Four Front Range electrical utilities — Colorado Springs Utilities, CORE Electric Cooperative, Platte River Power Authority, and United Power — are teaming up in an effort to modernize in-state electricity transmission.
“We expect our growth to continue, so addressing transmission congestion is critical,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power, in a July 15 statement. “United Power serves an area that is growing quickly, attracting large residential developments and new businesses alike. A more reliable transmission route would help to stabilize costs and increase reliability for current and future members in the cooperative’s service territory.
“A new transmission solution could also benefit the utilities by allowing them to better access generation and share transmission resources, helping to meet Colorado’s clean energy goals,” he said.
CORE Electric Cooperative serves customers in Douglas, Clear Creek, Park and Jefferson counties. The Platte River Power Authority includes customers in Loveland, Fort Collins, Longmont and Estes Park. United Power serves Adams, Weld, Clear Creek and Jefferson counties.
The three rural Metro Denver power companies and the Colorado Springs Utilities aim to reduce electric transmission congestion, improve system reliability, expand access to renewable energy sources, and support Colorado’s goal for carbon reduction, according to officials.
According to officials, the transmission lines are part of the electric grid that supplies power within their area, from power plants to local utilities and substations.
The population growth in the Colorado Front Range presents challenges due to the resilience of transmission congestion limits. The four utility power companies serve more than 1.5 million Coloradans in the state’s fastest-growing regions.
“We are committed to decarbonizing our portfolio for our four owner communities while supporting our neighboring utilities as we all make this energy transition,” says Jason Frisbie, CEO of Platte River Power Authority. “All options are on the table to help improve reliability and reduce costs, including opportunities to enhance transmission capabilities as we move into an organized market.”
Additionally, according to officials, Springs Utilities, Platte River Power Authority, and United Power will join the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Regional Transmission Organization on April 1, 2026, to help manage costs and maintain reliability. Also, CORE would determine market presence alongside the South Power Pool.
“This is a positive first step in exploring alternative ways for our four utilities to support growth and resiliency across our service territories,” stated Pam Feuerstein, CORE CEO. “Additional transmission would enable CORE to continue providing affordable and reliable power to our members, now and into the future.”
“The four utilities have agreed to continue to evaluate future transmission options that can best support each utility’s needs while advancing shared goals for reliability, affordability, and sustainability.”