Preliminary report shows that a Black Hills Energy takeover could cost over $1 billion

“Our independent analysis estimates that the cost of taking over the Black Hills Energy distribution system would be in excess of one billion dollars and estimates that the ongoing annual operating costs to serve customers in Pueblo through the municipal ownership model would be higher in each year of the twenty-year study period.”

“These findings should be studied carefully by customers, community leaders and elected officials to help determine whether a utility takeover attempt makes sense, given the high costs and risks.”

"It's interesting to see Black Hills Energy commission a study that they claim is paid for with "company funds and not at the expense of customers" when ratepayers actually are the individuals paying for the study along with the nasty and untrue advertising campaigns seen across social media and on TV. The City of Pueblo is currently in the midst of our our own feasibility study, which outlines all options for electric utilities moving forward—not just the idea of municipalization outlined by the study Black Hills Energy commissioned themselves. The City realizes that our decision affects more than just resident within City limits, which includes Pueblo County our neighbors in Pueblo West and potentially a much larger service areas like Canon City, Penrose, Florence, Cripple Creek and more."

"Municipalization was the intention of the City in 2019, now the City of Pueblo is looking at multiple options like a co-op or an alternative utility company purchasing the assets from Black Hills. At the end of the day, we know that Black Hills Energy is interested in the pocketbooks of their investors, not in the pocketbooks of their ratepayers, or in this case our Pueblo residents."