Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is SmartGridCity?
Xcel Energy has announced plans to build out an entire community that combines traditional and cutting-edge technology to modernize our energy grid and provide new, innovative ways to provide you with the best service possible. SmartGridCity is the nation's first fully integrated smart grid community and will boast the largest and densest concentration of these emerging technologies to date. Boulder, Colorado has been selected as the site of SmartGridCity.
Why Boulder?
Boulder is the right-sized city for a project such as this, and offers an ideal mix of residential and commercial customers. It's home to academic and research institutions (including Colorado University, National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the National Institute for Standards and Technology) already working with this emerging technology and studying long-term benefits.
How will SmartGridCity benefit me?
Over the next several years, SmartGridCity will offer the potential for:
- Adding more clean and green power sources in our fuel mix - greatly improving power delivery and reliability while optimizing environmental benefits.
- A grid that will allow you to more actively participate in decisions about when, how much and what kind energy you use.
- A digitally enhanced, more resilient and stable energy grid that is less prone to outages, greatly improving power delivery and reliability and optimizing environmental benefits.
- More energy efficiency and conservation options to help you better manage your energy dollars.
Why is Xcel Energy making this investment?
The current electricity grid hasn't changed much in the past 100 years, and it cannot keep up with growing demands. Today, customers' needs are growing faster than the current grid can handle. If we don't expand our capacity to keep up with a projected increase in demand of 40 percent over the next 25 years, we're going to see healthy grids become increasingly less reliable. This project also allows us to make our vision of a clean energy future a reality. The smart grid will take our energy system into the digital age and ensure that it continues to serve us well into the next century.
Will Xcel Energy work with other companies and organizations to develop intelligent grid technologies?
Xcel Energy is working with a group of public and private partners, including the City of Boulder, on this upgrade. Founding partners in our Smart Grid Consortium include Accenture, Current Group, GridPoint, OSI Soft, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and Ventyx.
I don't live in Boulder. Can I still participate in SmartGridCity?
As part of its long-term strategy, Xcel Energy plans to take lessons learned in Boulder and expand smart grid programs to other areas the company serves. And regardless of where you live in Boulder, you will benefit from a grid that is, overall, more reliable and less prone to outages. At this time, SmartGridCity in-home and online energy management programs are being offered to a limited number of customers in Boulder who are served by specific electric feeders and substations. We will gradually expand these programs and will notify you if you are eligible.
Where can I find more information?
Visit this site often for news, updates and fact sheets. Boulder SmartGridCity residents can get involved by completing our online survey.
Who can I contact with questions not answered here?
Call us at 1-877-887-3339 or send an e-mail to smartgridcity@xcelenergy.com.
Smart Meter Questions
What is a smart meter?
Traditional meters only provide one-way information and must be read in-person by a meter reader. Smart meters are digital meters that offer two-way communication and allow for more interactivity between you and your utility company. Smart meters use computer chips to provide up-to-date information and can send a wireless signal back to the utility for faster, immediate responses.
Why do SmartGridCity residents need new meters?
In order to realize the benefits of a fully integrated, digitally enhanced grid, we need smart meters that allow for two-way communication between customers and Xcel Energy. Smart meters are the tools that will allow you to make smarter choices about how you use your energy. If you choose to participate in SmartGridCity programs and services, these smart meters will be an essential device for pre-selecting, programming, monitoring and managing your energy usage.
What do I need to do to prepare my meter installation?
You can help make your meter installation go smoothly by:
- Notifying others at your home and/or business about the meter installation.
- Keeping dogs inside or away from your meter.
- Removing any obstructions to your meter so that our installers can easily access it.
Contact us at 1-877-887-3339 if you have any access issues we need to be aware of. We'll schedule an appointment for your meter exchange.
Do I need to be home when my new meter is installed?
You do not need to be home when we replace your meter.
Will I experience a power outage when my meter is installed?
In most cases, you will not experience an outage during the replacement. In rare cases, it is possible, however, that electricity to your home may be shut off for a very short time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have concerns, please call us at 1-877-887-3339.
Will I be charged for my new smart meter?
No. Xcel Energy customers will not be charged for smart meter upgrades.
I'm a Solar*Rewards customer. Will I see any disruption of service?
No. In fact, we expect existing Solar*Rewards customers - like all Boulder residents - will eventually see an enhancement in their overall level of service and reliability with SmartGridCity. The smart meter exchange will not affect your usual solar energy usage, just the way the meter is read.
Boulder Construction Questions
What is Broadband Over Powerlines (BPL)?
SmartGridCity is tied together with Broadband Over Powerlines, or BPL, technology. BPL uses existing electrical wires to provide digital communication capabilities and create a multi-directional, high-speed communication network.
What is the frequency of BPL?
The SmartGridCity network will use fiber optic and BPL technologies, which are both "wires" based. The radio strength of the BPL signal is limited by federal regulations and is comparable to common household devices such as digital clocks and CD players. In isolated instances, we may also be deploying wireless equipment to extend the network. In these cases, the wireless equipment will use standard cell phone technology and frequencies.
SmartGridCity Hub
The SmartGridCity Hub is the source for all SmartGridCity news, project updates, events and other information. Ask the SmartGridCity team questions, meet us in the community and learn how SmartGridCity will benefit Boulder.
Boulder Residents: Does Your Home Qualify?
We are qualifying a limited number of homes to participate in the SmartGridCity pilot study. Qualified homes may receive free smart in-home devices that help manage energy use and environmental impact.
