What this energy bill does - and does not — do

Proposal would trim Xcel’s sails, start pushing back on natural gas expansion, but falls far short of the major overhaul that some believe is needed e company reported $727 million in pro ts from its Colorado operations in 2022. Investors in the company’s eight-state operating region earned yields of more than 9%.

Xcel Energy’s high and wide sails will almost certainly be trimmed by Colorado legislators. SB23-291, the bill crafted in response to spiking natural gas prices this winter, will impose small steps to protect consumer interests.

What this bill won’t do is make Colorado’s largest utility as innovative in this energy transition as it is successful in generating pro ts for its investors.

Big Pivots

Customers were chilled even more during this winter of uncommon cold by natural gas prices that polevaulted 75%. Xcel and other utilities protested that they were merely passing along costs.

State legislators leveraged the unhappiness into an investigation of long-standing complaints. Critics have long contended that investor-owned utilities enjoy an uneven playing eld at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the state agency governing Xcel, Black Hills Energy, and other investor-owned utilities.

e bill’s most important provision would allow the PUC to “consider requiring each investor-owned electric utility to bear a percentage of its total fuel costs in order to incentivize the utility to nd e ciencies and reduce fuel waste.” In other words, it puts the company’s own skin in the game. It might heighten accountability.

Senate President Steve Fenberg, a Democrat from Boulder who headed the select committee, said the proposal would not dramatically alter the compact between monopoly energy utilities and consumers. Utilities enjoy monopolies in their service territories, assuring a steady stream of revenues - and pro ts. State regulators must oversee reliability, a ordability and, in recent years, pollution reduction. Fenberg told Senate Finance Committee members that the changes amount to “tweaks” to the regulatory compact. is bill has disappointed some consumer advocates but stretches hard to achieve a goal of key environmental groups by challenging the expansion of natural gas.

At the committee hearing, Robert Kenney, the president of Xcel’s Colorado division, warned of unintended consequences. Others summoned by the company from Grand Junction to Pueblo to Greeley described a dark picture of hindered economic development or worse.

Many said that that this bill endangers Xcel’s access to capital to do good things such as its developing emerging hydrogen and geothermal resources. is argument was thin.

We all learn life lessons as we go along. None of us were born knowing everything we needed to know to get us through our time here on earth. We all learn in di erent ways, some by watching, some by listening, and some by doing or experiencing. I have been blessed by so many people in this world who have taught me so many life lessons, and I am grateful for each person and every lesson learned.

May your journey be lled with people who inspire you, teach you, and keep you on a path of continuous learning.

One of the rst life lessons I would like to share is about hope. Hope for me is the genesis of inspiration and motivation. When we have hope, we have power. Hope is certainly not a strategy, but hope is a foundation on which we build our goals and dreams.

“ e doors of hope swing widest on the hinges of encouragement” - Zig Ziglar. When we feel hopeful, encouraged, and motivated, that leads to a better understanding of our purpose. ere are still many who share with me that they really do not know what their purpose is, as they say they haven’t found it yet. I struggled with this for a long time too, and some days I still wrestle with it, wondering if I am doing what the good Lord has placed me on this earth to do. For me, I have come to appreciate that we were put here to serve others with the gifts that we have been given. I love this quote by Nelson DeMille, “ e problem with doing nothing is that you never know when you are done.”

We were not put here to do nothing, and that very thought should inspire our purpose daily, fueling our passion to live and serve.

Hope drive’s purpose, and purpose fuels passion. When our hearts and minds are lled with hope, it helps us to identify our purpose, and when that happens, the passion inside of us comes to life. Nelson Mandela put it perfectly when he said, “ ere is no passion to be found playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” It has

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com been debated that nding passion can lead to discovering purpose instead of purpose leading to passion, whatever way it works, let hope be the spark of both purpose and passion.

When the spark of hope ignites the purpose and passion within us, we are now in a perfect position to act. Again, never sitting back and doing nothing, it’s about performance and getting things done. And when we are hopeful, purpose driven, and passion fueled, we cannot help ourselves at this point, we must take action. “Having a vision for what you want is not enough. Vision without execution is hallucination.” — omas Edison. Well said, Mr. Edison. e fth lesson for today is this one, hope drives purpose, purpose fuels passion, passion primes the pump of performance, and performance delivered equals results. At the end of the day, it is about what we accomplished. What was the outcome of our e orts? Who did we serve? Who did we help? e de nition of success di ers for everyone, yet every de nition of success will have some form of measurement of results. Earl Nightingale teaches a lesson in his program

STEVE SMITH Sports Editor ssmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com e Strangest Secret, he says that we do not achieve success when we become rich, we achieve success rst by believing, doing the behaviors, and having the right attitude that leads us to our success. e best way to get started on your way to getting things done is to create a list of all the things you are hoping for. Make room for hope, give hope a chance, and watch what happens.

How about you? Are there areas of your own life, personally or professionally, that can bene t from an infusion of hope, purpose, passion, performance, and achieving greater results? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can begin with a little spark of hope, to ignite the res of purpose and passion, to elevate our performance, results will happen and that really will make it a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

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To opt in or out of delivery please email us at circulation@ coloradocommunitymedia.com e natural gas elements have provoked the noisiest opposition. e PUC and Colorado Energy O ce would be required to study implications of existing policy that allows utilities to bill existing customers of natural gas lines to pay for expansion of gas lines to new homes and buildings.

What more reliable income stream could Wall Street want than that of a monopoly responsible for essential goods and services?

Defenders of the policy compared this to extensions of water, sewer, and electric lines, which are also socialized. True. But for Colorado to achieve its mid-century emission reduction goals, it cannot continue expanding natural gas lines to tens of thousands of new homes each year. Meera Fickling of Western Resource Advocates told legislators that gas lines laid in 2023 won’t be paid o until 2080. We need to be more strategic in our investments, she said.

We have alternatives. Electricpowered air-source heat pumps can heat water and buildings in temperatures of down to 22 below zero. ey can also cool buildings. eir higher upfront cost will be recouped decades before the mortgage is paid. For new construction, it should be a no-brainer.

Natural gas is also threatened by a provision that would require state regulators to apply a discount rate that, in its long-term consequence, might make natural-gas genera-

Turn To The Colorado Sun For News Across The State

The Colorado Sun is a journalist-owned, award-winning news outlet that strives to cover all of Colorado so that our state — our community — can better understand itself. In this way, The Sun contributes to a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and non-partisan journalism. It covers everything from politics and culture to the outdoor industry and tion for electricity less economically attractive. Xcel has major plans for natural gas plants. education.

Energy visionary Amory Lovins decades ago said that consumers don’t care about the energy itself, only the service it delivers. ey want their beer cold. It’s just not generating electrons that matters. As we decarbonize, demand-side management and the more wonkish programming of satisfying needs will become far more important.

Xcel has shown it can build big wind and solar projects, as it once built big coal plants. is comports with the regulatory compact that allows the company to reap substantial pro ts with small risk. To its credit, Xcel is also working on new battery technology, hydrogen and other wrinkles of the energy transition.

But in the customer-interface area, Xcel has been unremarkable. I remember a rare reprimand from the PUC commissioners several years ago when reviewing an Xcel demand-management program at Denver’s Central Park neighborhood. Boulder was to be a demonstration project for innovation. So far, I’ve heard nothing.

Critics say the incentive motive of these investor-owned utilities blinds them to more creative solutions. Companies wanting to earn pro ts usually must innovate. Monopolies have less incentive to innovate, because they don’t face competition. is bill won’t change that.

Allen Best can be found at BigPivots.com, where he chronicles the energy and water transitions in Colorado and beyond. Follow him @BigPivots.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun. com.

AGGEN

Richard William “Rich” Aggen

November 7, 1955 - April 21, 2023

Rich was born November 7, 1955 in Midlothian, Illinois to Alfred and Shirley Aggen.

Rich is survived by his wife Donna, two children, four grandchildren, his mother, three sisters, one brother and many nieces and nephews.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Ft. Lupton High School Gymnasium, Ft. Lupton, Colorado, June 10th, 2023 at 1:00PM.

2023

Ryan Christopher Martinez, 54, of Oshkosh NE passed away Friday April 14,2023 at his home.

Ryan was born June18,1968 in Denver CO. Following his birth, he was adopted by Mary (Della) Martinez and Robert Martinez. He grew up in Brighton Co. He loved being outdoors, shing, and sports. He attended Brighton High School, where he graduated in 1986. After High School he joined the army and earned his Airborne jump wings and being part of the 82nd Airborne division. After the army he married his rst wife Ginger. ey moved to Florida where they had 3 sons. Nathan, Scott, and Trenton. In 2006, Ryan and his boys moved to Oshkosh NE. In 2008 he worked for Cabela’s where he met the love of his life Dana and her two children. In 2018 they opened a military themed restaurant, the Patriot Grill.

Ryan was a loving father, a cherished husband and a fantastic grandfather. He loved spending time with family. He had a heart of gold and loved helping anyone he could. Ryan is survived by his wife Dana Martinez of Oshkosh NE, His children Nathan (Angel)Martinez of Lincoln NE, Aaron Scott Martinez of Niceville FL. Trenton Martinez of Oshkosh NE, Amanda (Martin)Shmidt of Northplatte NE, and Jesse Juarez of Oshkosh NE. His grandchildren Bryce, Maddi, Braedyn, Jaxyn, Bellamy, Aubriella, and Zelda. His siblings Lonny (Vicky) Martinez, Roberta (James) Hicks, Julian, and Vicente Martinez of Brighton CO. Several nieces and nephews, as well as Great nieces and nephews. He will be remembered and missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at Oshkosh Wesleyan Church Saturday April 29th at 11:00am.

Gathering of family and friends will follow.

Burial with military honors will be Monday 12:00 pm MST at McPherson National cemetery near Maxwell NE.

TOMPKINS

Charles Edwin “Chuck” Tompkins

July 3, 1947 - March 30, 2023

Charles “Chuck” Edwin Tompkins, loving husband, father, and grandfather, was called home to Heaven on ursday, March 30, 2023. He was 75 years old.

Chuck leaves behind his beautiful wife of more than 54 years, Shirley Tompkins, his son, Dana Tompkins, and his granddaughter, Sydney. His parents, Everett and Nadine Tompkins, and his brother,

James Tompkins, welcome him in Heaven. A Funeral Service was held to honor Chuck on Monday, May 1st, 2023 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel in Longmont. He was laid to eternal rest at Elmwood Cemetery in Brighton on the same day. To read Chuck’s full obituary and to share memories and condolences for his family, please visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.

Sandra Helen Jones was born in Wauseon, Ohio, in April of 1959. She attended Wauseon High School. She made her home in Colorado for the last 30 years.

She worked as a caregiver and took care of multiple family members and friends her hobbies included puzzles, diamond art, spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by her children; Steven Jones and Sarah (John) Dennis. Grandchildren;

Dominic (Amanda) Dennis, Caleb Davis, Hannah Dennis, Joshua Dennis, her siblings; Michael (Gwen) Shippy, Sheldon (Linda) Shippy, David (Barb) Shippy, Becky (Sparky) Brendtke, Ronald (Cindy) Shippy, Malena Jones, Bertha (Bob) Hosker and Barbra (Jim) Roper.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; Lester Earl and Mary Louise (Spangler) Shippy as well as siblings; Frank Shippy, Terry Shippy, Dick Shippy and Gean Riches.

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

At e Alley in downtown Littleton, you might nd a musician who’s so into the music, they’ll get up and dance on the bar.

When a local band surprises the crowd with a stellar performance that no one saw coming, “it just knocks people’s socks o ,” said Mary Riecks, e Alley’s bar manager and a Littleton-area native.

e watering hole on Main Street doubles as a music venue that nds and helps grow local talent — and the shows are free. It’s one of the bars in the metro Denver suburbs that o ers a window into up-and-coming homegrown performers amid a music scene that one longtime bar owner says is growing.

“Twenty years ago when I opened up the bar, there were a few bars around that had live music,” said Doug Jacobsen, owner of Jake’s Roadhouse in Arvada.

Since then, he’s noticed that “all of these di erent bars” now o er space for shows, said Jacobsen, who has friends who perform at spots around metro Denver.

“ ere’s a lot of great musicians here,” Jacobsen said.

Here’s a look at places o the beaten path where you can catch some lesser known — and sometimes famous — music artists in person.

‘Something for everyone’ Wild Goose Saloon in Parker o ers a bit of a di erent environment: It’s a bar but also a large event venue. ey’re both longtime musicians themselves — they perform in a band called Lola Black, garnered play on the radio and toured around the country — and have played Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre several times, Dellinger said. ey take their knowledge of the industry to running the Wild Goose, which was built around the concept of serving as a music venue and has a bigger stage, sound and lighting setup than most bars do, Dellinger said.

It aims to be “Colorado’s version of the Knitting Factory” — a unique, independent venue that hosts local and national artists, said Chris Dellinger, who serves as co-owner of Wild Goose Saloon with his wife.

It’s “kind of like every musician’s dream to own their own venue at some place and time, and we just ended up being able to pull it o ,” said Dellinger, who lives in Aurora.

After opening in July 2021, Wild Goose has hosted some large country artists and “some `80s artists that are still big,” Dellinger said. National pop-rock act American Authors is set to play there in late April.

“My motto always is, ‘If you don’t like the music one night, that’s OK — it’ll be completely di erent the next night or the next week,’” Dellinger said. “So we really try to have something for everyone here.”

His venue tries to get exposure for local talent by letting them open for national touring acts. For the audience, the typical admission cost for a national artist’s show at Wild Goose sits around $25 to $30, but local artists’ ticketed shows can cost as low as $10, and most of the local artists’ shows are free.

Dellinger and his wife have

“snuck in” a performance or two at Wild Goose, he said — they were set to play there in late April with the Texas Hippie Coalition, an American heavy metal band. Keeping classics alive

You might also see Jacobsen, a guitarist himself, playing with a band at Jake’s Roadhouse in the north metro area every now and then.

His bar started o ering live music “right away” after opening near the end of 2003. Sitting in east Arvada close to Denver and Westminster, the venue o ers mostly cover bands and blues, and on Wednesday nights, bluegrass is on tap. Sometimes, artists play original songs, but it’s rare, Jacobsen said.

“Our people come in to hang out, and most original bands don’t have four hours’ worth of original music,” Jacobsen said.

But playing covers at Jake’s Roadhouse is one way to get a new artist’s foot in the door in the local music scene.

“We have bands that come to us all the time that can’t get these other bars to give them a chance to play because they haven’t played anywhere before,” Jacobsen said. He added: “We’re not like that. I know a lot of musicians around town, and we will give a band a chance to play just on the word of a friend.”

He feels that live music is im-