Decreasing natural gas prices help offset overall bill change
October 13, 2009
Colorado Springs Utilities today proposed to Colorado Springs City Council base price changes for 2010 to help pay for critical improvements to utility plants, pipes and wires and to comply with strict environmental regulations.
The City Council will have a public hearing on the request November 24 at City Hall, 107 N. Nevada, beginning at 1 p.m.
The proposed changes to electric, water and wastewater prices, combined with anticipated fuel cost adjustments, will increase the typical residential monthly bill 2.3 percent, or $4.18. If approved, the changes would take effect Jan. 1, 2010.
Part of this proposal includes a multi-year water price schedule to fund the Southern Delivery System and maintain the existing water system, including treatment plants, reservoirs and water mains.
Among the 2010 projects required to meet regulatory requirements:
- Installation of emissions control technology for our power plants at a cost of up to $160 million by 2015.
- Upgrading the Las Vegas Wastewater Treatment Plant with a $12.6 million chlorine-free, ultraviolet disinfection system.
- Continued inspection, rehabilitation and upgrade of the wastewater collection system.
- Replacing filters at the Pine Valley Water Treatment Plant to meet water quality standards for removal of microbial contaminants.
Colorado Springs Utilities is working to keep costs as low as possible by:
- Reducing its workforce by 200 positions;
- Process improvements, automation and cost-effective new technologies enable the municipal utility to serve 14,000 more customers now compared to 2003.
- Labor costs are projected to be just 16 percent of the 2010 Utilities’ budget.
- Controlling operations and maintenance costs organization-wide.
- Prioritizing projects and maintenance based on the impact on safety and reliability. Only critical work is being performed.
- Despite serving substantially more customers, Springs Utilities’ operations and maintenance budget has remained essentially flat over the last several years.
Customers may qualify for financial aid through payment assistance programs like the utility’s Project COPE or state and federal agencies. For additional assistance information and referral services, call 2-1-1.
Copies of the filing are available for inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, 30 S. Nevada.
Media Contact: 719-668-3848
