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Broomfield to ask voters whether to grant a 20-year franchise to Xcel Energy; council approves first reading
Summary
Council approved first reading to place a 20-year gas and electric franchise agreement with Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel) on the November 2026 ballot; the agreement would continue a 3% franchise fee and a 1% undergrounding fund and codify utility relocation, lighting and sustainability commitments.
The City and County of Broomfield voted on first reading to submit a proposed 20-year franchise agreement with Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel) to the November 2026 ballot.
Community Development Director Katie Allen summarized the proposed ordinance and emphasized that franchise agreements are required by charter and provide the city with compensation and operational benefits for use of the public right-of-way. The proposed agreement would continue a 3% franchise fee on gas and electric sales remitted to the city (estimated currently at roughly $3.25–3.5 million annually) and preserve an Xcel 1% undergrounding program that funds relocating overhead lines underground in coordination with city projects.
An Xcel representative said the franchise allows the utility to streamline projects and provide programs such as Partners in Energy, heat-pump pilots, and income-qualified efficiency programs. “The franchise agreement allows us to work in the right-of-way and work fast and efficiently,” an Xcel representative said, noting community-specific programs and the company’s commitments to sustainability reporting and annual meetings with the city.
City staff noted alternatives if voters reject the measure: Xcel would continue to serve customers under a PUC certificate, but the city would forfeit franchise fee revenue and other contractual benefits. City and Xcel staff described outreach plans and said the city will provide neutral voter information; Xcel will also conduct outreach and responses to voters’ questions during the campaign window.
Council voted unanimously to approve ordinance 2307 on first reading and to place the question before voters in November 2026. Staff said second reading and a required public hearing will occur July 7, 2026.
