Over the past 10 years, sometimes it feels like Colorado’s rural electric co-ops are in a political slump, maybe because of the accelerated expansion of the urbanrural divide in our state. Lawmakers representing rural interests in Colorado are outnumbered at the Capitol, and when we’re outnumbered it can be easy to get discouraged.
Much like a mental or physical slump this time of year when the holidays are behind us and we’re waiting for spring, we might need to tackle this with some good, old-fashioned exercise — political exercise.
In February, CREA staff organized Co-op Day at the Capitol where more than 100 electric co-op CEOs and board members packed the Old Supreme Courtroom at the Capitol. We were joined by legislative leaders from near and far, representing all political views.
Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie and President of the Senate James Coleman recognized Colorado’s electric co-ops for their more than 80 years of service to the people of our state. “Formed by the people they serve,” McCluskie read from the official proclamation, “electric co-ops were built on a simple but powerful idea: every Coloradan deserves access to safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, no matter where they live.”
Speaker McCluskie and President Coleman were joined by the majority and minority leaders of both chambers of the legislature. Together, they acknowledged that electric co-ops are important because our voices reflect real people and real communities.
Following remarks from House and Senate leadership, our electric co-op cohort heard from a legislative panel discussing energyrelated bills making their way through the legislature.
Our successful day at the Capitol provided enough of a workout to help us get out of the slump. But — much like cardio training — we need to follow up with more exercises like these to build endurance and stamina in the political arena. Colorado’s electric co-ops will do this by continuing our engagement with lawmakers on a number of bills that could impact the price and reliability of electricity. We will bring our practical expertise to policy discussions. And we will collaborate to ensure that the wants and needs of our member cooperatives’ — and the people they serve — are part of legislative solutions.
While we’re at it, we will motivate others to exercise their political muscle and encourage everyone in the co-op family to engage in the political process. We might not have the numbers that urban interests have but we can organize and unite around important topics.
Colorado’s electric co-ops are working together to build strength and endurance — it is our best chance for sustained political health.
Tom Walch is the executive director of the Colorado Rural Electric Association, the statewide organization supporting 21 electric distribution cooperatives and one generation and transmission cooperative.
Photo Above: Members of the Colorado General Assembly meet with electric co-op leaders during CREA's Co-op Day at the Capitol. Left to right: Rep. Dan Woog, Sen. Marc Catlin, Sen. Larry Liston, Rep. Lesley Smith, Rep. Dusty Johnson, Sen. Janice Marchman, and Rep. Alex Valdez.