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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The City and County of Broomfield is nearing the end of its 20-year franchise agreement with Xcel Energy. The agreement sets clear requirements and expectations for how Xcel is allowed to use local streets and alleys. Approved by voters in 2007, the current franchise agreement sets a stable, predictable way to deliver power safely, maintain streets, and respond to emergencies. The agreement also ensures Xcel compensates Broomfield for use of public property.

Vote YES on ballot issue 1B to approve a new agreement that renews and strengthens Broomfield’s requirements of Xcel!

  • A franchise agreement is a legal document negotiated between a City and a utility that allows the utility to access transmission lines and other energy infrastructure for repairs, upgrades, and relocation.

  • The City and County of Broomfield is nearing the end of its 20-year franchise agreement with Xcel. The franchise agreement has provided the foundation for a partnership that improves reliability of energy infrastructure, coordinates utility work with city projects, and requires Xcel to financially compensate Broomfield for the use of its streets and other public rights-of-way.

  • The agreement requires the utility to restore power in the shortest time possible after outages and mandates coordination with the City and County of Broomfield during storms, disasters, and emergencies, such as a wildfire or blizzard.

  • Broomfield is a leader in sustainability, and Xcel is a dedicated partner in helping the community achieve its energy sustainability standards.

  • The agreement has nothing to do with rates or determining which utility company provides power. The franchise agreement gives the utility access to its equipment (overhead and underground), most of which sits on public property. The franchise agreement mandates that Xcel will pay for upgrades and improvements to energy infrastructure, not Broomfield.

  • The City and County of Broomfield and Xcel have negotiated their next 20-year agreement. City Council unanimously referred the agreement to the ballot. Now it’s up to Broomfield voters to vote YES on 1B before it goes into effect. Ballots will arrive in the mail first week of October.