Fall 2009
NEW WEB SITE UNVEILING
November 2009, Butsko Utility Design, Inc. launched a new and improved web site designed as a means to convey our service offerings, portfolio as well as offer useful links, industry updates and the latest industry news articles. We hope that our new and improved web site helps you gain valuable information about our company and services we offer. Our web site can be found at: http://www.butskoutility.com
GREETINGS
Spending more time in Costco than Nordstrom these days in order to get a similar quality product for less? Can you even remember the last time you stepped into a Nordstrom? OK – I will admit that I went to the Men’s Sale after Christmas last year.
We are all consumed in being better shoppers and thrifty spenders in order to keep pace with an economy that seems to not be in any big hurry to get better. Then it should come as no surprise that professional consultants and service companies like ours are being viewed any differently by our suitors.
Here at Butsko Utility Design, Inc. we have had to meet our industry challenges which has resulted in modifying our approach in pricing our services to meet the needs and expectations of our clients. Hard and unpleasant decisions have had to be made including lay-offs of valued staff, salary reductions, and other significant financial adjustments.
Our challenge doesn’t stop there though. Butsko has adjusted our dedicated staff and internal processes so that we are working more efficiently on each and every project from start to finish. We are committed to not compromise our goal and standard of delivering quality services and products as an industry leader.
I am assuming Nordstrom has made similar adjustments. Maybe it’s time I go back in and take a look around!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Some good news to report for a change, most of the major regulated electric and gas utilities in California (PG&E, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas and Electric, Southern California Gas and Southwest Gas) have recently requested and were granted by the California Public Utilities Commission an increase in their residential allowance cost as applied under the Utility’s Line Extension Rule 15 (So Cal Gas Rule 20). Allowances are amounts per residential meter that are subject to refund depending upon the appliances and load generated by the living unit.
The increases are as follows:
- Southern California Edison from $1,981 to $2,322
- San Diego Gas and Electric (electric) from $1,774 to $2,026
- San Diego Gas and Electric (gas) from $1,418 reduced to $1,219
- Southern California Gas from $1,100 to $1,577
- Southwest Gas $1,041 (unchanged)
- PG&E (electric) $1,313 (unchanged)
- PG&E (gas) $984 (unchanged)
Please contact us with any questions regarding the allowance changes.
Butsko Featured Employee
This fall newsletter features Cristi Gomez, who joined Butsko in 1999 and is a Senior Project Coordinator assisting our Division Manager, Carl Richards, in the Inland Empire office. Her main responsibility focuses on coordinating a variety of projects, including Master Planned Developments. Cristi’s attention to detail, quality, and superior customer service ensure each project is completed on schedule and according to the specifications desired by our clients.
AROUND THE HORN
San Diego:
Butsko is excited to join National Community CORE Renaissance with their new Richmar Senior Village project located in San Marcos. The project consists of 34,000+ square feet of residential dwelling space and common facilities within multiple multistory buildings. This project will require the conversion of overhead utilities (electric, catv, phone) within a public alley and streets fronting the site. Butsko will be performing the SDGE conversion designs, as well as, the extension design to serve the project.
Inland Empire/Desert:
Butsko is currently working with Kimley-Horn & Associates on the County of Riverside/Caltrans I-215 and Van Buren Boulevard Interchange Project. This project encompasses widening the freeway and enhancing the southbound/northbound on and off ramps at the Van Buren Boulevard exits. The improvement plans are at 65% completion stage and the construction is scheduled to begin in early 2012.
Orange County:
Butsko is excited to continue our nearly seven year working relationship with Irvine Community Development Company (ICDC) on their 2010 new home collection in their Woodbury and Woodbury East Communities. Butsko is proud to be a part of this dynamic team leading the way into the coming year.
Additionally, Butsko is proud to continue to provide electrical, lighting and utility company design and coordination on the Orange County Great Park (OCGP) project located in Irvine. The OCGP Board approved $65.5 million in construction projects to develop land to enhance the visitors’ experience at the Great Park. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011 with a number of features completed by the end of 2010.
OCGP features environmentally state of the art active and passive uses with more than 3,885 of the 4,700 acres dedicated to open space, education and other public uses.
Northwest:
Butsko is continuing to provide electrical and fiber optic cable design and coordination services to Snohomish County Public Utility District (SNOPUD) and electrical design and coordination services Seattle City Light (SCL) on various project.
Comments / Questions / Issues
Please feel free to contact us at information@butskoutility.com or call any of our offices for assistance.
