LAFAYETTE -- Several small business owners across Boulder County expressed frustration and bewilderment Wednesday about an impending Xcel Energy prohibition on all banners and flags mounted to utility-owned streetlights in Colorado.

Janet Russell, owner of Creative Framing Art Gallery in Louisville, called the ban -- which starts Jan. 1 -- "crazy." Stephen LeBlang, owner of the north Boulder building that houses Ideal Market, said he doesn't "know where (Xcel) is coming from" and doesn't understand why the recently installed light poles on Broadway suddenly aren't tough enough to bear the weight of a few banners.

Jeannine Erlhoff, owner of Lafayette's Noble Treasures antique store, said the banners attached to the street lights lining Public Road are part of the feel and quaintness of Old Town.

"They give a fresh look toobjects on its poles.

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"Xcel Energy is committed to helping the communities we serve by enhancing their business and shopping districts," the letter states. "However, Xcel Energy must balance our commitment to the cities' goals with safety concerns we have with the installation of non-tariff-approved police attachments on our facilities."

Russell, in Louisville, said Xcel's decision "is not comprehensible to me," as she looked out the front window of her shop Wednesday at a sturdy metal light pole decorated with a banner for the city's farmers market. She said it's ridiculous to think a banner could bring down such a solid-looking piece of equipment.

"It's part of the vibe of downtown -- the appeal," she said of the colorful banners hanging up and down Main Street. "It gives you the feeling