The rush to renewable energy is raising utility bills across Colorado – and government subsidies are hiding the real cost. This transition is being driven by political mandates and taxpayer-funded incentives, not market demand or proven affordability. Wind and solar projects often rely on massive subsidies to stay afloat, while reliable energy sources like natural gas are being sidelined too soon.
Families are now paying the price through higher bills and less dependable service. Activists blame fossil fuels, but the real problem is a top-down energy agenda that prioritizes ideology over common sense. We’ve heard “we don’t have time” for decades. Since the 1970s, politicians have warned of imminent catastrophe – but those deadlines come and go. Urgency isn’t a strategy; it’s an excuse for poor planning.
We need a smarter approach – one that balances environmental goals with affordability and reliability. That means keeping natural gas in the mix during the transition, letting energy sources compete fairly without distortion from subsidies, and focusing on local solutions like hydro or geothermal that make sense for Colorado.
Above all, we must hold utilities accountable and protect consumers from being forced to fund risky experiments. Let’s stop chasing headlines and start focusing on what works – for working families, for our economy and for a responsible energy future.
Britny Hanson
Durango
