PUEBLO, Colo. — In the most recent coordinated elections, Pueblo County voters decisively rejected the City of Pueblo’s attempt to cancel its franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy and acquire the utility’s generation, transmission, and distribution assets.
Ballot Question 2A, which asked voters whether the city should sever its agreement with Black Hills Energy and explore the feasibility of taking control of the region’s energy infrastructure, saw a clear outcome. Unofficial results show a substantial majority opposed the measure:
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Yes: 4,557 votes
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No: 16,005 votes
This marks the second time in five years that Pueblo voters have turned down a proposal to take over the electric grid, a move that would have potentially cost the city billions of dollars. Black Hills Energy released a statement following the election, expressing satisfaction with the results.
“We’re delighted that Pueblo voters overwhelmingly said no to an attempted government takeover of our electric system, for the second time in five years,” the statement read. “Voters know the city’s own study showed that a billion-dollar takeover in Pueblo simply isn’t feasible, and there’s no practical path for an estimated $4 billion region-wide takeover effort, which would be highly complex and unlikely to succeed.”
The utility also thanked its employees in Southern Colorado for their dedication, reiterating their commitment to providing safe and reliable energy to the region.
Pueblo West Metropolitan District Board of Directors Election
In other local election results, the race for the Pueblo West Metropolitan District Board of Directors saw several candidates vying for three available seats. The top vote-getters were:
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Christopher Pasternak: 2,521 votes
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Gregory Evan Roberts: 1,877 votes
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Rodney Lyle Potter: 1,986 votes
Other candidates included Brian Jay Gray (1,794 votes), Joe Mahaney (1,757 votes), Carla “Jody” Davenport (1,548 votes), and Vincent Hall (1,094 votes). With the top three positions filled by Pasternak, Roberts, and Potter, these results signal a shift in leadership for the district.
Rye Fire Protection District Board Member Election
The Rye Fire Protection District also held an election for three board member positions. The results were as follows:
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Austin R. Clennin: 924 votes
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John Christenson: 906 votes
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Jim Beach: 862 votes
Other candidates included Jolunda Baker (387 votes) and Dean Zemp (287 votes). With Clennin, Christenson, and Beach securing the highest number of votes, they will join the board.
Looking Ahead
While the rejection of the energy takeover was a key point of focus in this election, the results show a broader preference for maintaining the current system and working within the established framework. The city’s study had raised concerns about the feasibility of a government-run electric system, and voters appeared to heed those warnings in their decision.
With the election outcomes now settled, attention will likely shift to the newly elected members of the Pueblo West and Rye Fire Protection District boards, as well as ongoing discussions about the future of energy infrastructure in Southern Colorado.
For Black Hills Energy, the results provide a clear mandate to continue providing electricity to the region, with a focus on maintaining reliable service and supporting the local community.
