Colorado Springs Utilities now says that only two more water rates increases – not three – may be needed to pay for the Southern Delivery System water pipeline.
The city-owned utility had initially planned six 12 percent water rate increases, two of which have already been approved.
In April, Utilities said the next two planned 12 percent water rate increases would be closer to 10 percent each and the fifth would “likely” be less than 10 percent. At the time, Utilities also said the sixth and final water rate hike may not even be necessary.
But Wednesday, Utilities CEO Jerry Forte said that both the fifth and sixth planned water rate increases – not just the sixth – may not be needed.
“It’s a little too early to guarantee that it won’t be needed at all, but that’s what we’re going to continue to push for if we can,” SDS spokeswoman Janet Rummel said.
Utilities plans to ask for two 10 percent water rate increases effective January 2013 and January 2014, but if things go according to plan, that may be it.
If the City Council approves the next two years of water rate increases, Utilities estimates that the average residential monthly water bill will be $57.28 in 2014.
Ooh, ONLY four? Gee, should I say “thank you” after they finish robbing me blind too?
THANK YOU SO MUCH WE APPRECIATE YOU LOOKING AFTER US.
“Colorado Springs Utilities now says that only two more water rates increases – not three – may be needed”
Really expect me to believe that?
So when the SDS is paid for do we get a water rate reduction? I didn’t think so. Thanks for asking the voters…oh yeah you did and didn’t like the outcome so you shaft us anyway.
Meanwhile Ultra pays nothing.
Too bad the utilities couldn’t finance this project rather than placing the cost of the project on the backs of its customers. Or even cut costs at the company. Oh, I forget, the utility employees deserve nothing but the best and they shouldn’t have to make sacrifices like reducing training and travel. “It’s how we’re all connected,” right?
And now they only need fifteen to replace Drake.
I’m so confused?
What we were told.
Population forecasts estimate that El Paso County will be the most populous county in Colorado by the year
2030, with most of that growth occurring in the SDS Participants’ cities and towns (Colorado Springs,
Fountain and Security). Participants’ water needs are projected to almost double between 2007 and 2046.
Current system capacity will not provide enough water for this expected growth and a new source of water
will be needed.
But we use less water today than 10 years ago.
TO DATE:
February 28, 2012: 2,466.2 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.31 in., YTD average temp. was 34.15 degrees F
February 28, 2011: 2,549.6 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.25 in., YTD average temp. was 29.30 degrees F
February 28, 2010: 2,439.4 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.61 in., YTD average temp. was 29.25 degrees F
February 28, 2009: 2,557.2 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.13 in., YTD average temp. was 35.15 degrees F
February 28, 2008: 2,349.2 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.65 in., YTD average temp. was 29.70 degrees F
February 28, 2007: 2,532.1 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.48 in., YTD average temp. was 28.80 degrees F
February 28, 2006: 2,538.6 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.28 in., YTD average temp. was 32.35 degrees F
February 28, 2005: 2,577.3 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.82 in., YTD average temp. was 34.25 degrees F
February 28, 2004: 2,576.1 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.91 in., YTD average temp. was 30.45 degrees F
February 28, 2003: 2,665.6 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.66 in., YTD average temp. was 31.30 degrees F
February 28, 2002: 2,778.3 million gallons, precipitation was: 0.36 in., YTD average temp. was 30.95 degrees F
Will they be sending out tubes of Vaseline with the Bills?
I think I would prefer to use the cheaper, scarcer water than the more expensive, more plentiful SDS water! Where can I sign up?