Dear Editor,

My name is Ginny Buczek. I am the incumbent director for the West District of United Power. It is an honor to represent the members of United Power. I have been a committed member of the United Power community for 32 years and remain focused on the families and businesses of our community. Quality of life, successful businesses and strong, prosperous communities depend on reliable, safe, affordable power.

As a United Power Board Member my continued long-term commitment to our communities and civic groups connects me to the members of United Power. As a not-for-profit United Power Co-op can focus on our members’ priorities. When I am talking to members I hear two phrases, “Keep my lights on” and “Keep my rates low.” Reliability and affordability continue to be the top concerns of United Power members.

United Power was among the most reliable distribution systems in the country in 2022, as measured by industry standards. Not all power outages can be prevented. Equipment fails, cars seem to find power poles, and weather will always be a factor, but investing in continuous maintenance, system upgrades, technology and our dedicated employees will support reliability.

United Power has not had a rate increase in three years despite inflation and supply issues pushing material costs dramatically higher. One measure taken by the Board to address price increases was approving the 2023 Capital Construction in the Fall so materials could be purchased in the most cost-effective and timely manner.

Your co-op advocates for your interests as a member/owner at the Local, State, and National level. I was elected by the Board as United Powers’ Director on the Colorado Rural Electric Association Board. CREA represents 23 Co-ops providing electric service to over 1,000,000 Colorado residents. I am the current President of the CREA, having been elected by the other 22 Co-op Directors. Being President of Colorado Co-op’s Statewide organization allows me to advocate in the interest of United Power members.

My experience serving in every officer position on both the United Power and CREA Boards, hundreds of hours of Elective Cooperative education, and listening to you, the member, has provided the experience, knowledge, and community connection to serve the best interest of the members. I would be honored to serve you, the members, for another term.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in Your Co-Op.

Virginia “Ginny” A. Buczek

Peak to Peak