A new way for Colorado springs utilities customers to find out information will soon be available.

Colorado Springs Utilities says it will be launching an automated outage reporting system on March 9th.

Springs Utilities customers will be able to call a toll-free telephone number - 1-888-CSU-OTIS (6847) - to receive updated information on power outages in their area, or to report an outage.

Utility officials say the effectiveness and accuracy of the system relies heavily on current customer account information, especially phone numbers. That means customers are strongly encouraged to ensure that their account information is up-to-date by visiting the online account management section on the Colorado Springs Utilities web site (click on the link below this story), or by calling 448-4800.

Once the outage help line launches, customers will be able to get information including:

·Confirmation that Colorado springs utilities is aware of the outage
·Estimated duration of the outage
·Number of customers affected
·Information on the cause of the outage (if known)
·An option to request a return call to a home phone or cell phone when an outage has been restored

The service will be available in English and Spanish.