With some scorching criticism, a strong majority of City Council said it intends to take an "off-ramp" to end the franchise agreement with Black Hills Energy in 2020, blaming the utility for high rates and an indifference to the economic condition of the community.

Councilman Chris Nicoll forced the issue last week with an email to council saying the city needed a different electric provider. He said Black Hills' efforts to double the annual cost of the city's new LED street lights was the last straw.

"It's our sworn duty to act in the long-term interest of our citizens," Nicoll said in urging city staff to bring a resolution forward announcing that intention to notify Black Hills it wants to explore ending the franchise contract.

Nicoll's comment brought an ovation from the audience attending the panel's Monday night meeting.

Five council members said they'd support that resolution.

"All the things Black Hills has done are unconscionable," said District 2 Larry Atencio, who's been the city's liaison with Black Hills. He said efforts to get the utility to show compassion for low-income customers hasn't shown much success.

District 1 Councilman Bob Schilling, who has warned against the high costs of trying to create a municipal utility, said he would support the resolution to look for other options.

District 4 Councilman Ray Aguilera said "there's no win" trying to work with Black Hills. The city's high electric rates are hurting citizens and businesses.

"We need to win this war with Black Hills," he said.

The only disagreement came when Nicoll urged local nonprofits to not accept donations from Black Hills or their executives on their boards. He argued the utility uses those efforts to present a false image to the public.

"Black Hills must get the message their presence and their money are no longer welcome," he said.

Council President Steve Nawrocki balked at that, saying local Black Hills employees were just that and didn't make corporate decisions on rates and policies.

"You don't want to shoot the messenger," he warned Nicoll, saying Black Hills donated thousands of dollars to local groups.

Only Councilwoman Lori Winner questioned whether such a resolution was the right course of action.

Even if city voters agreed to end the franchise contract -- and it would require a city vote -- Black Hills would still provide electricity until another utility was created or found.

The contract lets the utility use city streets and lets it collect a $3.4 million franchise fee from the utility each year -- money it gets from ratepayers.

proper@chieftain.com