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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United Power Awards Four Lineworker Scholarships
United Power Named a Finalist for $261 million in New ERA Investment
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