Title
United Power Statement on Tri-State Announcement to Reduce Rates & Implement Partial Requirements Contracts
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Thursday | October 8, 2020
Tri-State Generation and Transmission, United Power’s power supplier, announced a plan to reduce rates by 8% over the next three years, as well as allow for partial requirements contracts with certain requirements. The improvements are part of the power supplier’s goals to meet the guidelines of their Responsible Energy Plan. United Power’s interim CEO, Bryant Robbins issued the following statement in response to the components of the proposed plan:
“United Power is very supportive of Tri-State’s efforts to lower rates. We think this is a great step in the right direction for the future of Tri-State and congratulate their efforts in trying to make this happen. Unfortunately for United Power, we serve an area in which our competitors’ rates are as much 25% to 35% less than ours. We are going to need much more than the proposed 8% reduction in Wholesale Power to be competitive,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins.
“Based upon our preliminary analysis, we don’t think the Partial Requirements/added flexibility has a positive impact on our needs. The approved plan is not what we proposed a couple of years ago and just doesn’t appear to viable to United Power and its membership,” added Robbins. “However, we hope it does meet the needs of the other [Tri-State] cooperatives.”
“United Power will continue to pursue a just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory exit charge,” Robbins concluded. “Once received, our Board can then determine the appropriate direction and future of our Power Supply that is in the best interest of our membership. We also remain available to Tri-State for discussions to potentially resolve the issues.”
United Power is continuing to work on this. Read more on our Power Supply page.
United Power Students Leave for D.C.
Monday | July 1, 2019
Colorado students boarded a bus from United Power on Friday, June 14 to join nearly 2,000 other high school students for the 2019 Youth Leadership Tour in Washington D.C.
Read more >
Title
United Power Suspending Disconnects
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/COVID_Disconnect.jpg?itok=DBURLcbV
Tuesday | March 17, 2020
Card Teaser
Out of concern for our members and the communities they call home, United Power is suspending service disconnects and late fees for our residential members.
Article originally published on March 17, 2020
Out of concern for our members and the communities they call home, United Power is suspending service disconnects and late fees for our residential members. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and re-evaluate our processes on an ongoing basis. If you anticipate difficulty paying your bill, please give us a call. Our Member Services team is available to help you at 303-637-1300.
Remember, you don't need to come to a United Power office to make a payment. We offer several convenient ways for you to access your account and make payments that are fee-free, secure and will post to your account immediately. For more information about United Power's response to COVID-19, click here.
Title
United Power Testifies in Support of Colorado Cooperative Governance House Bill
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Wednesday | April 7, 2021
Card Teaser
This bill allows electric cooperatives to modernize processes in director elections and corresponding procedures.
United Power’s Government and Regulatory Relations Officer, Troy Whitmore, testified Tuesday in front of the Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee in support of a House bill concerning governance requirements for Colorado’s electric cooperatives. House Bill 21-1131 “Cooperative Electric Associations Governance Requirements” makes current laws regarding transparency and governance applicable to all non-profit electric associations.
“We were pleased to participate in a thorough stakeholder process with Representative Amabile regarding this bill for several months prior to introduction,” said Troy Whitmore, Government & Regulatory Relations Officer, during his testimony. “The United Power Board of Directors has taken a position of support on this bill.”
This bill represents modernization improvements for electric cooperatives in director elections and corresponding procedures, formal authorization of virtual technology use for Board and member meetings, and clear instruction on Board policies regarding compensation and disclosure of conflicts of interest.
“We have no issue with the posting of rate tariffs and other important policies on our website as we already publish this important information. We take great pride in transparently communicating with our membership and other interested parties,” said Whitmore. “Back in 2010, we worked closely with Representative Claire Levy on a similar bill which improved our director election procedures and member notifications. This bill, HB 1131, further improves the foundational work accomplished more than a decade ago.”
In 2010, United Power worked with state lawmakers to clarify election requirements for cooperatives, which allowed United Power to count more member ballots as valid. An aspect of the 2021 House bill allows the cooperative to hold more electronic communications and elections—which have greatly expanded access and popularity over the last year.
“As previously interpreted from State statute, electric cooperatives in Colorado were not able to hold electronic director elections,” said Whitmore. “The passage of this bill would allow our Board to consider offering the addition of electronic balloting to our members for cooperative elections.”
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Chief Executive Officer, Duane Highley, and Geoffrey Hier, Government Relations Director for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, also testified in favor of the bill. HB21-1131 passed unanimously in Senate committee on Tuesday and is headed to the Senate floor sometime in the next week.
Read the full testimony of Mr. Troy Whitmore. Read the full text of HB21-1131 and monitor the status.
Title
United Power to Hold 80th Annual Meeting April 17
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Monday | February 18, 2019
Card Teaser
United Power will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the 2019 Annual Meeting of members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Adams County Fairground and Regional Park Complex. Registration and balloting open at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Director Election Ballots to Be Mailed in March
United Power will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the 2019 Annual Meeting of members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Adams County Fairground and Regional Park Complex. Registration and balloting open at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The annual business meeting will include a barbecue dinner, director election, cooperative update, anniversary celebration, and door prizes. All United Power members are invited to attend the annual business meeting of the not-for-profit electric cooperative and cast their ballots in the 2019 Director Election.
A seat in the East, West and South director districts will be up for a three-year term in the 2019 Director Election. Nominations by written petition were due to the cooperative on Friday, Feb. 15. The candidates running in the 2019 Director Election are as follows:
District E (East):
Elizabeth Martin
District S (South):
Keith E. Alquist, II
Bradley J. Case
District W (West):
Ursula J. Morgan
United Power will host four Meet the Candidate Forums where members can learn more about each candidate.
March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Adams County Fairgrounds
March 19 at 7:30 a.m. at Fort Lupton Recreation Center
March 21 at 7:30 a.m. at Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
March 22 at 7:30 a.m. at E.L.F. Grill
In addition, profiles provided by each candidate will be included in the ballot packets mailed to all members at the end of March. Members should return their ballots via postage-paid mail prior to Apr. 15, or vote in person at the Annual Meeting on Apr. 17. Members may also return ballots in a ballot drop-box located at each of United Power’s offices. Ballot drop boxes will close at 2 p.m. on Apr. 17.
To learn more about the candidates, for more information about the Meet the Candidate Forums, or for more information about the cooperative’s 80th Annual Meeting please visit the Annual Meeting page.
United Power to Host 2023 Annual Meeting on April 12
Friday | April 7, 2023
United Power members are invited to attend the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Balloting in this year’s Director Election will close on April 11 for mail and electronic votes.
Read more >
Title
United Power to Host Fleet Electrification Conference
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Monday | August 23, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power is hosting the cooperative’s first-ever Fleet Electrification Conference at its Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, on September 29.
Conference to Feature Loveland-based Lightning eMotors
Brighton, CO – United Power is hosting the cooperative’s first-ever Fleet Electrification Conference at its Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, on September 29. Featured guest Lightning eMotors specializes in producing sustainable commercial fleet solutions, including electric vehicles. The free conference is open to public and private fleet operators and managers.
Guest speakers from United Power, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Northern Colorado Clean Cities will present their expertise in the emerging field of electrification at the conference. Topics covered during the conference include the State of Colorado’s new fleet electrification strategy, resources and funding options for fleet services, the growth and availability of charging infrastructure and the future of electrified fleets. During the conference, Lightning eMotors will also feature demonstration fleet electric vehicles.
United Power’s Fleet Electrification Conference convenes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and fleet vehicle demonstrations begin prior to the conference at 8 a.m. Interested attendees are encouraged to pre-register for the conference at www.unitedpowerfleets2021.rsvpify.com. Lunch will be provided.
What: United Power Fleet Electrification Conference
When: Wednesday, September 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: United Power’s Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, Colo.
Questions or comments regarding the upcoming conference can be directed to Joel Danforth, United Power’s Energy Programs and New Business Director, at 720-685-5644.
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.
###
Title
United Power to Move Forward with Lawsuit Against Power Supplier
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Friday | October 23, 2020
Card Teaser
Colorado Public Utilities Commission declines to rule on corporate law issue
Brighton, CO - Yesterday the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CoPUC) dismissed without prejudice United Power and La Plata Electric’s complaint against Tri-State. The Commission acknowledged that the decision on whether Tri-State lawfully admitted the three non-utility partners, an action that allowed them to claim that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had exclusive jurisdiction over their rates, was a corporate law matter and should be decided by the courts. In May United Power filed a case against Tri-State in Adams County courts asserting that Tri-State fraudulently induced United Power to champion a 2019 Bylaw amendment to permit partial requirement membership. The admission of three non-utility members allowed Tri-State to apply for oversight with FERC, effectively setting aside the months of work by the CoPUC and suspending the administrative law judge’s ruling that favored a buyout methodology developed by United Power.
“We know the PUC was put in an awkward position of having to rule on a corporate law decision,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins. “We greatly appreciate the hard work of both the Commission and their staff. The need of having the District Court hear the case was not unexpected. We will continue to move forward in our efforts to lower the rates of the 97,000 meters that we serve.”
In November of 2019, United Power filed a complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) seeking a fair buyout charge. This summer, United Power received a favorable ruling from the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned by the PUC to hear the case. Then on August 28th, FERC reversed an earlier decision and determined they have sole jurisdiction over the exit fee matter, even while acknowledging that they have not determined that Tri-State’s proposed methodology represented a “just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory exit charge”.
“While we are disappointed that the commission is unable to rule on this issue, we believe our case in Adams County will show that the non-utility members were unlawfully added according to both State Statutes and their own bylaws,” stated Robbins.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to nearly 97,000 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.###
Title
United Power Statement on Tri-State Announcement to Reduce Rates & Implement Partial Requirements Contracts
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb
Thursday | October 8, 2020
Tri-State Generation and Transmission, United Power’s power supplier, announced a plan to reduce rates by 8% over the next three years, as well as allow for partial requirements contracts with certain requirements. The improvements are part of the power supplier’s goals to meet the guidelines of their Responsible Energy Plan. United Power’s interim CEO, Bryant Robbins issued the following statement in response to the components of the proposed plan:
“United Power is very supportive of Tri-State’s efforts to lower rates. We think this is a great step in the right direction for the future of Tri-State and congratulate their efforts in trying to make this happen. Unfortunately for United Power, we serve an area in which our competitors’ rates are as much 25% to 35% less than ours. We are going to need much more than the proposed 8% reduction in Wholesale Power to be competitive,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins.
“Based upon our preliminary analysis, we don’t think the Partial Requirements/added flexibility has a positive impact on our needs. The approved plan is not what we proposed a couple of years ago and just doesn’t appear to viable to United Power and its membership,” added Robbins. “However, we hope it does meet the needs of the other [Tri-State] cooperatives.”
“United Power will continue to pursue a just, reasonable, and non-discriminatory exit charge,” Robbins concluded. “Once received, our Board can then determine the appropriate direction and future of our Power Supply that is in the best interest of our membership. We also remain available to Tri-State for discussions to potentially resolve the issues.”
United Power is continuing to work on this. Read more on our Power Supply page.
United Power Students Leave for D.C.
Monday | July 1, 2019
Colorado students boarded a bus from United Power on Friday, June 14 to join nearly 2,000 other high school students for the 2019 Youth Leadership Tour in Washington D.C.
Read more >
Title
United Power Suspending Disconnects
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/COVID_Disconnect.jpg?itok=DBURLcbV
Tuesday | March 17, 2020
Card Teaser
Out of concern for our members and the communities they call home, United Power is suspending service disconnects and late fees for our residential members.
Article originally published on March 17, 2020
Out of concern for our members and the communities they call home, United Power is suspending service disconnects and late fees for our residential members. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and re-evaluate our processes on an ongoing basis. If you anticipate difficulty paying your bill, please give us a call. Our Member Services team is available to help you at 303-637-1300.
Remember, you don't need to come to a United Power office to make a payment. We offer several convenient ways for you to access your account and make payments that are fee-free, secure and will post to your account immediately. For more information about United Power's response to COVID-19, click here.
Title
United Power Testifies in Support of Colorado Cooperative Governance House Bill
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/Colorado_Capitol.jpg?itok=Plxl0uPW
Wednesday | April 7, 2021
Card Teaser
This bill allows electric cooperatives to modernize processes in director elections and corresponding procedures.
United Power’s Government and Regulatory Relations Officer, Troy Whitmore, testified Tuesday in front of the Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee in support of a House bill concerning governance requirements for Colorado’s electric cooperatives. House Bill 21-1131 “Cooperative Electric Associations Governance Requirements” makes current laws regarding transparency and governance applicable to all non-profit electric associations.
“We were pleased to participate in a thorough stakeholder process with Representative Amabile regarding this bill for several months prior to introduction,” said Troy Whitmore, Government & Regulatory Relations Officer, during his testimony. “The United Power Board of Directors has taken a position of support on this bill.”
This bill represents modernization improvements for electric cooperatives in director elections and corresponding procedures, formal authorization of virtual technology use for Board and member meetings, and clear instruction on Board policies regarding compensation and disclosure of conflicts of interest.
“We have no issue with the posting of rate tariffs and other important policies on our website as we already publish this important information. We take great pride in transparently communicating with our membership and other interested parties,” said Whitmore. “Back in 2010, we worked closely with Representative Claire Levy on a similar bill which improved our director election procedures and member notifications. This bill, HB 1131, further improves the foundational work accomplished more than a decade ago.”
In 2010, United Power worked with state lawmakers to clarify election requirements for cooperatives, which allowed United Power to count more member ballots as valid. An aspect of the 2021 House bill allows the cooperative to hold more electronic communications and elections—which have greatly expanded access and popularity over the last year.
“As previously interpreted from State statute, electric cooperatives in Colorado were not able to hold electronic director elections,” said Whitmore. “The passage of this bill would allow our Board to consider offering the addition of electronic balloting to our members for cooperative elections.”
Tri-State Generation & Transmission Chief Executive Officer, Duane Highley, and Geoffrey Hier, Government Relations Director for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, also testified in favor of the bill. HB21-1131 passed unanimously in Senate committee on Tuesday and is headed to the Senate floor sometime in the next week.
Read the full testimony of Mr. Troy Whitmore. Read the full text of HB21-1131 and monitor the status.
Title
United Power to Hold 80th Annual Meeting April 17
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/02_18_2019_AnnualMeet80.png?itok=fNdjNpAO
Monday | February 18, 2019
Card Teaser
United Power will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the 2019 Annual Meeting of members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Adams County Fairground and Regional Park Complex. Registration and balloting open at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Director Election Ballots to Be Mailed in March
United Power will celebrate its 80th Anniversary at the 2019 Annual Meeting of members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the Adams County Fairground and Regional Park Complex. Registration and balloting open at 4:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The annual business meeting will include a barbecue dinner, director election, cooperative update, anniversary celebration, and door prizes. All United Power members are invited to attend the annual business meeting of the not-for-profit electric cooperative and cast their ballots in the 2019 Director Election.
A seat in the East, West and South director districts will be up for a three-year term in the 2019 Director Election. Nominations by written petition were due to the cooperative on Friday, Feb. 15. The candidates running in the 2019 Director Election are as follows:
District E (East):
Elizabeth Martin
District S (South):
Keith E. Alquist, II
Bradley J. Case
District W (West):
Ursula J. Morgan
United Power will host four Meet the Candidate Forums where members can learn more about each candidate.
March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Adams County Fairgrounds
March 19 at 7:30 a.m. at Fort Lupton Recreation Center
March 21 at 7:30 a.m. at Coal Creek Canyon Community Center
March 22 at 7:30 a.m. at E.L.F. Grill
In addition, profiles provided by each candidate will be included in the ballot packets mailed to all members at the end of March. Members should return their ballots via postage-paid mail prior to Apr. 15, or vote in person at the Annual Meeting on Apr. 17. Members may also return ballots in a ballot drop-box located at each of United Power’s offices. Ballot drop boxes will close at 2 p.m. on Apr. 17.
To learn more about the candidates, for more information about the Meet the Candidate Forums, or for more information about the cooperative’s 80th Annual Meeting please visit the Annual Meeting page.
United Power to Host 2023 Annual Meeting on April 12
Friday | April 7, 2023
United Power members are invited to attend the cooperative’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Balloting in this year’s Director Election will close on April 11 for mail and electronic votes.
Read more >
Title
United Power to Host Fleet Electrification Conference
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/EV_plugin.jpg?h=45932144&itok=UKkauilg
Monday | August 23, 2021
Card Teaser
United Power is hosting the cooperative’s first-ever Fleet Electrification Conference at its Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, on September 29.
Conference to Feature Loveland-based Lightning eMotors
Brighton, CO – United Power is hosting the cooperative’s first-ever Fleet Electrification Conference at its Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, on September 29. Featured guest Lightning eMotors specializes in producing sustainable commercial fleet solutions, including electric vehicles. The free conference is open to public and private fleet operators and managers.
Guest speakers from United Power, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Northern Colorado Clean Cities will present their expertise in the emerging field of electrification at the conference. Topics covered during the conference include the State of Colorado’s new fleet electrification strategy, resources and funding options for fleet services, the growth and availability of charging infrastructure and the future of electrified fleets. During the conference, Lightning eMotors will also feature demonstration fleet electric vehicles.
United Power’s Fleet Electrification Conference convenes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and fleet vehicle demonstrations begin prior to the conference at 8 a.m. Interested attendees are encouraged to pre-register for the conference at www.unitedpowerfleets2021.rsvpify.com. Lunch will be provided.
What: United Power Fleet Electrification Conference
When: Wednesday, September 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: United Power’s Carbon Valley Service Center, 9586 E I-25 Frontage Road, Longmont, Colo.
Questions or comments regarding the upcoming conference can be directed to Joel Danforth, United Power’s Energy Programs and New Business Director, at 720-685-5644.
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.
###
Title
United Power to Move Forward with Lawsuit Against Power Supplier
/sites/default/files/styles/news_card_553x430_/public/news/PowerLine.jpg?h=6ae7ec77&itok=vzIvBZWb
Friday | October 23, 2020
Card Teaser
Colorado Public Utilities Commission declines to rule on corporate law issue
Brighton, CO - Yesterday the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CoPUC) dismissed without prejudice United Power and La Plata Electric’s complaint against Tri-State. The Commission acknowledged that the decision on whether Tri-State lawfully admitted the three non-utility partners, an action that allowed them to claim that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had exclusive jurisdiction over their rates, was a corporate law matter and should be decided by the courts. In May United Power filed a case against Tri-State in Adams County courts asserting that Tri-State fraudulently induced United Power to champion a 2019 Bylaw amendment to permit partial requirement membership. The admission of three non-utility members allowed Tri-State to apply for oversight with FERC, effectively setting aside the months of work by the CoPUC and suspending the administrative law judge’s ruling that favored a buyout methodology developed by United Power.
“We know the PUC was put in an awkward position of having to rule on a corporate law decision,” stated interim CEO, Bryant Robbins. “We greatly appreciate the hard work of both the Commission and their staff. The need of having the District Court hear the case was not unexpected. We will continue to move forward in our efforts to lower the rates of the 97,000 meters that we serve.”
In November of 2019, United Power filed a complaint with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) seeking a fair buyout charge. This summer, United Power received a favorable ruling from the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) assigned by the PUC to hear the case. Then on August 28th, FERC reversed an earlier decision and determined they have sole jurisdiction over the exit fee matter, even while acknowledging that they have not determined that Tri-State’s proposed methodology represented a “just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory exit charge”.
“While we are disappointed that the commission is unable to rule on this issue, we believe our case in Adams County will show that the non-utility members were unlawfully added according to both State Statutes and their own bylaws,” stated Robbins.
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative delivering electricity to nearly 97,000 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.###
