Utilities First Source: Take our pledge, get free LEDs

May 2017

Take the pledge to Change the Current

Little things that you do every day can add up and make a big difference for our community. Together, we can create a bright future for Colorado Springs. Take the pledge to make small changes in your business. You can pledge to install occupancy sensors for interior lights and review exterior lighting schedule, or increase safety for your employees by installing carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your business.

Everyone who takes the pledge will receive a 4-pack of LED bulbs* in the mail. Additionally, customers pledging to Change the Current will be entered into monthly drawings for Change the Current prize packs and quarterly drawings for $500 gift certificates to home improvement stores. Save time, money and resources by taking the pledge today!

*While supplies last

Electric rates decrease again

Last week City Council approved a second decrease for electric rates this year. The Electric Cost Adjustment--or ECA--decrease took effect May 1.

Typical residential customers will see an electric decrease of $1.62 per month. Typical commercial customers will see a 3 percent decrease and typical industrial customers will see a decrease of 3.4 percent. For more information about rates, click here.

As a non-profit, community-owned utility, we pass changes in fuel costs directly to our customers. Adjustments are typically made quarterly, however monthly changes can be made if market volatility causes an over- or under-collection of $5 million. The next anticipated cost adjustment is Aug. 1, 2017.

Check out the 2017 Water Quality Report

We take pride in providing some of the best drinking water in the nation. The majority of our drinking water comes from high mountain snowmelt and we are primarily first-time users. To achieve such high water quality , hundreds of employees spend countless hours protecting our water sources. They manage state-of-the-art water treatment processes and online water quality instrumentation, maintain and operate our facilities and vigilantly monitor and test the water we deliver to your business.

Because water is so vitally important, we are pleased to share our 2017 Water Quality Report.

USAA understands the importance of investing in landscape

USAA Financial Center, located at 1855 Telstar Drive in Colorado Springs, recently chose a multi-year approach to landscape improvements at their 49-acre campus. The results are impressive. USAA now has:

A 28,000 square-foot demonstration garden showcasing 50 xeric species for visitors and employees
Native grass that covers peripheral areas of the campus and requires little irrigation or maintenance
A sports field for recreational opportunities
A walking trail that gives employees the chance to exercise during their lunch breaks
Custom benches and trash receptacles made from locally-harvested wildfire timber

It was a big project, but USAA took it one step at a time. Starting in 2011, a team of facilities staff and landscape contractors worked together to assess existing conditions and chart a course forward. Click here to read more about USAA's upgrades.

Are you in a position to help someone else who might be struggling to pay their monthly utility bill? Project COPE provides utilities payment assistance to families and individuals who are having a hard time financially, regardless of income. Your donations are tax deductible and we match your donations dollar-for-dollar. Visit csu.org for more information on how you can donate.