Community Support
Since it was established in 1946, Mountain Parks Electric, Inc. has been a pillar in the communities it serves. This support continues through several outlets, including from financial contributions, a robust scholarship program, rebate programs, volunteerism, and community events. Some of these are outlined below:
Donations from the Unclaimed Capital Credits Fund
Members can submit a Donation Request from organizations within MPE’s service territory. Requests are considered by the Board of Directors three times each year (at the March, July, and November Board Meetings), and the deadline for requests is 21 days prior to these Board Meeting dates. Donation funds are from the Unclaimed Capital Credits Fund. Examples of funded requests range from one-time expenses for area school programs or projects, support for local businesses through Grand and Jackson Enterprise Initiatives, support for early childhood education through Grand Beginnings, and contributions towards large community projects like the Town of Granby’s affordable housing project and Middle Park Health’s gym renovation in Kremmling.
Donations from the Operation Round Up Fund
Operation Round Up® is managed by the volunteer Charitable Trust Board of Directors, which usually meets the second Tuesday of every other month. Request deadlines are the Thursday prior to the meeting date. The fund has disbursed thousands of dollars to community organizations and individuals. Program participants round their electric bill up to the next dollar. There are forms online to become a contributor, to apply for assistance from an organization, and to apply for assistance from an individual. A portion of the ORU fund is administered to individuals and families in need of assistance. Other examples of ORU fund include direct assistance to individuals and families facing hardships, such as mortgage payment/rent assistance, buying a new heating furnace, and helping purchase adaptive ski equipment.
Donations from the Education Fund
The Charitable Trust Board of Directors also reviews requests for assistance from the Education Fund. Requests must come from educational institutions from within MPE’s service territory. The board usually meets the second Tuesday of every other month. Request deadlines are the Thursday prior to the meeting date. Examples of funding include sponsorship of the Washington D.C. Youth Tour trip for a local student, and support for one-time project expenses for school or community organization programs.
Scholarship Program
The MPE Scholarship Program is funded from the Unclaimed Capital Credits Fund. Single-year awards can range between $2,500-$10,000. The program consists of three categories, as outlined below:
- Academic Scholarships - Deadline for applications is the first Thursday each March; $75,000 in available funds annually; award recipients determined by a scholarship committee
- Trade School Scholarships - For students seeking education and/or certification in various trade programs; $25,000 in available funds annually; applications reviewed by MPE staff
- Electric-Industry Scholarships - For students seeking a career field in the electric industry; $25,000 in available funds annually; applications reviewed by MPE staff
Energy Assistance
As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, MPE sponsors a limited number of local events annual with support from Touchstone. In exchange for the sponsorships, which usually are up to $300, MPE requires use of the MPE/Touchstone logo in the event’s promotional materials. Request funds at least 4 weeks prior to the event.
Event Sponsorships
www.MPEI.com/EVENT-SPONSORSHIP
As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, MPE sponsors a limited number of local events annually with support from Touchstone. In exchange for the sponsorships, which usually are up to $300, MPE requires use of the MPE/Touchstone logo in the event’s promotional materials. Request funds at least 4 weeks prior to the event.
Rebate Program
Rebates are designed to help our members save energy and control their costs. MPE is re-vamping our rebate program offerings for 2025. If members have their eye on something offered in our 2024 program, we recommend they make their purchase in 2024 and submit the online application to us by February 1, 2025. A full list of our 2024 rebate offerings is available at www.MPEI.com/REBATES.
Youth Programs
Along with the robust Scholarship Program and donations for educational programs/initiatives from the Unclaimed Capital Credits Fund and the Education Fund, MPE holds an annual essay contest. Two winners can earn a paid trip to the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour and to the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp.