United Power, PRPA branch out

Don’t be surprised when the local electric company comes calling.

Telecommunications deregulation is prompting utility providers Platte River Power Authority of Fort Collins and United Power of Brighton to invest in huge fiber-optic networks that will allow them to provide an array of services in the near future.

Platte River Power Authority, owned by the cities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland, is beginning work on a fiber-optic system that will connect the four cities and enable the electric utility to enter the telecommunications business.

United Power is exploring a partnership with Longmont and PRPA in development of a system that…