Better options are available

This fall Boulder voters are being asked if the city should sign onto a longterm electric franchise with Xcel Energy (Ballot Measure 2C). The fact is, 2C shouldn’t be on the ballot.

There is no good reason for Boulder to consider getting trapped in a franchise with Xcel, a protected monopoly that sells expensive electricity and will be burning coal for decades. There are cleaner, more cost-effective options available.

Boulder has done well without a franchise for 10 years, pursuing local power options. In doing this, Boulder has prodded Xcel to significantly greater carbon reduction for the entire state.

We are now within reach of completing condemnation proceedings, leading to a final cost assessment for local power, followed by a go/no