Xcel: Boulder Could be ‘Most Green City Worldwide’
If Boulder renews its contract with Xcel Energy instead of becoming a municipal utility, the company claims Boulder will be the “most green city worldwide” by 2020. But that could come at a cost of higher utility rates — at least until wind power becomes cheaper than coal or natural gas. Xcel representatives will present details of their proposal at a council meeting this evening.
By Heath Urie, Boulder Daily Camera
Xcel officials said that they are prepared to offer the city an energy plan that would provide up to 70 percent renewable energy to Boulder within the first year of a new 20-year franchise agreement. By 2020, the company claims Boulder would reach 90-percent renewable energy. Currently, an average of 10 to 15 percent of Boulder’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
“Whatever it is that they are proposing, it appears to be only a wind purchase deal with an unclear pricing structure,” said former Boulder councilman Steve Pomerance.
Read the full story here.
Filed Under: ARCHIVES • Development Policy • Efficiency • Policy • Utilities
Tags: Boulder • SmartGridCity • Xcel Energy

