PUEBLO, Colo. (May 6, 2020) -- Black Hills Energy today announced the result of an electric utility municipalization initiative in a May 5 special election in Pueblo, Colo. Voters rejected an effort to end the existing Black Hills Energy Colorado Electric franchise and form a municipal utility by a vote of 77 percent to 33 percent.

By voting against municipalization, Pueblo voters chose to continue receiving reliable electric service from Black Hills Energy while maintaining the existing franchise agreement with the City of Pueblo. The current Black Hills Energy franchise agreement continues through 2030.

“We’re pleased by the outcome and believe this is a win for Pueblo, given the costs and risks of trying to form a municipal utility,” said Vance Crocker, vice president for Black Hills Energy Colorado Electric.  “We remain steadfast in our commitment to be a valued community partner for Pueblo and all of Southern Colorado, and we look forward to serving our customers here for many years to come.”

“I’m grateful for the support of our customers and community leaders who appreciate the work we do to deliver safe, reliable electric service to our entire service territory,” Crocker continued. “This support means a great deal to our local team – the men and women who live alongside our customers, as part of the community. The election result shows how much their contributions are appreciated.”