Editor’s note: The following article was provided by Colorado Springs Utilities, Fort Carson’s utility provider.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The way Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities) generates and delivers power to homes and businesses is changing, largely dictated by environmental regulations, technological advancements, customer preferences and greater access to renewable resources.

The path ahead is one Springs Utilities says it can navigate, but not without help from its customers. It’s important they work together to best manage long-term rates and maintain service reliability, especially during times of high demand.

Reducing energy use during peak demand —currently between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. for Fort Carson — will not only better manage future utility costs, but it will also help ensure service reliability, improved air quality and efficient management of finite energy resources.

Fort Carson is Springs Utilities’ largest electric and gas customer, so reducing the load the post has during this peak period not only supports utility operations, but also helps reduce the utility bill that Fort Carson pays every month.

Reduce utility bills

Using electric and natural gas resources when demands are lower can save Springs Utilities customers money in two primary ways:

  • It reduces stress on the electric grid, power plants, substations, transmission lines and related equipment. This decreases ongoing maintenance costs and the need to buy or build even more resources in the future.
  • The cost to obtain and produce energy during off-peak times is much lower, as supply is more plentiful and demand across the energy markets is much lower.

Ensure service reliability

Transformers, power lines and other electric equipment are being pushed harder than ever before during periods of high demand, especially as central air use increases in the summer and as more homes feature electric vehicle chargers and other technologies.

By reducing wear and tear on the electric grid, Springs Utilities reduces the risk for service outages and costly repairs.

Protect air quality

Managing energy use during peak time periods reduces carbon emissions from both power plants and natural gas-based appliances in homes and businesses.

Tools to navigate the peak

Ultimately, Springs Utilities customers are in control of how and when they use electricity:

  1. Consider doing household chores, such as laundry or running dishwashers, before 11 a.m. or later in the evening.
  2. Springs Utilities’ customers who live off post can find rebates on energy-saving devices like smart thermostats, home enhancements such as insulation and the latest efficient appliances at Residential Rebates (csu.org). They can also track home utility usage at Manage My Account (csu.org).

Springs Utilities’ goal is to provide its customers with resources and flexible rate options that can help them navigate the peak, improve their home’s comfort and ensure system reliability.