Case Study: Xcel Energy Defends Its Utility Franchise with Linhart PR

Xcel Energy defeats municipal utility proposal with Linhart PR after a decade-long campaign

Linhart PR assisted the utility Xcel Energy in defending its franchise against a municipalization effort, where advocates pushed for a government takeover of its assets in a key service territory. The challenge involved combating a narrative that a takeover would lower costs and navigating a prolonged public campaign.

Linhart PR developed a proactive communications strategy, challenging the takeover narrative with independent cost analyses and offering a better alternative focused on renewables and community investment. This effort helped change local editorial opinion and educate voters. The result was that voters rejected the municipalization proposal by a wide margin. Following this win, Linhart PR continues to work with Xcel Energy on trust-building strategies for the future.

Xcel Energy