The Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program helps rural Americans transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. By reducing air and water pollution, New ERA funding improves health outcomes and lower energy costs for people in rural communities. New ERA program funding is available to member-owned rural electric cooperatives, which have been the backbone of America’s rural power delivery for nearly a century.
United Power was among 16 utilities announced as a finalist for the New ERA program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service in September. The cooperative was one of just two distribution cooperatives selected in the first round — along with CORE Electric, which is also located in Colorado — out of more than 150 proposals. On Dec. 30, 2024, United Power and the Rural Utilities Service executed a commitment letter affirming that United Power’s grant had been approved for $261.6 million to help offset eligible project costs for seven projects United Power submitted for consideration in its application.
As a recipient of a New ERA grant from the USDA, United Power is charged with investing in key areas of communities impacted by our growth of local generation resources, as well as supporting the ongoing and evolving needs of the members we serve.
This is a 10-year spending commitment that compliments the power resources United Power is investing in to help stabilize rates and increase system reliability and resiliency.
- Support the Utility Workforce through Lineworker Scholarship Program
Provide two scholarships annually for students studying to be a lineworker - Increase Access to Bill Payment, Energy Efficiency, and Clean Energy Resources
Immediately increase support to Energy Outreach Colorado to assist members with bills and energy upgrades, and increase contribution as membership grows - Enhance Essential Resources for Underserved Communities
Award grants to support nonprofit organizations that provide direct support to members - Increase Access to Residential Safety and Energy Efficiency
Direct contribution to a local organization providing energy efficiency upgrades to members - Provide Support to Alamosa as Host of One of Our Renewable Energy Projects
One-time support to a program identified by leadership at the city and United Power that supports the residents of Alamosa - Enhance Rural Emergency Response & Safety Resources
Direct contribution to support an emergency response program identified by stakeholders in our rural territory - Support Rural Farmers & Ranchers
Work with cross-functional team to discuss the growth and development of future farmers through a grant supporting a program or initiative approved by this team
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Recipients Received $7,500 for Enrollment Costs at a Dedicated Power Line Program
Keeping the lights on is difficult and requires a detailed understanding of how electrical systems work. Without proper training and instruction, however, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Power line programs prepare individuals with the skills and safety awareness necessary for their future careers as lineworkers. As beneficial electrification accelerates across the country, it is also a field that is in high demand. Lineworkers often have access to excellent opportunities including job security, high pay, and exceptional benefits.
United Power awarded four lineworker scholarships to Colorado residents pursuing a career in the profession as part of its Community Benefit Plan through the Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program.
Parker Horton, Divide, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Horton became interested in a professional career as a lineworker after a conversation with a close family friend, mentor, and retired lineworker. Horton found the career pathway compelling because of its vital role in providing access to electricity, and is eager to contribute to an essential service.
Zackery Johnson, Thornton, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Johnson is pursuing a career as a lineworker because he wants to provide power for the community and provide help after natural disasters. Johnson said enrolling in a power line program interested him because he would like to learn more about the electrical system that powers the country.
Katie Killinen, Bayfield, CO
Colorado Mesa University Tech, Electrical Lineworker Program
Killinen was an intern for La Plata Electric Association over the summer in 2024. She is pursuing line work as a career because it is challenging and rewarding and also enables her to work outside and problem solve with other people. She finds the concepts and theories in electrical work interesting.
Griffin Steele, Fort Collins, CO
Trinidad State Rocky Mountain Lineman School
Steele has been working with Fort Collins Water for a year, but has been looking for an opportunity to pursue line work. His favorite part of working in utilities is the sense of purpose it provides. Line work would add a challenge to that sense of purpose and provide a stable long-term career.
United Power Named a Finalist for $261 million in New ERA Investment
United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with NextEra Energy Resources
United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with Whetstone Power