Broomfield council sends 20‑year Xcel Energy franchise agreement to voters

Broomfield — The City and County of Broomfield voted unanimously July 7 to place a proposed 20‑year franchise agreement with Xcel Energy on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. Staff told the council the contract, if approved by voters, would begin Jan. 1, 2028, and run through Dec. 31, 2048.

City staff said the agreement governs Xcel’s use of the public right of way and secures a 3% franchise fee on gas and electric sales in Broomfield. "It generates about 3.25 to 3,500,000 per year, for our general fund," said Katie Allen, director of community development, summarizing the financial benefit included in staff materials.

The ordinance does not set utility billing rates, staff emphasized. "The franchise agreement does not set utility rates," Allen said, adding that Xcel’s billing rates are regulated by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Xcel area manager Nicholas Cole told the council the franchise also supports operational coordination on relocations, street lighting and an undergrounding credit derived from 1% of electric gross revenues.

Cole described auxiliary programs the company provides under franchise relationships, including outreach at community events and energy‑efficiency offerings. He told the council the city currently receives roughly $679,000 in 1% undergrounding credits this year and that about $5,000,000 is held in the underground fund.

City staff and the franchisee addressed public questions about who would vote on the ballot measure. Manager Hoffman confirmed the question will go to all registered voters in the city and county, not only those inside Xcel’s service territory.

The council voted to approve Ordinance 2307 on second and final reading and ordered the title published. The measure will appear on the November ballot for voter approval, as required by Broomfield’s charter for franchise agreements.