1. 04/16/2026 - 10:13 AM
    Title New ERA Funding Update /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/_DSC8999_0.jpg?h=3873714b&itok=FFvq1iH2 Thursday | April 16, 2026 Card Teaser United Power is proud to announce that it received its first disbursement of the $262 million New ERA grant. United Power is proud to announce that it received its first disbursement of the $262 million New ERA grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service on April 13. These funds, which will be paid out to the cooperative over the next 10 to 15 years, were specifically granted to help mitigate the rising cost of power to stabilize rates for co-op members.  Seven power projects were included in the cooperative’s New ERA grant application. Four of them are already operating for the benefit of United Power communities, and the next three will come online by the end of 2029. The cooperative is the first New ERA awardee in the country to receive approval of its Community Benefit Plan and USDA-approval of the implementation of that plan, which was required prior to receiving funds. And now, United Power is the first awardee out of 15 to actually receive New ERA grant dollars.  The United Power Board of Directors and executive leadership would like to extend a special thank you to the cooperative’s Congressional delegation, including Representatives Gabe Evans and Lauren Boebert as well as Senator John Hickenlooper and Senator Michael Bennet, for their support. It has been a long road, but United Power’s dedicated team and the USDA staff made it happen.  
  2. 02/05/2021 - 01:23 PM
    Title New Fort Lupton Payment Kiosk /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Feb2021_NL_FTLKiosk.jpg?itok=4p_stnn9 Friday | February 5, 2021 Card Teaser United Power members living in and around Fort Lupton now have access to a new payment kiosk. The new kiosk is located inside the Bank of Colorado’s Operations Center, 605 4th St. United Power members living in and around Fort Lupton now have access to a new payment kiosk. The new kiosk is located inside the Bank of Colorado’s Operations Center, 605 4th St. Payment kiosks are hassle-free and easy to use. To make a payment, bring your United Power account number and a form of payment. Kiosks accept cash, credit card or check payments. Cash and credit card payments made using the kiosk are applied to your account immediately, and accounts subject to disconnection are restored immediately upon payment. Over the past few years, the cooperative has seen a steady increase in demand from members who prefer to use self-serve and digital account and payment options, and a corresponding reduction in visits to our offices. “The installation of payment kiosks demonstrates our commitment to providing the types of services our members want,” said Francis Ashu, Member Services Director. “Through our many convenient account management and payment options, we are able to provide the same level of quality service without costs associated with operating a storefront location.” United Power now operates four payment kiosks, conveniently located throughout the service territory, with the addition of the Fort Lupton kiosk. The other kiosks are located at the cooperative’s office locations in Brighton, Carbon Valley and Coal Creek. Find more information on payment kiosks and other payment options on our payments page. 
  3. 03/13/2020 - 11:07 AM
    Title New Member Choice Grants Program /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/MemberChoice.jpg?h=45932144&itok=xQRicKHr Friday | March 13, 2020 Card Teaser Member Choice Grants allow our members to nominate a nonprofit organization within the cooperative's service territory to receive grant funds from United Power. Within our service territory there are several nonprofit organizations that bring value to the community or communities they help support. Member Choice Grants allow our members to nominate a nonprofit organization within the cooperative's service territory to receive grant funds from United Power. These grants will help them continue to work toward accomplishing their mission and serve the local community. In this way, we are able to support the causes our members truly care about.  Nominating an organization to receive a Member Choice Grant is as simple as filling out the form below and providing a brief reason why you feel the organization should receive the grant.  In 2020, United Power will award six (6) nonprofit organizations nominated by our members with a $1,000 Member Choice Grant, announced in upcoming issues of the United Newsline. Nominations are now open.  Member Choice Grants
  4. 12/31/2019 - 03:38 PM
    Title New Rates Effective Jan 1, 2020 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Jan2019_NL_Rates.png?h=45932144&itok=KW7a9GOa Tuesday | December 31, 2019 Card Teaser While the increase became effective beginning with usage on January 1, 2020, members won’t see the increase on their bills until February statements are mailed out. More Residential Rate Options Available to Members Residential Rates Understanding Demand A modest increase in residential rates proposed by the United Power board of directors in November became effective in January. Members on the Standard Residential rate will see a 1.5% rate increase, which amounts to an average increase of $1.58 per month. Members on the residential Time of Day and Irrigation rates will see a 2% increase, or an average monthly increase of $3.23. While the increase became effective beginning with usage on January 1, 2020, members won’t see the increase on their bills until February statements are mailed out. Changes to residential rates include a small increase to the demand component, which was introduced to members beginning in 2019, and a corresponding reduction in the energy charge. For example, in the Standard Residential rate, the demand charge increased by 50¢ per kW while the energy charge dropped from 10.15¢ per kWh to 9.95¢ per kWh. The separation of the demand and energy elements allows the cooperative to more accurately, and fairly, charge members for their usage and impact on the system. In addition to the rate change, residential members now have more options with the addition of the new Peak Time of Day Rate. Members who opt into the new rate will pay a slightly higher demand charge than on the standard residential or time of day rates, but are only charged for demand during on-peak hours (2 p.m. – 10 p.m., Monday – Saturday), providing more incentive and savings when members switch usage to off-peak hours. “United Power is constantly looking into its rates and trying to find the best way to serve its members both individually and collectively,” said Dean Hubbuck, Director of Power Supply and Rates. “The addition of the Smart Choice and Peak Time of Day rates over the past two years has given members more options to find something that’s flexible and works for them.” The new Peak Time of Day rate offers relief to members who utilize energy-intensive appliances that can cause spikes in demand overnight, such as electric thermal storage. With the new rate, members can charge their storage off-peak without worrying about demand. Electric vehicle owners who charge at night will also benefit from the new rate. United Power will also be adding a new component to its billing statements that shows members exactly when they hit their peak demand. While this information is available through the Power Portal, it is not currently printed on bills. To find detailed information on United Power’s available residential rates for 2020, go to Residential Rates. There you can compare the demand and energy charges of each rate and choose one that works best for you. The cooperative has also compiled a helpful list of resources to better understand the demand rate, including videos, printable materials and frequently asked questions. To view these resources and more, go to Understanding Demand.
  5. 01/24/2019 - 09:52 AM
    New Rates Effective this Month Thursday | January 3, 2019 It’s important to understand that while the rate change is effective for energy usage beginning on January 1, 2019, members won’t see the changes reflected on their bills until their February statements. Read more >
  6. 06/24/2022 - 11:59 AM
    New Red Flag Fire Prevention Procedures Friday | June 24, 2022 United Power will adjust system settings during red flag events to stop power if interference is detected. Read more >
  7. 12/21/2020 - 08:00 AM
    Title New Solar Project to be Energized in 2020 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2020_NL_Solar.jpg?itok=riumQVwI Friday | December 18, 2020 Card Teaser The new solar farm will provide an additional six megawatts of energy to United Power's renewable portfolio. United Power has completed construction on its newest solar project, which is expected to be powered before the end of the year. The Rattlesnake Solar Farm, located adjacent to the cooperative’s largest utility-scale solar farm near Platteville, will provide an additional 6 megawatts of energy to United Power’s renewable portfolio. “United Power set the stage for cooperative solar when it powered the community solar garden more than ten years ago,” said New Business Director Joel Danforth. “This new expansion reinforces our commitment to bringing members alternative energy options that are both affordable and renewable.” The Rattlesnake Solar Farm was built in cooperation with Silicon Ranch, which has worked with United Power on several other solar projects in previous years, including the nearby Platte Solar Farm. The Platte Solar Farm, built and energized in 2017, has a capacity of 16 megawatts, enough to power approximately 3,000 homes. The cooperative has also partnered with Silicon Ranch on the Fort Lupton and Mavericks Solar Farms, both powered in 2016. With the addition of the Rattlesnake Solar Farm project, United Power now has more than 43 megawatts of utility-scale solar connected to its system, in addition to more than 5,500 residential rooftop systems. United Power launched its first solar project in 2010 with the innovative community solar garden. A first of its kind in Colorado, the project allowed members who were unable to install rooftop solar to rent panels from the cooperative and receive a credit for the energy it produced. Two years later in 2012, the cooperative’s first utility-scale solar farm — Hangar 160 — was powered. “Time and again our members have shown us they would like to see us invest more in renewable resources like our solar farms,” Danforth said. “We are constantly looking for ways to add affordable and reliable renewable projects to our portfolio. But these projects aren’t just for looks; they’re also a means for us to be able to offer competitive rates to our members.” United Power has been a part of several innovative energy projects over the past few years. To learn more about the cooperative’s energy projects, go to Innovative Energy.
  8. 01/22/2019 - 03:57 PM
    New Training Tool for United Power Linemen Monday | July 2, 2018 Earlier this year, the cooperative began construction on its new, state-of-the-art outdoor linemen training facility. Read more >
  9. 01/09/2020 - 03:28 PM
    Title NEWS: Tri-State Announces Plans to Close Coal-Fired Plants /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/DSC02346.JPG?itok=0n_NTp8E Thursday | January 9, 2020 Under fire for use of coal, Tri-State to accelerate closure of plants, mine in Colorado and New Mexico Tri-State says closures of 2 plants, 1 mine are part of its new energy plan; critics want to see more The Denver Post | January 9, 2020 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, increasingly under pressure from its members and renewable energy advocates for its reliance on coal, plans to close two of its coal-fired power plants and a coal mine in Colorado and New Mexico. Tri-State said in a statement Thursday that it will close the Escalante Station in northwest New Mexico by the end of this year. It intends to close its operations at the Craig Station plant in Craig and at the Colowyo Mine in northwest Colorado by 2030. The earlier-than-planned closures are part of the utility’s larger Responsible Energy Plan, Tri-State CEO Duane Highley said in a call with reporters. He said Tri-State will release details Jan. 15 about adding more renewable energy to its system and meeting state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. ... read full article Tri-State Generation to close all of its Colorado, New Mexico coal-fired power plants and coal mines — 3 locations — by 2030 Tri-State has been pressured by its rural electric co-op members -- including Brighton-based United Power and Durango-based La Plata Electric Association -- to use more renewable energy in recent years. The Colorado Sun | January 9, 2020 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association will close all of its coal-fired power plants and mines in New Mexico and Colorado by 2030, the power provider that serves nearly 20 rural electric cooperatives announced on Thursday. Tri-State says it will close its Escalante Power Plant in Prewitt, New Mexico, by the end of 2020. It plans to close Craig Station and the ColoWyo Mine in northwest Colorado by 2030. Tri-State has been pressured by its rural electric co-op members — including Brighton-based United Power and Durango-based La Plata Electric Association — to make a faster transition to renewable energy in recent years. The pair have sought to break up with Tri-State as a result of the power wholesaler’s reluctance to use more renewables and in seeking more say over their power sources. ...read full article Tri-State Generation to close all 3 of its Colorado, New Mexico coal-fired power plants and coal mines by 2030 Craig Daily Press | January 9, 2020 Tri-State Generation continues to make changes that are hitting the Yampa Valley hard. On Thursday, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced it will close all of its coal-fired power plants and mines in New Mexico and Colorado by 2030. The power provider serves nearly 20 rural electric cooperatives. Tri-State announced the closure of its Escalante Power Plant in Prewitt, New Mexico, by the end of 2020. It plans to close Craig Station Units 2 and 3, and the Colowyo Mine in Northwest Colorado by 2030. The announcement from the Westminster-based power provider comes on the heels of pressure by two of its rural electric co-op members, including Brighton-based United Power and Durango-based La Plata Electric Association, in hopes of making a faster transition to renewable energy in recent years. The pair have sought to break up with Tri-State as a result of the power wholesaler’s reluctance to use more renewables and in seeking more say over their power sources, according to previous Craig Press reporting. ... read full article
  10. 09/13/2021 - 11:31 AM
    Title NextGen Cooperative Alliance to Add United Power CEO to Board /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/NextGen.jpg?itok=b8yq_Qfw Monday | September 13, 2021 Card Teaser NextGen is a coalition of leaders from distribution cooperatives leading the charge to restore local control over power supply decisions. Gabriel will become one of the organization’s founding board members. Brighton, CO – The NextGen Cooperative Alliance is set to name United Power President and Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Gabriel to its board of directors later this month. NextGen is a coalition of leaders from distribution cooperatives leading the charge to restore local control over power supply decisions. Gabriel will become one of the organization’s founding board members. “I am honored to represent United Power on the NextGen board of directors,” said Gabriel. “United Power has been leading the charge advancing policy to shift away from a decades-old model. NextGen was formed precisely for the purpose of advancing the future interests of cooperatives like United Power and its members, which requires re-envisioning and transforming current relationships with power providers.” The coalition of CEOs that make up NextGen represent cooperatives across the nation leading the way in expanding power supply options, reforming the traditional generation and transmission business model and developing better, more principled relationships with power providers. Their goal is to ensure distribution cooperatives are properly positioned for a secure and cost-effective future. The NextGen Cooperative Alliance brings together co-op leaders to accomplish goals that restore power to members without being committed to any singular solution. These goals include: • Restoring local control over power options and decisions regarding their own power supplies. • Positioning power supplies for the future, which includes increasing clean energy, facilitating stable rates and driving local economic development. • Removing barriers that prevent or discourage local innovation. • Restoring and strengthening cooperative principles of democratic governance, ensuring board directors prioritize the members who elected them. NextGen was formed so cooperative leaders can work together to establish more equitable and flexible agreements with power providers, according to the website. It is dedicated to providing a collective advocacy voice, educational tools and networking opportunities to all distribution cooperatives seeking more autonomy and control over power supply. “United Power has been working toward a mutually beneficial relationship with Tri-State Generation & Transmission that allows us to be responsive to our members and take advantage of a competitive energy marketplace,” Gabriel said. “What we need is a new G&T structure to address the energy needs of the future and help cooperatives better serve their members. NextGen brings together leaders from distribution co-ops facing similar push back from G&Ts determined to maintain current contracts that no longer make sense in the current energy marketplace.” 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 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. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. ###
  11. 12/13/2021 - 06:50 PM
    No Rate Changes for Members in 2022 Monday | December 13, 2021 United Power has announced that there will not be a rate increase for members in 2022, marking the second consecutive year rates have not been increased. Read more >
  12. 12/08/2020 - 03:54 PM
    Title No Rate Increase for Members in 2021 /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Dec2020_NL_Rates.jpg?itok=w13JtHmh Tuesday | December 8, 2020 Card Teaser The decision from the cooperative’s Board of Directors was made in November upon approval of the 2021 budget and rate structure. Cooperative Board of Directors Approves 2021 Budget at November Meeting United Power is pleased to announce there will be no rate increase in 2021. The decision from the cooperative’s Board of Directors was made in November upon approval of the 2021 budget and rate structure. For many members, who have had to endure a tumultuous past few months or have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the news could not have come at a better time. Rates were able to remain steady thanks to the forethought of cooperative leadership, who recognized the potential financial impact the pandemic could have and took immediate action to reduce spending in various departments. Just as businesses and homeowners adjusted spending, each team at United Power was tasked with evaluating initiatives that could either save money or be delayed without impacting service. “United Power has been fortunate during this time,” said Laurie Burkhart, the cooperative’s chief financial officer. “We haven’t seen the same level of impact as many other cooperatives, and that’s due in large part to the actions our teams have taken, as well as continued growth we’ve seen. It’s allowed us to keep our rates from increasing and provide some small relief to our members.” A variety of factors allowed the cooperative to keep rates steady, but perhaps chief among them has been the amount of growth seen throughout the service area, despite the pandemic. The slowdown United Power anticipated on its system never materialized. Instead, another strong year in residential and business growth, as well as load growth, helped fuel its ability to weather the storm. Other shifts in the ways our members interacted with us this year made small, but noticeable, changes to costs. Member enrollment in services like online account management and paperless billing was also a factor, which helped the cooperative improve efficiencies and provided real savings. While keeping the current rate structures may ease the burden for many residential members, it could be especially impactful for local organizations like school districts and businesses that may be facing tough budget years ahead as a result of slower sales or state budget cuts. Steady electric rates are one less thing for larger members to plan for when making end of year budget adjustments. Many members may realize some small benefit from stable rates in the coming year, but United Power has also prioritized the pursuit of more affordable and competitive rates for several years. The cooperative has had ongoing discussions with its wholesale power provider, Tri-State Generation & Transmission, that would allow it to eventually lower rates as much as 15% to 25% in the next few years. “United Power has worked closely with Tri-State for several years to provide reliable and affordable rates to our members,” said acting CEO Bryant Robbins. “Efforts continue to be made in looking at all of our options with Tri-State to reach our rate reduction goals. We are also looking at other power supply options should we not be able to come to an acceptable agreement. My hope is to provide our Board with a couple of great options so that they can make the decision that they feel is in the best interest of our membership.” In a cooperative, we all share in the expense and prosperity, and members who were able to continue paying bills helped United Power maintain its positive financial condition. For those who were impacted by job loss or illness and unable to pay their bills, the cooperative established the Co-op Cares Fund to provide financial assistance and ease the burden on both members and the co-op. This year $300,000 was allocated to the fund from unclaimed capital credits. In October, the Board approved an additional allocation of $250,000 for members in 2021. United Power understands our members have different needs and use electricity in vastly different ways. United Power’s residential rates are designed so members have the option to choose one that most closely fits how they use energy. When the cooperative’s demand rate debuted in January 2019, it separated the energy and demand components and allowed the cooperative to more fairly charge members for both their energy use and impact on the grid. Along with it, the cooperative also rolled out the Smart Choice Rate, which provided two different peak demand charges and a much lower energy charge. Earlier this year, United Power added a Peak Time of Day rate, which encourages members to switch their usage to off-peak hours. The new rate charges a higher demand for on-peak usage, but does not charge for demand during off-peak hours. The cooperative’s standard and time of day rates also remain options for members. However you use your energy, the flexibility of the cooperative’s residential rates should meet most members’ needs. You can compare the demand and energy charges of each rate and choose the one that most closely fits how you and your family use energy on the Residential Rates page.