What's inside?

• Iowa utility association builds energy-efficient headquarters
• Energy Services Web site has new look, easy navigation
• Roseville middle school combines history with state-of-the-art technology
• Western-sponsored PV workshop draws diverse audience to Phoenix
• Western customers earn recognition for innovation, energy initiatives
• United Power focuses on community service as customer base grows
• REAs a big part of communities they serve
• Western, Missouri River team to offer three Motor Challenge workshops
• What is DOE's Motor Challenge program?
• IAMU facility offers hands-on training
• Western's Electric Power Training Center offers wide variety of utility courses

• Calendar of Events

Western’s Energy Services Website: www.wapa.gov/es Western's Power Line: 1-800-POWERLN (1-800-769-3756)

As metro Denver has grown, United Power's service territory has changed significantly.

While still rooted in the tradition of rural electric co-ops, United Power now serves a large area stretching from part of the foothills west of Denver to the area surrounding the plains community of Brighton east of Denver.

Despite the changes, United Power still focuses on community involvement. This focus takes several forms.

Consumer committee
In 1983, the co-op's board of directors authorized a Consumer Resource Committee. Made up of member customers, the CRC has two purposes:

• Committee members become more familiar with United Power, its goals and objectives, policies, and other factors that influence the operation of the association.
• The committee provides a forum for consumer input into such areas as rate design, meter reading alternatives, the annual meeting, line extension policies, high-bill complaints, electric service hardship cases, disconnect policies and other issues that are concerns of the members and the Association.

The committee gives the utility a direct tie to the members it serves. It keeps a finger on the pulse of the community. The CRC generally meets three or four times a year.

The co-op's Web site spells out the role committee members play: "As a member of the CRC you only need to share your observations, concerns, and recommendations. Your insights into our operation, as a customer, are invaluable in formulating new directions and directives for the future.

"On occasion you may be asked if you are willing to serve on a task force. These short-term assignments help us investigate the impact of proposed changes, or help us formulate a new program or procedure. Some examples might include studying meter reading procedures, handling of patronage capital refunds, suggestions for annual meeting formats, and recommendations or insights into publications, public image, or rates. The CRC is given an active role in formulating new directions, and interested members will have the opportunity to get involved with any activity at the grassroots level."

Economic development
United Power also works to promote economic development through partnerships with community groups. It is a member of the Greater Brighton Economic Development Corporation, Adams County Economic Development, Inc., and Greeley/Weld Economic Development Action Partnership, Inc.

These non-profit organizations promote the benefits of locating businesses in their communities. Residents benefit from increased employment opportunities and an expanded tax base.

Energy efficiency
But United Power also helps customers find ways to save money on their energy bills. The co-op offers a blueprint consultation service to help builders and owners get the most for each energy dollar. The consultation includes heat loss calculations, advice on building materials and insulation, and tips on the proper sizing of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

For owners of existing homes or businesses, United Power offers energy audits that can save consumers money. It also offers rebates and incentives to replace old equipment with new, energy-efficient models. The co-op's power supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, offers some of these incentives, and United Power has additional programs of its own.

Through these and other programs, United Power keeps its close ties to the community even as its service area changes. It has found a way to grow without losing its personal connection with customers.