Franchise agreements explained
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.
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
- Memorandum of understanding on Clean Energy Partnership with Xcel Energy
- Franchise agreement with Xcel Energy
- Franchise fee ordinance with Xcel Energy
- Franchise agreement with CenterPoint Energy
- Franchise fee ordinance with CenterPoint Energy
Additional resources and information
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.