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05/02/2022 - 08:45 AM
Title United Power Reaffirms Intent to Leave Tri-State; Issues RFP for Up to 600 MW Wholesale Electric Power Supply /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_Rates.png?h=45932144&itok=KW7a9GOa Monday | May 2, 2022 Card Teaser United Power filed its non-conditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) on April 29. The latest filing moves the cooperative’s previously announced departure date to May 1, 2024. Brighton, Colo. — United Power, a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative based in Brighton, Colorado, filed its non-conditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C., on April 29. The electric cooperative previously filed a similar notice of intent late last year. That notice, which included a proposed Jan. 1, 2024 departure date, was conditioned upon the assessment of a just and reasonable exit fee by FERC. With this latest action, United Power’s Board of Directors reaffirmed its decision to depart from its wholesale power supplier with a non-conditional notice. “After careful consideration, our Board stands committed to securing more affordable, more flexible, and lower carbon power,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and Chief Executive Officer. “We expect this will bring economic benefits and lower rates to our communities, along with greater flexibility to generate power closer to home,” he added. The latest filing moves the cooperative’s previously announced departure date to May 1, 2024. The modification to the exit timing comes after a recent FERC ruling that required departing utilities to provide non-conditional notices. Central to FERC’s decision is that United Power and its power supplier both require certainty regarding actual departure dates and contracting obligations for power supply. The non-conditional notice of United Power’s departure will allow Tri-State to plan for its reduced supply obligation and assess the economic viability of its higher cost coal generation units. A FERC hearing to determine a just and reasonable exit fee begins May 3 in Washington, D.C. A ruling from the presiding FERC Judge on exit fees for Tri-State’s members is expected by the end of the summer, with a final Commission decision expected in 2023. Contract disputes between United Power and its power supplier have been ongoing as the cooperative seeks a just and equitable exit fee. United Power is one of several electric cooperatives in the Tri-State system seeking more flexibility, lower cost power, and fewer contract constraints. Two others, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative and Delta-Montrose Electric Association, have already exited, while three other cooperatives have filed to reduce their participation by 50%. Current power rates through Tri-State are 20% above market, and contract requirements permit only 5% locally sourced power. Economic benefit for its members and the ability to generate local power continue to be the primary reasons United Power seeks to leave the Tri-State membership. United Power believes its withdrawal is in the best interest of its members. Simultaneously, United Power today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for wholesale electric power supply to serve a peak load of up to 600 MW and retail sales of approximately 3,000 GWh. Commitments of intent to participate in the RFP are due by May 16, with questions and clarifications due by June 13. Proposals for part one of the process are due by Aug. 8. The complete RFP and information for interested respondents can be found at www.unitedpower.com/RFP. Questions about the RFP or selection process may be submitted to United_Power_RFP@enervision-inc.com. 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 cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. 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. 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, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. ###04/22/2021 - 09:48 AM
Title United Power Recognizes Earth Day /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EartDay.jpg?itok=kAniev3J Thursday | April 22, 2021 Card Teaser This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22. Cooperative Encourages Members to Practice Energy Efficiency Brighton, CO – In the spring of 1970, more than 20 million Americans were inspired to gather in communities across the country to celebrate the first Earth Day. The celebration was designed to bring awareness to environmental issues and encourage using our resources more efficiently. This year, United Power is encouraging its members to practice energy efficiency and join the cooperative in recognizing Earth Day on April 22. “Our members are the drivers of energy efficiency, and we want to help them make better decisions about how they use electricity in their homes and businesses,” said United Power Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Gabriel. “As a cooperative, we are uniquely situated to provide tools for members to make energy efficiency a priority this Earth Day. We encourage our members to take a moment to consider the ways they can improve their energy use, save money and help contribute to environmental wellness both locally and globally.” Thinking about ways to implement energy efficiency goals may seem daunting to many individuals and families, but it does not have to be. United Power offers members a wealth of information about how to practice energy efficiency. Here are some easy and low-cost tips to start your energy saving journey: Invest in LED Lighting Many homes and businesses may still utilize older, less efficient forms of lighting. Traditional lighting converts energy into heat to produce light. The heat lost during generation is wasted. Newer, more efficient LEDs, or light emitting diodes, turn energy directly into light, producing little wasted energy. Although LEDs can be a more expensive investment initially, they will pay for themselves in time because they have a far longer life than traditional bulbs and use far less energy. It is one of the quickest ways to practice energy efficiency in your home. Manage Your Demand Demand is the amount of energy you use in a given time. United Power recommends members stagger the use of large appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, clothing washers and dryers to keep demand costs down. When possible, you can also try to use smaller appliances to do the job of bigger ones, such as cooking in a crockpot. Adjust Your Thermostat Heating and cooling account for approximately half of the average family’s annual energy use. Because spring weather in Colorado is impossible to predict, you never know if you will be cranking up the heat or blasting your air conditioning. Adjusting your thermostat even a single degree per an eight-hour period is estimated to result in a 1 percent savings on your energy bill. During warm nights, you can also take advantage of Colorado’s mild climate by opening a couple windows, known as cross ventilation. Turn Appliances Completely Off Whether you are leaving for a short trip to the grocery store or a weeklong family vacation, take care to ensure any appliances are turned off. Many newer appliances have what is called a “standby” mode, which still draws a small amount of energy. Televisions and gaming systems are most notable for these modes. These loads can add up quickly. According to the US Department of Energy, these loads account for approximately 10 percent of the average family’s energy use. Simple, quick and cheap steps can show immediate results. These steps will help you, help the cooperative and, most importantly, help the environment. For members who want to go a step further and generate solar energy at home, these simple energy savings tips can help you get the most out of your solar investment. For more information on how to manage energy use in your home, go to Managing My Energy. How United Power is Forging a Renewable Future United Power has long been invested in pursuing renewable projects that make economic sense for both the cooperative and its members. The cooperative has built a national reputation for its introduction of innovative renewable projects over the past decade, beginning with the launch of its community solar garden, Sol Partners, in May 2010. As your cooperative, United Power continues to monitor the renewable energy landscape and recognizes the future of electrical generation will be an “all of the above” strategy of investing in a variety of generation sources. The addition of these projects, from utility scale solar farms to a state-leading battery storage facility, helps build some cost stability for members. The addition of the Platteville Solar Farm in December brought United Power’s cumulative solar production to more than 45 megawatts. Together with the cooperative’s other renewable projects and its members’ rooftop solar systems, United Power produces nearly 85 total megawatts, accounting for 14 percent of its energy needs and enough to power more than 11,000 homes and businesses. “United Power has demonstrative success in planning for and implementing renewable projects that provide tangible benefits for our members,” Gabriel said. “As we plan for the future, we’ll continue to prioritize projects that establish us as a leader in the energy industry and also meet our members’ expectations for us as their cooperative. What we’re doing now is laying the groundwork for a sustainable and environmentally friendly electric utility.”11/01/2022 - 10:29 AM
United Power Releases Exit Fee Calculations for All Tri-State Members’ Use Tuesday | November 1, 2022 United Power has filed two exit fee calculators in conjunction with its response to the FERC initial decision by Administrative Law Judge Renee Terry. Read more >05/12/2021 - 11:38 AM
United Power Resumes In-Person Services and Collection of Late Fees, Reconnect Fees Wednesday | May 12, 2021 United Power is phasing in a return to standard operating and billing procedures. Read more >02/29/2024 - 02:46 PM
Title United Power Selected by US Department of Energy to Receive $6.1 Million Investment /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb Thursday | February 29, 2024 Card Teaser The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was selected as one of 17 clean energy projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations and communities. Brighton, CO - United Power was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $6.1 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding as part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was selected as one of 17 clean energy projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations and communities to receive more than $366 million to ensure more reliable power, lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide economic growth opportunities, and support our nation’s rural and remote communities. “We are excited that this unique project was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy through this program,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power CEO and President. “United Power is in the process of changing our operating structure to invest in more local power generation, and that includes developing energy solutions along with local leadership. United Power has a long history of partnering with the communities we serve to bring them the services their residents need, and this innovative microgrid project is an illustration of that commitment. I encourage all our members to read more about our vision for United Power’s energy future on our Cooperative Roadmap, which can be found at unitedpower.com. Building a cooperative for tomorrow through new energy solutions is a just one of the ways we are showing our members that we are here for good.” The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was submitted with the goal of increasing the reliability of the city’s municipal water treatment plant. The project will replace an aging diesel generator with a floating photovoltaic array, coupled with battery storage, that will help to ensure a clean, reliable water source for residents of Fort Lupton. The project will bring construction jobs to the area, and United Power is partnering with Aims Community College and the BUENO Centre for Multicultural Education to provide contracting outreach in the community. Schneider Electric will lead the construction of the microgrid, which will improve power resiliency, reduce water evaporation, and help the city deliver reliable water services. The project is eligible for up to $6.1 million in funding. “We expect this project to increase power redundancy while reducing our costs,” stated Chris Cross, Fort Lupton City Administrator. “We are projecting a 9% savings on the city’s monthly power bill. Coupled with the floating panel benefits to the water storage, we are excited to see how high our overall savings will be from the project.” “This project captures our drive to revolutionize the energy landscape,” said Jana Gerber, Microgrid President, Schneider Electric North America. “The Fort Lupton microgrid is a perfect complement for our focus on streamlining energy delivery, while providing more sustainable energy solutions. Bringing additional jobs and training opportunities to residents is a key component of the project and will help build the skillsets workers will need in an expanded energy economy.” Learn more about the ERA program and projects selected for award negotiations here. 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, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. 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. 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 the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) was established to accelerate clean energy technologies and fill a critical innovation gap on the path to achieving our nation’s climate goals of net zero emissions by 2050. OCED’s mission is to deliver clean energy demonstration projects at scale in partnership with the private sector to accelerate deployment, market adoption, and the equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system. Visit energy.gov/oced to learn more. ###04/09/2024 - 12:28 PM
United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with NextEra Energy Resources Tuesday | April 9, 2024 Agreement adds 150 MW of solar to the cooperative’s power mix. Read more >08/22/2023 - 09:51 AM
Title United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with OneEnergy /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/OneEnergy.jpg?h=45932144&itok=E5ilMQBT Tuesday | August 22, 2023 Card Teaser Output from 10 megawatt solar system added to cooperative power mix. Output from 10 MW Solar System Added to Cooperative Power Mix Brighton, CO – United Power, Inc. (United Power), an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, and OneEnergy announce the signing of a power purchase agreement on Aug. 17. Under the 25-year agreement, United Power will receive all the output of OneEnergy’s planned Overland Solar project beginning in 2024. “This agreement is attractive because it leverages solar production right here in the cooperative’s service territory,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “The 10 megawatt (MW) project will be directly tied into one of the co-op’s existing substations. That means clean, renewable power will be generated nearby and delivered to United Power members.” OneEnergy develops solar energy projects across the United States for community solar, distributed generation, and large utility-scale project segments. OneEnergy is based in Seattle, WA, and has offices in Wisconsin, Washington, D.C., Oregon, and locally in Boulder, CO. When siting and building new renewable facilities, they work closely with all stakeholders – utility companies, neighbors, and other interested parties – to build projects that best serve consumers’ needs. “We are honored to partner with United Power on their journey to deliver more renewable, affordable energy to their members. With the addition of the Overland Solar project to their portfolio, they are leading the way to a cleaner energy future for electric cooperatives,” said Gavin Berg, Vice President of Development at OneEnergy. The Overland Solar project will be located north of Hudson and will feed directly into United Power’s distribution system. The project will produce 10 MW of noncarbon energy. Large energy projects like Overland Solar not only provide an economical energy source, but also generate tax revenues for the local community. United Power serves nearly 110,000 meters and maintains and operates over 6,500 miles of distribution line. The 900-square mile service territory wraps around the north and west borders of the Denver International Airport. It includes the north and northeast metropolitan development corridors along Interstate 25, Interstate 76, State Highway 85, and E-470 and the Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons, two of Colorado’s most iconic and historic mountain canyons. As a result of its geographic location, United Power’s system is experiencing significant demand and energy growth, averaging approximately 6% annually. United Power is building a power portfolio ahead of leaving its current power supplier on May 1, 2024. The cooperative recently announced agreements with Whetstone Power LLC, Guzman Energy, and Ameresco for portfolio assets related to this exit. To learn more about United Power’s power supply transition, visit www.unitedpower.com/powersupply. 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, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. 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. 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, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. About OneEnergy OneEnergy’s mission is to fight climate change by making clean energy the number one electricity choice for consumers and utilities. With a 4+ GW pipeline across 19 states, OneEnergy is a leading developer, owner, and operator of solar and energy storage projects across the United States. The company has developed and sold 122 project sites, totaling more than 1.2GW of assets, in its 14-year history. OneEnergy is committed to elevating people and empowering communities to create a sustainable energy future. The company is based in Seattle, WA, with offices in Madison, WI; Boulder, CO; Portland, OR; and Washington, D.C. ###07/31/2023 - 09:38 AM
United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with Solar of Alamosa LLC Monday | July 31, 2023 Cooperative will receive full 30 MW of output for 25 years. Read more >11/16/2023 - 01:48 PM
United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with Whetstone Power Thursday | November 16, 2023 Storage agreement will help create flexibility for the cooperative. Read more >10/08/2020 - 09:06 AM
Title United Power Statement on Tri-State Announcement to Reduce Rates & Implement Partial Requirements Contracts /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb Thursday | October 8, 2020 Tri-State Generation and Transmission, United Power’s power supplier, announced a plan to reduce rates by 8% over the next three years, as well as allow for partial requirements contracts with certain requirements. The improvements are part of the power supplier’s goals to meet the guidelines of their Responsible Energy Plan. United Power’s interim CEO, Bryant Robbins issued the following statement in response to the components of the proposed plan: “United Power is very supportive of Tri-State’s efforts to lower rates. We think this is a great step in the right direction for the future of Tri-State and congratulate their efforts in trying to make this happen. Unfortunately for United Power, we serve an area in which our competitors’ rates are as much 25% to 35% less than ours. We are going to need much more than the proposed 8% reduction in Wholesale Power to be competitive,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins. “Based upon our preliminary analysis, we don’t think the Partial Requirements/added flexibility has a positive impact on our needs. The approved plan is not what we proposed a couple of years ago and just doesn’t appear to viable to United Power and its membership,” added Robbins. “However, we hope it does meet the needs of the other [Tri-State] cooperatives.” “United Power will continue to pursue a just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory exit charge,” Robbins concluded. “Once received, our Board can then determine the appropriate direction and future of our Power Supply that is in the best interest of our membership. We also remain available to Tri-State for discussions to potentially resolve the issues.” United Power is continuing to work on this. Read more on our Power Supply page.07/22/2019 - 04:25 PM
Title United Power Students Leave for D.C. /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/JulyAug2019_NL_YouthTour.jpg?itok=Sy6gs2gr Monday | July 1, 2019 Card Teaser Colorado students boarded a bus from United Power on Friday, June 14 to join nearly 2,000 other high school students for the 2019 Youth Leadership Tour in Washington D.C. Colorado students boarded a bus from United Power on Friday, June 14 to join nearly 2,000 other high school students for the 2019 Youth Leadership Tour in Washington D.C. Each year, United Power selects three ambitious high school students to represent the co-op at the Youth Tour. This year, United Power sponsored Catera Gagna, Brighton High School, Bethany Flanagan, Weld Central High School, and Brooklyn Stubby, Mapleton Early College. Students will have an opportunity to meet with elected officials, tour Washington D.C. landmarks and learn the value of the cooperatives they represent. Applications to represent the cooperative during next year’s tour will be available in December.12/04/2023 - 02:44 PM
United Power Supports Local Students Sunday | November 19, 2023 Demonstrating our commitment to local schools and communities through support and engagement. Read more >