Broomfield 20-year Xcel Energy franchise agreement

Broomfield Ballot Question 1B would approve a new 20-year franchise agreement with Public Service Company of Colorado, known as Xcel Energy, starting January 1, 2028. The current agreement expires December 31, 2027. Xcel would continue its program to put overhead power lines underground and keep paying the city and county for use of public rights-of-way. A YES vote approves the agreement in Ordinance No. 2307. A NO vote rejects it.

Summary Ballot Question 1B proposes a new 20-year franchise agreement with Public Service Company of Colorado (“Xcel Energy”), commencing on January 1, 2028. Xcel has a current franchise agreement with CCOB, approved by the voters in 2007, that will expire December 31, 2027. The franchise agreement, attached to Ordinance 2307 , sets forth the specific terms, fees, compensation, and other conditions of a gas and electric franchise agreement with Xcel Energy. It grants the non-exclusive right to use public rights-of-way and property to install, maintain, and repair infrastructure necessary to provide gas and electric service. Under the proposed agreement, the franchise fee (3%) and undergrounding fund contributions (1%) paid by Xcel Energy to CCOB remain identical to those in the current agreement. The franchise agreement does not set utility rates, and it does not govern Xcel Energy’s plans, designs, or builds of utility infrastructure. What your vote means YES A “yes” vote on Ballot Question 1B approves the 20-year franchise agreement, ensuring the continuation of the franchise fee revenue, the undergrounding program, and NO A “no” vote on Ballot Question 1B rejects the franchise agreement. Xcel Energy will continue to provide service under state utility regulations, but the City and County established infrastructure coordination protocols. of Broomfield will no longer receive the 3% franchise fee or the benefits outlined in the contract. Arguments For and Against FOR

● Ensures the continuation of important 3% franchise fee revenue that supports CCOB services.

● Maintains the Underground Conversion Program, which improves community aesthetics and infrastructure resilience.

● Strengthens the partnership between CCOB and Xcel for emergency management coordination and infrastructure safety.

● Provides a stable, long-term framework (20 years) for Xcel utility operations in Broomfield. AGAINST

● Some may argue that a 20-year commitment is too long and limits CCOB’s future flexibility to renegotiate terms within that 20 years.

● Concerns may exist regarding the sufficiency of the 3% franchise fee and 1% contribution for undergrounding in relation to the value of the right-of-way access and the pace of infrastructure needs.

● The franchise agreement may be perceived by some as granting too much long-term influence to a utility provider.

● Opponents might prefer a shorter contract term to allow for more frequent review of service standards and community needs.