ALAMOSA — State Representative Matthew Martinez has been selected to serve as one of six members appointed to a joint select committee convened by Senator Dave Fenberg, the president of the Colorado Senate, to address rising utility bills in Colorado.

The committee has members from both parties and the House and Senate.

Rep. Martinez told the Valley Courier that, although he is in strong support of the need for a committee to look into the issue, he did not request a place at the table. It came as somewhat of a surprise when, earlier this week, he was approached by the Speaker of the House, Rep. McCluskie, who interviewed him.

He was later notified of his appointment and the announcement was made public Wednesday night.

When asked specifically what the joint select committee will be addressing, Martinez cited recent media coverage that has been looking into the situation in-depth, including, as was reported by Kyle Clark of 9NEWS-Denver, Xcel being allowed to recoup from their rate payers the fees they pay lawyers to defend rate hikes in front of the Public Utilities Commission.

Martinez was reluctant to be more definitive, at this point. The joint select committee has yet to convene or have a schedule of meetings.

But, as far as his motivation, Rep. Martinez is clear.

“I’m ready to work as a member of a bipartisan select committee that uncovers what’s really leading to higher energy costs for hardworking families in Colorado,” he said.

Other members serving alongside Rep. Martinez on the joint select committee include President of the Senate and Democratic Sen. Dave Fenberg, Republican Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, Democratic Sen. Lisa Cutter, Republican Rep. and Minority Leader Mike Lynch and Democratic Rep. Chris DeGruy.