Who are the Denverites in the Yes on 2K ads? Some work for Xcel – 9News

To stream 9NEWS on your phone, you need the 9NEWS app.Next up in 5Example video title will go here for this videoNext up in 5Example video title will go here for this videoDENVER — Ads supporting Denver Ballot Issue 2K, the 20-year franchise agreement between the City of Denver and Xcel Energy, star Denver residents who support 2K. What the ads don’t show you is that a number of them are Xcel employees.The ads were produced by Safe and Reliable Energy Denver, the committee supporting the measure. The committee is funded by a $3.3 million contribution from Xcel Energy. More in Politics The committee’s social media account on Facebook features testimonials from residents. There is a video by Nicholas Cole who said, “I’m voting yes on 2K because having a new franchise agreement allows Xcel to work efficiently in the city of Denver and it allows us to continue to grow as a city.”There is a graphic with Tyler from City Park, which said, “It’s time to bury more power lines and keep Denver safe.” Grace in Chaffee Park said she supports 2K because it ensures “Xcel continues to invest in our neighborhoods.” What those posts do not show is that Nicholas, Grace and Tyler are Xcel employees.Their contact information, with Xcel email addresses, can be found on the Colorado Community Relations Managers page. Another video features Jenna of Congress Park, who said, “Yes on 2K for me means keeping Xcel Energy accountable.”A committee spokesperson said Jenna is an Xcel employee and Denver resident who works on the company’s social investments team.The spokesperson said not everyone included in the campaign are Xcel employees, but the employees who did participate all live in Denver, support 2K and volunteered their personal time.There is also a TV ad that starts with Mykael, who is a transmission designer for Xcel. The other three people in the ad, a nonprofit leader, a firefighter and an EMT, are not Xcel employees.Another social post includes a quote from Wellington Webb, identifying him as “former Denver mayor.” The ad does not list titles for the people who work for Xcel.If voters approve 2K, Xcel will continue to use Denver streets and other public rights-of-way for electric or gas work for 20 years, similar to the current arrangement.Xcel pays the city a franchise fee that is actually paid by ratepayers through a charge on customers’ bills.The measure does not address rates, which are set by the Public Utilities Commission. Xcel would also remain Denver’s energy provider whether the measure passes or fails.As for the employee post about burying more power lines, that currently exists under the expiring agreement, and funding for burying more power lines continues under 2K.source