The smart grid system when fully implemented over the next few years will provide customers with a portfolio of smart grid technologies designed to provide environmental, financial and operational benefits.
Xcel Energy anticipates funding only a portion of the project, and plans to leverage other sources including government grants for the remainder of what could be up to a $100 million effort.
In addition to its geographic concentration, ideal size and access to all grid components, Boulder was selected as the smart grid city because it is home to the University of Colorado and several federal institutions, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which already is involved in smart grid efforts for the federal government.
Xcel Energy noted that the potential benefits of the smart grid city include operational savings, customer-choice energy management, better grid reliability, greater energy efficiency and conservation options, increased use of renewable energy sources, and support for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and intelligent-home appliances.
