships.png?h=45932144&itok=4jCIAZii Wednesday | April 20, 2022 Card Teaser Each year, the cooperative awards more than $20,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. Brighton, CO – United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2022. Each year, the cooperative awards more than $20,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected 19 high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, community involvement and a written essay. Applications are made available by December each year. 2022 scholarship recipients include:- Kira Donahue, Legacy High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
- Michael Garcia, Eagle Ridge Academy, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
- Sophia Meza, Frederick High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
- Lauryn Daniel, Erie High School, Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship, $1,000
- Bethany Parker, Frederick High School, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Scholarship, $1,000
- Hayley Price, Mead High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Will Greiner, Frederick High School, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Giana Rocha, Brighton High School
- Adrien Ambrosio, Eagle Ridge Academy
- Kaitlyn Fitzjohn, Erie High School
- Elizabeth Schmidt, Frederick High School
- Jennifer Silva Garcia, Fort Lupton High School
- Elsa Burgesser, Mead High School
- Aubree Burris, Prairie View High School
- Ximena Navarro, Riverdale Ridge High School
- Cesar Calixto, Weld Central High School
- Halle Yocom, Mountain Territory
- Daniela Guadana Huizar, at-large selection
- Audrey Long, at-large selection.