Governor Jared Polis has officially proclaimed March 1-7 as Weights and Measures Week in Colorado, joining a national effort to highlight the essential role of accuracy in everything from the grocery aisle to the gas pump.
This year’s national theme, "We Measure What Matters," reflects the constant and invaluable work of state inspectors who ensure that when a consumer pays for a gallon of gas or a pound of deli meat, they are getting exactly what they paid for.
“We’re committed to protecting Colorado consumers and businesses alike," said Mahesh Albuquerque, Director of the Division of Oil and Public Safety within CDLE. "We can’t do that without equity and uniform standards in the marketplace. The work our inspectors are doing allows us to give the public confidence and peace of mind whenever they purchase fuel at the pump."
The oversight of Colorado’s vast marketplace is a collaborative effort between two state agencies:
- The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE): The Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS), within CDLE, monitors more than 50,000 retail fuel dispensers across the state. In addition to verifying the accuracy of the meter, OPS inspectors analyze fuel samples to ensure they meet strict quality standards, protecting your vehicle's engine and your wallet.
And with the growth of electric vehicle adoption, OPS’ reach now goes beyond traditional petroleum. OPS oversees the Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) program, ensuring that EV charging stations across the state provide accurate energy readings and transparent pricing for Colorado drivers. - The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA): Inspectors within the Measurement Standards Program certify everything from supermarket scanners and small retailer scales to massive livestock or transportation scales and grain elevators. They even ensure the scales at Denver International Airport (DIA) are accurately weighing travelers' luggage and lidar lasers used by law enforcement for speed detection are accurately calibrated.
“Weights and Measures Week, with its theme 'We Measure What Matters,' is a perfect time to highlight the critical, often unseen, work of the Colorado Department of Agriculture's Measurement Standards Program,” said Colorado Acting Commissioner of Agriculture Robert Sakata. “Our inspectors are the guardians of equity in the marketplace, ensuring accuracy for everything from the scanners and scales in a grocery store to the heavy-duty equipment for livestock and trucks. This dedication to precise standards is fundamental to protecting Colorado consumers and maintaining trust across our entire economy.”
Consumer Resources
Weights and Measures Week offers a timely reminder to Coloradans that there are resources available – for both individuals and businesses – whenever there are doubts about quality and quantity in measured products being sold.
- For fuel inquiries: Consumers with concerns about gas pump accuracy or fuel quality should contact CDLE’s OPS at 303-866-4967 or email cdle_oil_inspection@state.co.us. Fuel quality issues can be reported via the OPS online complaint form.
- For scale or price inquiries: Questions regarding retail scales, scanners, or pre-packaged goods should be directed to the CDA Measurement Standards Program at 303-477-4220 or via the CDA online complaint form.