05/23/2024 - 10:28 AM
Title United Power Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/May2018_NL_Scholarships.png?h=45932144&itok=4jCIAZii Thursday | May 23, 2024 Card Teaser This year, the cooperative awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. Brighton, CO – United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2024. This year, the cooperative awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected 18 high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and a written essay. Applications are made available on the cooperative’s website by December each year. 2024 scholarship recipients:- Harley Baas, Branson School Online, United Power Community College Scholarship, $1,000
- Lucas Burela, Brighton High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
- Lilliana Ritter, Prairie View High School, United Power Technical Scholarship, $1,000
- Rachael Schmidt, Frederick High School, United Power Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
- Giselle Sixtos, Fort Lupton High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Alanna Snyder, Horizon High School, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Skylar Whalen, Mead High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
06/03/2025 - 10:32 AM
Title United Power Announces 2025 Scholarship Recipients /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/May2018_NL_Scholarships.png?h=45932144&itok=4jCIAZii Tuesday | June 3, 2025 Card Teaser This year, the cooperative awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships. Brighton, CO – United Power proudly announces its scholarship recipients for 2025. This year, the cooperative awarded more than $35,000 in scholarships to outstanding students in its service territory. The United Power Scholarship Committee selected 20 high school seniors based on grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and a written essay. 2025 Cooperative Scholarship recipients:- Ryan Brown, Frederick High School, Bill Berens Memorial Scholarship, $1,000
- Kennedy Cardillo, Weld Central High School, Lois Lesser Education Scholarship, $1,000
- Alora Tortorelli Cruz, Riverdale Ridge High School, Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
- Isaac Griffith, Rocky Mountain Lutheran High School, United Power Community College Scholarship, $1,000
- Trevor Kurtz, Mead High School, Colorado College Scholarship, $2,000
- Madison Miller, Mead High School, United Power Technical/Vocational Scholarship, $1,000
- Adisyn Rademacher, Mead High School, United Power Youth Leadership Scholarship, $1,500
05/30/2018 - 03:11 PM
Title United Power Announces Construction of Colorado’s Largest Battery Storage System /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_10_25_LargestBatteryStorage.jpg?itok=p1VZTKoI Wednesday | October 25, 2017 Card Teaser United Power announced plans to construct its first commercial scale energy storage project. United Power announced plans to construct its first commercial scale energy storage project. Located in Firestone, CO and developed in collaboration with Chicago based SoCore Energy, the 4 MW / 16 MWh battery storage system will be the largest facility in the State of Colorado and one of the largest systems owned and operated by an electric co-op anywhere in the country. “As one of the fastest growing co-ops in Colorado, United Power wants to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to integrating new technology that can help boost reliability and keep costs down. Energy storage will play an important role in the grid of the future, and we’re excited to be starting now,” said John Parker, CEO of United Power. United Power partnered with SoCore Energy to develop the project, which will be located at United Power’s west office on I-25, just south of Highway 119. SoCore is a leading solar PV and energy storage developer with a special focus on serving rural electric cooperatives. SoCore and United Power selected Tesla to supply the 4 MW / 16 MWh Powerpack system. “SoCore worked closely with United Power to understand the objectives of the project, siting and design considerations, and performance requirements. This has been a terrific partnership so far, and we’re looking forward to getting construction underway,” said SoCore President Rob Scheuermann. The battery storage system will store energy generated in the overnight hours, when demand is low, and discharge it during peak hours to reduce demand. Curbing peak demand will reduce costs and help improve the overall efficiency of United Power’s electric grid as it serves its more than 82,000 meters. The Firestone system is the first of several energy storage projects that United Power will roll out, piloting an innovative “community battery” strategy, allowing users to purchase a share of the battery system’s output to directly reduce demand charges on their monthly electric bills. “United Power was one of the first utilities in the country to experiment with the ‘community solar’ concept with our Sol Partners™ program, and now there are community solar projects all over the country. ‘Community batteries’ are the next big trend,” said United Power’s New Business Director, Jerry Marizza. SoCore Energy’s Scheuermann agrees. “Community batteries allow co-ops and their members to address the demand components of the utility bill – the portion that can’t easily be addressed with solar energy alone. Batteries provide opportunities to reduce costs, increase choices for co-ops and their members while improving resiliency of the grid.” Construction on the system is expected to begin in the first half of 2018.04/20/2022 - 10:48 AM
Title United Power Announces EV Charging Station in Carbon Valley /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/04_20_2022_EV_CarbonValley.jpg?itok=RzzL3c5k Wednesday | April 20, 2022 Card Teaser The newest charging station is located at its Carbon Valley office along Interstate 25 and fills a 30-mile gap in available charging options between Thornton and Loveland. New Fast Charger is Third in Cooperative’s Network Brighton, CO – United Power announced its third public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station at a ribbon cutting event on Wednesday. The newest charging station in the cooperative’s growing network is located at its Carbon Valley office along Interstate 25, just south of Longmont, and fills a 30-mile gap in available charging options between Thornton and Loveland. All three charging stations are part of the ChargePoint network. “Nearly 5,000 United Power members own electric vehicles,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We stand committed to strategically deploying a charging network capable of supporting our members and the thousands of others who commute daily throughout our territory.” The charging station at United Power’s Carbon Valley Service Center is a 62.5 kW direct current (DC) fast charger available for anyone who has set up a ChargePoint account. Individuals may create an account using ChargePoint’s mobile app or an activation card available through the mail. The charging station was installed with the help of a grant from Tri-State Generation & Transmission. United Power has paid careful attention to the growing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle markets and rapid adoption of the technology among its members. The cooperative’s first charging station was installed at its Coal Creek office in 2019, and its second was added at Keenesburg’s Market Street Mart in 2021. These strategic locations fill gaps where charging was previously unavailable and made EV ownership more feasible for rural members. An online educational portal, savings calculator and additional resources are available for members interested in EVs at ChooseEV. “Our goal is making electric vehicle ownership more practical and accessible for more of our members, especially those who live in rural areas,” Gabriel said. “We do that by considering the appropriate opportunities and the right programs that meet the needs of our members.” 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. ###05/12/2021 - 08:51 AM
Title United Power Announces Fast Charging Station in Keenesburg /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/05_11_2021__EV_Keenesburg.jpg?itok=hgsoXdBI Wednesday | May 12, 2021 Card Teaser The new charging station, located at the Market Street Mart in Keenesburg, fills a gap in available charging options between Brighton and Fort Morgan. Charger Station Part of Co-op's Growing EV Charging Network Brighton, CO – United Power announced Tuesday its second electric vehicle charging station is now operational and available for public use. The new charging station is located at the Market Street Mart in Keenesburg, filling a gap in available charging options for rural electric vehicle owners and drivers between Brighton and Fort Morgan. Both cooperative charging stations are available on the ChargePoint network. “United Power has made a commitment to providing innovative technologies that are beneficial for members,” said Energy Programs Director Joel Danforth. “This installation not only helps us continue to fulfill that commitment but also keep pace with the emerging trend toward electric vehicles.” The Keenesburg charging station is a 62.5 kW direct current (DC) fast charger available for anyone who has set up a ChargePoint account. Anyone can set up a ChargePoint account using the mobile app or an activation card available through the mail. The charging station was installed with the help of a grant from the Colorado Energy Office’s Charge Ahead Colorado program. United Power has invested in several educational resources for members interested in electric vehicles. The cooperative launched its Choose EV web portal in June, providing a wealth of information about both electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It also hosted a live webinar for National Drive EV Week to provide additional education and alleviate common concerns and hesitations about purchasing an electric vehicle. The cooperative installed its first charging station at its Coal Creek office in 2019. United Power leadership continues to look at the electric vehicle landscape and consider programs that will offer the best benefit for members, including additional charging locations in its growing network. “We have made a consistent effort to invest in electric vehicle resources for members over the past couple years,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal is to provide the right opportunities and the right programs that make electric vehicles practical and accessible for more of our members, especially those who live in rural communities.” United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. As one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, the utility will join the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters by the end of this summer. 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. ###07/10/2023 - 09:00 AM
Title United Power Announces Groundbreaking Battery Storage Contract /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Ameresco.jpg?h=45932144&itok=jLf7vW5S Monday | July 10, 2023 Card Teaser Battery capacity key to renewable integration and load stabilization. Battery capacity key to renewable integration and load stabilization Brighton, CO — United Power, Inc. (United Power), an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, and Ameresco, Inc. (Ameresco), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announce the signing of a groundbreaking battery storage contract. Under the 20-year agreement Ameresco will install a multiple site, 78.3 MW/313.34 MWh battery storage project on the cooperative’s electric distribution system. The innovative project will strategically locate battery arrays throughout the cooperative’s service territory to allow United Power to balance its load while integrating renewable resources. The contract is just one of the many steps the cooperative is taking as it plans for the May 1, 2024 departure from its current wholesale power contract. “The use of batteries on our distribution network is essential to a resilient and responsive power system, and we are excited to be moving ahead with one of the most aggressive plans for such a system,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “These battery arrays will allow us to balance our power needs throughout the day and incorporate local renewables more efficiently.” Ameresco will provide four 11.75 MW and four 7.84 MW battery arrays, which will be located on eight different substation sites owned by United Power. The batteries, sited in Adams, Broomfield, and Weld counties, will enable the cooperative to store and dispatch power during heavy consumption periods. “We are thrilled to partner with United Power on this transformational battery storage project,” said Jon Mancini, Ameresco Senior Vice President of Solar Project Development. “By strategically locating distributed resources and battery storage throughout their service territory, United Power will make strides toward achieving a resilient and responsive power system that integrates clean and renewable power resources for their rate base.” United Power serves nearly 110,000 meters and maintains and operates over 6,500 miles of distribution line. The 900-square mile service territory wraps around the north and west borders of the Denver International Airport. It includes the north and northeast metropolitan development corridors along Interstate 25, Interstate 76, State Highway 85, and E-470 and the Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons, two of Colorado’s most iconic and historic mountain canyons. As a result of its geographic location, United Power’s system is experiencing significant demand and energy growth, averaging approximately 6% annually. To learn more about United Power’s power supply transition, visit Power Supply. 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, 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. About Ameresco Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com. ###08/12/2024 - 08:58 AM
Title United Power Announces Jenna Hirsch as Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/Frederick_Stories_0.png?h=45932144&itok=9hNcyAGQ Monday | August 12, 2024 United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Jenna Hirsch to the newly created position of Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk. “Jenna is an exciting hire for the cooperative,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “Her background in the electric industry is extensive, and the cooperative’s ongoing focus on the safety of both our employees and the public warrants strong leadership in this area.” Hirsch holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Science in Health and Safety from the University of Denver. Most recently, she served as the Director of Safety and Loss Control for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, providing support and oversight of safety programs for rural electric cooperatives across the state. Her diverse work history includes safety work with the electric generation and transmission industry and in the oil and gas sector. “United Power’s focus on safety underpins every initiative of the cooperative,” said Gabriel. “The importance of our safety culture is outlined in detail in both our guiding document, Our Cooperative Roadmap, and in the cooperative’s Social Responsibility Report. Any conversation we have at United Power – with leadership, among employees, or with our board – is built on this overarching concept of ‘safety first.’ I am confident that Jenna will bring the innovation and careful oversight we need to this critical aspect of our industry.”03/03/2025 - 10:18 AM
Title United Power Announces Jonathan Aust as Vice President of Energy Resource Planning /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/images/Images_News/_DSC8999.jpg?h=2d828ae9&itok=cjSLqr09 Monday | March 3, 2025 Card Teaser Aust most recently served as Vice President of Power Operations for the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). United Power is pleased to announce the hiring of Jonathan Aust as the cooperative’s Vice President of Energy Resource Planning. “Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this key position,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Senior Vice President and Chief Energy Resource Officer. “Since United Power left its single wholesale power provider in 2024, it is vital to have the right talent on our team to oversee this essential function. Jonathan not only has outstanding credentials for this role, but he is also familiar with the local energy delivery market.” Aust most recently served as Vice President of Power Operations for the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). In this role he led a team of more than 80 employees to support power operations responsible for supporting a seven-state footprint and two balancing authorities, delivering power to energy providers across the footprint. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Information Technology for SCADA/EMS, or supervisory control and data acquisition and energy management system, supporting WAPA’s control centers across a 15-state area. Aust has served in leadership for a variety of key industry committees, including several representing the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). He was honored in 2022 with WECC’s Outstanding Contributor Award. “Energy resource planning is a critical area for this cooperative,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “As we continue to build our energy portfolio, it is vital that we have the right talent on our leadership team. Jonathan will be able to help us build out and maintain our portfolio, and his deep understanding of the energy markets will help us continue to make the right investments on behalf of the cooperative’s members.”05/30/2018 - 03:18 PM
Title United Power Announces Laurie Rydwell as CFO /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_11_17_UPNewCFO.jpg?itok=ycllLIWL Friday | November 17, 2017 Card Teaser Brighton, CO – United Power announced that Laurie Rydwell has been selected to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer for the electric cooperative Brighton, CO – United Power announced that Laurie Rydwell has been selected to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer for the electric cooperative. The position has been vacant since the promotion of John Parker to CEO in July. “We are excited to bring such a qualified candidate to our cooperative in this key leadership position,” stated John Parker, United Power CEO. “Laurie brings both experience and expertise to our cooperative. Her background in utilities, coupled with her strong technical background in finances will be a valuable addition to United Power.” Rydwell most recently worked as Controller at Summit Utilities in Littleton, Colorado. Summit Utilities is a privately-held holding company that owns and operates several natural gas distribution and transmission subsidiaries. Prior to her work with Summit, Rydwell held several positions at Xcel Energy in Denver, managing the accounting operations for revenue, transmission, commercial, and settlements during her tenure. A native of Anchorage, Alaska, her history there included work as a controller for both energy and investment firms, and work as a Chief Financial Officer for an asset management firm in Anchorage. Rydwell is a graduate of the University of Alaska, with a degree in Business Administration, and is a certified public accountant in both Alaska and Colorado.02/18/2021 - 05:48 PM
Title United Power Announces Mark Gabriel as CEO /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/2017_07_27_UPNewCEO.jpg?itok=7VLEXsKm Thursday | February 18, 2021 Card Teaser United Power’s Board of Directors has named Mark A. Gabriel as President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization effective March 15, 2021. Brighton, Colo. – After a nationwide search, United Power’s Board of Directors has named Mark A. Gabriel as President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization effective March 15, 2021. Gabriel, a 25-year veteran in the electric utility business, has served for the past eight years as the Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), which is part of the Department of Energy. “United Power’s Board of Directors is very happy to announce we have selected Mark Gabriel as our new President and CEO,” stated Ursula Morgan, United Power Board Chair. “Mark Gabriel is the right choice to guide United Power into a more successful future. He will help create a lasting impact on our members." “I am extremely honored to have been selected to lead such an amazing organization as we approach a transformational time in the electricity business,” Gabriel said. “United Power is uniquely positioned to be engaged in the decarbonization of the grid, and to take advantage of the introduction of new technologies as we move to a cleaner energy future.” Prior to his appointment at WAPA, Gabriel served in numerous positions in the industry, including more than eight years as a management consultant and Acting President at the Electric Power Research Institute where he led the nationwide effort known as the Electricity Sector Framework for the Future. He is also the author of, “Visions for a Sustainable Energy Future”, which won the Indie Award for Environmental Writing. “United Power has a rich history of innovation and is serving one of Colorado’s, and the Nation’s, fastest growing service territories,” Gabriel said. “The power of the cooperative business model to embrace change is unmatched in its ability to engage with its members for the future.” Gabriel replaces Acting CEO, Bryant Robbins. Robbins is the Chief Operating Officer and has been filling both roles for the past year. “The Board is appreciative of Robbins’ leadership and guidance this past year, helping us meet the many challenges of our fast-growing cooperative,” added Morgan. United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to more than 97,000 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 social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop. ###09/02/2020 - 01:45 PM
Title United Power Announces National Search for New Chief Executive Officer /sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/OfficesClosed-resized.jpg?itok=gpU4HMsG Wednesday | September 2, 2020 Card Teaser Candidates may submit a letter of interest and resume through October 7, 2020. Brighton, CO - The United Power’s board of directors has officially begun their search for the next leader of the electric cooperative. John Parker, who was selected as CEO in 2017, retired earlier in 2020. United Power Chief Operating Officer, Bryant Robbins has been acting CEO in the interim. The United Power Board of Directors has retained Holmes Executive Search, LLC to assist in the identification of their next CEO. A memo addressed to employees and members from the board states that, “Hiring a new CEO is the most important decision that a Board makes, and we take this responsibility as a challenge to build on United Power’s strong reputation and enhance its future performance for our members.” Candidates may submit a letter of interest and resume to Ken@HolmesExecutiveSearch.com. Application materials will be accepted through October 7, 2020. CEO Job Description United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to more than 95,000 meters at homes, business, and farms in Colorado's north central front range. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media at facebook.com/unitedpower or twitter.com/unitedpowercoop. ###01/30/2024 - 09:20 AM
United Power Announces New $7,500 Lineman Scholarship for High School Seniors Tuesday | January 30, 2024 Applications for all scholarships are now open. Read more >
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