Denver council rejects Xcel Energy franchise and companion airport agreements after weeks of debate

Denver City Council declined on Aug. 11 to refer a proposed 20‑year franchise agreement with Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy) to the ballot and also rejected related operating and energy‑infrastructure companion agreements, following several hours of discussion and public testimony.

Council members debated whether the package gives the city sufficient enforceable commitments on reliability, data sharing, community outreach and assistance for customers who struggle to pay energy bills. Multiple council members said they had not seen enough negotiation with neighborhoods and raised concerns that the agreement leaves many commitments as exploratory rather than mandatory.

The council first voted on Council Bill 25‑09‑22, the proposed franchise referral. Councilmember Hines moved the bill to final consideration. The motion failed, 6–7. Councilmembers Kevin Flynn, Romero Campbell, Amanda Sawyer, Faith Torres, Paul Watson and Council President Sandoval voted in favor; seven colleagues voted no. Later votes on the airport operating agreement (Council Bill 25‑09‑87) and a companion energy and infrastructure resolution (Council Resolution 25‑11‑49) also failed, leaving the city with no new franchise or airport operating pact with Xcel.

Councilmembers and…