New Energy Commission outlines priorities as council weighs transit and lane-size bills

Brandy Thurston and Dave DeCenzo, speaking for the newly reconstituted Pueblo Energy Commission, told council on Feb. 17 that the commission will advise the city on energy affordability, reliability and long‑term planning.

"Affordability and real reliable energy really is the key for Pueblo's future," DeCenzo said as he outlined subcommittees on public education, research on rates and advisory outputs for council. The commission described outreach plans, monthly meetings (first Wednesday) and recorded Zoom sessions for public participation.

Earlier in the session, Gil Romero and members of the city’s legislative team updated council on several bills the city has tracked. Romero described Senate Bill 70 as a measure that would "place significant and unworkable restrictions" on law enforcement use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology and said the bill would be heard the following Monday. Alec briefed council on a land‑use measure that would cap minimum single‑family lot size at 2,000 square feet beginning Oct. 1, 2031, which would require municipalities including Pueblo to amend local zoning to comply.

Ryan Romero discussed a draft transit bill that would require a statewide minimum standard for public transit agencies, including a 'partner pass' program by June 30, 2027 providing at least six months of unlimited fixed‑route transit passes at no cost to eligible low‑income or homeless riders, plus required posting and translation of fare information. He warned that the draft did not include a dedicated funding source and could create an unfunded mandate for the city.

Councilors asked for the transit draft and supporting fact sheets to be circulated; presenters agreed to send the materials. Councilor Dante requested additional information on a separate bill regarding failure‑to‑parent court action (SB 26112), which Romero said had been introduced to Senate Judiciary and not yet scheduled for hearing.

Commission and councilors also discussed grid reliability issues and data centers. DeCenzo cautioned that AI data centers can create sudden large swings in electricity demand and said such facilities should be sited 'behind the meter' or have dedicated generation and technical mitigation plans.

Commissioners agreed to research long‑term options ahead of the 2030 franchise expiration with Black Hills, to analyze municipalization/co‑op options and to return with findings at a future work session.