Pueblo 2A special election: Will voters opt to leave Black Hills?
For the second time in a little over five years, city leaders are asking voters if they should cancel Pueblo's franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy.
For the special election on May 6, city of Pueblo residents are weighing in on Ballot Initiative 2A — a question asking whether the city should cancel its franchise agreement and "acquire the generation, transmission and distribution assets" of Black Hills, if "determined feasible."
A similar election took place on May 5, 2020. Then, voters were asked if the city should cancel the agreement to authorize the formation and operation of a publicly-owned electric utility through the Pueblo Board of Water Works.
The 2020 question was resoundingly rejected by voters: over 75% voted against the measure. Will 2025 be any different? It's up to voters to decide.
Pueblo City Council President Mark Aliff speaks in opposition to Blacks Hills Energy rate increases on June 11, 2024.
What are the arguments for and against 2A in 2025?
Opponents of 2A have pointed to a pair of Black Hills Energy-commissioned studies conducted by the Brattle Group that conclude it is too costly for the city of Pueblo to purchase all Black Hills assets within the city and also too expensive for the city to form a regional co-op with other communities paying Black Hills' electric rates. A city-commissioned study also concluded that a city-only utility is not feasible.
Proponents of 2A have ruled out the possibility of the city purchasing assets alone, but have not ruled out the chance of garnering regional or statewide support to explore all possibilities. Those supporting 2A in 2025 are distraught by Black Hills' recent rate increase and a study demonstrating that — even before the rate increase — Black Hills customers were paying higher rates than anyone else in the state.
A 24 hour ballot drop off box outside the Colorado State Fairgrounds on Prairie Avenue.
How and where to vote on 2A in Pueblo
Ballots featuring Ballot Initiative 2A were mailed to active voters starting April 14. It's too late to return a ballot by mail, so those seeking to vote in the election must turn in their ballot at a designated drop-off location by 7 p.m. on May 6. Drop-off locations within the city of Pueblo include the following locations:
Pueblo County Election Office: 201 W. 8th St., on the east side of the building
Pueblo County Courthouse: 215 W. 10th St., on the west side of the building
Colorado State Fair: 950 S. Prairie Ave., outside gate along Prairie Avenue
Barkman Branch Library: 1300 Jerry Murphy Rd.
Lamb Branch Library: 2525 S. Pueblo Blvd., behind the building
Routt Ave MV Drive Thru: 1228 Routt Ave.
Colorado State University Pueblo: 2200 Bonforte Blvd., accessible from Gonzales Drive
Pueblo Community College: 900 W. Orman Ave., accessible from Harrison Street
Additionally, the Pueblo County Election Office will have an in-person voting location open until 7 p.m. on the seventh floor of the building, according to an official notice on the May 6 election.
Where to find live election results
When available, election results will be shared by Pueblo County at facebook.com/PuebloCounty. Because results will not be released until after the Chieftain's May 7 print deadline, coverage of the results will appear in print on May 8.
More on 2A: 'Continue the path forward': Mayor Graham discusses findings of full 2A feasibility study
Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo special election: Get results here
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