Title
February Message from Mark A. Gabriel
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CEO_Message.jpg?h=45932144&itok=pNegmSzP
Monday | January 29, 2024
Card Teaser
A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
We are finally nearing the end of the beginning — United Power’s journey toward operating as an independent cooperative, focusing on the growing needs of our members.
This journey began many years ago when it became apparent our power supplier was not keeping up with the times and our members were paying a disproportionately large part of the power supplier’s overhead. Additionally, we were being throttled by a rule limiting the freedom our members had to increase their share of power supply alternatives. Despite United Power’s numerous attempts to resolve these issues outside of the legal arenas, the courts and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ultimately proved the place for our relief. The freedom to make decisions based on what is best for United Power members is at the heart of this years-long effort.
A few short months before United Power officially celebrates its 85th anniversary, the cooperative will embark on the beginning of operations that take advantage of the variety of available power suppliers while also engaging members who want a more active role in their power decisions. The benefit over time will be lower costs and reduced carbon emissions, as dictated by state and federal regulations.
United Power continues to see significant growth in all sectors — residential, commercial, and industrial. We have many new businesses moving into our great communities, including high-tech battery and solar panel manufacturing, data centers, and a railroad logistics center and intermodal shipping facility. In addition, we are working cooperatively with our oil and gas members to help them electrify their operations.
Our future includes new wholesale power contracts that will stabilize costs and immediately reduce our carbon footprint, the utilization of localized battery arrays to control peak power periods, an increasing number of distributed energy resource projects with member partners, and the movement to become a distribution system operator — all while remaining responsive and nimble.
As part of this new beginning, we are buying back our substations, land, and other equipment to ensure local control and decision making. The tremendous engineers and planners at United Power will be better able to plan for growth to support our members when they need it rather than having to wait for a third party to make those planning decisions. Our power supply team has secured sufficient capacity to meet immediate needs with longer term contracts reflecting even lower costs.
The investments made by United Power — and strongly encouraged by the Board of Directors — have made us one of the top-performing utilities of any type in the country. This is reflected in engineering measurements as well as member satisfaction. United Power’s outage rate, for example, is in the top quartile in the entire nation. Local control will allow continued focus on making the right infrastructure investments at the right time.
“Here for Good” is our 85th anniversary message, reflecting our commitment to the communities we serve. We will maintain our commitment to supporting members and meeting the growing needs for electrification. Our members are making investments every day at the edge of the grid, and United Power will be there to ensure the system is strong, robust, and reliable.
Every day the women and men of United Power work to follow the plan laid out in Our Cooperative Roadmap. We always remember our efforts are there to support our members. This new beginning shows we are here for good.
As always, please feel free to reach out with your questions, comments, or concerns. I enjoy hearing from our members and commit to responding personally. Thank you for your continued support.
Title
February Message from Mark A. Gabriel
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CEO_Message.jpg?h=45932144&itok=pNegmSzP
Tuesday | February 1, 2022
Card Teaser
A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Date: 4/29/2022
United Power filed a non-conditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from our power supplier in compliance with a recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruling. This changes our previously announced Tri-State exit date of Jan. 1, 2024 to May 1, 2024.
Charles Darwin put things into perspective when he noted, “it is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”
The electric industry is the perfect example of creating and managing change. It brought light, heat and motive power to communities, replacing oil lamps, wood stoves and steam trollies. Electricity freed us from drudgery, allowed education to expand and made previously uninhabitable places livable. In the generations since Thomas Edison, this amazing industry has been continuously reinvented, and today we are at yet another juncture.
As United Power members and residents of communities we serve, you are taking much of your electric consumption into your own hands. Smart thermostats are taking over, solar installations continue to increase and more than 4,000 electric vehicles now ply our roads. Even refrigerators have smart technology built in. The network of intelligent electricity is expanding, and we are looking at new ways to ensure the continued strength of viability of our networks.
We continue to improve the reliability and resilience of our system, thanks in large part to the support of our Board of Directors who have allowed the staff at United Power to make investments on your behalf. From vegetation management to covered cable, we continue to improve our system.
The coming move to new power suppliers is yet another step in the ongoing change and evolution for United Power. We are seeking to provide lower cost and lower carbon power, keep dollars in our communities and embrace the changes we are seeing across the electric enterprise. At the heart of this change is a more diverse generation portfolio, taking advantage of local power supplies and managing the system in a different fashion.
I am very pleased that a number of our members have reached out with specific questions – and I take pride in personally answering each and every one. The majority of questions about our decision were affirming and positive. Others expressed specific concerns about rates during the 24-month transition period and some had worries or cautions regarding reliability, pointing to the situation in Texas this past February as well as ongoing problems in California. United Power has no planned rate increases forthcoming, and the unfortunate events in Texas highlighted the clear need for winterization of power plants and the state’s lack of interconnectivity to other states and markets. And in California, public policy has been allowed to push ahead of physics.
While members can find detailed FAQs on our decision on the Power Supply page, I can assure you the change we are making focuses on economics, reliability, environmental responsibility and critical operating decisions. Constraints on low- or no-carbon generation, for example, flies in the face of our members’ own actions, as well as the state’s mandates. Patiently waiting for power plant closures stretching decades neither yields savings for our members nor represents the change we are seeing in the electric industry.
At United Power, we are working to manage the change and continue being responsive to your needs every day. Whether it is providing information on solar energy, offering leases for EV chargers or working with developers on new energy efficient neighborhoods, we are focused on your needs today and into the future.
The staff at United Power is committed to supporting our rapidly growing membership. Please feel free to reach out to me with your questions, comments and concerns as we continue powering lives, powering change, powering the future – the Cooperative way.
FERC Issues Order on Initial Decision
Wednesday | December 20, 2023
Order clarifies contract termination methodology and procedures for United Power and all members exiting from Tri-State
Read more >
FERC Rules in Favor of United Power
Friday | May 27, 2022
FERC this week issued four initial decisions as part of the rate settlement proceedings between United Power and its wholesale power supplier Tri-State.
Read more >
Final Member Choice Grant Announcements
Thursday | November 5, 2020
United Power is proud to announce the two nonprofits receiving $1,000 Member Choice Grants for the third and final round of presentations.
Read more >
Title
For Safety, Leave Space Around Transformers
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Transformer_Padmount.jpg?h=45932144&itok=7hJUbPSJ
Thursday | July 29, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment.
Pad-mounted transformers, those big green utility boxes commonly seen around town, serve the purpose of lowering high voltage to standard household voltage used to power electronics, appliances and lighting. These transformers are not protected in the way overhead lines and substations are. Though they may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with them. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance.
United Power crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment. While it may be tempting to “camouflage” transformers with landscaping, please remember cooperative crews need at least 10-feet of clearance at the opening of a pad-mounted transformer and four-feet at the rear and sides of the housing. The distance allows crews to safely use tools required for working with energized equipment. It also ensures crews have the ability to move about safely should problems arise.
In many newer subdivisions and residential developments pad-mounted transformers are more common – and in many cases are located on consumer property. These transformers are connected to primary high voltage lines, and secondary lines can extend from the transform in several directions underground. Remember this before planting shrubs or trees, setting fence posts, installing sprinkler systems or digging anywhere near a transformer. And remember, you should always dial 811 before you dig to ensure lines are located so your project doesn’t disrupt utility service, cause serious injury or worse.
Title
Former United Power Director Passes Away
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_07_27_UPNewCEO.jpg?itok=7VLEXsKm
Wednesday | May 5, 2021
Card Teaser
Jim Jaeger is remembered for his commitment and support of the local community.
Jim Jaeger is Remembered for His Commitment, Support of Local Community
Brighton, Colo. – Former United Power director Jim Jaeger, who passed away on April 13, is remembered as a valuable member of the Brighton community. Jaeger was a longtime business owner and lifelong community servant, known for his activity as a volunteer and a strong supporter of local sports. He was dedicated to representing members of his community and making the world a better place for those less fortunate.
Jaeger joined United Power’s Board of Directors in March of 2002 as a representative in the cooperative’s South District and served until his retirement in 2014. When elected to the board, Jaeger said he knew little about cooperatives or distributive electricity, but he learned quickly and was passionate about directing United Power toward member-first initiatives and programs and guiding it through challenges.
While sitting on the board, Jaeger served as both vice president and secretary/treasurer, each for two years, and represented the cooperative on the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s board for five years. In addition to serving on the United Power board, Jaeger also represented his community on the local school board for eight years.
“We are saddened by his passing,” said Troy Whitmore, the cooperative’s Government & Regulatory Relations Officer. “He truly was a pillar of his community, an honorable man and a good friend. He will be greatly missed.”
United Power a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to more than 99,000 meters at homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The 900 square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson and Keenesburg. At the end of 2020, the cooperative reached more than 97,000 meters representing more than 300,000 members. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.###
Four Colorado Utilities Partner to Explore Transmission Solutions
Tuesday | July 15, 2025
Colorado Springs Utilities, CORE Electric Cooperative, Platte River Power Authority and United Power are joining forces to explore an innovative transmission solution that will better serve their member-customers.
Read more >
Title
February Message from Mark A. Gabriel
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CEO_Message.jpg?h=45932144&itok=pNegmSzP
Monday | January 29, 2024
Card Teaser
A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
We are finally nearing the end of the beginning — United Power’s journey toward operating as an independent cooperative, focusing on the growing needs of our members.
This journey began many years ago when it became apparent our power supplier was not keeping up with the times and our members were paying a disproportionately large part of the power supplier’s overhead. Additionally, we were being throttled by a rule limiting the freedom our members had to increase their share of power supply alternatives. Despite United Power’s numerous attempts to resolve these issues outside of the legal arenas, the courts and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ultimately proved the place for our relief. The freedom to make decisions based on what is best for United Power members is at the heart of this years-long effort.
A few short months before United Power officially celebrates its 85th anniversary, the cooperative will embark on the beginning of operations that take advantage of the variety of available power suppliers while also engaging members who want a more active role in their power decisions. The benefit over time will be lower costs and reduced carbon emissions, as dictated by state and federal regulations.
United Power continues to see significant growth in all sectors — residential, commercial, and industrial. We have many new businesses moving into our great communities, including high-tech battery and solar panel manufacturing, data centers, and a railroad logistics center and intermodal shipping facility. In addition, we are working cooperatively with our oil and gas members to help them electrify their operations.
Our future includes new wholesale power contracts that will stabilize costs and immediately reduce our carbon footprint, the utilization of localized battery arrays to control peak power periods, an increasing number of distributed energy resource projects with member partners, and the movement to become a distribution system operator — all while remaining responsive and nimble.
As part of this new beginning, we are buying back our substations, land, and other equipment to ensure local control and decision making. The tremendous engineers and planners at United Power will be better able to plan for growth to support our members when they need it rather than having to wait for a third party to make those planning decisions. Our power supply team has secured sufficient capacity to meet immediate needs with longer term contracts reflecting even lower costs.
The investments made by United Power — and strongly encouraged by the Board of Directors — have made us one of the top-performing utilities of any type in the country. This is reflected in engineering measurements as well as member satisfaction. United Power’s outage rate, for example, is in the top quartile in the entire nation. Local control will allow continued focus on making the right infrastructure investments at the right time.
“Here for Good” is our 85th anniversary message, reflecting our commitment to the communities we serve. We will maintain our commitment to supporting members and meeting the growing needs for electrification. Our members are making investments every day at the edge of the grid, and United Power will be there to ensure the system is strong, robust, and reliable.
Every day the women and men of United Power work to follow the plan laid out in Our Cooperative Roadmap. We always remember our efforts are there to support our members. This new beginning shows we are here for good.
As always, please feel free to reach out with your questions, comments, or concerns. I enjoy hearing from our members and commit to responding personally. Thank you for your continued support.
Title
February Message from Mark A. Gabriel
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/CEO_Message.jpg?h=45932144&itok=pNegmSzP
Tuesday | February 1, 2022
Card Teaser
A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Date: 4/29/2022
United Power filed a non-conditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from our power supplier in compliance with a recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ruling. This changes our previously announced Tri-State exit date of Jan. 1, 2024 to May 1, 2024.
Charles Darwin put things into perspective when he noted, “it is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”
The electric industry is the perfect example of creating and managing change. It brought light, heat and motive power to communities, replacing oil lamps, wood stoves and steam trollies. Electricity freed us from drudgery, allowed education to expand and made previously uninhabitable places livable. In the generations since Thomas Edison, this amazing industry has been continuously reinvented, and today we are at yet another juncture.
As United Power members and residents of communities we serve, you are taking much of your electric consumption into your own hands. Smart thermostats are taking over, solar installations continue to increase and more than 4,000 electric vehicles now ply our roads. Even refrigerators have smart technology built in. The network of intelligent electricity is expanding, and we are looking at new ways to ensure the continued strength of viability of our networks.
We continue to improve the reliability and resilience of our system, thanks in large part to the support of our Board of Directors who have allowed the staff at United Power to make investments on your behalf. From vegetation management to covered cable, we continue to improve our system.
The coming move to new power suppliers is yet another step in the ongoing change and evolution for United Power. We are seeking to provide lower cost and lower carbon power, keep dollars in our communities and embrace the changes we are seeing across the electric enterprise. At the heart of this change is a more diverse generation portfolio, taking advantage of local power supplies and managing the system in a different fashion.
I am very pleased that a number of our members have reached out with specific questions – and I take pride in personally answering each and every one. The majority of questions about our decision were affirming and positive. Others expressed specific concerns about rates during the 24-month transition period and some had worries or cautions regarding reliability, pointing to the situation in Texas this past February as well as ongoing problems in California. United Power has no planned rate increases forthcoming, and the unfortunate events in Texas highlighted the clear need for winterization of power plants and the state’s lack of interconnectivity to other states and markets. And in California, public policy has been allowed to push ahead of physics.
While members can find detailed FAQs on our decision on the Power Supply page, I can assure you the change we are making focuses on economics, reliability, environmental responsibility and critical operating decisions. Constraints on low- or no-carbon generation, for example, flies in the face of our members’ own actions, as well as the state’s mandates. Patiently waiting for power plant closures stretching decades neither yields savings for our members nor represents the change we are seeing in the electric industry.
At United Power, we are working to manage the change and continue being responsive to your needs every day. Whether it is providing information on solar energy, offering leases for EV chargers or working with developers on new energy efficient neighborhoods, we are focused on your needs today and into the future.
The staff at United Power is committed to supporting our rapidly growing membership. Please feel free to reach out to me with your questions, comments and concerns as we continue powering lives, powering change, powering the future – the Cooperative way.
FERC Issues Order on Initial Decision
Wednesday | December 20, 2023
Order clarifies contract termination methodology and procedures for United Power and all members exiting from Tri-State
Read more >
FERC Rules in Favor of United Power
Friday | May 27, 2022
FERC this week issued four initial decisions as part of the rate settlement proceedings between United Power and its wholesale power supplier Tri-State.
Read more >
Final Member Choice Grant Announcements
Thursday | November 5, 2020
United Power is proud to announce the two nonprofits receiving $1,000 Member Choice Grants for the third and final round of presentations.
Read more >
Title
For Safety, Leave Space Around Transformers
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Transformer_Padmount.jpg?h=45932144&itok=7hJUbPSJ
Thursday | July 29, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment.
Pad-mounted transformers, those big green utility boxes commonly seen around town, serve the purpose of lowering high voltage to standard household voltage used to power electronics, appliances and lighting. These transformers are not protected in the way overhead lines and substations are. Though they may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with them. Members should always use caution and keep a safe distance.
United Power crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment. While it may be tempting to “camouflage” transformers with landscaping, please remember cooperative crews need at least 10-feet of clearance at the opening of a pad-mounted transformer and four-feet at the rear and sides of the housing. The distance allows crews to safely use tools required for working with energized equipment. It also ensures crews have the ability to move about safely should problems arise.
In many newer subdivisions and residential developments pad-mounted transformers are more common – and in many cases are located on consumer property. These transformers are connected to primary high voltage lines, and secondary lines can extend from the transform in several directions underground. Remember this before planting shrubs or trees, setting fence posts, installing sprinkler systems or digging anywhere near a transformer. And remember, you should always dial 811 before you dig to ensure lines are located so your project doesn’t disrupt utility service, cause serious injury or worse.
Title
Former United Power Director Passes Away
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_07_27_UPNewCEO.jpg?itok=7VLEXsKm
Wednesday | May 5, 2021
Card Teaser
Jim Jaeger is remembered for his commitment and support of the local community.
Jim Jaeger is Remembered for His Commitment, Support of Local Community
Brighton, Colo. – Former United Power director Jim Jaeger, who passed away on April 13, is remembered as a valuable member of the Brighton community. Jaeger was a longtime business owner and lifelong community servant, known for his activity as a volunteer and a strong supporter of local sports. He was dedicated to representing members of his community and making the world a better place for those less fortunate.
Jaeger joined United Power’s Board of Directors in March of 2002 as a representative in the cooperative’s South District and served until his retirement in 2014. When elected to the board, Jaeger said he knew little about cooperatives or distributive electricity, but he learned quickly and was passionate about directing United Power toward member-first initiatives and programs and guiding it through challenges.
While sitting on the board, Jaeger served as both vice president and secretary/treasurer, each for two years, and represented the cooperative on the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s board for five years. In addition to serving on the United Power board, Jaeger also represented his community on the local school board for eight years.
“We are saddened by his passing,” said Troy Whitmore, the cooperative’s Government & Regulatory Relations Officer. “He truly was a pillar of his community, an honorable man and a good friend. He will be greatly missed.”
United Power a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to more than 99,000 meters at homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The 900 square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson and Keenesburg. At the end of 2020, the cooperative reached more than 97,000 meters representing more than 300,000 members. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.###
Four Colorado Utilities Partner to Explore Transmission Solutions
Tuesday | July 15, 2025
Colorado Springs Utilities, CORE Electric Cooperative, Platte River Power Authority and United Power are joining forces to explore an innovative transmission solution that will better serve their member-customers.
Read more >
