Our electric system is nearly all underground. Older or damaged low voltage cables can cause electrical faults which energize street-level surfaces. This is known as contact voltage. Virtually anything could be energized by a cable fault. Generally, these faults draw a small amount of electrical current and are not dangerous. However, without proactive detection and repair, these faults can persist and there is potential risk to the public. Finding and repairing contact voltage faults reduces the possibility of injury to the general public and utility workers, as well as eliminating system losses.

Utilities is performing a city-wide survey of our electric system. Due to the vast area of the survey, it is necessary to use a vehicle. The measurements can only be taken when the vehicle is driving slowly. The vehicle will have amber safety beacons with the Fort Collins Utilities logo.

During our contact voltage survey, if a surface is suspected to carry low voltage, the Light and Power crews will manually check the area with handheld tools.

Light and Power crews have confirmed a low voltage contact voltage on a surface. They are making the area safe with protective wrap or cones and warning tape. If our crews find a contact voltage that could be harmful to the public, they will remain on site and make necessary repairs to eliminate the problem. If immediate repairs are not possible, crews will de-energize the problem equipment until proper repairs can be made.

While the object will not cause harm, please stay clear of the area. Questions can be directed to Light and Power at 970-221-6700.

Contact Utilities and report the incident and location to 970-221-6700. Light & Power crews will be dispatched immediately to repair the equipment.

The contact voltage survey will include our streetlights, which must be evaluated at night while they are active.

No, contact voltage can be present anywhere there is underground electric cable.

This citywide mobile detection survey will take approximately eight weeks. Utilities is incorporating limited, periodic and directed mobile detection surveys into its regular maintenance program.

No, contact voltage has previously been detected and eliminated through Light & Power’s regular maintenance routines. The mobile contact voltage survey is a new program being implemented to proactively detect contact voltages across the entire electric service area.

The funding for the original mobile contact voltage survey was approved as a project in Light and Power Operations in the 2017/2018 budget cycle. Part of the funding was used to purchase equipment and training necessary for Light and Power crews to perform the survey, as part of scheduled maintenance. As such, funding will now be included in the approved maintenance budget. Should staff see the need to perform a short term citywide survey, it will be sought to be included as a project in a future annual budget.