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• Chilly weather keeps water use low Play Video

  April 16, 2013 6:50 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - Snowy rooftops in April, if even just a trace, are a good sign when it comes to the drought. There may not be enough moisture to actually help irrigate the lawn, but the freezing cold temperatures have kept most of us from turning on the sprinklers. ... more »

• Questions Arise Over City Water Sales During Drought Play Video

  March 28, 2013 3:45 PM

  Questions are being raised about selling off Colorado Springs City water in times of drought. A second year of extreme drought has left our reservoirs low, at less than 50% capacity. Water restrictions and higher rates for some customers are also going into effect. "We're looking at a... more »

• Your vote could change utilities future Play Video

  January 21, 2013 7:45 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS - Big changes could be store for Colorado Springs Utilities. City Council is expected to vote on a ballot measure Tuesday that would turnover control of the public utility to a independently elected board of directors. The ballot proposal calls for a 7 member board to be... more »

• CSU working on power outage

  January 20, 2013 11:05 AM

  About 1,700 Colorado Springs Utilities customers are out of power Sunday morning. CSU is reporting about 1,700 hundred customers affected in central and northern Colorado springs, near the N. Academy Blvd. area. No word yet on what is causing the outage. CSU is working on the problem now.... more »

• Water out for some Colorado Springs Utilities customers

  November 24, 2012 12:11 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities says they're working to repair a busted water main in 2400 block of W. Kiowa Saturday morning. CSU says 70 customers are without water service. Crews are working on the problem. They hope to restore all water service by 3 - 5 p.m. more »

• City and utilties agree on $28 million for stormwater in 2013 Play Video

  November 14, 2012 12:29 AM

  The City of Colorado Springs and Colorado Springs Utilities have agreed to spend close to $28 million on on stormwater improvement projects in 2013. It's a sizeable amount that points the community in the right direction when it comes to improving an aging drainage system. But the erosion threat... more »

• Improperly vented furnace led to man's death

  November 4, 2012 1:53 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Investigators say an old and improperly vented furnace pumped carbon monoxide through a Colorado Springs apartment complex and led to the death of a 50-year-old man. Our partners at The Gazette report Colorado Springs Utilities and the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department have determined that... more »

• Colorado Springs Utilities budget disagreement

  October 17, 2012 9:00 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities is working out the details on their 2013 budget at City Hall on Wednesday, but not without disagreements. Mayor Steve Bach spoke with News 5 earlier that morning; he says the proposed utilities budget is flawed. "Number one is that it has no definition on... more »

• Burn near reservoir triggers water quality worries

  July 11, 2012 9:58 PM

  In the wake of the Waldo Canyon fire and heavy rains that followed, locals in Colorado Springs are seeing streams running black with ash and debris. Representatives from Colorado Springs Utilities say although it may not be a pretty sight, flowing streams of black don't pose a concern for... more »

• Heavy rains uproot drainage ditch on north end of Colorado Springs Play Video

  July 9, 2012 1:13 AM

  A drainage ditch behind Thrush Grove near Rampart High School in northern Colorado Springs is in pieces after heavy rains uprooted the concrete. Two homes were partially under water Sunday evening. Residents say the system was totally uprooted within 10 minutes of gushing waters heading downstream. Water is... more »

• Gas service restored to 3,300 homes in Mountain Shadows

  July 4, 2012 5:59 PM

  As more evacuees return home, crews are putting in long hours to make sure the utilities are safely restored. Hundreds of workers with Colorado Springs Utilities and Xcel Energy have been going door-to-door in the Mountain Shadows neighborhood restoring natural gas service to homes. Regulations require workers to access... more »

• Stormwater showdown: Mayor and utility at odds over paying for improvements Play Video

  June 13, 2012 9:04 PM

  It was a storm that exposed the weaknesses of an aging stormwater system. Dozens of cars were stuck and submerged in several feet of water and hail near the Citadel Mall last week, the result of storm drains overwhelmed by the deluge. The city has a $500 million backlog... more »

• Power outages for 2,200+ in Colorado Springs

  June 9, 2012 1:10 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities are working on a couple of outages in the city. More than 2,200 customers are without power. One of the outages is in the area of Nevada Ave. and Washington St.; that one affects more than 1,800 customers. Another outage, affecting nearly 400 more customers, is... more »

• Why are pipes in Monument Creek? Play Video

  March 7, 2012 7:39 PM

  There is curiosity over large pipes stretching nearly three quarters of a mile along Monument Creek through the center of Colorado Springs. They showed up about a week ago snaking downstream for 36-hundred feet and crossing the creek three times. It is a temporary line for sewage diverted from... more »

• Water main break causing issues in Colorado Springs

  January 21, 2012 11:43 AM

  Colorado Springs Utilities is reporting a water main break on N. Chestnut St., off of Garden of the Gods Road. They say part of Chestnut (south of Garden of the Gods Road) is closed. Eastbound Garden of the Gods Road will have lane restrictions during repairs, so traffic might back... more »

• Despite the cold the work goes on

  December 6, 2011 7:57 PM

  The cold temperatures southern Colorado has been experiencing can be tough on people who work outside in the elements. The water line workers for Colorado Springs Utilities are a tough bunch -- not only dealing with cold weather, but with being wet too! When things get busy with water... more »

• Water coming back on, road still closed

  November 4, 2011 11:38 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities says water has been restored to about 95% of customers impacted by the Uintah Street emergency water main replacement project. According to their post on Facebook, the remaining five percent should have service restored within the next hour. The old pipe removed from the system... more »

• Homeowner frustrated by flooding

  September 30, 2011 8:36 PM

  When it rains, things get expensive for Beverley Stephens. The Stratmoor Hills homeowner had at least two feet of water in her basement earlier this month when record rainfall hit the area. "The carpet got soaked, all of the furniture in here was soaked," Stephens said. The repair... more »

• Don't miss rebates for winterizing your home

  September 16, 2011 7:22 PM

  As the cooler weather creeps in, you'll want to make sure it stays outside and doesn't find its way into your home. Springs Utilities offered some helpful tips to help you save some money on your heating bill this winter, as well as to get some money back through rebates.... more »

• Colorado Springs Fire Dept Closes Vincent at Dublin Blvd.

  July 21, 2011 3:02 PM

  The Colorado Springs Fire Department is closing Vincent at Dublin Blvd due to a large gas line that was hit and broken in a construction area. Colorado Springs Utilities has a crew responding and Colorado Springs Police are setting up road blocks for public safety at the scene. The... more »

• High temps drive up electrical use

  July 18, 2011 7:24 PM

  It's shaping up to be the hottest week of the year and utility managers say we are are also using the most energy that we have in 2011. With temperatures in the high 90's and 100's a spokesman for Colorado Springs Utilities says their customers will use over 800 megawatts... more »

• Power outage in Manitou Springs

  July 7, 2011 4:22 PM

  About 200 homes in Manitou Springs are waiting for electricity to be restored. It went out just before 2:00 p.m. as heavy storms were passing through El Paso County. Colorado Springs Utilities has a crew working on it, and they hope to have power restored within the hour. more »

• Recent rain only a drop in the bucket

  June 20, 2011 10:56 PM

  Southern Colorado is under severe to extreme drought conditions, making the recent rain feel like a small drop in the bucket. Since January 1, Colorado Springs has received 2.42 inches of precipitation. Normally, Colorado Springs receives 7.24 inches by this time. In Pueblo, the year-to-date total is 3.23 inches... more »

• Cause of natural gas odor in Northwest Colorado Springs

  June 15, 2011 6:10 PM

  If you live in the Northwest part of Colorado Springs you may have woken up to the strong smell of natural gas. Colorado Springs Utilities says it's not a gas leak, the smell is just coming from an excess amount of odorant that was recently added to the system.... more »

• AFA solar array up and running

  June 13, 2011 7:23 PM

  With the flip of a switch, the Air Force Academy's solar array is running at full power -- a full six megawatts. "This would power approximately 1,200-plus average homes for a year," says Russell Hume, an engineer for the Air Force Academy. They're hoping it will cut down 11... more »

• AFA solar array up and running

  June 13, 2011 4:40 PM

  You probably seen it driving on I-25, near North Academy; the Air Force Academy's new solar array is up and running. The groups who put it together; Sun-Power Corp., Colorado Springs Utilities, and AFA flipped the switch for the array --showing that it's now at full power. The... more »

• Air Force Academy celebrating the opening of new solar array

  June 13, 2011 11:18 AM

  Many of us have watched the new solar array sprouting from the ground of the Air Force Academy alongside I-25, just north of the N. Academy Blvd. exit. Today officials are celebrating its completion and getting ready to "flip the switch." The array is expected to generate about 6-megawatts... more »

• Employees allegedly caught stealing from employer

  June 10, 2011 8:32 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) workers, Robert Maestas, Thomas Mattarono and William Mohrensweiser, were arrested after stealing from one of CSU's storage facilities located at 930 S. Union in Colorado Springs. They are facing felony charges from the police department and are under internal investigation by CSU. CSU spokesperson... more »

• Utilities employees arrested for theft

  June 10, 2011 6:32 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS (AP) - Colorado Springs police say three Colorado Springs Utilities employees have been arrested in connection with the theft of equipment from a utilities storage facility. Robert Maestas, Thomas Mattorano and William Mohrenweiser have been arrested on suspicion of felony theft and accessory to felony theft. All three... more »

• Power outage in Broadmoor area

  May 15, 2011 5:00 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities has confirmed there is a power outage in the Broadmoor area. The outage is affecting around 19 homes. CSU says power should be restored in about 3 hours. more »

• Saving money through xeriscape

  May 14, 2011 8:11 PM

  Xeriscape, pronounced 'zeera-scape,' not 'zero-scape,' certainly ensures that there is no shortage of landscaping options to choose from, nor does it mean you only have cacti to choose from. You can make a garden containing flowering plants or incorporate green-type plants in your outdoor oasis. Not matter your choice... more »

• Southern Delivery System moves forward

  May 7, 2011 11:15 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Federal officials have signed final contracts on the Southern Delivery System water project, meaning construction on a 62-mile pipeline that would move water from Pueblo Reservoir to Colorado Springs can move forward. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation manages the reservoir. Bureau spokeswoman Kara Lamb says... more »

• Old pipe to blame for Manitou main break

  May 1, 2011 10:46 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities has said an old pipe is to blame for the mater main break this morning in Manitou Springs. Around 125,000 gallons of water leaked out on to Manitou Avenue around 3 this morning. WOrk on the street could continue well into Monday and possibly Tuesday. more »

• Crews still working on main break in Manitou

  May 1, 2011 8:30 PM

  Crews from Colorado Springs Utilities are still working on a water main break that spilled about 125,000 gallons of water in Manitou Springs. It happened around 3 this morning when a raw water pipe burst somewhere near the intersection of Manitou Avenue and Navajo Avenue. Crews expect a portion of... more »

• Power outage puts short delay on some Easter celebrations

  April 24, 2011 2:41 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities has notified News First 5 of a massive power outage covering most of Southeastern Colorado Springs. A Utilities spokesperson said this is the largest outage in recent history and the sheer area of the outage was too vast to name all the bordering streets to give an... more »

• LED street lights save money

  April 21, 2011 5:18 PM

  City of Colorado Springs furthers their green effort by installing LED street lights across the city. Three hundred of these lights are already installed in certain major intersections and 130 are yet to be installed in residential areas. Guess who gets to decide where the residential lights will... more »

• Colorado Springs Utilities wants to hear from you

  March 29, 2011 8:36 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities is holding a series of public meetings to help develop a long term strategic plan for how electricity is generated locally. The last time the plan was updated was in 2008, "The economic landscape has changed, the number of mandates has changed as far as what could... more »

• Utilities rates are going up in Colorado Springs

  March 8, 2011 6:44 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities customers will see their bills go up, on average, about seven dollars a month. City Council approved the cost adjustments Tuesday afternoon. The increases affect electricity and natural gas. On average, a person's monthly electric bill will go up $1.50. The natural gas bill will go... more »

• Bracing for high heating bills

  February 9, 2011 1:57 PM

  All the cold weather we've had over the last few weeks could leave you with sticker shock when the utility bill comes in the mail. Last Tuesday alone, Colorado Springs Utilities customers set a record for natural gas consumption of nearly 2 and a half times a typical winter day's... more »

• Help paying for utility bills

  February 9, 2011 8:44 AM

  Our heaters are working over time as temperatures are expected to dip well below zero again today. All of that extra usage could leave customers with sticker shock when their bill comes in the mail. To help keep utility bills manageable, Colorado Springs Utilities customers can enroll the budget... more »

• Heating help

  February 9, 2011 6:48 AM

  Our heaters are working over time as temperatures are expected to dip well below zero again today. All of that extra usage could leave customers with sticker shock when their bill comes in the mail. To help keep utility bills manageable, Colorado Springs Utilities customers can enroll the budget... more »

• Utilities using propane to help gas stock

  February 1, 2011 10:41 PM

  A little known plant in eastern El Paso County is helping keep your home warm as temperatures plummet below zero. On a normal day, Colorado Springs Utilities says their customers use about 100 million cubic feet of natural gas. But on a day like Tuesday, that number skyrockets. "Today is... more »

• Power restored in Northeast Colorado Springs

  February 1, 2011 10:40 PM

  The power is back on in Northeast Colorado Springs after a car hit a transformer near Woodman and Austin Bluffs. About 1,500 people were without power and heat for about two hours in these bitter temperatures. The power returned around 7 p.m. more »

• Proposed increases could mean lower utility bill

  November 23, 2010 5:44 PM

  A proposal to increase certain utilities could result in a decrease in your overall utilities bill. Colorado Springs Utilities is proposing to increase electric and natural gas rates for 2011. Water rate increases were approved in May. If the rates are approved, an average home would see a... more »

• Gas line break in Colorado Springs

  November 13, 2010 10:48 AM

  A gas line break on Galley Road near Circle Drive in Colorado Springs has reportedly caused evacuations of several businesses in the area. Firefighters and police officers reported to the break which is now being repaired by crews with Colorado Springs Utilities. It's unknown how long the repair... more »

• AFA breaks ground on new $18M solar project

  November 2, 2010 3:28 PM

  It's fitting that it was a sunny day at the Air Force Academy Monday to break ground on a new six-megawatt solar power site. The sunshine helped drive the point home on solar energy; they used a little to power the news conference. "Right there you've got about eight... more »

• Controlled burn planned on Pikes Peak

  September 14, 2010 8:33 AM

  Colorado Springs Utilities plans a controlled burn on the north slope of Pikes Peak to thin the forest. The Colorado State Forest Service will carry out the project, which aims to clear underbrush on 115 acres of the city's watershed. CSU is worried about a destructive wildfire like... more »

• State-Issued Winterization Rebates Available

  August 24, 2010 7:40 PM

  Tuesday's cooler temperatures served as a reminder of the change of seasons on the way and a timely reminder that rebates are still available from the State of Colorado for winterization efforts in your home. Utility providers across Colorado have partnered with the Governor's Energy Office to provide rebates... more »

• Job of the Day: Systems & Database

  August 19, 2010 11:51 AM

  Colorado Springs Utilities has an opening in its Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence area. This person will be responsible for providing professional, complex, senior-level Hyperion reporting and analysis. The starting pay range, depending upon experience, is $68,000 to $101,000. You must apply by noon next Monday. more »

• Job of the Day:Administrative Technician

  June 21, 2010 2:53 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities has an opening for an Administrative Technician in their Human Resources Department. The job pays $14.27 to $21.33 per hour. Apply by June 24th. Here's a job description: *Prepares and processes benefit vendor payments in a timely manner. *Performs Family and Medical Leave Act administration... more »

• Road work on Garden of the Gods

  June 16, 2010 11:32 AM

  Colorado Springs Utilities has a natural gas project underway on Garden of the Gods Road, which is impacting traffic. This week, the turn lane onto Elkton Drive from eastbound Garden of the Gods Road is closed, along with the northernmost through lane on eastbound Garden of the Gods Road,... more »

• A $0 electric bill thanks to the sun

  June 7, 2010 1:42 PM

  Mark Ferguson got some happy news in the mail when his Colorado Springs Utilities bill came: a charge of $0 for his total electric use for the month. It wasn't a typo. Back in March, Ferguson installed solar panels and now uses the sun to power his home. "I... more »

• Springs Utilities to lower natural gas rates

  May 25, 2010 5:03 PM

  Colorado Springs City Council approved Tuesday a decrease in the cost of natural gas to be effective June 1, 2010. The typical residential customer using 60 CCF will see a decrease of 5.8 percent, or about $3 per month. The rate was also reduced in January and in April,... more »

• Job of the Day: Colorado Springs Utilities

  May 18, 2010 3:45 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities has a job posting for a Relay Control Specialist. You'll need a strong knowledge of transmission protection devices, computer networking techniques and methods, and relay & control operational and safety procedures. Starting pay is $28 - $41 an hour. Click here to see the complete... more »

• Council approves 12 percent hike in water rates

  May 11, 2010 7:20 PM

  The Colorado Springs City Council has approved a rate increase that will be spread out over two years. The fees will help pay for construction of the planned Southern Delivery System pipeline from the Pueblo Reservoir. Water rates will increase by 12 percent, or about $5 a month for... more »

• Watershed Access Concept Plan revised

  April 26, 2010 3:53 PM

  Colorado Springs Utilities is revising the Watershed Access Concept Plan. Based on public feedback received on the Concept Plan, the following modifications are being considered. * Negotiate limited hunting possibility with the Colorado Division of Wildlife * Extend the proposed route for the Ute Indian trail to the... more »

• CSU CEO nets $71,000 bonus

  April 13, 2010 7:52 PM

  Even though the economy is improving, budgets are still tight. That's why many are questioning a big bonus for the CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities. Forte recently received a $71,000 bonus on top of his more than $250,000 salary. "If you pay people chump change, you get chumps," said... more »

• Gas rate going down, water rates likely going up

  March 23, 2010 4:21 PM

  Destiny Kesterson says she's still paying for her winter utilities bills. Her highest bill was $380. "The only thing we can pay is by half and half or quarter until I get a late due notice and they say they're going to disconnect it. Otherwise, it's never full paid... more »

• LEAP assistance still available for utility bills

  March 4, 2010 4:17 PM

  If you're having trouble paying your utility bill, Colorado Springs Utilities is encouraging customers to apply for LEAP, the federally-funded Low Income Energy Assistance Program. If you live by yourself, you're eligible to apply if your monthly gross income is $1670 or less. It rises to $2246 for households... more »