Colorado Springs Utilities is concerned about the safety of our customers. We are experiencing an increase in the number of customers attempting to steal utility services. Utilities theft, or diversion, can jeopardize the customer’s safety as well as the safety of other customers and utilities workers. An electrical shock, a natural gas leak or even an explosion can occur when someone tries to divert a utility service.
Utilities theft is illegal
Just like shoplifting, car theft and credit card fraud, stealing energy or water services may result in criminal prosecution.
Stealing utilities service will cost you money
When a customer is caught stealing service they are charged for the cost to restore our system and for the estimated amount of utilities that were not metered. Thieves will also be charged the following significant fines:
- First violation: $100
- Second violation: $250
- Third violation: $500
- Additional violations: $1,000
Help is available for customers who cannot pay their bill
We promote a number of programs designed to provide assistance to residential customers in the areas of financial assistance, energy and water efficiency improvements, furnace services, and conservation. .
Customer Assistance programs include: Citizens Option to Provide Energy (Project COPE), Energy Resource Center (ERC), Home Efficiency Assistance Program (HEAP) and Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
If you or someone you know needs help paying their utilities bill, call us at 448-4800.
