United Power announced that it joined the Southwest Power Pool, or SPP, earlier this week.
United Power is an electric cooperative based out of Brighton that serves parts of Broomfield and Longmont. It is the first distribution utility in the Western Interconnection to join SPP, a news release states.
SPP is a regional transmission organization that ensures reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure and competitive prices.
“Since United Power is leaving our current wholesale power supplier in 2024, it is important that we seek out memberships and partnerships that will help us assure a reliable power source at the lowest cost possible,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. “Our membership with SPP is one of the critical pieces we wanted in place as we move toward a new energy future for our members.”
United Power announced in April it would be leaving its current wholesale provider, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. because its members wanted a faster progression toward renewable energy, Gabriel told the Leader in April.
The decision on which wholesaler to switch to is still months away from being made, Gabriel said. The new partnership with SPP will “allow for the buying and selling of power between providers,” Gabriel stated in an email.
“Membership matters. Our membership in SPP means we will have a meaningful say in the strategic direction of the organization,” stated Gabriel. “Members have an active role in determining how this new energy market develops and how the organization grows. We will be able to directly represent the interests of all United Power members.”
