Public utility
Appears in 4 stories · Last updated Sep 27, 2026
As of September 2026: Signatory to the new franchise agreement
For decades, Saint Paul residents paid a larger share of Xcel Energy franchise fees than commercial and industrial customers. On Sept. 23, the city council unanimously approved a new agreement that flips that balance.
Updated Sep 27
As of September 2026: Leading $1.2 billion Colorado-to-Texas transmission upgrade
America's transmission grid is aging, and new power lines can take a decade to permit. On Sept. 24, the Department of Energy picked a faster route: 31 projects that upgrade existing lines, backed by $1.9 billion in federal money.
Updated Sep 25
As of August 2026: Won 20-year franchise renewal; deal takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Denver voters approved a new 20-year franchise agreement with Xcel Energy on Nov. 3, with 69.12% support in early results. The deal runs through 2046 and keeps a 3% fee on electric and gas bills that sends about $34 million a year to the city's general fund. Xcel must also cover utility relocation costs during city projects and set aside about $10 million a year to bury overhead power lines.
Updated Aug 26
As of May 2026: Deploying PSPS in Colorado while facing wildfire risk, scrutiny, and liability pressure
Xcel Energy's deliberate blackout on Colorado's Front Range didn't end neatly when the wind eased. By the time crews could start patrols, the first PSPS was entangled with widespread storm damage. Xcel said total weather-related outages reached about 120,000—far beyond the roughly 50,000 customers initially targeted for de-energization.
Updated May 15
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