Geothermal energy franchise
Summary
Four ordinances would renew Xcel's gas and electric franchises and add new franchise fees — costs that could flow to utility customers. Testimony raised concerns about apartment buildings with shared meters, so final votes were pushed a week.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 16, 2026.
Impact analysis
New franchise fees on gas and electric service could add to residents' utility bills; the fee amounts are set out in the ordinance exhibits.
The city general fund gains new revenue from the franchise fees; Xcel gets renewed long-term use of public rights-of-way.
Residents — especially renters in buildings with shared gas meters — could see the fees passed through on their bills.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Council — September 16, 2026
Four ordinances would renew Xcel's gas and electric franchises and add new franchise fees — costs that could flow to utility customers. Testimony raised concerns about apartment buildings with shared meters, so final votes were pushed a week.
City Council — March 4, 2026
The council finalized a geothermal energy franchise with The Heights Community Energy, Inc., a clean-energy utility framework for the Heights development on the former Ford site.
City Council — February 18, 2026
A 20-year non-exclusive franchise for The Heights Community Energy would run a networked geothermal heating and cooling system serving 850 housing units, with a 5% franchise fee to the city.
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