A once-every-20-years utility franchise renewal is unfolding in real time in Denver — and it’s turning into something much bigger than a routine contract extension.

Denver’s franchise agreement with Xcel Energy is due to renew January 1, 2027. But the process has hit a wall over one core question:

What should a community expect in return from a utility that gets guaranteed returns and protected access to public space—our streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way—for the next 20 years?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Ackerman (former Chair of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission) and Thomas Weller (lead organizer at Together Colorado) to unpack what’s at stake—and why cities and utilities across the country should be paying attention.

Everybody’s watching Denver right now. And the outcome could reshape what “good partnership” looks like between cities, communities, and investor-owned utilities.

🔎 What’s happening in Denver right now:

• A proposed franchise agreement was moving forward with little to no meaningful community engagement.
• Community leaders and residents pushed their way into the process and helped defeat the agreement in August.
• Denver and Xcel are heading back to the table—with negotiations expanding into a community benefits / companion agreement.
• The next 4–5 months of 2026 are critical for shaping what comes next.

⭐ Highlights

• A franchise agreement is leverage. If community benefits are “talked about later,” they often disappear.
• Engagement after the deal is drafted is not engagement—it’s notification.
• Why communities are demanding something more: dignity, accountability, and a real seat at the table.
• This is about democracy—why regular people should have agency in the agreement that governs their monopoly utility.
• The 21st-century relationship is the real story. The “standard” franchise terms are the easy part—what matters is what comes alongside it.

If you live in Denver:

• Talk to your neighbors: How is your relationship with Xcel? What needs to change?
• Email your City Council member and the Mayor’s office: What should be in the next franchise + companion agreement?
• If you’re connected to a faith community or neighborhood group, connect with Together Colorado and get involved.

If you live elsewhere:

• Ask your city: When is our next franchise renewal? Who’s planning for it now?
• Start building your priorities 2–3 years early, not two months before a vote.

My guests:

Jeff Ackermann
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-ackermann-346571a/

Thomas Weller
Website: https://www.togethercolorado.org/

About Just Power Podcast
Just Power is about the human side of the clean energy transition. The podcast focuses on grid modernization, energy affordability, and community engagement — featuring leaders from utilities, policy, technology, and frontline communities navigating the real-world impacts of energy infrastructure change.

Just Power Host and Creator, Carolyn Parrs
Website: https://mindovermarkets.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynparrs/

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