Questions for the governor: many about energy, none on DNC

By Tillie Fong, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 19, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Many questions Coloradans had for Gov. Bill Ritter during a call-in television show Monday night focused on energy concerns.

Curiously, not one caller asked the governor about the Democratic National Convention, which starts next week in Denver, during a broadcast of the The Aaron Harber Show on KBDI-TV.

The tone of the show was set early on when Harber asked Ritter about a joint news conference the governor did earlier with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on eco-driving - finding ways to maximize fuel efficiency while driving.

Ritter was more than happy to talk about the idea.

"We were really privileged to be two states to market eco-driving," he said.

"We can really reduce significantly the carbon footprint in this country."

A number of the questions from residents were about the cost and availability of alternative sources of energy: Is there a way to connect the wind farms in the state to the electrical grid? Why are prices for natural gas and electricity so high? Is there help for seniors who want to tap into wind power? Is there a way to subsidize alternative fuels?

Ritter said that his office, along with other agencies such as the Public Utilities Commission and the Consumer Council, is concerned about cost of energy and whether people can afford it.

"We want to make sure that the cost doesn't become too exorbitant," he said.

"We are paying attention to that. There is discussion in my office about energy assistance."

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