Our Vision in a Rapidly Evolving Energy Industry

The electric utility industry is undergoing a significant refocus on everything from technology to power supply. The delivery model of today will look vastly different in the next decade. Grid technology is improving, energy markets are evolving, and member demands and expectations are changing. United Power must be prepared to adapt quickly and respond proactively to shifts in an ever-changing environment. We recognize the wealth of opportunities - and challenges - that come with these changes. 

Our mission as your local electric cooperative is to safely and responsibly deliver reliable electricity and excellent service to our members. To continue delivering on that promise, we must identify the range of potential futures that we need to prepare for, harness our strengths, recognize where growth and investments are required, and develop innovative approaches to proactively address challenges. 

It is, therefore, critical United Power ensures all the pieces work together to optimize financial investments, operating efficiencies, and resources. The intent of our cooperative roadmap is to document organizational objectives to create an alignment from the Board of Directors to every employee and, in turn, our members.

Empower and Engage with Members and Communities

Electric cooperatives are owned by the members they serve, which means the members are not just consumers but stakeholders in the cooperative’s success.

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Provide Flexible, Affordable, Responsible Power and Services

As the needs of the distribution system have increased, so has the need for United Power to evolve and optimize the supply of power and services to its members.

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Continuously Optimize the Electric Distribution System

The optimization of the electric distribution system is paramount as the cooperative confronts increasing demands and complexities driven by rapid electrification, the integration of DERs, and the evolving expectations of members.

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Achieve and Maintain Business Agility and Resilience

Business agility and resilience are key investments of United Power’s strategic and operational plan.

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Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles were used to develop this roadmap. They are the lenses through which United Power evaluates options, particularly when there are trade-offs.

Safety

United Power prioritizes safety in every decision and action. By fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and teamwork, the cooperative ensures that safety is reflected in every aspect of its operations to protect employees, members, and communities.

Reliability

United Power strives to deliver high quality, uninterrupted service to members through the design, operation, protection, and maintenance of a robust and resilient electric distribution system.

Affordability

United Power is committed to securing fair and competitive wholesale rates, managing costs, and responsibly allocating those costs across the membership with stable and transparent rate options.

Flexibility

United Power demonstrates maximum agility and adaptiveness through forward-looking plans, versatile and innovative programs and business models, and diverse power supply options as the cooperative responds to changes in its environment and the needs of members and communities.

Responsibility

United Power acts ethically, sustainably, and in the best interest of its members and communities as the cooperative manages operations and secures resources.

Recent Roadmap Posts

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United Power Welcomes Jared Nelson as Vice President of Energy Resource Planning
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Wednesday | September 17, 2025
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Nelson will join the cooperative on Sept. 22.

Brighton, CO – United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Jared Nelson as its Vice President of Energy Resource Planning. He will join the cooperative on Sept. 22.

“Jared will be a valuable asset in a critical operational area of our cooperative,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and Chief Executive Officer. “As United Power continues to navigate our power supply transition, the cooperative requires knowledgeable and capable talent to secure the right resources while keeping costs as low as possible. Jared’s many years of experience in the utility industry will help us to maximize our investments on behalf of United Power members.”

Jared earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSCHE) from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Southern College. Most recently, he served as Director of Energy Supply and Market Modeling for Xcel Energy in Denver. His electric utility work experience includes resource planning, power plant engineering, and power purchase agreement (PPA) origination. 

“United Power’s future is dependent on careful planning and foresight to meet the cooperative’s growing energy needs,” said Jon Aust, Senior Vice President and Chief Energy Resource Officer. “Jared will be an excellent addition to our team as we work to meet the needs of this fast-growing cooperative. He will play an integral role as we continue to build on United Power’s strategy of developing and integrating local resources.

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Partners to collaborate on fifth joint energy project since 2014.
Recipients received $7,500 for enrollment costs at a dedicated Power Line program.
In September, the co-op was announced as an awardee for $261.6 million in grant funding to offset the cost of new, clean energy generation.

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