Rocky Mountain News staff editorial 

...As now written, HB 1227 would require the counsel and the board to
consider equally "economic, social and environmental" interests in
dealings with the PUC - not simply matters of price and access, as
they have in the past.

It's not as if environmental interests aren't already heard at the
commission. Green groups are highly motivated, well-funded and
organized. They make their opinions known and provide plenty of
sophisticated analysis to back them up. Their views get far more
exposure than those of old-fashioned consumer advocates dedicated to
keeping ratepayers from being ripped off. That's why the Office of
Consumer Counsel's current mandate is so important. If it won't look
out for the economic interests of ratepayers, we're not sure who will.

The proposed law is an invitation to turn the consumer counsel into
another advocate for renewable energy even when it's not cost
competitive - as if there weren't enough articulate voices already
making that case....

Full Editorial:  http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/17/dont-forget-consumers-at-puc/