FARGO (AP) - A renewable energy measure on the ballot here and in Grand Forks is opposed by utilities but favored by opponents who see it as promoting new energy sources.

The "20-20" proposal would require that 20 percent of the electricity sold in the city come from qualified renewable energy sources by 2020. Author Joe Richardson said it is a low-cost alternative to new sources of power derived from fossil fuels.

Executives of Xcel Energy, the electrical utility for most of Fargo and Grand Forks, and Cass County Electric Cooperative, which serves areas of south and southwest Fargo, say the mandate is too rigid and does not protect consumers from possible increases in the cost of wind power.

Scott Hardy, chief executive of Cass County Electric, also said the 20-20 initiative unfairly excludes hydropower as a "qualified" renewable energy source.

Xcel administrator Mark Nisbet said the ballot measure's city-specific focus could make Fargo and Grand Forks "islands" that would be difficult to serve. Renewable mandates, if imposed, should apply to whole states or regions, he said.

Richardson countered that new sources of coal- or gas-fired electricity also will be more expensive - perhaps sharply more expensive if carbon taxes or other standards are imposed.

Mayor Dennis Walake said Fargo could be at a disadvantage if residents and businesses must pay more for electricity than their neighbors in other communities.

"What about West Fargo?" Walaker asked. "Believe it or not, we're in competition with West Fargo as far as growth."

Walaker said voters should have more information on whether the ballot measure would raise their costs.