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Send us a textSummary: In this episode of the PIO Podcast, Stephen Kuhr shares his extensive experience in emergency management, discussing his journey from the New York City Emergency Medical Service to his role at Colorado Springs Utilities. He emphasizes the importance of crisis communication, the differences between public and private sector emergency management, and the critical lessons learned throughout his career. Stephen highlights the need for transparency and effective communication during crises, and he shares practical insights on integrating crisis communications into emergency management plans.Steven's BIO: Steven Kuhr has spent his career in Emergency Management, building a diverse portfolio of leadership positions across multiple sectors. Mr. Kuhr served as Director of Emergency Management, Enterprise Continuity, and Security Operations at Colorado Springs Utilities.While serving in this position, Mr. Kuhr oversaw crisis, risk, and resiliency operations for energy and water utilities and dam operations for Colorado's second largest city. During this 0time, Mr. Kuhr also served as a Director with the InfraGard-Denver and co-founded the Colorado Critical Infrastructure Alliance.Earlier, Mr. Kuhr served with the New York City Office of Emergency Management as a founding Deputy Commissioner, leading emergency operations and multi-risk emergency planning. Prior to that he served with the New York City Fire Department as EMS Deputy Chief and Special Operations Commander. Mr. Kuhr is a trusted Crisis Management Leader. He has advised elected officials, CEOs and “C-Suite” Leaders during complex emergencies, major disasters, and terrorist attacks. Mr. Kuhr is also a respected consultant, serving as Managing Director and Emergency Management Practice Leader at Kroll Inc., and President and Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Emergency Group LLC. Mr. Kuhr has advised a variety of organizations in several business industries and government sectors to include federal, state, and local government agencies, transportation (rail, aviation, seaport, and surface), financial, energy (electricity/natural gas), water/wastewater, dams, major league baseball, cable news, commercial properties, defense, justice, law enforcement, and an agency serving people with disabilities and special needs.The Brandon T. Adams Audio ExperienceWelcome to The Brandon T. Adams Audio Experience, hosted by entrepreneur, investor,...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.
This interview with Colorado Springs Utilities CEO Travas Deal was recorded on April 28, 2025. In this episode, we discuss how Travas got his start in utilities, what it takes to keep the power on, and some of the programs in place to assist Colorado Springs residents. For more information about Colorado Springs Utilities, please visit https://www.csu.org/. Beyond the Dais aims to bring you stories about people making a difference in El Paso County, Colorado. If you have a story you want to share or know someone you feel should be highlighted, please email EPCPIO@elpasoco.com. If you are interested in hearing more of these stories, feel free to browse previous episodes or stay tuned for future editions of this podcast.
What do 68 monitoring sites and over $1.3 million annual investment in data collection tell us about Fountain Creek? Colorado Springs Utilities water quality expert Annie Berlemann provides some answers. She is Fountain Creek Watershed Project Manager for the utility.Fountain Creek is one of Colorado's most closely monitored and ecologically diverse waterways—spanning urban neighborhoods, rural landscapes, and natural ecosystems from the top of Pikes Peak to Pueblo. The Fountain Creek Watershed tells a complex story of resilience, risk, and recovery. From the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires to the “Miracle May” floods – discover what it takes to track and improve water health for both people and wildlife, including the native Flathead chub, a species of special concern.LINKS:Presenter's Slides: https://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Watershed-101-and-Water-Quality.pdfColorado Springs Utilities: https://www.csu.org/This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on April 16, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month.The next event is:Home Grown – Built to Live, Love, Last - Jill Gaebler of Pikes Peak Housing NetworkMay 21, 2025, Noon to 1 p.m., VirtualRegister: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QFVcv-2VRZGvEovtDnV9cQThe following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/350 Colorado https://350colorado.org/GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.orgKeep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.
We are going to focus the next three episodes on the Utility perspective with the theme of “Hug Pylons not Trees” or “This is not your grandparents Grid”. Most of us don't really care where energy comes from but we do care when it is not available (storms or extreme weather) or the monthly electric bill gets too expensive. But our recent interviews with utility experts from SoCalEdison and Colorado Springs Utilities have shed some light on how complex our electricity grid is becoming with the addition of renewable energy sources. With the goal of reducing emissions and moving towards a net-zero ecosystem, we are introducing a lot of complexity in the lives of our utility providers.reference Colorado Springs Utilities https://www.csu.org/
Learn about the comprehensive vision for future investments and stewardship, with a focus on downtown Colorado Springs. We'll hear from Chris Lieber, COO for Pikes Peak Waterways, Principal at N.E.S. Inc. and Chair of the Downtown Development Authority. He is joined by former city councilor Jan Martin, cofounder and board member for Pikes Peak Waterways.The COS Creek Plan establishes a comprehensive vision for the future investments and stewardship of the Fountain Creek Watershed with a specific focus on segments of the Monument and Fountain creeks adjacent to Downtown Colorado Springs. The COS Creek Plan establishes an implementable vision, which respects our communities' values, responds to infrastructure needs, and leverages opportunities. Implementation of the Plan is being pursued through a unique partnership between Pikes Peak Waterways (non-profit), the City of Colorado Springs (Stormwater Enterprise), and Colorado Springs Utilities. It is intended to create excitement, foster collaboration, and identify public and private partnership opportunities.Pikes Peak Waterways is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded on the premise that visionary planning, research, and action is vital to making our region's waterways sustainable and enjoyable for generations to come. Pikes Peak Waterways serves as a catalyst for change and is turning Fountain and Monument Creek's challenges into opportunities: opportunities for restoration, opportunities for preservation, opportunities for recreation, and opportunities for community and economic development.Chris Lieber is leading efforts to implement the COS Creek Plan and supporting the non-profit work of Pikes Peak Waterways. For nearly two decades Chris managed the Colorado Springs Parks, Trails and Open Space (TOPS) Program.LINKS:Presenters' Slideshttps://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/COS-Creek-Plan-SIP.pdfPikes Peak Waterwayshttps://Ppwaterways.orgThis episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on January 15, 2025. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is:February 19, 2025, 12 NoonTopic: Connecting Colorado with the Outdoors - Great Outdoors Colorado and Generation WildRegister here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3NQwgJHAScGcXFVygi4bowThanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak PermacultureVisit pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking.Old Town Bike Shop - your local bike shop since 1976The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at
Councilman Donelson discuss the future of sound permits for the Ford Amphitheatre and the Colorado Springs Utilities bill increase .
Councilman Donelson discuss the future of sound permits for the Ford Amphitheatre and the Colorado Springs Utilities bill increase .
The average homeowner's cost has recently grown by about $9 a month to cover rising fuel prices. Now the city owned Colorado Springs Utilities, which handles power, gas, water and sewer, is about to ask for another type of increase called a base rate increase.
Officials say the Oak Ridge Fire in Pueblo County is still at zero-percent containment and Colorado Springs Utilities is asking for help in reducing energy use during peak hours.
Officials say the Oak Ridge Fire in Pueblo County is still at zero-percent containment and Colorado Springs Utilities is asking for help in reducing energy use during peak hours.
Learn about water resource limitations and challenges for Colorado and Colorado Springs. Scott Winter, project manager in Water Resources and Demand Management for Colorado Springs Utilities, shares work being done to ensure our community is as efficient and as resilient as possible. He also reviews how and what you can do to participate in the efficient use of water both inside and outside of your home. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Presenter's Slideshttps://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/04172024-Peak-Alliance-for-Sustainable-Future.pdf Water Conservation & Efficiency Resources – Colorado Springs Utilitieshttps://www.csu.org/Pages/WaterConservationEfficiency.aspx Coffee and Conservation – First Saturday of each month May – October, 8 to noon at CSU Conservation Centerhttps://allevents.in/colorado%20springs/200026400462050 This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress (SIP) virtual event on April 17, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. The next event is: Native Plants for Native PollinatorsDavid Woolley, Science Educator and Founder of the Manitou Seed Library May 15, 12 NoonRegister here:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kceuurzouHtOY5fWIjVpK3O3DOkU8Nlt2 Thanks to these Peak Environment sponsors: Pikes Peak Permaculture Visit https://pikespeakpermaculture.org for opportunities to learn more about sustainable organic living through permaculture – workshops, classes, field trips, and networking. Old Town Bike Shop - your local bike shop since 1976 https://www.oldtownbikeshop.com/ The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at https://peakallianceco.org/. The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:
Show Notes Five Minutes to Chaos has reached its 52nd episode, marking a significant milestone in the success of the podcast. The podcast has featured a diverse range of guests and panel episodes, covering various crisis events and innovative approaches to crisis management. For this special episode, Steven Kuhr discusses the topic of heat emergencies, which he believes captures the essence of emergency management. Key elements of managing heat emergencies include interagency collaboration, communications, public information, and the establishment of cooling centers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Milestone 00:56 Conceptualizing the Podcast 03:21 Monologue Episode 04:14 Choosing the Topic: Heat Emergencies 08:08 History of Emergency Management in NYC 09:29 Heat Emergency in Chicago 11:25 Jerry Hauer and the Task Force 12:53 Interagency Collaboration 18:42 Reducing Heat Deaths 19:09 Monitoring and Intelligence 20:04 National Weather Service and Regional Calls 21:46 Emergency Operations Center 24:36 Communications and Public Information 27:27 Unity of Effort and Shared Situational Awareness 29:53 Cooling Centers and Transportation 32:17 Summary and Gratitude About Steven Kuhr Steven Kuhr has spent his career in Emergency Management, building a diverse portfolio of leadership positions across multiple sectors. Mr. Kuhr served as Director of Emergency Management, Enterprise Continuity, and Security Operations at Colorado Springs Utilities. While serving in this position, Mr. Kuhr oversaw crisis, risk, and resiliency operations for energy and water utilities, as well as dam operations for Colorado's second largest city. During this time, Mr. Kuhr also served as a Director with InfraGard-Denver and co-founded the Colorado Critical Infrastructure Alliance. Earlier, Mr. Kuhr served with the New York City Office of Emergency Management as a founding Deputy Commissioner where he led emergency operations and multi-risk emergency planning. Prior to that he served with the New York City Fire Department as EMS Deputy Chief and Special Operations Commander. Mr. Kuhr is a trusted Crisis Management Leader. He has advised elected officials, CEOs and “C-Suite” Leaders during complex emergencies, major disasters, and terrorist attacks. Mr. Kuhr is also a respected consultant, having served as Managing Director and Emergency Management Practice Leader at Kroll Inc., and President and Chief Operating Officer at Strategic Emergency Group LLC. Mr. Kuhr has advised a variety of organizations in several business industries and government sectors to include federal, state, and local government agencies, transportation (rail, aviation, seaport, and surface), financial, energy (electricity/natural gas), water/wastewater, dams, major league baseball, cable news, commercial properties, defense, justice, law enforcement, and an agency serving people with disabilities and special needs. Mr. Kuhr Hosts “5 Minutes to Chaos – A Podcast”, a weekly podcast available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, where he and guests explore the complexities of crisis management. Mr. Kuhr holds a Master of Science in Homeland Security Management and a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management Administration. He is a Colorado Certified Threat Liaison Officer and held a certification as an Advanced EMT-IV Paramedic. Contact Information https://www.linkedin.com/in/skuhr/
Colorado Springs Utilities says drinking water is safe, despite "forever chemicals" being found in the water.
Colorado Springs Utilities says drinking water is safe, despite "forever chemicals" being found in the water.
On Monday's "The Extra", the topic was sustainability and incentives for new appliances and vehicles. Peter Glenn talked about how, with $12,500 in potential tax credits to defer between state and federal rebates, Colorado residents stand to gain more from EV Life than any other state in the country. Glenn is CEO of EV Life - evlife.co EV Life is an EV finance platform that launched in Colorado to help locals maximize savings on EVs. Another guest, David Longrie, Manager Energy Resource Planning and Innovation at Colorado Springs Utilities, talked about programs at the utility level and consumer level that will lead to cost and energy savings. More information on that csu.org.
On Monday's "The Extra", the topic was sustainability and incentives for new appliances and vehicles. Peter Glenn talked about how, with $12,500 in potential tax credits to defer between state and federal rebates, Colorado residents stand to gain more from EV Life than any other state in the country. Glenn is CEO of EV Life - evlife.co EV Life is an EV finance platform that launched in Colorado to help locals maximize savings on EVs. Another guest, David Longrie, Manager Energy Resource Planning and Innovation at Colorado Springs Utilities, talked about programs at the utility level and consumer level that will lead to cost and energy savings. More information on that csu.org.
Recycle your Christmas tree with TreeCycle to reduce tree waste, create mulch, and support youth development non-profits in your community. Organized by El Paso County, and with the assistance of the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, and Colorado Springs Youth Sports, TreeCycle will be held the first two weekends of January.
Recycle your Christmas tree with TreeCycle to reduce tree waste, create mulch, and support youth development non-profits in your community. Organized by El Paso County, and with the assistance of the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs Utilities, and Colorado Springs Youth Sports, TreeCycle will be held the first two weekends of January.
During KRDO's Afternoon News Wednesday, Dan Cochell talked with Steve Reyes, Fire Program Manager with Colorado Springs Utilities about what to do in the event of a prolonged power outage, whether from a windstorm or a snowstorm.
During KRDO's Afternoon News Wednesday, Dan Cochell talked with Steve Reyes, Fire Program Manager with Colorado Springs Utilities about what to do in the event of a prolonged power outage, whether from a windstorm or a snowstorm.
Colorado Springs Utilities budget approved, attempted murder case under investigation, your weather and more.
Colorado Springs Utilities budget approved, attempted murder case under investigation, your weather and more.
Yesterday, Colorado Springs Utilities presented their 2024 budget proposal and rate case to City Council.
Yesterday, Colorado Springs Utilities presented their 2024 budget proposal and rate case to City Council.
Suspect in custody after a standoff, Colorado Springs Utilities criticized over a water tank, your weather and more.
Suspect in custody after a standoff, Colorado Springs Utilities criticized over a water tank, your weather and more.
A dam rehabilitation project at South Catamount Reservoir will begin this fall when the North Slope Recreation Area of Pikes Peak closes for the season
A dam rehabilitation project at South Catamount Reservoir will begin this fall when the North Slope Recreation Area of Pikes Peak closes for the season
Colorado Springs Utilities have a better idea of when work on Kiowa will be completed, multiple law enforcement agencies teamed up to recover stolen vehicles, your weather and more.
Colorado Springs Utilities have a better idea of when work on Kiowa will be completed, multiple law enforcement agencies teamed up to recover stolen vehicles, your weather and more.
Councilman Donelson talks about rates at Colorado Springs Utilities
Pricing and rates changes at CSU.
Pricing and rates changes at CSU.
Councilman Donelson talks about rates at Colorado Springs Utilities
During Wednesday's edition of KRDO's Afternoon News, Dan Cochell talked with Katie Garrett, Water Resources Planning Engineer for Colorado Springs Utilities, regarding all of the recent rain and what it means for our water supply and whether we still need to water our yards.
During Wednesday's edition of KRDO's Afternoon News, Dan Cochell talked with Katie Garrett, Water Resources Planning Engineer for Colorado Springs Utilities, regarding all of the recent rain and what it means for our water supply and whether we still need to water our yards.
Rate decrease for Colorado Springs Utilities customers, Manitou Springs residents need to conserve water, your weather and more.
CSU announces rate cuts....
Rate decrease for Colorado Springs Utilities customers, Manitou Springs residents need to conserve water, your weather and more.
CSU announces rate cuts....
This month, customers of Colorado Springs Utilities may have noticed changes when they went to pay their bills or manage accounts online. That's because Springs Utilities recently launched a major system-wide upgrade. These systems are used to manage billing, customer information, payments and accounts.
This month, customers of Colorado Springs Utilities may have noticed changes when they went to pay their bills or manage accounts online. That's because Springs Utilities recently launched a major system-wide upgrade. These systems are used to manage billing, customer information, payments and accounts.
After less than two years of construction, Colorado Springs Utilities has completed installation of six, state-of-the-art natural gas generating units – with a combined generating capacity of 162 megawatts – outside the now-closed, downtown Martin Drake Power Plant. The units fulfill an important part of the utility's strategy as it pursues its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030.
After less than two years of construction, Colorado Springs Utilities has completed installation of six, state-of-the-art natural gas generating units – with a combined generating capacity of 162 megawatts – outside the now-closed, downtown Martin Drake Power Plant. The units fulfill an important part of the utility's strategy as it pursues its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2030.
Resource adequacy, innovation and making sure employees are equipped with the training and technological skills to best meet the needs of customers are key areas of focus for Colorado Springs Utilities and Travas Deal, who was sworn in as CEO of the public power utility in February.
What's up, everyone! In this episode, Ryan and Shannon discuss how the Colorado Springs Utility company lost customer PII. Please LISTEN
Is it time for an independent utilities board with the necessary experience to manage CSU? The post What’s Going On with Colorado Springs Utilities? appeared first on Studio 809 Podcasts.
James and Erin discuss the two new cities that have passed Airbnb-friendly laws and the investment potential for Littleton and unincorporated Adams County. In Colorado Springs, we discuss the ongoing growth in the New South End. For more information visit ErinandJamesRealEstate.com Episode Links: Centennial Airbnb Laws Colorado Springs Continues Growth in 2022 Colorado Springs Utilities partners with Ting for city-wide high-speed internet
In this episode, Todd, Terry, and Henry interview Jerry Forte, former CEO of Colorado Springs Utilities, one of the most well-respected utility companies in the nation. They discuss how Jerry used the LDC model as the framework for leading CSU, but also how he continues to use the LDC Model in every aspect of his life.
Thank you to our Poly Podcast sponsor Strongbridge.