United Power President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark A. Gabriel, recently joined co-op CEOs Brian Heithoff, of Trico Electric Cooperative, and Eric Hobbie of Prairie Power, Inc. in a panel discussion about electric cooperatives’ role as Distribution System Operators (DSO) at the NRECA CEO Close-Up Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference is attended by hundreds of cooperative CEOs and General Managers and held annually to provide CEOs with insight into industry trends and best practices for managing key challenges. 

A growing number of electric cooperatives, including United Power, are moving toward a DSO model, which allows the utility to enhance its relationships with members, provide added services and proactively manage the grid with automation and smart technology. At United Power, continued projected growth and an opportunity to purchase cleaner and more affordable power from a variety of resources combined with the desire for more member-owned and locally generated renewable energy puts the cooperative in a position to take a more integrated and dynamic approach to delivering electricity.

“The energy landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift and the relationship that cooperatives like United Power already have with their member communities has us primed to lead this energy transition,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President & CEO. “A locally-owned cooperative is nimble, innovative and responsive—and is exactly how utilities will need to operate in order to manage a resilient distribution system, efficiently integrate local micro-grids and facilitate the local exchange of energy.”

Gabriel discussed United Power’s 10 Year Working Plan and the strategic considerations the cooperative is undertaking as they move toward a DSO model. The working plan was developed by key staff at the cooperative and it serves as a comprehensive guide to align the board, employees, and members through this dramatic operational shift. By leveraging new technology, expansive energy resources, and updated operations, and new technology, United Power is actively advancing the local distribution system to adapt to the new ways it will provide value and reliable power for members.

“The 10 Year Plan is our playbook outlining the allocation of people, resources, and leadership attention as we drive toward an increasingly dynamic, sustainable, and complex energy future,” said Gabriel. “While we are working to deliver reliable power today, we are planning for the utility of tomorrow. We have started the conversations with our board and our members about what the future of energy will look like and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Slidedeck from 2022 CEO Close-Up by Mark A. Gabriel

Residential & Business Rates Will Not Increase for Second Consecutive Year

United Power has announced that there will not be a scheduled rate increase for residential or business members in 2022. This marks the second consecutive year rates have not been increased for members. The cooperative’s Board of Directors made the decision in November upon approval of the 2022 budget.

Over the course of the past several months, United Power has focused its efforts to reduce spending where possible and control cooperative costs. It has also continued to monitor the pandemic’s economic impact on the communities it serves and the members on its lines. While there has been a slow transition to normal functions, the result of the cooperative’s cost control measures has enabled it to once again avoid a rate increase, providing a little additional relief for members who continue to feel the pandemic’s affects heading into the holiday season.

“We are proud to announce that members will not have to worry about how a rate increase will affect them this upcoming year,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “As a cooperative, we don’t answer to corporate shareholders or investor interests, but are here to serve each of our members. We have the flexibility to shift directions quickly, like we had to over the past year, to drive better results for you, our members.”

Continued growth also played a significant role in the cooperative’s ability to maintain its current rate structure. Growth this year has exceeded expectations, and United Power became just the second Colorado co-op to surpass 100,000 meters earlier this summer.

United Power understands its members have different needs and use electricity in vastly different ways. The cooperative’s residential rates are designed so members have the option to choose one that most closely fits how they use energy. When the demand rate debuted, it separated the energy and demand components and allowed the cooperative to more fairly charge members for both their energy use and impact on the grid. Residential members have four different rates to choose from, each designed with slight variations that allow you to review your energy usage and pick a rate that works best for you and your family.

However you use your energy, the flexibility of the cooperative’s residential rates should meet most members’ needs.

You can compare the demand and energy charges of each rate and choose one that most closely fits how you and your family use energy here.

Members who are curious how home electronics and appliances may impact their demand charge can use the cooperative’s Demand Calculator on the Understanding Demand page.