Energy Utility Franchise Agreements
The City of Minneapolis has new utility franchise agreements with Xcel Energy for electricity and CenterPoint Energy for natural gas. The City used the negotiations to explore options to achieve its goals for sustainable energy, improved air quality, equity and green jobs and now has new Clean Energy Partnership agreements with both utilities.
- Franchise agreement with Xcel Energy (PDF)
- Franchise agreement with CenterPoint Energy (PDF)
- Franchise fee ordinance with Xcel Energy (PDF)
- Franchise fee ordinance with CenterPoint Energy (PDF)
- Memorandum of understanding on Clean Energy Partnership with Xcel Energy (PDF)
- Memorandum of understanding on Clean Energy Partnership with CenterPoint Energy (PDF)
What are franchise agreements?
The right of way along city streets and alleys is public property. To connect homes and properties to gas, electric, telephone and other services, companies must run distribution lines on the public right of way. Communities negotiate franchise agreements with utility companies to identify the conditions under which those companies are allowed to use public property to provide service to local residents and businesses. Utility companies pay a fee to the cities — negotiated through a franchise agreement — in exchange for use of the public right of way.
Additional resources and information
- 2018 Franchise Fee Increase for Climate and Energy Action
- Minneapolis' Energy Franchise Agreements 2014 FAQ (PDF)
- City of Minneapolis targets for reducing community wide greenhouse gas emissions. The electricity and natural gas we use in our homes and businesses are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Minneapolis.
- The City's Energy Vision details what the City of Minneapolis wants from a sustainable, 21st century energy system.
- Energy Pathways Study
Photo: Maury Landsman.
Last updated Oct 30, 2018
