October 2009
By Jerry Forte, P.E.
Chief Executive Officer
Public Power Week, Oct. 4-10, is an annual national event that recognizes the economic, social, and environmental contributions of our community-owned utility – one of more than 2,000 across the nation that collectively serves 45 million Americans.
Public Power Week also honors the long-standing tradition of community decision-making and participation that led our early citizens to create Colorado Springs Utilities in 1925.
We know that maintaining competitive utility rates and reliable service are vitally important to our community. In the same way, our community is important to us as we actively partner in the development and vitality of our city.
Since we’re a not-for-profit utility, our bills are among the lowest in the country. Unlike private utilities, we don’t add a profit margin to our rates and pay dividends to stockholders. We generate only enough revenue to cover the cost to provide essential services.
Decisions about prices, major projects and system improvements are made locally. Colorado Springs City Council serves as our Utilities Board. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our operations are transparent, subject to open meeting and public record laws. And when you need us, we’re right down the street.
Our customers expect us balance our business practices with the wider need to protect the environment. To that end, we are committed to managing our business in a way that’s environmentally responsible and maintains the quality of life we all enjoy here in the Pikes Peak region.
We also offer a number of resources to help you use utilities more efficiently and cut costs, while lowering your carbon footprint. When you visit csu.org, you’ll get money-saving tips and learn about rebates for qualifying appliances and products, CFL instant discounts, renewable energy options and much more.
Thank you for your continued support of public power. We’re proud to serve you as our customers, friends and neighbors.
