When Colorado became a territory in 1862, its first capital was Golden until Denver took over in 1867. Now, Golden is a small but still important city.
With its growing reputation as a haven for the high-tech sector, it’s no wonder the city wants to know why Xcel Energy isn’t taking steps other utilities have to handle bad weather.
The utility giant — a state-regulated monopoly — chose recently to shut off power to Golden among other Front Range communities in advance of high winds. Xcel did so with all the ensuing havoc and loss, and without helping or reimbursing families and businesses suffering from the blackout…