Governor Jared Polis has declared March 1-7 as Weights and Measures Week in Colorado, aligning the state with a nationwide campaign to emphasize the importance of accuracy in commercial transactions such as purchasing fuel or groceries.
The theme for this year, “We Measure What Matters,” underscores the ongoing work of inspectors who ensure consumers receive what they pay for at gas stations and grocery stores. Mahesh Albuquerque, Director of the Division of Oil and Public Safety within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), said, “We’re committed to protecting Colorado consumers and businesses alike. 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.”
Two agencies share responsibility for oversight in Colorado’s marketplace:
The Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) within CDLE monitors more than 50,000 retail fuel dispensers statewide. Inspectors not only verify meter accuracy but also analyze fuel samples to ensure compliance with quality standards, aiming to protect both vehicles and consumer finances. As electric vehicle adoption grows, OPS now oversees Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) programs, checking that charging stations provide accurate energy readings and transparent pricing.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) certifies equipment such as supermarket scanners, small retailer scales, livestock scales, transportation scales, grain elevators, airport luggage scales at Denver International Airport (DIA), and lidar lasers used by law enforcement. Acting Commissioner of Agriculture Robert Sakata stated: “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. 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.”
Colorado residents are reminded during Weights and Measures Week that resources exist for questions about product quantity or quality:
For concerns regarding gas pumps or fuel quality, individuals can contact CDLE’s OPS by phone or email; complaints may also be submitted online.
Questions about retail scales or price scanning can be directed to CDA’s Measurement Standards Program via phone or an online complaint form.
The CDA employs over 300 staff members across Colorado supporting agriculture through efforts like honey bee surveys that help pollinators thrive (official website). The department was founded in 1933 and supports thousands of farms on over 30 million acres—cattle remain a leading commodity (official website). Its mission includes promoting food safety, consumer protection, environmental stewardship (official website), connecting people with local products (official website), safeguarding pollinator health (official website), all under Commissioner Kate Greenberg’s leadership (official website).
