When Compared to Other Expenses, Electricity has a Surprisingly High Value

Electricity is a commodity we always expect to be available when we need it. We use it to power almost everything in our lives to some extent – from the alarm clock that wakes us up for work or school, to the television that helps us wind down at night, or the cell phone that keeps us connected with our loved ones. It is so readily available and easy to access we do not often realize it has a surprisingly high value when compared to many of our other daily or monthly expenses. 

As a commodity people use frequently and pay for monthly, we are acutely aware of differences in our monthly billing statements. We may be even more mindful of our electric cost when rate increases make headlines. Given the regular information you receive about utility rates, you might be surprised to learn that electricity rates have one of the lowest cost increases over time when compared to other budget items like rent and education. In fact, when adjusted for inflation, electricity rates have been steadily decreasing since 1980 despite how increasingly reliant we are on the resource in our daily lives (source: U.S. Bureau of Statistics).

The average United Power family uses approximately 22-32 kWh per day, which is roughly equivalent to $3. Now think about your daily routine. Do you grab a coffee on your way to work or order food at a local restaurant during lunch? The average cup of coffee now costs just under $5, and for special blends or add-ons it could cost more. Fast casual meals at restaurants like Chipotle or Panera can cost more than $10. That means for the cost of a single cup of coffee, you could leave an LED TV on for more than 35 days or charge your phone more than 300 times on our standard residential rate. For just $5, you can do about 20 loads of laundry. If you were to shift your usage off-peak on our time-of-use rate, you could save even more.

To put it another way, most United Power members spend more on their cell phone plan ($4-5/day) than they do on electricity (as little at $2/day). The time you spend on your mobile device, which is probably a lot, is incomparable to how frequently you require reliable electric service. Many routines and daily tasks are becoming electrified with the introduction of new electronic devices, which means we are also using far more energy now than ever before.

The best way to capture the value of electricity is to make your home more energy efficient. You could make the transition to ENERGY STAR® appliances that require less energy, install a smart thermostat to monitor and adjust heating/cooling when you are away from home, or look into our rates that reward you for switching use to off-peak hours.

Co-op Emloyees Raised More Than $5,000 to Support Veterans Through Allegiance Ranch

Cooperatives are driven by a spirit of service and the desire to give back to the communities that built and shaped us, the same motivating factors that inspire our military heroes. United Power is proud to celebrate veterans working in our offices, living in our communities, and throughout the country. Veterans Day allows us to take a moment to appreciate and thank our military veterans. The cooperative is honored to serve those who have bravely served our country. 

Many United Power employees have felt the impact of a family member who answered the call to serve and protect our country. Some fought in the most important conflicts in world history. Some employees have known this call firsthand from serving in one of our military branches themselves. The cooperative wants to recognize these employees not only for their service to the country, but also their commitment to the cooperative values and principles that drive us to serve members better every day. 

“Please join me in extending a special thank you to all United Power employees who are veterans and all our members who served our country both in peace and conflict,” said United Power President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Gabriel. “Thank you for your patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

As part of the United Power’s recognition of Veterans Day in November, co-op employees led an effort to raise funds for Allegiance Ranch and Equine Rescue in Erie. Allegiance Ranch is a nonprofit that provides a safe and welcoming place for veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families. It provides services free of charge thanks to the support of community members and donors.  

Employees raised more than $5,000 for Allegiance Ranch in less than 48 hours through an online auction featuring themed baskets donated by each United Power department. Many departments and several United Power employees also donated additional items for the auction. Allegiance Ranch will use the funds to complete projects that allow them to better serve veterans. The check presentation is scheduled later this year. To learn more about Allegiance Ranch, click here.

Thank you again to all our military veterans. You inspire us each day to do our best to serve our members and our communities with pride and commitment. Thank you for your service. 

NOTICE

NOTICE OF CHANGE IN THE TARIFFS OF UNITED POWER, INC.
Date of Notice:  November 15, 2022

You are hereby notified that UNITED POWER, INC. (United Power) proposes to introduce a new rate tariff schedule for Electric Vehicle Charges to become effective on or after January 1, 2023. The rate structure includes a Charging-as-a-Service monthly rate, company owned charging station rates for DC fast charging and for level 2 charging.

The present and proposed tariff provisions are available for examination at the headquarters office located at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton Colorado; the Coal Creek Branch Office, located at 5 Gross Dam Road, Golden, Colorado; and the Carbon Valley Branch office at 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, Colorado.

Anyone who desires to comment about the proposed changes shall file either an informal complaint or a formal complaint with United at 500 Cooperative Way, Brighton, Colorado 80603 at least 10 days before the proposed effective date. 

An informal complaint shall be in writing and shall contain such facts and other information to adequately state the reason(s) for the complaint.  An informal complaint shall be considered by United Power, in regard to the proposed tariff changes, but will not require that a hearing be held.

Anyone who desires a hearing must file a specific and formal complaint to the proposed changes and a request for hearing at least 10 days before the proposed effective date. A formal complaint shall be in writing in the form prescribed by United Power’s Regulations Governing Consumer Complaints and Related Matters. Upon request, a copy of said regulations is available from United Power.  

United Power may hold a hearing to determine what changes will be authorized, regardless of complaints.  If proper formal complaints and request for hearings are timely filed, the Board shall schedule a hearing.  The changes ultimately authorized may or may not be the same as those proposed and may include changes different than those tariffs proposed or currently in effect.  Anyone who desires to receive notice of hearings, if any, shall make a written request therefor to United Power, at the above address at least 10 days before the proposed effective date.

UNITED POWER, INC

By: Mark A. Gabriel, Chief Executive Officer

9.4 Electric Vehicle Charges

United Power Supports Community Events, Empowers Local Education, & Drives Economic Development 

United Power members expect their electric utility to provide consistently reliable power when they need it, for as long as they need it; but as a cooperative, United Power is more than your average utility company. Electric distribution cooperatives exist to serve their members and are only as strong as the communities they serve, which is why we have pledged a commitment to actively engage with our members and promote the growth and development of our communities. 

Our public presence in the community is evident at fairs and festivals throughout the service area. United Power is a proud partner and supporter of community events that offer family fun and celebrate each city or town’s unique and rich history. As the presenting sponsor of the Adams County Fair in August, the cooperative helped bring one of the largest county fairs in the country to thousands of local residents and visitors. The cooperative also sponsors community heritage celebrations like Trapper Days in Fort Lupton and Miners Day in Frederick. 

While summer events bring out large crowds, United Power is also active during the holiday season. You’ll find our community affairs reps passing out candy at local trunk or treat events or see our trucks rolling in festive parades adorned in lights and decorations. We also sponsor Thanksgiving food drives like Food for Hope’s annual Feed 5000 campaign.  The cooperative’s sponsorship of the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association (CCCIA) allows it to plan several holiday events for its residents, such as family favorites like the Easter Eggstravaganza and Fourth of July Festival. 

“If it weren’t for the considerable support the CCCIA receives from United Power, we wouldn’t be able to put on these events for our residents,” said CCCIA Hall Manager Suzy Schemel. “We are able to bring family-friendly events to the families who live up here free of charge thanks to their generous contribution and continued support for Coal Creek. I imagine the sentiment is shared by many of the other communities United Power serves.”

The growth and development of local communities hinges on the abilities of their leaders – both current and future. United Power recognizes future mayors, city councilors, and other community leaders among the students in our high schools. Each year, we select local high school students to represent the cooperative on trips to Steamboat Springs and Washington, D.C. for youth leadership training and education on the cooperative principles. We also award nearly two dozen scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing a post-secondary education or vocational degree. (More information on United Power scholarships and youth trips can be found here.)

As much as our community leaders spur growth, it also requires creating an environment that supports healthy and thriving businesses. United Power has a seat at the table of local chambers of commerce because of their work behind the scenes helping communities drive economic development. Economic development directors from our communities can contact our readily available and easily accessible community affairs reps with inquiries about new business development and business retention strategies. The cooperative’s close relationship with each community alleviates concerns for potential business owners as they determine future business locations. 

“United Power operates with a level of certainty about its infrastructure’s ability to handle new or expanding load,” said Max Daffron, economic development manager for the Town of Frederick. “That certainty is important for business owners.” 

United Power reps can help communities and businesses determine where sufficient infrastructure is available, how additional capacity can be built, or if redundant power is necessary. They can even recommend ideal business locations based on their energy needs and prospective development in the area. United Power has also partnered with communities to help develop comprehensive strategies and plan for future growth. 

“As a small business owner, I see real value in United Power’s commitment to community support and development,” said Cody LeBlanc, owner of Cinn-A-Brew in Brighton and The KM Cup in Fort Lupton. “Their support showcases our businesses and demonstrates the area is a great place live.”

United Power’s commitment extends to all areas that support community health and well-being, including its state parks and nonprofits that serve the local community. The cooperative assisted Barr Lake State Park in placing its popular osprey platform in 2014; and earlier this year, helped raise its eagles nest on the southern end of the park. When the cooperative hit 100,000 meters in 2021, United Power made contributions to each state park in its service territory – Barr Lake, St. Vrain, and Golden Gate – in recognition of their importance to the community.

Now more than 100,000 meters strong, United Power impacts more people than ever before. We recognize how beneficial the support we provide for our communities has been and how crucial it is for continued growth and development. As a cooperative, we strive to see each of our communities, and the members who call them home, reach their full potential. As we grow and evolve into the electric utility of the future, our members will continue to remain our focus. 

Troy Whitmore, Vice President & Public Affairs Officer, United Power, received a 2022 RMEL Industry Leadership Award during RMEL’s 119th Annual Fall Convention on Wednesday, October 12th.

The Industry Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose leadership has made contributions that have made an impact within their organization. Recipients usually have more than 10 years of experience in the industry. These individuals are often active in various industry affiliations, associations and/or organizations that serve the electric energy industry.

Troy Whitmore is the Vice President & Public Affairs Officer at United Power, headquartered in Brighton, Colorado. Troy’s long tenure at United Power and in the electric industry has allowed him to be a real force in helping to guide not only cooperative, but legislative initiatives that affect our industry. An active voice at the state capitol, Troy has worked with legislators on issues ranging from election transparency for cooperatives, to helping to incorporate renewable energy guidelines for utilities. He is an engaged and active voice for the members of United Power, and for other electric consumers around Colorado.

During his 36 years at United Power, Troy has served in numerous functions including communications, marketing, customer service and governmental affairs. In his current position as Vice President & Public Affairs Officer, Troy oversees governmental affairs, community relations, key accounts, and economic development functions. His work has always balanced where the industry can move realistically, with the needs and wants of United Power’s members. Much of his work has allowed United Power to become an innovation leader among cooperatives. Troy remains extremely active in his community and serves as the Chair of the board of Colorado Advocates for Rural Electrification (CARE) which is Colorado’s electric cooperatives’ political action committee, and a Board member of Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) which is Colorado’s premier energy assistance foundation.

RMEL also conferred the Distinguished Leadership Award to Mike Hummel, General Manager & Chief Executive Officer, SRP. RMEL’s Honorary Life Member Award recipients are Paul Barham, retired, CPS Energy; Joel Bladow, retired, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association; Kevin Howard, retired, Western Area Power Administration; Pat Pope, retired, Nebraska Public Power District; and Stuart Wevik, retired, Black Hills Energy. Also receiving the Industry Leadership Award are Tony Eddleman, Director of NERC Reliability Compliance, Nebraska Public Power District; Mike Jones, Senior Director of Strategic Risk Management, SRP; Keith Nix, Vice President of Operations, Texas-New Mexico Power; and Jim Trask, Department Manager – Energy Group, Burns & McDonnell.

Congratulations to all 2022 RMEL Award Winners and thank you for your dedication to the electric energy industry.

The 2023 Awards Program will kick off with the Emerging Leader Awards Nominations early next year. More information on the 2023 RMEL Awards Program will be available at www.RMEL.org soon.

About RMEL:
RMEL is a not-for-profit energy trade association that has served the electric utility industry with a variety of education and networking services since 1903. RMEL’s mission is: Preparing the electric energy industry for the future through education and networking. Once known as the Rocky Mountain Electrical League, the association officially became RMEL in the 1990s to better reflect a membership base that spans the entire country.