Why cheer for a failed plan?

We paid just north of $50K for our solar system, and it produces 15%-20% more energy than I use in a year, according to CSU. This is an investment from us in their green energy plan. When it was installed, we were told by CSU that the excess would be credited to the evening hours and all we would have to pay is the monthly hook-up fee. Any “over generation” would be bought by the Utilities at the State Law dictate of 1kwh – 1kwh rate at the end of the year.

During their presentation last fall, CSU said every kwh of solar sent back to the grid saves them $0.12, yet they only reimburse us $0.02 per surplus kwh. Do I need to do the math? 600% profit by their numbers. And they now want to go back on the original agreement and charge us more!

A couple of unanswered questions keep coming to mind:

1) During peak hours, they are going to get more usage and therefore more money coming in. Why add to that by artificially inflated rates for those hours?

2) For the last couple years, we have heard many times how CSU had to “..buy power off the grid.” because they couldn’t keep up. Why? This never happened before they started charging us more to build out renewables.

The argument about tearing down the Martin Drake is moot at this point, but why was this done before we had a capable, tested replacement ready to go? “Green Renewable energy” wasn’t and still isn’t able to do the job.

We have already heavily invested in their foolish plan. Not that I agreed with it, but I can count on the same monthly fee for power in the loan payment (that I may never pay off) and i’m supplementing their system.. and they want more money from me.(?!) Again, the only green there is in “Green Energy” is the money they are soaking us for.

Tim Smith

Colorado Springs

This is political obstruction

Colorado’s roads are falling apart, and taxpayers know exactly why: the legislature has treated transportation funding like a piggy bank for everything except transportation. Initiative 175 finally fixes that by requiring that money collected from drivers actually be spent on roads.

But instead of respecting voters, Democratic lawmakers rushed out HB26‑1430—a bill crafted specifically to sabotage 175 before it even reaches the ballot. This is not policy. This is political obstruction.

If legislators are so confident that 175 is bad policy, they should trust voters to reject it. Instead, they are trying to rig the system to protect their spending priorities. That is not leadership. It is interference with the will of the people.

Colorado deserves better. Our roads deserve better. And voters deserve the chance to decide without legislative manipulation.

Chuck Broerman

El Paso County Treasurer

Advantages of electric vehicles

As communities across the country grapple with rising fuel costs, air pollution, and the growing impacts of global warming, one solution is becoming increasingly clear: the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Electric cars offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. By producing zero tailpipe emissions, they reduce air pollution and improve public health, especially in urban areas where smog and poor air quality disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

When you factor in that EVs cost roughly 50% less to fuel, and with fewer moving parts, require about half the maintenance of internal combustion engines, eliminating oil changes and frequent brake replacements entirely, the total cost of ownership is now a clear win for the consumer.

Advances in battery technology have extended driving ranges, while the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure is making electric vehicles more convenient than ever.

Many governments and utilities are also offering incentives that make the transition more affordable for everyday consumers.

Owning an electric car is not just a personal choice, it is a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future. By embracing this technology, we can reduce our dependence on carbon dioxide-polluting fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Ron Sadler

Colorado Springs

Coping mechanisms

Based on the negative aspects of life we are experiencing in this country, such as a higher cost of living, uncertainty about the war in Iran, overt display of racism, just to name a few, how are those of us who have to watch our budget, care about the loss of human life among those who are not responsible for any war, and those of dark skin coping with them?

It does not take much brain power to deduce that the rampant coping mechanisms among those unable to exercise critical thinking may very well be: substance abuse, overeating, domestic violence – displacing their frustration on the weaker members within a household, hiding behind electronic devices, social media, etc.

Chances are, among those who are capable of a higher level of thinking, defense mechanisms such as: denial, rationalization, intellectualization, repression, displacement, etc. are also rampant at present.

Is acceptance, according to the Stoics, really the answer in this day and age? Ideally, most of the precepts of Stoicism seem to be the answer to achieve a healthy way of living – living that is, as opposed to simply existing!

Those at the top of the political spectrum, those who have the power and financial means to enjoy life comfortably, certainly can afford to practice stoicism when adversity comes their way at the risk of ignoring the suffering of their fellow human beings.

How about the inability to do simple math? While we, the common citizens, go on with life, paying higher prices for gas, suffering the ripple effect of such an increase, the fortunate ones at the top either don’t care about anyone but themselves, or they are afraid of retribution if they were to speak up for what is right.

With some level of spiritual consciousness, perhaps Pope Leo will be able to touch those who are void of a conscience, blood thirsty, addicted to power and wealth, and even those who call themselves Christian Nationalists.

Marcela Gaumer

Colorado Springs