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September/October Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Monday | September 20, 2021
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A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Recently, two solar salesmen came to my home in Brighton offering to convince me of the value of adding solar. Their main sales pitch was a false narrative that United Power rates were slated to increase “dramatically” over the next several years due to our ongoing conversations with our power supplier, Tri-State G&T, about a contract modification. Ironically, just that day at our board of directors meeting, we presented a first look at our budget for 2022 which showed no immediate increase and a potential decrease in rates at some point in the foreseeable future. Their sales pitch was an out-and-out lie.
There are many factors driving the decision to add solar or storage, including economics, environmental responsibility or the desire for energy independence. We wholeheartedly support your decisions, whatever the rationale, but want to make sure the decision is being made with a full knowledge of the costs. Sadly, there are many unscrupulous salespeople who do not have your best financial interests at heart as we do at United Power. Please contact us for the facts as you make these significant investment decisions. You can also visit our website for more information about installing a solar system on your home, including questions to ask potential solar contractors, at Going Solar.
As a member-owner, it is important to realize the professionals at United Power are here to serve your needs with unbiased, fact-based information to make sure every electron is used in the most cost-effective way possible. This covers critical opportunities, such as our Rush Hour Rewards program, energy efficiency measures and rebates on everything from appliances to battery-powered lawn equipment. We are honored to serve as a resource for our members to help calculate the benefit of any decision when it comes to alternative energy options. We support decisions to add rooftop solar or storage to your home or business and are proud that nearly 7,000 of our members have made the decision to add solar to their homes. Another 3,000 of us are now driving electric vehicles, and soon members will be able to lease an electric vehicle charger for your home or business at a low monthly cost.
These are exciting times in the electricity business as technology expands its reach into everything from automobiles and vertical/indoor farming to advanced manufacturing and lawn tools. In this era of beneficial electrification, United Power is at the forefront of these amazing opportunities.
The growth at United Power – we are now more than 100,000 meters strong – has meant an influx of new members to our communities and a new relationship with your electricity provider. If you are new to the concept of an electric cooperative, as part of the “family” you are a part owner and reap the benefits in several ways:
As a member-owner, you will share in any excess margin in the form of capital credits, determined annually by the board of directors. Capital credits are returned to our members as either a check or a credit on your billing statement.
Participating in a uniquely cooperative process of democratic engagement in our governance. Members vote for who sits on our board or may even run as a candidate themselves.
Having a utility partner that directly supports community activities like the Adams County Fair. United Power also sponsors events like Summerfest in Brighton, Trappers Days in Fort Lupton and Miners Day in Frederick.
Being treated as a member – not just a customer – if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Finally, as I outlined in my letter to members in August, we are continuing to find a happy medium in our power supply with Tri-State G&T. It is critical that Tri-State continues to provide valuable transmission-related services, especially as we enter the new era of electricity markets. It is equally critical that United Power be able to follow its own destiny when it comes to the choice in at least a portion of its energy supply in order to lower our rates and be competitive in this changing market.
As winter approaches, we stand by to work with all our members on the efficient, sustainable use of the precious resource of electricity. Please call or email me at any time.
Email Mark A. Gabriel
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Shrinking the Window
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Monday | January 26, 2026
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Four more off-peak hours for time of use rates.
Four More Off-Peak Hours for Time of Use Rates
Members on a time of use rate will get the benefit of four more hours of off-peak power in 2026. Rate changes that went into effect on Jan. 1 shortened the on-peak energy window from 2-10 p.m. to 5-9 p.m., giving members more control over how their energy consumption impacts their billing statements.
United Power’s voluntary time of use rates feature two energy usage periods — on-peak and off-peak — with two different energy charges depending on when power is used. Members on a time of use rate are rewarded with a lower energy charge for switching energy use to off-peak hours.
Moving your energy usage away from peak hours may be easier than you think. You can use a smart thermostat to pre-cool your home in the summer or set timers on appliances to run overnight. If you do not have smart appliances, you could start them before you go to bed or first thing in the morning, depending on your schedule. You could also consider meal prepping on Sundays, which are considered off-peak.
All United Power rates, including the time of use options, include a demand charge. If you can stagger the use of high-energy appliances, such as your washer/dryer, air conditioner, and electric oven, you can control one more component of your bill.
Visit Residential Rates to review all the rate options and help decide if switching to a time of use rate is right for you.
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Sol Partners Celebrates 10 Years
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Monday | July 8, 2019
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United Power powered the state's first community solar farm in May 2009 at its Brighton headquarters.
Over the past several years, solar panels have become a mainstay of the push for more renewable energy. Utilities, large and small, across the country have unveiled plans to add thousands of megawatts of solar-generated energy to portfolios as they aim for a net zero carbon-emission future.
In May 2009, United Power jumpstarted its renewable energy program when it powered a new, innovative concept for its members – the state’s first community solar farm, Sol Partners – at its Brighton headquarters facility.
The solar farm offered the cooperative’s members leasable solar panels and allowed members to dip their toes in the pool of renewable energy without making a costly commitment on a home installation. Panels were leased to members on a 25-year period for a small initial investment, and those members would receive a credit for power generated on the panels. In addition, the cooperative agreed to maintain the solar farm.
The innovative model received immediate adoption and quickly sold out. In August 2010, the cooperative launched its second community solar module. Its instant success incentivized other co-ops to invest in community solar projects of their own.
“The community solar model was initially meant as a tool for the local co-op and their members to bring more solar onto the system,” said New Business Director Jerry Marizza. “What was a unique concept 10 years ago has now blossomed throughout Colorado and the nation.
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Special Member Rebate a NEW Nissan Leaf
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Saturday | June 1, 2019
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Take Advantage of a Member-Exclusive Rebate on the All-New NISSAN LEAF through JULY 1, 2019.
Take Advantage of a Member-Exclusive Rebate on the All-New NISSAN LEAF through JULY 1, 2019. Our friends at Touchstone Energy have been working behind the scenes to bring United Power members and employees a special opportunity to get behind the wheel of the world's best-selling 100 percent electric car, the all-new NISSAN LEAF, thanks to a rebate program that's been extended through July 1. Offer is eligible for fleet or individual purchases.
A $3,500 special rebate is available on the 40 kWh model NISSAN LEAF and a new$2,500 rebate is available on the 226 mile range, 62 kWh, ePlus model. This offer can be combined with the $7,500 Federal ED Tax Credit to provide you with savings up to $11,000 on your purchase of a new Nissan Leaf.
Simply print this flyer (linked) and bring your electric bill and/or proof of cooperative employment to your local NISSAN Dealer and you can become eligible to use the special Fleet Certification Code to obtain your special rebate. Please see eligibility requirements for more details.
Offer expires July 1, 2019!More Range, More Power, More Confidence
Consumers can now embrace the excitement of more range, more power and more tech. With 2 battery options (40 kWh and 62 kWh), and enhanced available technology, consumers can pick the car that best fits their every day needs and drive with confidence.
Join us in Making a Difference
As part of our effort to accelerate electric vehicle transportation alternatives across the United State, Nissan North America, Inc. is offering eligible Touchstone Energy cooperatives, members and employees a special incentive toward the purchase of the all-new, 100% electric, Nissan Leaf. With each qualified purchase, eligible buyers can receive a $3,500 Fleetail Rebate of MSRP, plus eligibility for a Federal EV Tax Credit, up to $7,500. State incentives may also be available.
How to Get this Great Incentive
Simply bring a copy of this flyer, both the front and back pages, along with your monthly electric bill or proof of employment to your participating Nissan dealership. This limited time offer expires July 1, 2019 and cannot be combined with other Nissan or NMAC special incentives. Residency restrictions apply.
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State Senate Designates April 18 as Colorado Lineworker Appreciation Day
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Wednesday | April 12, 2023
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The day will be observed on April 18 each year to honor and recognize the crucial role that lineworkers play in providing safe and reliable electricity to communities throughout Colorado.
DENVER, COLO. APRIL 11, 2023 – On Monday, April 10, 2023, Sen. Chris Hansen (D-Denver) and Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa) read a resolution at the Capitol to establish Colorado Electrical Lineworker Appreciation Day. The day will be observed on April 18 each year to honor and recognize the crucial role that lineworkers play in providing safe and reliable electricity to communities throughout Colorado.
The resolution, recognizing lineworkers as the first responders for utilities, received unanimous bipartisan support from the Colorado Senate.
Sen. Hansen expressed gratitude for lineworkers, stating that as Colorado works toward a clean energy transition, lineworkers are essential to maintaining a reliable electric grid. The State Senate also recognizes the need to continue the support of private and public programs that train a sufficient number of electrical lineworkers.
CREA Executive Director Kent Singer reflects on the resolution saying, “Electric lineworkers are the unsung heroes of our modern society. Everything we rely on for a comfortable life, from food and shelter to computers, televisions and cellphones, is dependent on a functioning electric grid. Electric lineworkers are the ones who keep that grid in service at all times of the day and night and through every weather condition imaginable. We owe all of them a huge debt of gratitude.”
The resolution was supported by a coalition of energy industry groups, including the Colorado Rural Electric Association, Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities, Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy. Lineworkers and representatives from Colorado’s electric cooperatives and Black Hills Energy attended the resolution reading at the Capitol.
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Students Attend D.C. Youth Tour
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Wednesday | August 1, 2018
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In June, United Power proudly joined with local electric cooperatives from around the country to sponsor teenagers from small towns and cities to spend a week in the nation’s capital learning about the political process and interacting with their elected officials.
In June, United Power proudly joined with local electric cooperatives from around the country to sponsor teenagers from small towns and cities to spend a week in the nation’s capital learning about the political process and interacting with their elected officials. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been a tradition among cooperatives since the late 1950s.
The origins of the Youth Tour date back to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 1957 annual meeting in Chicago, where keynote speaker and future president Lyndon B. Johnson suggested sending youth to the capital to “actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”
What began with a small group of 34 students from Iowa in 1958 has since ballooned to nearly 2,000 students from 42 states. To date, nearly 50,000 students have participated in the program.
This year, United Power sponsored three local students to represent the cooperative during the 2018 Youth Tour – Hannah Rockwell of Weld Central High School, Jordyn Saffy of Eagle Ridge Academy, and Megan Lewis of Frederick High School.
Between meetings with elected officials, learning the value of the cooperatives they represent and developing leadership skills, students were able to spend time touring some of Washington D.C.’s landmarks and memorials. Before flying out, Colorado students were also treated to a high-voltage safety demonstration at United Power’s headquarters in Brighton, Colo.
Each year United Power selects three ambitious high school students to attend Youth Tour. Applications to represent the cooperative during next year’s tour will be available in December.
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Summer Air Conditioning and the Demand Rate
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Monday | July 22, 2019
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Your air conditioner is probably one of the most demand intensive appliances in your home. This means members will begin to see their demand charge rise to include this additional appliance as the summer heat arrives.
Your air conditioner is probably one of the most demand intensive appliances in your home. This means members will begin to see their demand charge rise to include this additional appliance as the summer heat arrives. There is good news if you like keeping your home cool, though. When United Power instituted the demand charge, there was a corresponding REDUCTION in the cost of energy. Since you use a lot of energy to keep your home cool, you will probably see very little change from prior summers in your average bill.
When United Power moved to a demand rate we uncoupled costs that had previously been blended into the rate. This new structure gives you more control over your electric costs, by allowing you to avoid stacking appliance use. It also reduced the cost you pay for the actual energy you use.
The change is helping to make sure you pay a more accurate portion of your costs for the distribution system that brings power to your home.
Demand is the total of all electric appliances that are running at one time. United Power bases their demand charge on your highest demand in a 15-minute period throughout the month. In the summer this is going to happen when you run your air conditioner, and perhaps an additional appliance like your washer or oven. For example, a 24,000 BTU air conditioner creates a demand of about 3.8 kW, which translates to a demand charge of $3.80 plus the demand of any other appliances running at the same time.
United Power made sure that our members can access the information they need to better understand their power consumption. All United Power members can look at their power consumption and see when you reach your peak demand via the Power Portal. If you need help accessing the Power Portal give Member Services a call at 303-637-1300. Remember that our website, www.unitedpower.com, has lots of great information about how you can reduce demand and how demand billing works.
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Summer Heat Sets Record Peak
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Monday | September 23, 2019
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In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state.
The summer is coming to a close soon, but you may have noticed some higher than usual bills over the past couple months. That’s in part due to the unusually warm summer we’ve had this year.
As the temperatures rose, United Power also felt the affects. In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state. Nationally, the heat wave resulted in the highest demand since 2017, according to the Energy Information Administration.
If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat without seeing the impact on your electric bill, the Department of Energy recommends turning your A/C up a few degrees when you leave the house. Turning your thermostat back a few degrees and ensuring your house has the proper insulation can result in big savings.
You can find more energy savings tips under Managing My Energy.
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Take the Edge off Electric Bills in 2020
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Friday | January 3, 2020
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Take advantage of the resources the cooperative provides for its members and discover quick home upgrades and behavior changes to see immediate savings.
United Power is committed to providing members with the tools and resources they need to take control of their energy use. As we enter a new year, and a new decade, it’s never been easier to control your energy and become more energy efficient. Take advantage of the resources the cooperative provides for its members and discover quick home upgrades and behavior changes to see immediate savings. Here are some ways United Power is empowering its members to take control.
Find a Rate that Works for You
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. This rate remains unchanged for 2020. New 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.
Link: United Power Residential Rates
Register for the Power Portal to Monitor Your Usage
Curious to see when you used the most energy this past month or how it compares to your usage throughout the year? Was it the high or low temps causing you to use more energy than you expected? Or was it the new hot tub? New major appliances and recreational equipment often use more energy than we initially expect. To find out what’s driving your energy use, register for the Power Portal. With the Power Portal, you can access your complete energy consumption portfolio in 15-minute intervals throughout the day to get a clear look at how you use your energy. Armed with this information, you can make small behavior changes to save you over time, helping keep bills lower and more manageable.
Link: Find out more about the Power Portal here.
Free Online Resources Help You Take Inventory of Your Usage
How energy efficient are your behaviors? The Power Portal may arm you with the information you need to begin making changes, but what are those changes exactly? What “quick wins” can you implement to see a difference? A home energy assessment tool can show you just how energy efficient certain behaviors are, and how you can change them to get the most out of your energy. These and other tools are available on the United Power website. Just go to Energy Programs and click on Managing My Energy or click below.
Link: Managing My Energy
Install a Smart Thermostat
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling our homes accounts for nearly half of our annual energy usage, making it the most expensive part of our bills. Experts agree adjusting your thermostat a few degrees when you’re not home is the best way to save. With a programmable thermostat, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, you can set your temp when you leave for work and adjust it remotely so it’s comfortable when you get home. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically, respond to changes in local weather and analyze your energy use.
Buy Energy Star® Appliances and Get Money Back
Replacing your old appliances with newer, more energy efficient products is a quick way to see immediate savings on your monthly bill. United Power members qualify for exclusive rebates through the cooperative and its wholesale power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. Rebates are available on select Energy Star® appliances (including refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers). Additional rebates are available on heat pumps, electric water heaters and electric heating systems.
Link: Rebates & Programs
Change a Little, Save a Lot
While United Power provides a wealth of rebates, programs and tools that members can take advantage of to become more energy efficient, some changes are as quick and easy as investing in power strips or closing curtains. Using power strips can help limit infamous “vampire loads,” which happen when devices use energy although they appear to be turned off. Vampire loads are approaching 10 percent of the average household’s electric use, according to the EPA. Upgrading to smart power strips adds the ability to remotely control outlets, either as a whole or individually. Lowering water heater temps to the “warm” setting can save on energy and scalding when washing hands. Leaving your curtains open in the winter lets the sun naturally warm your home, and closing them in the summer keeps heat out. These are a few quick and efficient options to save immediately on your bill.
Link: Find saving tips at Energy Tips
Talk to a United Power Energy Management Specialist
United Power has a team of Energy Management Specialists, available to advise and assist you with your energy concerns. Energy Management Specialists walk through your concerns, analyze your usage and provide you with practical information you can use to control your energy usage. They can walk you through available rates, programs and rebates to ensure you’re maximizing your energy savings.
Ultimately, energy savings comes down to the small things. Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you aren’t in a room. Turn off power strips to televisions, gaming systems and other electronics, including chargers, that are not in use. Take shorter showers. Consolidate loads of laundry and dishes to make the best use of hot water. Stagger the use of appliances to avoid a higher demand. Remind everyone in your family to make energy savings a priority. Work with them to start a conversation about saving energy, and you’ll see the savings every month. Enter into the new decade resolved to be more energy efficient.
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September/October Message from Mark A. Gabriel
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Monday | September 20, 2021
Card Teaser
A message to United Power members from the cooperative's President & Chief Executive Officer.
Recently, two solar salesmen came to my home in Brighton offering to convince me of the value of adding solar. Their main sales pitch was a false narrative that United Power rates were slated to increase “dramatically” over the next several years due to our ongoing conversations with our power supplier, Tri-State G&T, about a contract modification. Ironically, just that day at our board of directors meeting, we presented a first look at our budget for 2022 which showed no immediate increase and a potential decrease in rates at some point in the foreseeable future. Their sales pitch was an out-and-out lie.
There are many factors driving the decision to add solar or storage, including economics, environmental responsibility or the desire for energy independence. We wholeheartedly support your decisions, whatever the rationale, but want to make sure the decision is being made with a full knowledge of the costs. Sadly, there are many unscrupulous salespeople who do not have your best financial interests at heart as we do at United Power. Please contact us for the facts as you make these significant investment decisions. You can also visit our website for more information about installing a solar system on your home, including questions to ask potential solar contractors, at Going Solar.
As a member-owner, it is important to realize the professionals at United Power are here to serve your needs with unbiased, fact-based information to make sure every electron is used in the most cost-effective way possible. This covers critical opportunities, such as our Rush Hour Rewards program, energy efficiency measures and rebates on everything from appliances to battery-powered lawn equipment. We are honored to serve as a resource for our members to help calculate the benefit of any decision when it comes to alternative energy options. We support decisions to add rooftop solar or storage to your home or business and are proud that nearly 7,000 of our members have made the decision to add solar to their homes. Another 3,000 of us are now driving electric vehicles, and soon members will be able to lease an electric vehicle charger for your home or business at a low monthly cost.
These are exciting times in the electricity business as technology expands its reach into everything from automobiles and vertical/indoor farming to advanced manufacturing and lawn tools. In this era of beneficial electrification, United Power is at the forefront of these amazing opportunities.
The growth at United Power – we are now more than 100,000 meters strong – has meant an influx of new members to our communities and a new relationship with your electricity provider. If you are new to the concept of an electric cooperative, as part of the “family” you are a part owner and reap the benefits in several ways:
As a member-owner, you will share in any excess margin in the form of capital credits, determined annually by the board of directors. Capital credits are returned to our members as either a check or a credit on your billing statement.
Participating in a uniquely cooperative process of democratic engagement in our governance. Members vote for who sits on our board or may even run as a candidate themselves.
Having a utility partner that directly supports community activities like the Adams County Fair. United Power also sponsors events like Summerfest in Brighton, Trappers Days in Fort Lupton and Miners Day in Frederick.
Being treated as a member – not just a customer – if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Finally, as I outlined in my letter to members in August, we are continuing to find a happy medium in our power supply with Tri-State G&T. It is critical that Tri-State continues to provide valuable transmission-related services, especially as we enter the new era of electricity markets. It is equally critical that United Power be able to follow its own destiny when it comes to the choice in at least a portion of its energy supply in order to lower our rates and be competitive in this changing market.
As winter approaches, we stand by to work with all our members on the efficient, sustainable use of the precious resource of electricity. Please call or email me at any time.
Email Mark A. Gabriel
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Shrinking the Window
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Monday | January 26, 2026
Card Teaser
Four more off-peak hours for time of use rates.
Four More Off-Peak Hours for Time of Use Rates
Members on a time of use rate will get the benefit of four more hours of off-peak power in 2026. Rate changes that went into effect on Jan. 1 shortened the on-peak energy window from 2-10 p.m. to 5-9 p.m., giving members more control over how their energy consumption impacts their billing statements.
United Power’s voluntary time of use rates feature two energy usage periods — on-peak and off-peak — with two different energy charges depending on when power is used. Members on a time of use rate are rewarded with a lower energy charge for switching energy use to off-peak hours.
Moving your energy usage away from peak hours may be easier than you think. You can use a smart thermostat to pre-cool your home in the summer or set timers on appliances to run overnight. If you do not have smart appliances, you could start them before you go to bed or first thing in the morning, depending on your schedule. You could also consider meal prepping on Sundays, which are considered off-peak.
All United Power rates, including the time of use options, include a demand charge. If you can stagger the use of high-energy appliances, such as your washer/dryer, air conditioner, and electric oven, you can control one more component of your bill.
Visit Residential Rates to review all the rate options and help decide if switching to a time of use rate is right for you.
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Sol Partners Celebrates 10 Years
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Monday | July 8, 2019
Card Teaser
United Power powered the state's first community solar farm in May 2009 at its Brighton headquarters.
Over the past several years, solar panels have become a mainstay of the push for more renewable energy. Utilities, large and small, across the country have unveiled plans to add thousands of megawatts of solar-generated energy to portfolios as they aim for a net zero carbon-emission future.
In May 2009, United Power jumpstarted its renewable energy program when it powered a new, innovative concept for its members – the state’s first community solar farm, Sol Partners – at its Brighton headquarters facility.
The solar farm offered the cooperative’s members leasable solar panels and allowed members to dip their toes in the pool of renewable energy without making a costly commitment on a home installation. Panels were leased to members on a 25-year period for a small initial investment, and those members would receive a credit for power generated on the panels. In addition, the cooperative agreed to maintain the solar farm.
The innovative model received immediate adoption and quickly sold out. In August 2010, the cooperative launched its second community solar module. Its instant success incentivized other co-ops to invest in community solar projects of their own.
“The community solar model was initially meant as a tool for the local co-op and their members to bring more solar onto the system,” said New Business Director Jerry Marizza. “What was a unique concept 10 years ago has now blossomed throughout Colorado and the nation.
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Special Member Rebate a NEW Nissan Leaf
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Saturday | June 1, 2019
Card Teaser
Take Advantage of a Member-Exclusive Rebate on the All-New NISSAN LEAF through JULY 1, 2019.
Take Advantage of a Member-Exclusive Rebate on the All-New NISSAN LEAF through JULY 1, 2019. Our friends at Touchstone Energy have been working behind the scenes to bring United Power members and employees a special opportunity to get behind the wheel of the world's best-selling 100 percent electric car, the all-new NISSAN LEAF, thanks to a rebate program that's been extended through July 1. Offer is eligible for fleet or individual purchases.
A $3,500 special rebate is available on the 40 kWh model NISSAN LEAF and a new$2,500 rebate is available on the 226 mile range, 62 kWh, ePlus model. This offer can be combined with the $7,500 Federal ED Tax Credit to provide you with savings up to $11,000 on your purchase of a new Nissan Leaf.
Simply print this flyer (linked) and bring your electric bill and/or proof of cooperative employment to your local NISSAN Dealer and you can become eligible to use the special Fleet Certification Code to obtain your special rebate. Please see eligibility requirements for more details.
Offer expires July 1, 2019!More Range, More Power, More Confidence
Consumers can now embrace the excitement of more range, more power and more tech. With 2 battery options (40 kWh and 62 kWh), and enhanced available technology, consumers can pick the car that best fits their every day needs and drive with confidence.
Join us in Making a Difference
As part of our effort to accelerate electric vehicle transportation alternatives across the United State, Nissan North America, Inc. is offering eligible Touchstone Energy cooperatives, members and employees a special incentive toward the purchase of the all-new, 100% electric, Nissan Leaf. With each qualified purchase, eligible buyers can receive a $3,500 Fleetail Rebate of MSRP, plus eligibility for a Federal EV Tax Credit, up to $7,500. State incentives may also be available.
How to Get this Great Incentive
Simply bring a copy of this flyer, both the front and back pages, along with your monthly electric bill or proof of employment to your participating Nissan dealership. This limited time offer expires July 1, 2019 and cannot be combined with other Nissan or NMAC special incentives. Residency restrictions apply.
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State Senate Designates April 18 as Colorado Lineworker Appreciation Day
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Wednesday | April 12, 2023
Card Teaser
The day will be observed on April 18 each year to honor and recognize the crucial role that lineworkers play in providing safe and reliable electricity to communities throughout Colorado.
DENVER, COLO. APRIL 11, 2023 – On Monday, April 10, 2023, Sen. Chris Hansen (D-Denver) and Sen. Cleave Simpson (R-Alamosa) read a resolution at the Capitol to establish Colorado Electrical Lineworker Appreciation Day. The day will be observed on April 18 each year to honor and recognize the crucial role that lineworkers play in providing safe and reliable electricity to communities throughout Colorado.
The resolution, recognizing lineworkers as the first responders for utilities, received unanimous bipartisan support from the Colorado Senate.
Sen. Hansen expressed gratitude for lineworkers, stating that as Colorado works toward a clean energy transition, lineworkers are essential to maintaining a reliable electric grid. The State Senate also recognizes the need to continue the support of private and public programs that train a sufficient number of electrical lineworkers.
CREA Executive Director Kent Singer reflects on the resolution saying, “Electric lineworkers are the unsung heroes of our modern society. Everything we rely on for a comfortable life, from food and shelter to computers, televisions and cellphones, is dependent on a functioning electric grid. Electric lineworkers are the ones who keep that grid in service at all times of the day and night and through every weather condition imaginable. We owe all of them a huge debt of gratitude.”
The resolution was supported by a coalition of energy industry groups, including the Colorado Rural Electric Association, Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities, Xcel Energy and Black Hills Energy. Lineworkers and representatives from Colorado’s electric cooperatives and Black Hills Energy attended the resolution reading at the Capitol.
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Students Attend D.C. Youth Tour
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Wednesday | August 1, 2018
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In June, United Power proudly joined with local electric cooperatives from around the country to sponsor teenagers from small towns and cities to spend a week in the nation’s capital learning about the political process and interacting with their elected officials.
In June, United Power proudly joined with local electric cooperatives from around the country to sponsor teenagers from small towns and cities to spend a week in the nation’s capital learning about the political process and interacting with their elected officials. The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has been a tradition among cooperatives since the late 1950s.
The origins of the Youth Tour date back to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 1957 annual meeting in Chicago, where keynote speaker and future president Lyndon B. Johnson suggested sending youth to the capital to “actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”
What began with a small group of 34 students from Iowa in 1958 has since ballooned to nearly 2,000 students from 42 states. To date, nearly 50,000 students have participated in the program.
This year, United Power sponsored three local students to represent the cooperative during the 2018 Youth Tour – Hannah Rockwell of Weld Central High School, Jordyn Saffy of Eagle Ridge Academy, and Megan Lewis of Frederick High School.
Between meetings with elected officials, learning the value of the cooperatives they represent and developing leadership skills, students were able to spend time touring some of Washington D.C.’s landmarks and memorials. Before flying out, Colorado students were also treated to a high-voltage safety demonstration at United Power’s headquarters in Brighton, Colo.
Each year United Power selects three ambitious high school students to attend Youth Tour. Applications to represent the cooperative during next year’s tour will be available in December.
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Summer Air Conditioning and the Demand Rate
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Monday | July 22, 2019
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Your air conditioner is probably one of the most demand intensive appliances in your home. This means members will begin to see their demand charge rise to include this additional appliance as the summer heat arrives.
Your air conditioner is probably one of the most demand intensive appliances in your home. This means members will begin to see their demand charge rise to include this additional appliance as the summer heat arrives. There is good news if you like keeping your home cool, though. When United Power instituted the demand charge, there was a corresponding REDUCTION in the cost of energy. Since you use a lot of energy to keep your home cool, you will probably see very little change from prior summers in your average bill.
When United Power moved to a demand rate we uncoupled costs that had previously been blended into the rate. This new structure gives you more control over your electric costs, by allowing you to avoid stacking appliance use. It also reduced the cost you pay for the actual energy you use.
The change is helping to make sure you pay a more accurate portion of your costs for the distribution system that brings power to your home.
Demand is the total of all electric appliances that are running at one time. United Power bases their demand charge on your highest demand in a 15-minute period throughout the month. In the summer this is going to happen when you run your air conditioner, and perhaps an additional appliance like your washer or oven. For example, a 24,000 BTU air conditioner creates a demand of about 3.8 kW, which translates to a demand charge of $3.80 plus the demand of any other appliances running at the same time.
United Power made sure that our members can access the information they need to better understand their power consumption. All United Power members can look at their power consumption and see when you reach your peak demand via the Power Portal. If you need help accessing the Power Portal give Member Services a call at 303-637-1300. Remember that our website, www.unitedpower.com, has lots of great information about how you can reduce demand and how demand billing works.
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Summer Heat Sets Record Peak
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Monday | September 23, 2019
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In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state.
The summer is coming to a close soon, but you may have noticed some higher than usual bills over the past couple months. That’s in part due to the unusually warm summer we’ve had this year.
As the temperatures rose, United Power also felt the affects. In July, the cooperative hit its record peak demand at more than 520 megawatts, the highest demand of any cooperative in the state. Nationally, the heat wave resulted in the highest demand since 2017, according to the Energy Information Administration.
If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat without seeing the impact on your electric bill, the Department of Energy recommends turning your A/C up a few degrees when you leave the house. Turning your thermostat back a few degrees and ensuring your house has the proper insulation can result in big savings.
You can find more energy savings tips under Managing My Energy.
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Take the Edge off Electric Bills in 2020
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Friday | January 3, 2020
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Take advantage of the resources the cooperative provides for its members and discover quick home upgrades and behavior changes to see immediate savings.
United Power is committed to providing members with the tools and resources they need to take control of their energy use. As we enter a new year, and a new decade, it’s never been easier to control your energy and become more energy efficient. Take advantage of the resources the cooperative provides for its members and discover quick home upgrades and behavior changes to see immediate savings. Here are some ways United Power is empowering its members to take control.
Find a Rate that Works for You
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. This rate remains unchanged for 2020. New 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.
Link: United Power Residential Rates
Register for the Power Portal to Monitor Your Usage
Curious to see when you used the most energy this past month or how it compares to your usage throughout the year? Was it the high or low temps causing you to use more energy than you expected? Or was it the new hot tub? New major appliances and recreational equipment often use more energy than we initially expect. To find out what’s driving your energy use, register for the Power Portal. With the Power Portal, you can access your complete energy consumption portfolio in 15-minute intervals throughout the day to get a clear look at how you use your energy. Armed with this information, you can make small behavior changes to save you over time, helping keep bills lower and more manageable.
Link: Find out more about the Power Portal here.
Free Online Resources Help You Take Inventory of Your Usage
How energy efficient are your behaviors? The Power Portal may arm you with the information you need to begin making changes, but what are those changes exactly? What “quick wins” can you implement to see a difference? A home energy assessment tool can show you just how energy efficient certain behaviors are, and how you can change them to get the most out of your energy. These and other tools are available on the United Power website. Just go to Energy Programs and click on Managing My Energy or click below.
Link: Managing My Energy
Install a Smart Thermostat
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling our homes accounts for nearly half of our annual energy usage, making it the most expensive part of our bills. Experts agree adjusting your thermostat a few degrees when you’re not home is the best way to save. With a programmable thermostat, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, you can set your temp when you leave for work and adjust it remotely so it’s comfortable when you get home. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically, respond to changes in local weather and analyze your energy use.
Buy Energy Star® Appliances and Get Money Back
Replacing your old appliances with newer, more energy efficient products is a quick way to see immediate savings on your monthly bill. United Power members qualify for exclusive rebates through the cooperative and its wholesale power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission. Rebates are available on select Energy Star® appliances (including refrigerators/freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers). Additional rebates are available on heat pumps, electric water heaters and electric heating systems.
Link: Rebates & Programs
Change a Little, Save a Lot
While United Power provides a wealth of rebates, programs and tools that members can take advantage of to become more energy efficient, some changes are as quick and easy as investing in power strips or closing curtains. Using power strips can help limit infamous “vampire loads,” which happen when devices use energy although they appear to be turned off. Vampire loads are approaching 10 percent of the average household’s electric use, according to the EPA. Upgrading to smart power strips adds the ability to remotely control outlets, either as a whole or individually. Lowering water heater temps to the “warm” setting can save on energy and scalding when washing hands. Leaving your curtains open in the winter lets the sun naturally warm your home, and closing them in the summer keeps heat out. These are a few quick and efficient options to save immediately on your bill.
Link: Find saving tips at Energy Tips
Talk to a United Power Energy Management Specialist
United Power has a team of Energy Management Specialists, available to advise and assist you with your energy concerns. Energy Management Specialists walk through your concerns, analyze your usage and provide you with practical information you can use to control your energy usage. They can walk you through available rates, programs and rebates to ensure you’re maximizing your energy savings.
Ultimately, energy savings comes down to the small things. Turn off lights and ceiling fans when you aren’t in a room. Turn off power strips to televisions, gaming systems and other electronics, including chargers, that are not in use. Take shorter showers. Consolidate loads of laundry and dishes to make the best use of hot water. Stagger the use of appliances to avoid a higher demand. Remind everyone in your family to make energy savings a priority. Work with them to start a conversation about saving energy, and you’ll see the savings every month. Enter into the new decade resolved to be more energy efficient.
