Going green. Federal, state and local governments are introducing record numbers of bills designed to protect the environment. Small businesses and big corporations are making fundamental changes in their business strategy to be green. Years from now, we may view these first several years of the twenty-first century as a turning point for the environment. At Colorado Springs Utilities, environmental stewardship has been an integral part of our business for decades. Protecting and preserving the environment is an expectation of our citizen-owners and a commitment we made to our community decades ago. The Manitou hydroelectric plant, completed in 1905, still generates clean, renewable power for our community today. Our water sheds and reservoirs have been providing wildlife habitat and recreation use for citizens for more than 50 years. We believe that being environmentally focused goes beyond complying with regulations. It means responsibly managing our operations in a way that helps protect our air, water, land and natural resources now and for future generations. It means partnering with other organizations and agencies to promote environmental education and find solutions to environmental issues in our community. Being green not only makes sense for the environment, it also makes good business sense. By reducing, reusing and recycling our energy and water resources, we’re lowering our costs and maintaining our financial stability. Our programs that help customers reduce their energy and water use can help delay building additional plants. The least expensive unit of energy or water is one already being distributed. | 
