Ronald Asche Announced as Next United Power CEO

Brighton, Colorado -- United Power’s Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Ronald D. Asche as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the electric cooperative. Mr. Asche joins United Power after nearly 35 years with the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). NPPD is Nebraska's largest electric utility, providing wholesale power to all or parts of 91 of Nebraska's 93 counties. NPPD operates more than 3,200 megawatts of power generation facilities, and accounts for more than $850 million in annual revenues. As President and CEO of NPPD, Asche managed an organization of more than 2,300 employees and oversaw revenues of more than $850,000. Asche moved to the CEO position at NPPD in 2006, having served as NPPD’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Corporate Support Services.

“Ron Asche is one of the top leaders in the public power sector, and his extensive experience frankly exceeded our expectations,” stated David Dunnell, United Power Board President. “His experience with wholesale power generation, coupled with both rural and municipal distribution services will fit well with the challenges facing United Power in both of these critical areas. The Board feels his leadership and experience will compliment the excellent team of United Power’s employees.”

Asche brings a wealth of financial knowledge and utility experience to the position. During his tenure with NPPD he lead the effort to restructure more than $1.1 billion in debt, provided leadership for upgrading NPPD’s aging transmission and generation infrastructure, and oversaw the major rebuild of more than 1,000 miles of transmission system following the damaging 2007 ice storm. An Accounting graduate of the University of Nebraska, he also completed the University of Michigan’s Utility Executive Education program. Asche will replace retiring CEO, Robert Broderick who leaves United Power at year-end. Asche will officially join United Power on February 7, 2011.

United Power, a Touchstone Energy® electric cooperative, provides power to more than 67,000 homes and businesses on Colorado’s northern front range. Learn more about the organization by visiting www.unitedpower.com.