Earlier this month, Y-W Electric Association installed a ChargePoint EV charger in Akron. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held November 12 to celebrate this innovative step that supports EV infrastructure development on the eastern plains. The co-op’s goal is to “encourage more folks to obtain EVs, to contribute to the charging infrastructure to reduce range anxiety,” […]
A first-of-its-kind bucket truck joined United Power’s fleet. The innovative, hybrid model bucket truck uses battery power to raise and lower the bucket as well as the bucket jib. It was debuted in September by the Brighton-based electric cooperative at the 2021 Utility Expo in Louisville, Kentucky. The electric boom and jib (a small crane […]
Primergy Solar, LLC, recently completed construction on the Pitkin Solar Project in the Roaring Fork Valley. The 5-megawatt installation consists of approximately 13,700 solar panels that include innovative bifacial panels and tracking systems. Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, energy from this project will be sold to Holy Cross Energy. The Glenwood Springs-based electric cooperative […]
New devices change one-way grid to multi-directional network By Reed Karaim and Mona Neeley It wasn’t long ago that the U.S. power grid resembled a relatively simple one-way street, with power flowing from central generating plants through transmission lines to distribution systems and, finally, to the customer. But this is no longer the case. Central-station […]
Researchers find potential in two low-carbon options By Maria Kenevsky and Mona Neeley When it’s time to fuel up your vehicle, you’re likely heading to the gas station or an electric vehicle charging station like most drivers in the U.S. But those might not be the only options in the future. Research continues into alternative […]
United Power recently installed a 625-kW diesel generator in its mountain service territory on the Gilpin County School District campus. This was done in partnership with the Gilpin County Office of Emergency Management. The generator was installed by the Brighton-based electric cooperative to enhance safety for both the school and community members. Since the school […]
Regular readers of this newsletter may remember the September 2020 edition that reported Fort Collins-based electric cooperative Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association was beginning work with community partners in Red Feather Lakes to build a microgrid. Well, the new microgrid was officially unveiled earlier this month on October 7. It consists of three main parts: […]
Durango-based electric cooperative La Plata Electric Association, in partnership with 4CORE (Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency), received access to funding through the Beneficial Electrification League to help local, income-qualified members obtain the latest electric water heating technology. Select homes in the Animas View Mobile Home Park are now qualified to receive free installation of […]
By Paul Wesslund Computer hacking is a top news story these days, and for years electric cooperatives have focused on blocking cyber threats from interfering with the nationwide electric grid of wires and poles that keeps our lights on. The network of power lines, transformers and substations adds up to an incredibly complex system that […]
Seeking solutions to be proactive about wildfire prevention and mitigation strategies, San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative looked at Brighton-based United Power’s previous fire mitigation work. The electric co-op based in Monte Vista replaced three-phase line and 34 poles in parts of its service area with Hendrix Aerial Cable. United Power switched its power line […]