United Power
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative founded in 1938, distributing electricity to 117,000+ meters across 17 communities on Colorado's northern Front Range via 6,500+ miles of lines, a diversified generation portfolio, and 78.3 MW of distributed battery storage.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1938
- HeadquartersBrighton, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What United Power does
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative founded in 1938 and headquartered at 500 Cooperative Way in Brighton, Colorado. It distributes electricity to approximately 117,000-118,000 meters across 900 square miles and 17 communities along Colorado's northern Front Range, operating more than 6,500 miles of distribution lines through three service centers (Brighton HQ, Carbon Valley/Firestone, and Coal Creek Canyon). The cooperative serves residential members, commercial and industrial customers, oil and gas operations, and is positioning to serve an emerging data center load in its territory.
The cooperative's core technology stack centers on a now-diversified energy portfolio following its May 1, 2024 exit from a single wholesale power contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission. United Power sources power from 27 different suppliers across wind, solar, natural gas, battery storage, and market purchases. Notable owned and contracted assets include 78.3 MW / 313.34 MWh of distributed battery energy storage systems (deployed across eight substation sites in partnership with Ameresco, integrated with Stem's AI-driven optimization software), the 162 MW Mountain Peak Power simple-cycle natural gas peaking plant (operational July 2025, with Kindle Energy), and 760+ MW of contracted renewable power purchase agreements targeted for online by 2030. Supporting infrastructure includes advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for two-way communication and time-of-use rate programs, an outage management system (OMS) that has driven SAIDI scores below 60 minutes, and a planned Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS). Complementary offerings include the United EV program (ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 chargers with up to $1,000 wiring rebates), Smart Rewards demand response, building benchmarking to EnergyStar Portfolio Manager for Colorado HB 21-1286 compliance, capital credits retirement, and the Operation Round Up community assistance program.
United Power's business model is usage-based electricity distribution, with rates (Standard Residential R1, Time of Use RTD1, Peak Time of Use RDP1, Smart Choice RD1) publicly disclosed and reviewed through regulatory processes. As a not-for-profit, revenues cover operating costs and are reinvested in infrastructure rather than distributed to shareholders, with margins returned to members as capital credits. The cooperative is governed by an 11-member member-elected board and currently holds an 'A' credit rating with a stable outlook from Fitch Ratings. Capital formation has been non-dilutive: a $627M raise in 2024 funded the Tri-State exit fee, and approximately $261.6M in USDA New ERA grant funding (plus a $6.1M DOE award) supports the renewable transition. In April 2026, United Power joined the Southwest Power Pool regional transmission organization, integrating with 40 other cooperatives, municipal utilities, and the Western Area Power Administration to enable economic dispatch across a broader Western market.
United Power firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- United Power
- Legal name
- United Power, Inc.
- Website
- https://unitedpower.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1938
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative founded in 1938, distributing electricity to 117,000+ meters across 17 communities on Colorado's northern Front Range via 6,500+ miles of lines, a diversified generation portfolio, and 78.3 MW of distributed battery storage.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
United Power industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric Utility Distribution Services
- NAICS
- Electric Power Distribution (221122), Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution (22112), Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (2211)
- SIC
- Electric Services (4911), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Electric Cooperatives (Rural/Member-Owned Utilities) (EUADABAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Electric Distribution System Owners (Wires-Only Companies) (EUADABAI)
Keywords
Where United Power is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brighton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
United Power business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Electricity Distribution and Transmission Services: United Power generates revenue through electricity distribution and transmission rates charged to member-customers. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, revenues are used to cover operating costs, maintain infrastructure, and fund system improvements rather than generating profit for shareholders.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Monthly | Standard Residential (R1) - Basic residential service with energy, demand, and fixed charges |
| Usage-based | Monthly | Time of Use (RTD1) - Two-part rate with on-peak and off-peak pricing periods |
| Usage-based | Monthly | Peak Time of Use (RDP1) - Rate with critical peak pricing during high-demand periods |
| Usage-based | Monthly | Smart Choice (RD1) - Reduced energy rate for flexible-load customers |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
United Power product offering
Product offeringCore offering
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative that distributes electricity to approximately 117,000+ residential, commercial, and industrial members across 17 communities spanning 900 square miles along Colorado's northern Front Range. The cooperative owns and operates 6,500+ miles of distribution lines, offers multiple rate structures (Standard Residential, Time of Use, Peak Time of Use, Smart Choice), and provides complementary programs including the United EV charging-as-a-service, Smart Rewards demand response, Green Power Partners, and Building Benchmarking compliance services.
Product overview
United Power is a member-owned electric cooperative offering a unified suite of electricity distribution services centered on reliable power delivery and emerging energy solutions. The core offering includes traditional residential and commercial electricity service with multiple rate structures (Standard Residential R1, Time of Use RTD1, Peak Time of Use RDP1, and Smart Choice RD1). Key complementary products include the United EV program for at-home EV charging with ChargePoint hardware, distributed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid optimization, and the Mountain Peak Power natural gas peaking plant for reliable power during demand spikes. Additional services encompass Building Benchmarking for energy compliance reporting, Capital Credits for member ownership returns, Operation Round Up community assistance, and Smart Rewards demand response. The cooperative operates member-facing platforms including SmartHub for account management, the Outage Center for real-time outage reporting, and connects to EnergyStar Portfolio Manager for building energy benchmarking.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- United EV: A member program offering at-home EV charging equipment, exclusive rebates towards EV charger electrical wiring, and smart charging rate options for electric vehicle owners.
- Smart Rewards
Products and services
- Residential Electricity Service Core residential electricity distribution service offering four rate schedule options: Standard Residential (R1), Time of Use (RTD1), Peak Time of Use (RDP1), and Smart Choice (RD1). Each provides varying energy, demand, and fixed monthly charges designed to serve individual households and families in the service territory.
- Commercial and Industrial Electricity Service Electricity distribution and transmission service for business customers including retail, manufacturing, industrial, oil and gas operations, transportation, and data centers with demand-based rate structures. Includes dedicated account management for large commercial and industrial accounts such as BNSF Railway and Bandimere Speedway.
- United EV (EV Charging-as-a-Service)
- Smart Rewards Demand response program offering bill credits for members who allow United Power to manage EV charging or other flexible loads during peak demand periods.
- Green Power Partners Program enabling members to support renewable energy generation through the cooperative, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
- Building Benchmarking Energy performance reporting service that uploads building energy-use data to EnergyStar Portfolio Manager for covered building owners to comply with Colorado's HB 21-1286 energy performance requirements.
- Operation Round Up Community assistance program funded by members who voluntarily round up their monthly bills to support partner organizations addressing food insecurity and community needs.
- Capital Credits Member ownership program that allocates a portion of cooperative margins back to members based on electricity purchased, with potential refunds issued at Board discretion.
- EV Wiring Rebates Rebate program for EV charger make-ready wiring and electrical panel upgrades, with amounts up to $1,000 for enrolled United EV members, funded through Colorado's Community Access Enterprise grant.
Quantifiable outcome
- Achieved SAIDI scores below 60 minutes, demonstrating industry-leading reliability performance
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use United Power
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
United Power technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
AI capability1 record
Feature4 records
United Power partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Ameresco, Inc.coreAmeresco provides battery energy storage system (BESS) infrastructure and services. United Power has partnered with Ameresco to deploy 78.3 MW / 313.34 MWh of distributed battery storage across eight sites within the service territory, enhancing grid reliability and renewable energy integration capabilities.
- Kindle Energy LLCcorePartnership for the Mountain Peak Power plant project, contributing to United Power's diversified energy portfolio and generation capacity for reliable power supply to members.
- Silicon RanchcoreSolar projects partnership providing renewable energy generation capacity and contributing to the cooperative's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals (26% reduction achieved since May 2024).
- Aypa PowercorePartnership for the Fortress solar-plus-storage project, combining solar generation with battery storage for enhanced grid stability and renewable energy integration.
- Alliance Energy GroupcorePartnership for the Brush II natural gas project, providing dispatchable generation capacity to complement renewable energy resources and ensure reliable power supply.
- NextGen Cooperative AllianceflagshipUnited Power is a founding member of NextGen Cooperative Alliance, a cooperative-focused organization for energy sector collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective advocacy.
- ChargePointcoreChargePoint provides electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and infrastructure, supporting United Power's ability to serve members with EVs through rate programs like Smart Choice (RD1) designed for flexible-load customers.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
United Power competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Holy Cross Energy: Member-owned electric cooperative serving Colorado's Vail Valley and Roaring Fork Valley. Closely comparable to United Power as a Colorado distribution cooperative pursuing renewable transition and similar TOU/EV programs, though smaller in scale.
- Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association: Colorado distribution cooperative serving northern Front Range communities adjacent to United Power's territory. Directly comparable as a member-owned cooperative with similar rate structures, renewable goals, and Northern Colorado service area.
- La Plata Electric Association: Member-owned electric cooperative serving southwestern Colorado. Comparable cooperative business model, member governance, and rural distribution focus, though serving a different geography within the same state.
- Mountain Parks Electric: Small electric cooperative serving Grand County, Colorado. Directly comparable as a Colorado member-owned distribution cooperative with mountain-territory exposure and similar wildfire/vegetation-management challenges.
- Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association: Generation-and-transmission cooperative that was United Power's exclusive wholesale supplier until the 2024 exit. Comparable cooperative structure with generation portfolio and PPAs, though focused on wholesale rather than distribution.
- Basin Electric Power Cooperative: Large generation-and-transmission cooperative serving distribution co-ops across the Upper Midwest and West. Comparable as a cooperative utility with significant generation assets (coal, gas, renewables) and wholesale power supply business.
- Pedernales Electric Cooperative: One of the largest distribution electric cooperatives in the U.S., serving Texas Hill Country. Closely comparable cooperative governance model, member-elected board, and diversified generation procurement approach, though in a different geography.
- Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD): Community-owned electric utility serving Sacramento, California. Comparable as a not-for-profit, customer-owned utility with vertically integrated generation, distribution, and progressive clean-energy programs including solar/battery deployment.
Broad incumbents
- Xcel Energy Colorado: Investor-owned utility serving the same Colorado Front Range region as United Power. Comparable as an electric distribution operator in overlapping geography, but operates as a regulated IOU with broader generation/transmission portfolio and different capital structure.
- Salt River Project: Large Arizona utility district providing electricity and water. Comparable as a community-owned utility with generation, distribution, and significant renewable/battery investment, operating under similar not-for-profit cooperative principles.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
United Power social profiles
Digital presenceUnited Power financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
United Power leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
United Power funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
United Power M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about United Power
What does United Power do?
United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative that distributes electricity to approximately 117,000+ residential, commercial, and industrial members across 17 communities spanning 900 square miles along Colorado's northern Front Range. The cooperative owns and operates 6,500+ miles of distribution lines, offers multiple rate structures (Standard Residential, Time of Use, Peak Time of Use, Smart Choice), and provides complementary programs including the United EV charging-as-a-service, Smart Rewards demand response, Green Power Partners, and Building Benchmarking compliance services.
Is United Power a public or private company?
United Power is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was United Power founded?
United Power was founded in 1938. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is United Power based?
United Power is headquartered in Brighton, United States, in the North America region.
How does United Power make money?
One revenue line is on record: electricity Distribution and Transmission Services.
Who are United Power's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Holy Cross Energy, Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association, La Plata Electric Association, Mountain Parks Electric, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Pedernales Electric Cooperative and Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). Broad incumbents are Xcel Energy Colorado and Salt River Project.
Does United Power have an API?
No public API is recorded for United Power.
What industry is United Power in?
United Power's product category is Electric Utility Distribution Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUADABAC, Electric Cooperatives (Rural/Member-Owned Utilities), with a secondary code of EUADABAI, Electric Distribution System Owners (Wires-Only Companies). Its NAICS code is 221122 and its SIC code is 4911.