PUEBLO — An overwhelming majority of Pueblo residents voted against Ballot Issue 2A in a special election Tuesday that would have allowed the city to end its contract with Black Hills Energy and create a municipal utility.
Nearly 20,000 voted against the ballot measure and about 6,000 people voted for it. As of Wednesday, the results are not official.
Pueblo City Council adopted an ordinance back in February to allow voters to decide if the city opt out of its current contract with Black Hills. The city entered a 20-year agreement with Black Hills Energy a decade ago, but state law lets municipalities ask voters if they want to opt out at the 10 and 15-year marks of the contract.
This is part of a years-long effort to end a relationship with Black Hills Energy. Many customers have become frustrated with their high electric rates, plus disconnect and reconnect fees.
#BREAKING Preliminary results show majority voting against Ballot Issue 2A which would move Pueblo to a municipal owned utility @KOAA pic.twitter.com/weLTbHhMzn
— Alasyn KOAA 5 (@alasynzimmerman) May 6, 2020
Black Hills Energy says it is planning to make good on promises, including a 5-year rate freeze and a renewable advantage program.
Election results can be found by clicking here.
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