Utilities First Source: Meet our new CEO, Aram Benyamin

November 2018

Meet Aram Benyamin, our new CEO

Greetings, I'm Aram Benyamin, the new CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities. It's an honor to lead your community utility. With your input -- and guided by our organizational values -- I developed four core initiatives for our utility:

Focus on the customer. Serve by listening to customers, anticipating and exceeding their expectations. This includes instilling a culture of public service and adopting customer-centric processes.

Deliver quality. Uphold a culture of safety and service reliability.
Commit to community. Contribute to the growth, vitality and quality of life in the Pikes Peak Region.
Execute organizational excellence. Courageously lead a talented workforce that embraces continuous improvement.

Through collaboration and hard work, we will successfully achieve these goals to better serve you and build a strong, thriving community.

In service,
Aram

Energy cost adjustments to go into effect Nov. 1

On Oct. 23, City Council approved fall cost adjustments for electricity (ECA) and natural gas (GCA). As a not-for-profit, community-owned utility, we pass changes in fuel costs--up or down--directly on to our customers. While we monitor fuel costs monthly, we usually ask for adjustments quarterly. Earlier in 2018, the ECA decreased twice and the GCA decreased once and increased twice.

With these changes, we return to rates similar to last heating season. Commercial and industrial customers' use is varied but will roughly increase about 2.5 percent for electric and 5.5 percent for natural gas. Use our online bill calculator to see how the changes affect you.

We recommended changes to water and wastewater rates for Jan. 1, 2019 implementation, to ensure continued safe and reliable services for the community. Like most water and wastewater utilities across the nation, our system is aging and in need of repair. Learn more about our proposed 2019 budget and rate changes at csu.org.

Save with our water use survey

We can help you understand easy ways your business can save! We will come to your business to evaluate your indoor water fixtures and appliances for efficiency, and will make recommendations for savings.

You may even qualify for FREE high-efficiency showerheads, faucet aerators, and/or pre-rinse spray valves. We can also let you know how your use compares to similar businesses.

Contact Elizabeth Ritchey at 719-668-8284 to discuss your needs and schedule a survey.

Propane air plant safety

Our propane air plant is an important part of our system. It saves money by providing additional gas supply during peak usage times or when regional supplies are low. Your safety around natural gas is of the utmost importance, which is why this facility is secure 24/7.

A rotten egg smell, hissing near a pipeline, or fire at the plant could indicate a potential natural gas leak. If you detect these signs, leave the area immediately and call 911, then call us at 448-4800.

Contact a business service representative: 719-448-4804