Who United Power serves
United Power’s roughly 900-square-mile territory wraps around the north and west sides of Denver International Airport and follows the growth corridors along I-25, I-76, Highway 85 and E-470, then climbs into Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons. It serves nearly 110,000 meters — fast-growing suburbs along those highway corridors, farms to the northeast, and canyon homes to the west.
It left Tri-State on May 1, 2024. Guzman Energy now supplies about a third of its power on a 15-year fixed-price contract, with the rest from United Power’s own and contracted resources.
The March settlement: size for what you use
Your net-meter bank fills in summer and drains in winter. Whatever is left when United Power settles banks in March is paid at the wholesale energy rate — a fraction of the $0.1184/kWh retail energy charge. That’s why we size United Power systems to offset your usage over a full April-to-March year rather than to the 200% cap.
The fixed $22 monthly charge and the demand charge stay on your bill no matter how much solar you have, so a “zero bill” is not realistic here. A realistic target is eliminating most of the energy portion.
The demand charge is on every bill, all day
United Power bills $4.55 per kW of your highest 15-minute interval in the month, and unlike some utilities it counts any time of day, including on the Time of Use rate. One afternoon with the dryer, oven and a 48-amp EV charger running together can set a 13 kW peak — about $59 for that month.
Solar reduces your kWh but rarely your peak, because the peak usually happens when clouds or evening remove the solar. Managing when big loads run, or letting a battery absorb spikes, is what lowers this line.
Where solar is a strong fit here — and where it isn’t
Owned systems finished after 2025 get no federal homeowner credit, and United Power offers no solar rebate. A household with steady year-round usage and a good south or west roof can still come out ahead over the system’s life, especially as rates rise. A household that already uses little power, or that would export most of its production and settle it at wholesale, often won’t.
Because a lease or PPA owner can still claim §48E if the system is placed in service by the end of 2027, we’ll price that option too (as of September 2026; verify current terms).
Rebates & programs
Programs change often. Status shown is what we could confirm on the date listed — always check with the program before you count on it.
EV Home Charge wiring and panel rebates
OpenMake-ready wiring rebates of up to $250 (invoices under $1,200) or $500 (invoices $1,200+), rising to $500 / $1,000 for members enrolled in United EV, plus a $500 panel-upgrade rebate. Grant-funded; applications through June 30, 2027 or until funds run out.
- Wiring rebate without United EV: invoice amount up to $250 (<$1,200) or up to $500 (≥$1,200); with United EV enrollment: $500 (<$1,200) or $1,000 (≥$1,200). Panel-upgrade assistance: $500.(source)
- EV Home Charge applications accepted through June 30, 2027 or until funds are exhausted; funding is contingent on Colorado grant money.(source)
United EV
OpenA service agreement that provides a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger, installed and maintained, for $19 a month, with a menu of EV charging rates.
Battery Pilot Program
Status unconfirmedA pilot that pays a monthly bill credit for letting United Power discharge part of a qualifying battery during peak hours. Equipment eligibility is limited; confirm before buying for the pilot.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Is United Power still part of Tri-State?
No. United Power’s exit from Tri-State took effect May 1, 2024. It now buys about a third of its power from Guzman Energy under a 15-year contract and supplies the rest from its own and contracted resources.
When does United Power settle my solar credits?
Every March. Remaining net-meter bank balances are paid at the current wholesale energy rate and reset to zero for the new April–March year.
Does every United Power rate have a demand charge?
Yes. All United Power residential rates, including Time of Use, include a demand charge — $4.55/kW in 2026, based on the highest 15-minute interval of the month.
What do I need to connect solar to United Power?
An online interconnection application, signed Terms & Conditions, a one-line drawing, a disconnect switch and production meter housing, a local inspection, and United Power engineering review. We prepare all of it.
Does United Power serve the mountains too?
Yes — its territory includes Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons as well as the plains and suburbs north and east of Denver.