Weekly news and tips

Household water leaks can have big consequences
Depending on its size, a household water leak could cost Colorado Springs Utilities' customers a few dollars, or thousands of dollars every month. For example:

• Leaky faucet -- a 1/32-inch leak: more than 6,100 gallons, or $19
• Faulty flapper on a toilet -- 1/16-inch leak: nearly 25,000 gallons, or $96
• Broken sprinkler line -- 1/8-inch leak: more than 98,000 gallons, or $510
• Failed water heater relief valve -- 1/4_inch leak: nearly 396,000 gallons, or $2,171.

Springs Utilities strongly encourages customers to diligently search for leaks inside and outside of their homes. Interviews with experts and a toilet leak demonstration will be available at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 29 at Springs Utilities' Conservation and Environmental Center, 2855 Mesa Road.

Governor’s Energy Office awards $50,000 to Colorado Springs Utilities
Colorado Springs Utilities has received $50,000 in grant funds to promote energy efficiency - $25,000 each for promotion of ENERGY STAR new homes, and the Insulate & Seal Colorado program. The grants will be used to train realtors and builders to sell ENERGY STAR labeled homes, and expand Springs Utilities’ existing insulation and air sealing rebate.
Interview and photo opportunity: Interviews are available upon request.

Partnering for the environment: public meeting March 4
On Tuesday, March 4, Springs Utilities will host the first in a series of community discussions to address the role utilities play in preserving our community's environment.

Customers are invited to provide their input during this public meeting, which will cover current Springs Utilities environmental programs and highlight opportunities as we turn our attention to the future. Other topics include saving money through efficient use of services, helping the environment, a green economy and increased energy independence.

A recent Springs Utilities survey indicated environmental stewardship as a top priority when it comes to our community's utilities. Among 1,000 respondents, 70 percent of strongly support an investment in renewables, versus 20 percent who strongly support an investment in coal.

Pre-event opportunity: Springs Utilities subject matter experts are available to share survey results and speak about the March 4 public meeting. Interviews can take place at our Conservation and Environmental Center, which houses demonstrations of solar power and utilities-efficient tools.

Event opportunity: Cover the March 4 community discussion with interviews from Springs Utilities staff and meeting participants. The interactive evening will include customer input, Q&A, presentations and online polling, with results available that evening.

Event details: Tuesday, March 4, 6 to 8 p.m., Pikes Peak Library Penrose Branch, Carnegie Reading Room, 20 N. Cascade Ave.