This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
David Hornbacher will be the new electric director for Longmont Power & Communications, beginning Aug. 5.
Hornbacher, the director of utilities for the City of Aspen, was hired after a nationwide search. He has worked for more than 25 years in both public and private electric utilities, including the municipally-owned Colorado Springs Utilities and Xcel Energy. This also represents a homecoming for Hornbacher, who worked for the City of Longmont from 1984 through 1998, leaving with the position of electric engineering project
coordinator.
“David’s extensive and varied experience at Colorado Springs Utilities, Xcel Energy, and the City of Aspen equipped him with an excellent skill set and leadership qualities to head up Longmont’s electric utility into the future,” said Dale Rademacher, deputy city manager. “He will be a great addition to our team here at Longmont.”
During his time in Aspen, Hornbacher helped lead the city to a 100% renewable energy goal, utilizing a mix of hydroelectric power, wind, landfill gas, and purchased power agreements. Longmont has set a similar goal, seeking to achieve 100% renewable energy generation by 2030 while maintaining affordability and reliability. An initial goal of reaching 50% non-carbon energy by 2021 is set to be achieved a year ahead of schedule.
He will succeed Susan Wisecup, who is retiring as LPC’s acting general manager. The City is replacing the general manager’s position with separate directors for the electric utility and NextLight internet service, to allow greater focus on each utility and further enhance their service to the community. Candidates for the NextLight director’s position are still being considered.
“LPC has undergone many changes, but one thing has remained constant – the hard work of all its employees to provide Longmont’s residents and businesses with the high-quality service that they depend on,” Wisecup said. “As Longmont moves forward, I’m confident that both the electric service and NextLight will continue to strengthen our community and help it prosper.”
