Letter to the Editor: Our proposed franchise agreement benefits all involved

Posted: Mon, Apr 27, 2020 5:03 PM

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Marty Mensen from Alliant Energy):

"Alliant Energy is proud to partner with our customers and communities to solve problems, create opportunities and help make life better. These steadfast efforts continue, with increased reliability from underground power lines and a state-of-the-art battery system in Vennehjem Park that will support more customer-owned solar generation on the energy grid.

We also continue to negotiate with city leaders on a new franchise agreement. After numerous face-to-face meetings and revisions, I believe we've come to a proposal that benefits all involved—especially our customers.

The current franchise agreement proposal includes:

• A 15-year contract, with cancellation windows at 5, 7 and 12 years. This structure enables Alliant Energy and the city to work as partners on the community's near-term and longer-term goals.

• The cancellation windows also provide options for the city to end the agreement without needing to state a reason or get permission from a court or governing body.

• Alliant Energy agrees to explore options to acquire and operate the aging city-owned and -operated street light system.

• A franchise fee, which is an alternative funding source for the City of Decorah. A number of communities use this option to accomplish unmet needs. The funds are collected through your monthly Alliant Energy bill, but the amount and how it is spent are determined by city leaders.

The franchise agreement also provides increased opportunity for partnerships on key projects, such as moving overhead electric lines to underground during planned road work. In the near term, the current proposal would provide significant savings to the city on road projects such as the Locust Road project.

We pride ourselves on working with our customers and focusing on reliable, safe and affordable energy."