Utilities Committees

The Utilities Committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 AM.*
Chair: Chris Jorgensen, La Plata Communities, Inc.
Co-Chair: Tye Tutt, Nor'wood Development Group
Staff Liaison: Bethany Schoemer
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​Be part of the discussions and the successes! Contact Bethany Schoemer at 719-592-1800 x 128 or bethany@cshba.com for information on joining a Committee.

Quick Links
Current Issues/Recent Successes:
  • Licensed Utility Service Installers (LUSI)- The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is proposing an expansion to the Operator Qualifications to include new construction with the final rule expected to be released in October. This proposed change has the potential to impact the Colorado Springs Utilities LUSI program. Some of the proposed changes include requiring drug and alcohol programs and specific OQ training. Options being explored include: contractors continuing to perform the work if they meet the new requirements, CSU contacting with LUSIs directly, each company creating their own OQ and Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs. The HBA is monitoring this situation, will review the final rule, and will continue discussions with CSU on the proposed program changes.
  • Residential Colonial Streetlights- Effective immediately, Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) will no longer be using HPS for residential Colonial streetlights. This will cause an increase of $404 per fixture for the new LED lights. Streetlight jobs currently in process will use the remaining stock of HPS fixtures on a first come, first served basis. The remaining jobs will utilize LED fixtures, and the builder/developer to cover the difference in price. Since there may be a delay in getting the new fixtures into stock, the poles may need to be set with the fixtures to be installed at a later date. Please see the CSU Bulletin Notice below for details and contact either Bill Galloway at bgalloway@csu.org or 719-668-5806 or Tim Benedict at tbenedict@csu.org or 719-668-3574 with any questions or concerns you have.
  • Black Hills Energy Inspection Scheduling- Black Hills Energy (BHE) is changing the service line installation process beginning April 1st. The new process allows installs to be scheduled ahead of time and for a specific date, reducing the length of time that trenches are open and maximizing efficiencies. Please contact Tawny Moore at 719-488-0739 or Tawny.Moore@blackhillscorp.com if you have any questions or if you would like to be included in future BHE weekly updates and for emergencies.

​*Meetings begin at 7:30 AM with a buffet-style light breakfast at 7:15 AM. If you are interested in sponsoring a breakfast, contact Bethany Schoemer at 719-592-1800 x 128 or bethany@cshba.com.