One of the most important aspects of the overall operation of the City of Colton is the electricity, and its associated facilities, all of which work in concert to effectively bring electric power to the city’s 54,000 residents. The Colton electric establishment is formally known as the Colton Electric Department, or CED.
After several recent discussions between Council Member Dr. G (Dr. Luis S Gonzalez), and the CED Administration, the topic of "security" rose to the top of the long list of concerns that needed to be addressed, and assessed. As a result, staff, under the leadership of Utility Director Dr. David Kolk, and assisted by Rebecca Gallegos, Utility Planning Manager; invited Council Member Dr. G to “see for himself” the steps that have been taken to effectively maintain our electric facilities, and actions that have been taken to ensure the “security of our assets,” explained Rebecca Gallegos.
“It’s important that we have regular inspections,” stressed Dr. Kolk, “and if any equipment is not functioning properly, or the security of the facilities becomes questionable, the problem is immediately addressed.” That sentiment was shared by Rebecca Gallegos, who planned a facilities tour with the CED crew, who added, “It’s good for decision–makers to periodically visit the sites.”
Without going into too much detail, for security reasons, Dr. G expressed satisfaction with the security of one particular CED site visit. “This crew has done an outstanding job maintaining the equipment, keeping the facility safe, and ensuring the security of our valuable…and costly, assets.” For these reasons, and many other reasons, all of the CED crews works diligently to “keep the electrical service flowing, so the residents can keep their light switches going,” smiled Dr. G.
Some recent highlights provided by Rebecca Gallegos are that CED:
- Received a positive evaluation of the 2019 Wildfire Protection and Mitigation Plan which shows how CED is protecting lives and homes from utility equipment caused fires.
- Met approximately 30% of its energy requirements with renewable energy supplies.
- Employees participated in a variety of legislative and regulatory forums to protect Colton's electric facilities.
- Sustainability Division was recognized by several regional and national organizations for their work in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship in the City.
- Residential rates are 14%-20% below SCE, and its commercial rates are 9% lower than SCE.
For more information about the Electric Department contact Rebecca Gallegos, Utility Planning Manager at 370-5175, or Dr. G at 213-3730.