BOULDER — The city of Boulder has created a web page to provide an explanation of the modeling process that led to recent conclusions that a local electric utility could utilize more renewable sources of energy and significantly cut emissions while offering similar or better rates and reliability.

The city is in a process to determine if it can run its own utility and part ways with current energy provider Xcel Energy Inc.

The page includes a flow chart that depicts each of the steps in the analysis, as well as links to information about the inputs and assumptions used at each stage. The page is at www.BoulderEnergyFuture.com. Click on the “Modeling Information” link at the top to view the new page.

“While most of this data was contained in the memo we prepared for city council for Feb. 26, we heard that some of the information was difficult to find. We set out immediately to address this feedback from our potential customers and create a tool that is easier to access and understand,” said Heather Bailey, executive director of Energy Strategy and Electric Utility Development for the city of Boulder. “The decision about whether to create a local electric utility is incredibly important, and we want to help individuals understand all of the factors we are weighing.”

The city will update the web page as more information becomes available and when the city conducts more modeling, which is anticipated in upcoming months.

The city recently renewed its efforts to ask Xcel Energy for specific data and documents that would help in the analysis and lead to a more informed community conversation.

City attorney Tom Carr requested more information in a letter sent to Xcel April 22, and received a letter April 26 from Xcel attorney Daniel Williams denying the request.

“With respect to the ‘list of various requests for information that the city has made (previously) from Xcel Energy’ referenced in your April 22 letter, Xcel Energy is not a public body subject to the Colorado Open Records Act. As such, Xcel Energy declines to provide the requested information,” Williams wrote.

City officials had hoped Xcel would support a leveling of the playing field, in terms of data; especially since the city and the company recently agreed to explore ways they could partner to achieve the community’s energy goals.

“We are disappointed that despite the start of partnership discussions, Xcel Energy is continuing with business as usual in terms of meeting the needs of our community,” Carr said. “The city will continue to do all it can to be transparent without jeopardizing our legal position. This is consistent with Boulder’s longstanding philosophies and practice — and consistent with how we believe the electric utility of the future should operate.”


Independent review finalists

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.

Brautigam was expected to select a third-party independent reviewer following candidate evaluations and public presentations on Wednesday, May 8.