CEO Travas Deal

06/01/2026

This morning I had the pleasure of touring the Jackson Fuller substation with some of our Utilities Board members. This location houses our city's first battery energy storage system with a capacity of 100 megawatts.

Thank you to our board members for coming out to learn about the battery storage technology and how we can use stored energy during peak demand times when it’s traditionally more expensive to generate or purchase fuel on the market.

05/29/2026

As recreational interest on Pikes Peak increases, we're committed to collaborative solutions that ensure continued protection of our water infrastructure and the watershed.

Yesterday, I joined Governor Jared Polis and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Director Laura Clellan (pictured with me) to sign a lease agreement allowing CPW to manage enhanced recreation – including camping – at Rosemont Reservoir. We're appreciative of the additional oversight this will provide at one of our more remote reservoirs in the Pikes Peak region.

Learn more at: https://www.csu.org/water-service/reservoirs/rosemont-recreation

05/29/2026

I’m proud of our Catamount Wildland Fire Team and the incredible work they do to safeguard our community and utility infrastructure from wildfire threats. Thank you for your service!

Last week, the Utilities Board proudly recognized our Catamount Wildland Fire Team in honor of Wildfire Awareness Month. This team works to protect utilities infrastructure from wildfire threats.

Thank you to our Catamount Wildland Fire Team for everything they do to keep our region prepared and more resilient to wildfires.

During wildfire season remember that preparedness is key. 🚩 Sign up for Peak Alerts to stay informed and ready in case of emergencies, visit:
https://coloradosprings.gov/ready

05/28/2026

I am pleased to announce that Senate Bill 26-182 has been signed by Governor Jared Polis. I want to thank the sponsors, Sen. Marc Snyder, Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, Rep. Amy Paschal and House Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell.

Your support creates a pathway for us to file a new Clean Energy Plan by the end of 2026, and to operate the coal-fired unit at our Ray Nixon Power Plant until Dec. 31, 2032.

Senate Bill 26-182 has been signed by Governor Jared Polis! This legislation allows us to file a new Clean Energy Plan by the end of 2026 with the state. It also creates a pathway for us to continue operations of the coal-fired unit at our Ray Nixon Power Plant until Dec. 31, 2032.

Thanks to the leadership of our CEO Travas Deal and local and state leaders, this legislation will help protect electric reliability and rate stability for our customers.

05/06/2026

This week, Senate Bill 26-182 passed the Senate on a 32-3 vote and it will move forward to be introduced in the House. This new bill will allow us to file a new Clean Energy Plan by the end of 2026 and creates a pathway for us to operate the coal-fired unit at our Ray Nixon Power Plant until Dec. 31, 2032.

This effort helps protect our customers from the rising costs of electricity while ensuring reliable power for homes and businesses in our region.

Today, Senate Bill 26-182 passed the Senate on a 32-3 vote and it will move forward to be introduced in the House.

This new bill will allow us to file a new Clean Energy Plan by the end of 2026 and creates a pathway for us to operate the coal-fired unit at our Ray Nixon Power Plant until Dec. 31, 2032. Under current state law, we must retire this unit by the end of 2029.

05/01/2026

The advancement of Senate Bill 26-182 is a significant milestone in our efforts to meet the state's clean energy requirements while maintaining electric reliability and affordability for our community.

For more information, visit: https://www.csu.org/blog/new-legislation-nixon-coal-retirement

The city’s final coal-fired power plant, originally set to close at the end of 2029, could run three years longer under new legislation.

04/27/2026

I was proud to present the CEO Award to MJ Schmiechen for her exceptional leadership of our BRIDGE team. Over the last two years, MJ has been instrumental in navigating the transition from DELTA to BRIDGE. Her work on the team’s five-year strategic plan and her dedication to fostering a culture of engagement and connection have made a lasting impact across the enterprise. She truly models what it means to empower those around her.

04/25/2026

National Lineworker Appreciation Day is an important reminder of the skill and courage required to keep our communities powered, often in the most challenging conditions.

I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Colorado Springs Utilities linemen and their peers across the state. It was a privilege to have our team represented among state leaders and fellow utility executives to celebrate these professionals.

04/24/2026

I enjoyed joining Dirk Hobbs on Business Digest Radio to discuss the critical projects our team is working on at Colorado Springs Utilities. We covered everything from our integration into the Southwest Power Pool to possible future plans that include nuclear energy and our ongoing drought response.

Check out the full conversation to hear more about how we are managing our four services to support economic development and customer reliability. And register for the upcoming State of the Utility to get an in-depth look at our strategic plans for the year. https://www.csu.org/events/state-of-the-utility