1. 12/20/2023 - 01:02 PM
    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 >
  2. 05/27/2022 - 05:20 PM
    Title FERC Rules in Favor of United Power /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_Rates.png?h=45932144&itok=KW7a9GOa Friday | May 27, 2022 Card Teaser FERC this week issued four initial decisions as part of the rate settlement proceedings between United Power and its wholesale power supplier Tri-State. Brighton, Colo. - The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this week issued four initial decisions as part of the rate settlement proceedings between United Power, an electric cooperative headquartered in Brighton, Colo., and its wholesale power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State).  On May 26, FERC Administrative Law Judge Scott Hempling handed down decisions in the cooperative’s favor on three of four issues and ordered Tri-State to give United Power significant refunds concerning energy storage resources (i.e., battery storage).  As one of the settling parties, United Power agreed to the rate settlement at FERC after four key issues were reserved and set for hearing this spring: transmission and delivery system cost unbundling, direct assignment of non-networked delivery facilities (cost causation), energy storage resources, and the discriminatory nature of Tri-State’s Board Policy 119 (BP 119) regarding community solar programs. “These rulings are significant as they will provide long term benefits to all Tri-State cooperative and their members, in identifying and controlling system costs and assuring the costs are allocated to those who benefit,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and Chief Executive Officer. “The decision will also impact Tri-State’s claims in the contract termination payment methodology currently awaiting FERC decision, and guide the future work of Tri-State’s rate design committee as the ruling dictates rate structure, ultimately mandating more transparency to all Tri-State members.” Under the rulings in favor of United Power, FERC determined that Tri-State must unbundle its rates into generation, transmission, and each of the six ancillary services, assuring that the costs of each element are properly identified and disclosed. The FERC judge also determined that Tri-State’s 2023 come-back filing must explain the integration status of each element using appropriate accounting and engineering data, allocating the associated costs accordingly so that facilities used to deliver electric power are properly identified and the costs allocated to those who use them known as “cost causation.” Further, it was found that Tri-State’s special policy for certain community solar programs (BP 119) is unduly discriminatory. This results from a cost-benefit ratio that varies widely depending on a member’s size. Judge Hempling characterized this mismatch of costs and benefits under BP 119 as “textbook undue discrimination.” A split decision was issued regarding energy storage resources. It was found that Tri-State improperly charged United Power and must provide refunds from September 2019 forward. Judge Hempling specifically ruled that Tri-State cannot use board policies to manipulate the contract and filed rate terms. He also ruled that Tri-State’s inconsistent treatment of energy storage resources is unduly discriminatory, but resolution of that issue was outside the scope of the proceeding.  “The reserved issues before FERC are ahead of the rate settlement case being heard in Washington, D.C., and final rulings on these issues bring United Power closer to our contract termination payment determination,” said Gabriel. “We are pleased with the fair outcomes of these rulings by FERC and look forward to the day when United Power has more control of the power supply mix serving our members.” United Power filed a non-conditional Notice of Intent to Withdraw from Tri-State, effective May 1, 2024, and simultaneously issued a request for proposals for up to 600 MW of wholesale electric supply. A ruling from the presiding FERC judge on exit fees for Tri-State members is expected by the end of the summer, with a final decision expected in 2023. United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, and in June 2021 joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. 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. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, which is dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options available to distribution co-ops and reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. ###  
  3. 11/05/2020 - 02:22 PM
    Title Final Member Choice Grant Announcements /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MemberChoice.jpg?h=45932144&itok=xQRicKHr Thursday | November 5, 2020 Card Teaser United Power is proud to announce the two nonprofits receiving $1,000 Member Choice Grants for the third and final round of presentations. Member Choice Grants, introduced earlier this year, allowed United Power to provide support for causes and organizations members care about. We asked our members to nominate nonprofits in the co-op service territory they would like to see us support through three rounds of grant presentations in 2020. During this difficult year, our members recognized the needs of others and focused on organizations that met essential needs, such as food insecurity, mental health and positive recreation. United Power is proud to announce the two nonprofits receiving $1,000 Member Choice Grants for the third and final round of presentations. Pastor’s Pantry Pastor’s Pantry, operating out of Whispering Pines Church, was founded in 2001 as a resource for anyone in need in Coal Creek Canyon. It provides both food and essential items, and is open every Thursday from 3 - 5 p.m. or by appointment. Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center CTRC offers more than a dozen equine-assisted classes for individuals with a broad range of behavioral, emotional and physical disabilities, and helps more than 500 riders each year. CTRC is currently celebrating its annual fundraiser, Paint the Pony.
  4. 12/30/2025 - 11:01 AM
    Title Fitch Reaffirms United Power ‘A’ Rating; Outlook Stable /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/_DSC8999.jpg?h=2d828ae9&itok=cjSLqr09 Tuesday | December 30, 2025 Card Teaser United Power’s ‘A’ rating indicates the cooperative's low default risk, and strong capacity for repayment of financial commitments. Brighton, CO – Fitch Ratings (Fitch), an international credit rating firm, recently reaffirmed United Power’s Issuer Default and 2024 First Mortgage Notes ratings each as ‘A,’ with a stable outlook. Fitch assesses the credit standing of businesses, communicating the credit worthiness and financial strength of the company to lenders. United Power sought its first rating in March 2024 ahead of financing its departure from a long-term, all-requirements contract with regional power cooperative Tri-State Generation and Transmission. This contract termination provided United Power greater ability to integrate new energy resources and control a variety of expenses necessary to support the management and procurement of its energy portfolio. “This rating review affirms the strength and solvency United Power has achieved and maintained in its first full year of power supply independence,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “After a dramatic shift in the business model, maintaining our credit rating reflects United Power's post-exit stability. The cooperative has greater control of its own future, resulting in greater flexibility and control over procuring and providing power for our members.” Fitch closely evaluated United Power’s past financial performance and weighed the growth opportunities in the cooperative’s territory to reach its rating. United Power’s ‘A’ rating indicates the cooperative is at a low default risk, and its capacity for repayment of financial commitments is considered strong. This rating further reflects United Power's very strong revenue defensibility assessment and strong operating risk profile. You can find the press release from Fitch here.  
  5. 07/29/2021 - 01:52 PM
    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.
  6. 05/05/2021 - 01:12 PM
    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. ###
  7. 07/15/2025 - 09:21 AM
    Title Four Colorado Utilities Partner to Explore Transmission Solutions /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/_DSC8999.jpg?h=2d828ae9&itok=cjSLqr09 Tuesday | July 15, 2025 Card Teaser 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. Brighton, CO – Four of Colorado’s leading public power and distribution cooperative utilities — Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities), CORE Electric Cooperative (CORE), Platte River Power Authority and United Power — are joining forces to explore an innovative transmission solution that will better serve their member-customers. This collaboration aims to reduce electric transmission congestion, enhance system reliability and expand access to renewable energy sources, all while supporting the State of Colorado’s ambitious carbon reduction goals. Transmission lines are the backbone of the electric grid, carrying power from generation facilities to local utilities and substations. Transmission congestion along Colorado’s Front Range has become a growing challenge that limits flexibility. Together, these four utilities serve more than 1.5 million Coloradans, including some of the state’s fastest-growing communities. “We expect our growth to continue, so addressing transmission congestion is critical,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “United Power serves an area that is growing quickly, attracting large residential developments and new businesses alike. A more reliable transmission route would help to stabilize costs and increase reliability for current and future members in the cooperative’s service territory.” A new transmission solution could also benefit the utilities by allowing them to better access generation and share transmission resources, helping to meet Colorado’s clean energy goals. “We are committed to decarbonizing our portfolio for our four owner communities while supporting our neighbor utilities as we all make this energy transition,” says Jason Frisbie, CEO of Platte River Power Authority. “All options are on the table to help improve reliability and reduce costs, including opportunities to enhance transmission capabilities as we move into an organized market.” In a complementary move to help manage costs and maintain reliability, Springs Utilities, Platte River Power Authority and United Power will join the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Regional Transmission Organization on April 1, 2026. CORE is also evaluating market participation, including the SPP.  “What’s great about public power entities is their willingness to collaborate to find the best solutions for their customers. We’re focused on strategies that help manage costs, maintain our industry-leading reliability and reduce carbon emissions. This partnership is a proactive step toward a more resilient energy future for Colorado Springs,” says Travas Deal, Springs Utilities CEO. “This is a positive first step in exploring alternative ways for our four utilities to support growth and resiliency across our service territories,” stated Pam Feuerstein, CORE CEO. “Additional transmission would enable CORE to continue providing affordable and reliable power to our members, now and into the future.” The four utilities have agreed to continue to evaluate future transmission options that can best support each utility’s needs while advancing shared goals for reliability, affordability and sustainability.  About Colorado Springs Utilities Colorado Springs Utilities is one of the largest community-owned, not-for-profit, four-service utilities in the nation. For more than 100 years, we have provided Colorado Springs with safe, reliable and competitively priced electric, natural gas, water and wastewater services.  About CORE Electric Cooperative  CORE is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative providing power to over 180,000 services inside a 5,000-square-mile area along Colorado's Front Range. Its headquarters is in Sedalia, and district offices are in Bennett, Pine Junction, and Woodland Park. Learn more at www.CORE.coop.   About Platte River Power Authority Platte River Power Authority (Platte River) is a not-for-profit, community-owned public power generation and transmission utility that provides safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, Colorado, for delivery to their distribution utility customers. In addition to providing a public health and safety service to the owner communities, Platte River is working toward a 100% noncarbon energy future through a Resource Diversification Policy approved by its board of directors in 2018. For more information, visit prpa.org. About United Power United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms, and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric co-ops in the nation, serving more than 115,000 meters. Its 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. For more information about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.  
  8. 09/24/2024 - 08:12 AM
    Title Francis Ashu Receives Alltricity Network's 2024 Industry Leadership Award /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/FrancisAshu_AlltricityNetwork_1320x860.jpg?h=45932144&itok=LQjiNYPl Tuesday | September 24, 2024 Card Teaser The award recognizes individuals whose leadership has made impactful contributions within their organization. Francis Ashu, Vice President of Member Services, United Power, received a 2024 Alltricity Network Industry Leadership Award during the annual 2024 Alltricity Network Fall Convention on Wednesday, September 18th. The Industry Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose leadership has made contributions that have made an impact within their organization. These individuals are often active in various industry affiliations, associations and/or organizations that serve the electric energy industry. Francis joined United Power in 2018 as the Director of Member Services and has served as the Vice President of Member Services since 2022. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his years of service with the company. Just prior to Francis coming on board, the member services team voted to unionize and ratified a contract. Francis took the helm at a critical time providing guidance to his leadership team on how to manage employees under a collective bargaining unit and working to repair the relationship between management and employees to forge a brighter path for the future. In addition, Francis has implemented several software solutions including a call center platform, a chat feature on the United Power website with direct access to live representatives, and a customer relationship management software that have significantly improved efficiency and effectiveness with serving the electric distribution members. Francis’ efforts to improve the member service experience contribute directly to supporting United Power’s Cooperative Roadmap - specifically “engage with our members in meaningful ways.” About Alltricity Network (formerly known as RMEL): At Alltricity Network, we are redefining what’s possible in electrical energy. We are a diverse community of people who support the US electric energy industry, and together – united through education, networking, and training – our impact is stronger. Alltricity Network 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. Alltricity Network’s mission is: Preparing the electric energy industry for the future through education and networking. Formerly known as the Rocky Mountain Electrical League and RMEL, the association officially became Alltricity Network in the 2024 to better reflect a membership base that spans the entire country. For more information about Alltricity Network, visit our website: AlltricityNetwork.org.
  9. 02/16/2021 - 07:00 AM
    Title Free Online EV Resource /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2021_NL_ChooseEV.jpg?itok=2kSVhFpW Friday | February 5, 2021 Card Teaser ChooseEV is the hub of information on electric vehicles for United Power members. Electric vehicles have continued to improve and advance over the past few years, and as they have improved, so too has interest and intrique. More people now rely on EVs for their daily lives than ever before, thanks in part to continued development of vehicles, rapid adoption by consumers and growth in the local and national charging infrastructure. If you’ve been interested in learning more about purchasing an EV for yourself, there has never been a better opportunity to do so, and your cooperative is here to take that journey with you. United Power recently launched ChooseEV, a free member resource to help you learn more about EVs and how they may impact your energy usage. ChooseEV is the hub of information on electric vehicles for United Power members. Here you can find facts about electric vehicles, benefits of ownership and tips for how to purchase your own EV. If you’re already determined to buy an EV for you or your household and are curious what models are available to meet your needs, ChooseEV provides a comprehensive list of models. It even includes a list of plug-in hybrids, in case you’re on the fence or undecided about purchasing a fully electric model. For peace of mind, you’ll also find a map of charging stations and a helpful calculator to help determine your savings potential for driving an EV. (Savings difference calculates the monthly cost to drive a gas-powered vehicle compared to electric or hybrid, but also provides members with an expected amount to anticipate seeing on their electric bills.) As this year goes on, United Power is excited to take this journey with you as we look at new ways to serve our EV members. Stay tuned in the upcoming months for updates about the cooperative’s investment in electric vehicles. To check out our ChooseEV resource for yourself or to research more information about your upcoming EV purchase, go to Choose EV.
  10. 09/21/2020 - 09:59 AM
    Title Giving A Helping Hand /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/SeptOct2020_NL_RoundUp.jpg?itok=zxoGsXov Monday | September 21, 2020 Card Teaser Because of COVID-19, this year has been anything but normal, and the foundation needs your help to continue providing for members in need. Members Show Support for One Another through Operation Round-Up Foundation. Every month thousands of United Power members voluntarily have their bills rounded up to the next whole dollar through an organization known as Operation Round-Up. In a normal year, a board made up of fellow members of the cooperative would redistribute donated funds to nonprofits throughout the area to help provide meals, living assistance and other services to those in need. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year has been anything but normal. The resulting fallout from proactive plans to prevent the spread of the virus impacted many of the cooperative’s members. In an effort to ensure impacted members were able to receive the same level of services from area nonprofits experiencing a surge in number of clients, Operation Round-Up responded by going above and beyond, while also maintaining its commitment to several partner organizations. Recognizing an immediate need in the service territory, the foundation’s board in May issued grants to the Weld County Food Bank and Food Bank of the Rockies, which both have sizeable reach to the cooperative’s members. In the following months, another grant was issued to Pastor’s Pantry, a food bank located in Coal Creek Canyon. The combined distribution of meals from the food banks was greater than 100,000 in May and June alone. These grants were made in addition to on-going support to several groups providing essential services to community members over the past few years, including Almost Home in Brighton, Catholic Charities in Ft. Lupton, Carbon Valley Help Center in Firestone and Canyon Cares in Coal Creek Canyon. The quarterly contributions to these organizations allow them to continue providing assistance to members who may need help paying utilities, rent or other expenses, which has been especially meaningful during this pandemic. It’s members like you who make these contributions possible. Operation Round-Up is entirely funded through voluntary member donations. Your donations allow the foundation to distribute thousands of dollars to organizations that provide these services. However, this unusual year has stretched it to its limits, and the foundation needs your help to continue meeting these needs. “As a longtime board member, I can say our board truly believes in the purpose of Operation Round-Up,” said Dale McCall, president of the foundation’s board. “But we couldn’t do what we do without the support from our members or the staff at United Power who are responsible for getting others to believe in our purpose, as well.” A crippling nationwide pandemic was an interesting way for Operation Round-Up to celebrate its 25th anniversary, but provided a grand stage to show how generous member support has been for the foundation. Since its inception in 1995, it has distributed more than $2 million in assistance to members in need. Donations average just $.50 per billing statement, or just $6/year. To show your support and sign up for Operation Round-Up, go to www.unitedpower.com. To increase your contribution or make a one-time donation, please call our Member Services team at 303-637-1300.
  11. 07/13/2020 - 10:32 AM
    Hard at Work For Our Members Monday | July 13, 2020 Looking Out For Member Needs, Even In Uncertain Times. Read more >
  12. 10/30/2021 - 03:18 PM
    Title Have You Checked Out Your Bill Pay Addresses Recently? /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Bills.jpg?itok=uq89MTti Saturday | October 30, 2021 Do you pay your United Power using a bill pay service from your bank? Remember that you are responsible for making sure that the payment is being sent to the correct account. Bill pay is a function of your bank account, and United Power can not help you if a payment is sent to an incorrect address. Both the utilities that serve you and the financial services industry are constantly updating processes and sometimes that includes changes in routing numbers or to addresses where bill payments are sent. If you haven’t checked your bill payment addresses recently, we recommend you take a few minutes to review those payments including your United Power bill. Where Should Your Payment be Sent? United Power bill payments should be sent to: United Power PO Box 173703 Denver, CO 80217-3703 What Can I Do If My Payment Was Sent to a Different Address? We recommend contacting your bank to determine what happened to your payment. United Power is unable to access your bank account or assist you in changing bill pay details on your personal account.  If you have fallen behind on your United Power account because of a misdirected payment, please contact us to let us know you are working with your bank to correct the issue. Is There Another Way to Pay My United Power Bill? United Power offers several ways to pay your bill. You can make a simple one-time payment through our Pay Now link, set up auto pay, or even explore our Pay as You Go program. Learn more about each of these options on our website, or contact one of our Member Services Representatives to help you understand and access any of these options.  Of course we also accept payments in person during business hours at our Brighton Office, or you can use a payment kiosk at our Brighton, Carbon Valley, Ft. Lupton or Coal Creek Canyon kiosk locations. These self-serve kiosks are open outside of normal business hours, including weekends. Available hours for each kiosk vary, so check out their open times on our website.