Community organizers urged the Denver City Council on Aug. 4 to insist on a binding companion agreement and clear oversight in ongoing franchise negotiations with Xcel Energy.

Laurie Kagan, a member of Congregation Rodef Shalom speaking for Together Colorado's Denver chapter, said negotiations were ongoing and asked the council "to not accept anything less than a binding resolution, a binding companion agreement that commits to specific actions, outcomes, and consequences for nonperformance." She recommended oversight mechanisms, reporting back to council, and community-driven project templates.

Kagan listed priorities she said Together Colorado provided to council members: strong community engagement, mutually agreed-upon project design and timelines, shared data and reporting, programs to reduce energy burden for low-income or LEAP-eligible households, and increased service options for medically vulnerable residents during extreme heat or cold. "A big area," she said, is "financial commitments on Xcel's part beyond the revenues received from ratepayers."

Her remarks framed the franchise negotiation as more than a rate-setting or procedural matter, urging council to secure enforceable commitments and transparent metrics. The public comment session did not include formal council action on the franchise agreement.

Council staff and negotiators will consider public input as they continue talks with the utility; a formal franchise or companion agreement typically returns to the council for ordinance or contract approval.