The term “special interest” is being hurled around a lot in our local energy debate.
The most interesting use of the phrase that I’ve heard has been in the argument against creating a Long-Term Strategies Committee for our rural electric co-op.
Critics claim the committee is just a tool for solar and renewable energy special interests to advance their special agenda. The fear, if I understand these folks correctly, is that there is some kind of shadow coalition with the nefarious plot of force-feeding high-priced renewable energy to everyone in the La Plata Electric Association service area (and somehow everyone behind the plot will profit).
Let’s set aside the fact that the committee is simply tasked with reviewing various potential options for the future of LPEA, and let’s focus specifically on the conversation around our contract with Tri-State.
How exactly is it that solar and renewables can be considered a special interest while Tri-State is not? Tri-State’s headquarters are on the Front Range, where their high-salaried executives decide what kind of electricity we are and aren’t allowed to buy.
Tri-State’s revenues are not spent in our local economy. The only voice our community has with Tri-State is a single vote on a 43-person board.
Contrast that with our solar and renewable installers, companies whose projects are built in our region and employ local tradespeople. I suppose all (Tri-State and renewable energy companies) could be considered special interests. But to me, one seems a lot more special than the other.
Marty Pool
Durango
