Top Stories
Colorado Springs Utilities

Monthly utility bill could go up $29

Story By: Jeannette Hynes
Source: KOAA

Published Wed Nov 19, 2008, 09:06 PM MST
Updated Wed Nov 19, 2008, 10:55 PM MST

Colorado Springs Utilities is proposing an 18.9% increase in utilities for 2009.  That number is for residential users.  Businesses and the industrial sector are facing an even higher rate increase.

If approved, people at home could see their bills go up $29 a month.

It's a proposal Mazie Baalman says she doesn't want to hear, but it is part of doing business.

"it's going to be hard to manage.  It always is," said Baalman.

Baalman says she's seen hard times before, but it is the unexpected ones that really hurt.  She says when tourism dropped after the September 11th attacks in 2001, and during the Hayman Fire in 2002, it was harder to manage than an expense increase she knows is coming.

"You're better prepared," explained Baalman.

Colorado Springs Utilities says the reasons for the rate hike are the increased cost of natural gas for the upcoming winter months, and the fact that housing starts have slowed, decreasing the amount of fees CSU collects from developers.

"I live in the community.  I pay the utility bill.  I don't like to pay any more either, but I think if people truly understood what was going on with our revenues and what we've done to manage our expenses, I think they understand," said Edward Easterlin, Chief Planning and Finance Officer for CSU.

One of the expenses CSU has cut is salaries.  So far, CSU has trimmed 152 positions, through attrition.  The goal is 200.

CSU is also scaling back on its tree trimming program, not replacing old trucks and equipment, and fixing cable as it breaks, rather than doing preventative maintenance.

Colorado Springs Utilities has posted their rate projections online with a schedule of public hearings and approval dates.  The next meeting is November 25 at City Council.

 

Top Story Videos

Don't Miss It

Heron at Fountain Creek Nature Center. Photo by Scott Thompson.

Featured Picture

Upload your favorite photo to our website.  Others can see it and your photo may be featured on News First.

Job of the Day
Environmentalist
Ft. Carson
$46,600 - $104,500

Jobs First Colorado

Search for jobs locally and throughout Colorado.

 

News First Vacation

Explore your own beautiful state --
destinations in Colorado.

Weekend on the GO! logo 80x60

Weekend on the GO!

Fireworks Displays 
All over Southern Colorado

 

Special Sections

Wacky Stories

Weird, wild and unusual stories from Colorado Springs and around the world. This stuff truly earns the title “WACKY."

Most Wanted Predators

News First keeps an updated list of Southern Colorado's most wanted sexual predators.  Your anonymous tips can help authorities track them down.

Sponsored Events

Check out the events sponsored by KOAA-TV, News First 5/30.

Teachers First

Honor that special person who inpires kids to learn and grow. Nominate him or her for this monthly award from News First.

 

Gas Tracker

Find the cheapest gas in Southern Colorado.  Gas Tracker is simple, interactive and always up-to-date.

Connect With Kids

Tough topics about kids and teens. Research-based parenting tips, teacher info, and news about kids.

Check For Life

News First has joined the fight against Breast Cancer. Click here to find out where to get your Check for Life kit.