Title
Co-op Announces 2022 Capital Credit Retirement
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MayJune2021_NL_CashBack.jpg?itok=QmEy5xEb
Monday | May 2, 2022
Card Teaser
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
United Power is more than your local electric utility and you are more than a consumer. Over the past two years, we have had to navigate pandemic restrictions, making provisions for the health of the cooperative and also to support our members. The decisions we made were not to satisfy invisible investors or generate profits, but to serve our members and our communities. It is just part of what makes cooperative membership different.
Another member benefit that sets us apart is the retirement of capital credits. This year, our members will be part of United Power’s 16th consecutive retirement. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with this process, capital credits represent your investment in the co-op. Here’s how it works:
Becoming a Member
The moment you start receiving electric service from United Power, you become a member and an owner of the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, which you have an ownership stake in. Members may also vote annually in board elections or run for a seat on the Board to make their voices heard. (A full recap of the 2022 Annual Meeting is available on page 10.) By actively engaging and participating with the cooperative, you will always have a voice in our operation.
Allocation of Capital Credits
Every spring, United Power looks at the prior year and any funds remaining after all expenses have been paid are allocated to members based on the prior year’s electric consumption – the more power you use, the larger your allocation will be.
The allocation is not a check, but a representation of your ownership in the cooperative, i.e. the amount of money you have invested into the electric system based on your electric consumption. The funds are tracked, but not accessible in the form of cash. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May each year.
Retirement of Capital Credits
Annually, the Board of Directors carefully assesses the financial condition of the cooperative and determines what amount of capital credits are eligible for retirement. If the Board decides a retirement is feasible, the money is paid out, or “retired,” from each member’s account. This year, the Board approved a $4.5 million retirement. Those retirements will be distributed beginning in late May.
Anyone who had service in 2021 or earlier will be eligible to receive a refund. Refunds more than $50 will arrive as a check, and members who receive a refund less than $50 will see it reflected on their billing statement as a credit. Look for this credit on your bill in May or June.
“There isn’t a more tangible benefit of cooperative membership than receiving money back on your investment in the utility itself,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Your investment not only makes you an owner, but helps ensure the resiliency of our system, the reliability of your power, and the affordability of our rates. It is a tangible representation of your value as both a member and an owner.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the last 15 years, the cooperative has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Want to learn more about capital credits? Frequently asked questions can be found at www.unitedpower.com or you can call a member services representative at 303-637-1300.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
If you move, please be sure to leave your new address with us so we can continue to refund any capital credits you are eligible to receive in the future.
Upon death, the deceased member’s capital credit account is available for estate retirement. The representative of the estate should contact United Power to settle the capital credit account.
Title
Co-op Announces 2023 Capital Credit Retirement
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CapitalCredits_1320x860.png?h=45932144&itok=gEFxjqd2
Friday | May 19, 2023
Card Teaser
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in late May.
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
United Power is more than your local electric utility and you are more than a consumer. You have probably heard there are benefits to cooperative membership. The decisions we make are not to satisfy investors or generate profits, but to serve our members and our communities, ensuring our system is well maintained and delivers reliable power. It is just part of what makes cooperative membership different.
Another member benefit that sets us apart is the retirement of capital credits. This year, our members will be part of United Power’s 17th consecutive retirement. If you are unfamiliar with this process, capital credits represent your investment in the co-op.
Becoming a Member
The moment you start receiving electric service from United Power, you become a member and an owner of the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, which represents your ownership stake.
Members may also vote annually in the Director Elections or run for a seat on the Board to make their voices heard. By actively engaging and participating with the cooperative, you will always have a voice in our operation.
Allocation of Capital Credits
Every spring, United Power looks at the prior year and any funds remaining after all expenses have been paid are allocated to members based on the prior year’s electric consumption — generally the more power you use, the larger your allocation will be.
The allocation is not a check, but a bookkeeping of your ownership in the cooperative, i.e., the amount of money you invested into the electric system based on your electric consumption the past year. The funds are tracked, but not accessible in the form of cash until they are retired. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May or June each year.
Retirement of Capital Credits
Annually, the Board of Directors assesses the financial condition of the cooperative and determines what amount of capital credits are eligible for retirement. If the Board decides a retirement is feasible, the money is paid out, or “retired,” from each member’s account. The Board approved a $4.5 million retirement this year. Those retirements will be distributed beginning in late May.
Anyone who had service in 2021 or earlier will be eligible to receive a refund. Refunds more than $50 will arrive as a check, and members who receive a refund less than $50 will see it reflected on their billing statement as a credit. Look for this credit on your bill in May or June.
“There isn’t a more tangible benefit of cooperative membership than receiving money back on your investment in the utility itself,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Your investment not only makes you an owner, but helps ensure the resiliency of our system, the reliability of your power, and the affordability of our rates. It is a tangible representation of your value as both a member and an owner.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the last 17 years, the cooperative has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Want to learn more about capital credits? Frequently asked questions can be found at www.unitedpower.com or you can call a member services representative at 303-637-1300.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
If you move, please be sure to leave your new address with us so we can continue to refund any capital credits you are eligible to receive in the future.
Upon death, the deceased member’s capital credit account is available for estate retirement. The representative of the estate should contact United Power to settle the capital credit account.
Co-op Here to Stay
Monday | September 25, 2023
It is important that members know the upcoming power supply transition will not impact your membership with the cooperative.
Read more >
Title
Colorado Electric Cooperatives Ask State for Greater Local Control
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/RenewableEnergy2.jpg?itok=5eKC0tVy
Friday | January 3, 2020
Card Teaser
United Power and La Plata Electric push for lower rates and cleaner energy for customers
Colorado electric cooperatives United Power and La Plata Electric Association are weighing all options to change their existing energy procurement contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (“Tri-State”). In dual November filings with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”), both cooperatives asked the state’s regulating body to exercise its authority to provide a just exit charge from its existing contract with Tri-State. Currently, both entities are required to purchase a minimum of 95% of their power from Tri-State under existing contracts that run through 2050. In addition, a recent S&P report downgraded Tri-State’s credit rating, with one of the reasons being that its Members’ retail energy rates were at least 20% higher than the statewide average.
“As the largest member in the Tri-State cooperative, we have a responsibility to our 92,000 residential and commercial customers to provide them with the cleanest and most affordable energy possible,” said John Parker, Chief Executive Officer of United Power. “Our current contract with Tri-State forces us to purchase some of the dirtiest energy in Colorado, while our customers pay 20% more than what is the state average. We’ve spent 18 months trying to change this contract, and all that we have gotten from Tri-State is delays, evasions and excuses. On behalf of our customers, we will no longer accept this.”
Tri-State relies heavily upon fossil fuels to provide power to its 43 cooperative members across four states, with 56% of its energy generation coming from coal, which is a significantly higher reliance on coal than other energy providers in Colorado. With the passage of HB19-1261, energy companies in Colorado must start work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Tri-State is not well-positioned to meet these new standards. As renewable energy production continues to drive down the price of energy, Tri-State’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is also hitting its members in the pocketbooks as well as putting the cooperatives at risk of not meeting the new clean energy standards.
“Our community should have a choice,” said Jessica Matlock, Chief Executive Officer of La Plata Electric Association. “We want to be a part of the clean energy future and can achieve this through working in our backyard, with our community. We can bring jobs and economic growth to Colorado, while also supplying carbon-free energy to the region. We are disappointed that Tri-State is not partnering with us to achieve this clean energy future together. We want input into the process and choice when it comes to a cost-effective and clean energy future, not a one size fits all approach developed without input of the affected member cooperatives.”
In response to United Power’s and La Plata Energy’s filings with the CPUC, Tri-State recently filed a motion to dismiss their complaints because they do not believe that the CPUC has jurisdiction over these matters. Instead, Tri-State claims that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has jurisdiction over their rates, even though their initial application was rejected in October for being deficient and incomplete.
“Tri-State is going up against a much larger tide that they spent years refusing to confront,” said Parker. “Tri-State’s lack of urgency in addressing these matters is aimed solely at self-preservation rather than what is best for our customers.”
The CPUC has set a date of January 10th to receive testimony on the matter and is expected to make a decision by early April.
About United Power
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to more than 92,000 meters at homes, businesses and farms in Colorado's north-central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop.
About La Plata Electric Association
La Plata Electric Association, Inc. (LPEA) is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta, with segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties. There are 22 cooperatives in Colorado, LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative in the state, providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to approximately 34,000 members.
Title
Coming Soon – Another Location to Serve Our Members Better
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_WesternFacility_1.JPG?itok=epcTmdZC
Monday | June 12, 2017
Card Teaser
As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members.
As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members. Finding ways to better serve our members is a priority at every employee level – and a goal we as a cooperative continue to strive for. Late last year, a group of employees participating in a leadership program were challenged with finding the best way to better serve our members. Their solution – the addition of another facility located in the west side of our territory.
In the May United Newsline, we announced the purchase of the 130,000 square foot facility located east of I-25, just south of Highway 119. Expanding the cooperative’s footprint in our territory bubbled up from the ideas of those particular employees – who spent hours upon hours researching, discussing and working together to produce a detailed plan for the possibility of another facility. The employee team focused on the benefits of increased visibility, better member access, community outreach, shorter response time during outages and the need for more space that a building on the west side of our territory would provide.
Visibility
It’s no secret Colorado’s population is on the rise – and United Power is located in the apex of that growth. Located near I-25 and other major highways including Highway 52 and Highway 119, the new facility will provide additional presence needed in an area that is experiencing major growth. A centralized presence in our plains territory will be critical in meeting the needs and demands of our members located in one of the fastest growing areas of Colorado.
Member Access
As our territory grows in population, access to our offices is even more essential. Providing an additional office location in the west side of our territory will create better convenience for members living in that area.
Community Outreach
Connecting with our communities we serve is a priority at United Power and one of the Seven Cooperative Principles. By growing our presence with an additional facility, we’re able to expand our outreach efforts more than ever. As the communities in our territory continue to grow, United Power will continue to be a partner and provide support for our members.
Shorter Response Time
A facility in the midst of a high growth area allows United Power to safely and more efficiently respond to outages, line extension and maintenance activities. By responding from the new facility, crews will avoid 27 stoplights they normally would be faced with if responding from our Brighton headquarters. The location provides our crews with easy access to major highways: I-25, Highway 7, Highway 119, Highway 52 and Highway 66. The quicker we can respond, the quicker the lights turn on.
More Company Space
Built in 2006, the Brighton headquarters was designed for 10 years of future employee growth. Since 2006, United Power has added approximately 2.5 employees per year to keep up with the demands of our growing cooperative. As the number of employees increases, it becomes harder to find space to house them. By expanding to another facility, employees will have their needs met and space freed up at our Brighton headquarters location can be used for more training and storage. United Power’s corporate headquarters will remain in Brighton. Since taking possession of the new facility on April 25th United Power is now beginning the process of designing the interior of the building, which will also incorporate input from employees. We are also in the process of acquiring an adjacent plot of undeveloped land, which would allow for additional on-site material storage and expanded parking.
Capital Dollars Help Fund Purchase
Proceeds from substation transfers from United Power to Tri-State Generation and Transmission, our wholesale electricity provider, helped fund a large portion of the $8.76 million purchase of the new facility. United Power sold equipment on these substations of 115 kV or higher to TriState. The capital dollars made from the sales were redistributed to acquire the new facility. This reinvestment of capital will serve all members for years to come.
Coming Soon: A New Look to Your Bill
Monday | October 1, 2018
In the coming months, you’ll receive a newly designed billing statement that has been streamlined and re-organized so you can find the information you need as quickly and easily as possible.
Read more >
Title
Commitment to the Virtual Community
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Nov2020_NL_FairsCommunity.jpg?itok=algtZaFM
Tuesday | November 24, 2020
Card Teaser
Reaching members via virtual format isn't a new concept, but until this year it has never been the preferred method for encouraging community participation. The cooperative often supported communities as they navigated this transition.
United Power was forced to shift gears while planning its annual meeting in March as heightened concerns over the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds and many other local businesses. While many maintained hopeful expectations that the pandemic would begin to play itself out as summer weather faded, a third wave has instead continued the halt to in-person community activities and organizational fundraisers.
Reaching members via virtual format is hardly a new concept, but until this year it has never been the preferred method for encouraging community members to participate with one another. For United Power, that meant turning around months of planning to offer members a virtual annual meeting that still drew their interest and encouraged participation. The cooperative wasn’t alone in navigating this journey, and often supported others holding similar events.
Joining the Virtual Classroom
United Power electrical engineer Tyler Bain joined a Brighton High School engineering class in September via Zoom live from one of the cooperative’s substations to talk about where electricity comes from, how it is generated and what kind of schooling it takes to become an electrical engineer. He also discussed renewable energy with the students.
Decorating Virtual Ducks
United Power has long participated in and supported the annual Duck Derby hosted by the Rotary Club of Northglenn-Thornton. The duck race helps raise money for the Rotary Club to support scholarships, food banks and other local projects. This year, due to COVID-19, the club hosted its first virtual Duck Derby with an online “Best Dressed Duck” contest, which United Power entered, of course. Although our authentic, one-of-a-kind cow duck did not win, we are still proud to be a supporter of all the work the Rotary Club does.
Scarecrows in Fort Lupton
Thinking creatively for ways to entertain and engage businesses and residents this Halloween season while maintaining safe social distancing, the City of Fort Lupton and Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce sponsored a unique scarecrow contest throughout the community. United Power introduced the first-ever lineman made of hay into the contest. Early thoughts on the new lineman include the suggestion that he stay clear of energized line.
Assisting the Career Path
Each year, the Adams County Education Consortium hosts its career expo for middle school students. This year’s virtual event will feature 2-hour sessions over the course of two days in late November where students can learn more about potential career paths. United Power will both sponsor and participate in the annual event in its new first-ever virtual event.
Title
Co-op Announces 2022 Capital Credit Retirement
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MayJune2021_NL_CashBack.jpg?itok=QmEy5xEb
Monday | May 2, 2022
Card Teaser
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
United Power is more than your local electric utility and you are more than a consumer. Over the past two years, we have had to navigate pandemic restrictions, making provisions for the health of the cooperative and also to support our members. The decisions we made were not to satisfy invisible investors or generate profits, but to serve our members and our communities. It is just part of what makes cooperative membership different.
Another member benefit that sets us apart is the retirement of capital credits. This year, our members will be part of United Power’s 16th consecutive retirement. If you are new to the cooperative or unfamiliar with this process, capital credits represent your investment in the co-op. Here’s how it works:
Becoming a Member
The moment you start receiving electric service from United Power, you become a member and an owner of the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, which you have an ownership stake in. Members may also vote annually in board elections or run for a seat on the Board to make their voices heard. (A full recap of the 2022 Annual Meeting is available on page 10.) By actively engaging and participating with the cooperative, you will always have a voice in our operation.
Allocation of Capital Credits
Every spring, United Power looks at the prior year and any funds remaining after all expenses have been paid are allocated to members based on the prior year’s electric consumption – the more power you use, the larger your allocation will be.
The allocation is not a check, but a representation of your ownership in the cooperative, i.e. the amount of money you have invested into the electric system based on your electric consumption. The funds are tracked, but not accessible in the form of cash. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May each year.
Retirement of Capital Credits
Annually, the Board of Directors carefully assesses the financial condition of the cooperative and determines what amount of capital credits are eligible for retirement. If the Board decides a retirement is feasible, the money is paid out, or “retired,” from each member’s account. This year, the Board approved a $4.5 million retirement. Those retirements will be distributed beginning in late May.
Anyone who had service in 2021 or earlier will be eligible to receive a refund. Refunds more than $50 will arrive as a check, and members who receive a refund less than $50 will see it reflected on their billing statement as a credit. Look for this credit on your bill in May or June.
“There isn’t a more tangible benefit of cooperative membership than receiving money back on your investment in the utility itself,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Your investment not only makes you an owner, but helps ensure the resiliency of our system, the reliability of your power, and the affordability of our rates. It is a tangible representation of your value as both a member and an owner.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the last 15 years, the cooperative has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Want to learn more about capital credits? Frequently asked questions can be found at www.unitedpower.com or you can call a member services representative at 303-637-1300.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
If you move, please be sure to leave your new address with us so we can continue to refund any capital credits you are eligible to receive in the future.
Upon death, the deceased member’s capital credit account is available for estate retirement. The representative of the estate should contact United Power to settle the capital credit account.
Title
Co-op Announces 2023 Capital Credit Retirement
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CapitalCredits_1320x860.png?h=45932144&itok=gEFxjqd2
Friday | May 19, 2023
Card Teaser
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in late May.
Retirement of $4.5 Million on its way to Members Beginning in Late May
United Power is more than your local electric utility and you are more than a consumer. You have probably heard there are benefits to cooperative membership. The decisions we make are not to satisfy investors or generate profits, but to serve our members and our communities, ensuring our system is well maintained and delivers reliable power. It is just part of what makes cooperative membership different.
Another member benefit that sets us apart is the retirement of capital credits. This year, our members will be part of United Power’s 17th consecutive retirement. If you are unfamiliar with this process, capital credits represent your investment in the co-op.
Becoming a Member
The moment you start receiving electric service from United Power, you become a member and an owner of the cooperative. As a member, you have unique privileges, one of which is economic participation. A portion of each electric bill you pay goes toward the cooperative’s operation and infrastructure, which represents your ownership stake.
Members may also vote annually in the Director Elections or run for a seat on the Board to make their voices heard. By actively engaging and participating with the cooperative, you will always have a voice in our operation.
Allocation of Capital Credits
Every spring, United Power looks at the prior year and any funds remaining after all expenses have been paid are allocated to members based on the prior year’s electric consumption — generally the more power you use, the larger your allocation will be.
The allocation is not a check, but a bookkeeping of your ownership in the cooperative, i.e., the amount of money you invested into the electric system based on your electric consumption the past year. The funds are tracked, but not accessible in the form of cash until they are retired. You are notified of your allocation amount on your bill in May or June each year.
Retirement of Capital Credits
Annually, the Board of Directors assesses the financial condition of the cooperative and determines what amount of capital credits are eligible for retirement. If the Board decides a retirement is feasible, the money is paid out, or “retired,” from each member’s account. The Board approved a $4.5 million retirement this year. Those retirements will be distributed beginning in late May.
Anyone who had service in 2021 or earlier will be eligible to receive a refund. Refunds more than $50 will arrive as a check, and members who receive a refund less than $50 will see it reflected on their billing statement as a credit. Look for this credit on your bill in May or June.
“There isn’t a more tangible benefit of cooperative membership than receiving money back on your investment in the utility itself,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Your investment not only makes you an owner, but helps ensure the resiliency of our system, the reliability of your power, and the affordability of our rates. It is a tangible representation of your value as both a member and an owner.”
Capital credit retirements have returned a steady stream of money back to members in recent years. During the last 17 years, the cooperative has been able to retire millions of dollars back to its members.
Want to learn more about capital credits? Frequently asked questions can be found at www.unitedpower.com or you can call a member services representative at 303-637-1300.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
If you move, please be sure to leave your new address with us so we can continue to refund any capital credits you are eligible to receive in the future.
Upon death, the deceased member’s capital credit account is available for estate retirement. The representative of the estate should contact United Power to settle the capital credit account.
Co-op Here to Stay
Monday | September 25, 2023
It is important that members know the upcoming power supply transition will not impact your membership with the cooperative.
Read more >
Title
Colorado Electric Cooperatives Ask State for Greater Local Control
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/RenewableEnergy2.jpg?itok=5eKC0tVy
Friday | January 3, 2020
Card Teaser
United Power and La Plata Electric push for lower rates and cleaner energy for customers
Colorado electric cooperatives United Power and La Plata Electric Association are weighing all options to change their existing energy procurement contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (“Tri-State”). In dual November filings with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”), both cooperatives asked the state’s regulating body to exercise its authority to provide a just exit charge from its existing contract with Tri-State. Currently, both entities are required to purchase a minimum of 95% of their power from Tri-State under existing contracts that run through 2050. In addition, a recent S&P report downgraded Tri-State’s credit rating, with one of the reasons being that its Members’ retail energy rates were at least 20% higher than the statewide average.
“As the largest member in the Tri-State cooperative, we have a responsibility to our 92,000 residential and commercial customers to provide them with the cleanest and most affordable energy possible,” said John Parker, Chief Executive Officer of United Power. “Our current contract with Tri-State forces us to purchase some of the dirtiest energy in Colorado, while our customers pay 20% more than what is the state average. We’ve spent 18 months trying to change this contract, and all that we have gotten from Tri-State is delays, evasions and excuses. On behalf of our customers, we will no longer accept this.”
Tri-State relies heavily upon fossil fuels to provide power to its 43 cooperative members across four states, with 56% of its energy generation coming from coal, which is a significantly higher reliance on coal than other energy providers in Colorado. With the passage of HB19-1261, energy companies in Colorado must start work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Tri-State is not well-positioned to meet these new standards. As renewable energy production continues to drive down the price of energy, Tri-State’s continued reliance on fossil fuels is also hitting its members in the pocketbooks as well as putting the cooperatives at risk of not meeting the new clean energy standards.
“Our community should have a choice,” said Jessica Matlock, Chief Executive Officer of La Plata Electric Association. “We want to be a part of the clean energy future and can achieve this through working in our backyard, with our community. We can bring jobs and economic growth to Colorado, while also supplying carbon-free energy to the region. We are disappointed that Tri-State is not partnering with us to achieve this clean energy future together. We want input into the process and choice when it comes to a cost-effective and clean energy future, not a one size fits all approach developed without input of the affected member cooperatives.”
In response to United Power’s and La Plata Energy’s filings with the CPUC, Tri-State recently filed a motion to dismiss their complaints because they do not believe that the CPUC has jurisdiction over these matters. Instead, Tri-State claims that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has jurisdiction over their rates, even though their initial application was rejected in October for being deficient and incomplete.
“Tri-State is going up against a much larger tide that they spent years refusing to confront,” said Parker. “Tri-State’s lack of urgency in addressing these matters is aimed solely at self-preservation rather than what is best for our customers.”
The CPUC has set a date of January 10th to receive testimony on the matter and is expected to make a decision by early April.
About United Power
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to more than 92,000 meters at homes, businesses and farms in Colorado's north-central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop.
About La Plata Electric Association
La Plata Electric Association, Inc. (LPEA) is a member-owned, not-for-profit, electric distribution cooperative serving La Plata and Archuleta, with segments of Hinsdale, Mineral and San Juan counties. There are 22 cooperatives in Colorado, LPEA is the fifth largest cooperative in the state, providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost to approximately 34,000 members.
Title
Coming Soon – Another Location to Serve Our Members Better
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_WesternFacility_1.JPG?itok=epcTmdZC
Monday | June 12, 2017
Card Teaser
As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members.
As a cooperative, our United Power employees always pay close attention to the needs of our members. Finding ways to better serve our members is a priority at every employee level – and a goal we as a cooperative continue to strive for. Late last year, a group of employees participating in a leadership program were challenged with finding the best way to better serve our members. Their solution – the addition of another facility located in the west side of our territory.
In the May United Newsline, we announced the purchase of the 130,000 square foot facility located east of I-25, just south of Highway 119. Expanding the cooperative’s footprint in our territory bubbled up from the ideas of those particular employees – who spent hours upon hours researching, discussing and working together to produce a detailed plan for the possibility of another facility. The employee team focused on the benefits of increased visibility, better member access, community outreach, shorter response time during outages and the need for more space that a building on the west side of our territory would provide.
Visibility
It’s no secret Colorado’s population is on the rise – and United Power is located in the apex of that growth. Located near I-25 and other major highways including Highway 52 and Highway 119, the new facility will provide additional presence needed in an area that is experiencing major growth. A centralized presence in our plains territory will be critical in meeting the needs and demands of our members located in one of the fastest growing areas of Colorado.
Member Access
As our territory grows in population, access to our offices is even more essential. Providing an additional office location in the west side of our territory will create better convenience for members living in that area.
Community Outreach
Connecting with our communities we serve is a priority at United Power and one of the Seven Cooperative Principles. By growing our presence with an additional facility, we’re able to expand our outreach efforts more than ever. As the communities in our territory continue to grow, United Power will continue to be a partner and provide support for our members.
Shorter Response Time
A facility in the midst of a high growth area allows United Power to safely and more efficiently respond to outages, line extension and maintenance activities. By responding from the new facility, crews will avoid 27 stoplights they normally would be faced with if responding from our Brighton headquarters. The location provides our crews with easy access to major highways: I-25, Highway 7, Highway 119, Highway 52 and Highway 66. The quicker we can respond, the quicker the lights turn on.
More Company Space
Built in 2006, the Brighton headquarters was designed for 10 years of future employee growth. Since 2006, United Power has added approximately 2.5 employees per year to keep up with the demands of our growing cooperative. As the number of employees increases, it becomes harder to find space to house them. By expanding to another facility, employees will have their needs met and space freed up at our Brighton headquarters location can be used for more training and storage. United Power’s corporate headquarters will remain in Brighton. Since taking possession of the new facility on April 25th United Power is now beginning the process of designing the interior of the building, which will also incorporate input from employees. We are also in the process of acquiring an adjacent plot of undeveloped land, which would allow for additional on-site material storage and expanded parking.
Capital Dollars Help Fund Purchase
Proceeds from substation transfers from United Power to Tri-State Generation and Transmission, our wholesale electricity provider, helped fund a large portion of the $8.76 million purchase of the new facility. United Power sold equipment on these substations of 115 kV or higher to TriState. The capital dollars made from the sales were redistributed to acquire the new facility. This reinvestment of capital will serve all members for years to come.
Coming Soon: A New Look to Your Bill
Monday | October 1, 2018
In the coming months, you’ll receive a newly designed billing statement that has been streamlined and re-organized so you can find the information you need as quickly and easily as possible.
Read more >
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Commitment to the Virtual Community
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Tuesday | November 24, 2020
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Reaching members via virtual format isn't a new concept, but until this year it has never been the preferred method for encouraging community participation. The cooperative often supported communities as they navigated this transition.
United Power was forced to shift gears while planning its annual meeting in March as heightened concerns over the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds and many other local businesses. While many maintained hopeful expectations that the pandemic would begin to play itself out as summer weather faded, a third wave has instead continued the halt to in-person community activities and organizational fundraisers.
Reaching members via virtual format is hardly a new concept, but until this year it has never been the preferred method for encouraging community members to participate with one another. For United Power, that meant turning around months of planning to offer members a virtual annual meeting that still drew their interest and encouraged participation. The cooperative wasn’t alone in navigating this journey, and often supported others holding similar events.
Joining the Virtual Classroom
United Power electrical engineer Tyler Bain joined a Brighton High School engineering class in September via Zoom live from one of the cooperative’s substations to talk about where electricity comes from, how it is generated and what kind of schooling it takes to become an electrical engineer. He also discussed renewable energy with the students.
Decorating Virtual Ducks
United Power has long participated in and supported the annual Duck Derby hosted by the Rotary Club of Northglenn-Thornton. The duck race helps raise money for the Rotary Club to support scholarships, food banks and other local projects. This year, due to COVID-19, the club hosted its first virtual Duck Derby with an online “Best Dressed Duck” contest, which United Power entered, of course. Although our authentic, one-of-a-kind cow duck did not win, we are still proud to be a supporter of all the work the Rotary Club does.
Scarecrows in Fort Lupton
Thinking creatively for ways to entertain and engage businesses and residents this Halloween season while maintaining safe social distancing, the City of Fort Lupton and Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce sponsored a unique scarecrow contest throughout the community. United Power introduced the first-ever lineman made of hay into the contest. Early thoughts on the new lineman include the suggestion that he stay clear of energized line.
Assisting the Career Path
Each year, the Adams County Education Consortium hosts its career expo for middle school students. This year’s virtual event will feature 2-hour sessions over the course of two days in late November where students can learn more about potential career paths. United Power will both sponsor and participate in the annual event in its new first-ever virtual event.
