For its electricity operations, attribute information on transformers, electric distribution lines, power poles and other facilities are kept in CSU's GIS and used to improve the reliability of its transmission and distribution systems operations. In addition, a GIS-built transformer load management application may give CSU a greater pay back on investment than any other application. A network model of the electric system and consumption usage from the billing system have been combined into an integrated application to perform transformer load analysis in which individual transformers or entire circuits can be analyzed. The goal of such analysis is to ensure that transformers are the right size. Transformers with too much capacity are oversized for the load handled and waste capital investments.
Undersized transformers can lead to degradation of electric availability service levels.
According to Van Riper, CSU assists the U.S. Air Force in mapping the Colorado Springs-based Air Force Academy and developing planimetric and utilities mapping of Air Force Academy property. CSU also has entered into a data sharing agreement with El Paso County, Colo., in which Colorado Springs resides. The agreement permits the county to access CSU's planimetric, parcel, address and digital orthophotography databases. Van Riper also notes that data sharing agreements are currently being planned for the city of Manitou Springs, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy. The utility's Development Automation System, which helps the land-development plan submittal and review processes, is an example of how CSU's enterprise approach is promoting business.