HomeMy WebLinkAbout20241719.tiffJune 19, 2024
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-400-4200
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, CO 80632
Administrator Andrew Burke
United States Department of Agriculture
Rural Utilities Service
1400 Independence Ave SW, Room 4221
Washington, DC 20250
RE: United Power's Greenhouse Gas Reduction & Reliability Revolution Application for New ERA
Funding
Dear Administrator Burke:
Weld County is excited to support United Power's continued work on the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and
Reliability Revolution (GGRRR) proposal, which was initially submitted as a Letter of Intent under the
Rural Utilities Service's (RUS) Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program.
Weld County is unique in Colorado, offering some of the most exciting growth opportunities for business
in the state. We are committed to an "all of the above" energy philosophy, as we sit atop the oil rich DJ
Basin. The industry is vital to our communities, providing good paying jobs and growth to support many
families that call Weld County home. We are already home to several local generation projects that are
connected to United Power, including large solar installations and a landfill gas generation project. Our
ability to serve as a vital huh for a variety of energy resources is among our many strengths as a Colorado
county.
United Power serves more than 47,000 homes and businesses in our county, including the many wells
currently producing oil. These companies acknowledge changing legislative initiatives and are working to
electrify many of their processes in the field. United Power is an important utility partner in this process
and continues to seek out the most innovative and cutting -edge ideas to help these important industry
partners reach their goals.
Further, United Power is a valued community partner to the county, providing support for a variety of
organizations and projects that benefit the people and businesses located here. They are an active partner in
the many towns and cities that call Weld County home, providing both money and leadership to help these
communities grow and thrive.
United Power's recent move to leave their single power supplier has already made a huge impact on the
greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint of the county. While we support diverse energy sources, we are still
committed to helping our many business partners meet new GHG guidelines/goals. The transition away
from United Power's prior power supplier has already helped companies in our county reach some of these
targets as the cooperative was able to reduce its GHG emissions by 26% the day it left its former contract
on May 1, 2024, as compared to Dec. 31, 2023.
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2024-1719
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PHONE: 970-400-4200
FAX: 970-336-7233
1150 O STREET
P.O. BOX 758
GREELEY, CO 80632
United Power continues to look for additional generation projects that can be added, often right here in our
county. The addition of large-scale projects within the county brings a visible reminder that we are investing
in local resources — resources that provide tax dollars to the county to provide necessary services.
Additionally, it sends a message to businesses that our county is open to adding local generation, perhaps
right at their own facilities, to offset their power needs.
Weld County is committed to a future that supports the varied goals and interests of our residents and
businesses. No matter how you view your future goals, having a power company with the expertise to
provide the service we need as a growing community is essential. Reliable and economical power is critical
to the growth we want to attract. The New ERA program will help United Power continue to work toward
more stable and predictable rates for the future, and that will benefit every family and business in our
county.
United Power is a present and influential voice in Weld County, and we look forward to continuing our
growth path with them. We appreciate the ongoing involvement and support we receive from United Power
and are proud to support them in this application. Further, we look forward to working with the cooperative,
should it receive New ERA funding, to deliver a robust community benefits plan to our citizens and
businesses alike.
Sincerely,
Kevin D. Ross
Chair, Weld County Board of Commissioners
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