BOULDER - The city of Boulder has selected two finalists to provide an independent review and verification of the city's modeling for a new electric utility.

The two leading proposals were submitted by North Carolina-based PowerServices Inc. and jointly by Florida-based Strategic Utility Management LLC and Maryland-based Downes Associates Inc.

The independent review is to determine if the city's modeling meets Boulder's charter requirements to establish a municipal electric utility. The city is in the process of determining if it can run its own utility and part ways with current energy provider Xcel Energy Inc.

City manager Jane Brautigam will select a third-party independent reviewer following candidate evaluations and public presentations on Wednesday, May 8. The presentations are scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at the West Boulder Senior Center, Creekside Room, 909 Arapahoe Ave.

More than 50 firms reviewed the request for proposals. The city received six proposals by the April 29 deadline.

Both proposals have been posted at boulderenergyfuture.com for public review. Comments on the proposals may be submitted to the city through Friday, May 10. Brautigam will award the contract or reject all submittals by Thursday, May 16.

Information about the independent review firms, as well as comment cards, will be available at the public presentations and reception on Wednesday.

The city of Boulder posted the request for proposal on April 17 and held an informational meeting for potential bidders on April 22.