In our politically fractured country have you ever wondered if there are any issues that Democrats and Republicans can work on together for the common good of all citizens? Naturally, such an issue should benefit all citizens as stakeholders. There is such an issue currently, preserving and securing our electric grid.
The electric grid quite frankly is the lifeblood of our society. Modern conveniences that we all enjoy from the internet to basic utilities are possible because of the electric grid operating. When I state that it must be preserved and secured that is because life in Colorado is pretty darn good and it should remain that way. Any disaster whether man-made like hacking or deliberate sabotage can cause the grid to go down. Nature-related problems like solar flares could accomplish the same thing. Regardless if the grid does go down the results would be calamitous. Life as we know it in 2023 Colorado would come to a halt. An illustration might serve this problem best. Imagine the inconvenience you suffer from a three or four halt to power. Now imagine the same inconvenience if it lasts weeks, months or even permanently.
Here is the good news. This problem is very much fixable. Comparatively speaking it does not even cost that much money to accomplish. Some I have heard estimate four to six billion dollars. State government and local governments can achieve that vital goal easily, especially with private-sector partnerships.
Rural areas of our state are remote they are a greater risk for calamity than urban areas from the grid going down. The solution for those rural areas would be microgrids that operate in small areas. Larger urban areas need to have their part of the grid secured so that it does not go down regardless of what event may bring strain to the grid. Regardless of where you reside in Colorado grid security is important. In an age where hostile intent is an unfortunate reality of modern life preserving and securing the grid is important. This should be a non-partisan issue since everyone benefits from the grid. The grid I may note is one of those hidden blessings in modern life that accomplishes many things in a quiet manner.
If the grid is so important for everyone may I suggest a bit of citizen action? Write to your legislators and to Gov. Polis urging them to take action to save our grid. Do not forget to inform local government officials like County Commissioners, Mayors and City Councils. Make sure state and local officials finish the job re: the grid. Write to the Public Service Commission asking them for more information about this crucially important subject for all of us. Finally, tell your friends and neighbors about the grid and why it needs to be secured and saved. Urge them to get involved for everyone’s sake. This is something that is important for all of Colorado.
Joe Webb is the former chairman of the Jeffco Republican party.