Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is a "smart grid"?
Smart grid technologies are transforming today’s traditional power delivery system into a digital, interconnected, modernized network. These upgrades create new ways for utilities and customers to work together to manage energy usage, save money and help the environment while improving reliability.
Why are utilities investing in smart grid technology?
Until recently, the electricity grid hasn’t changed much in the past 100 years. Today’s customer needs are growing faster than the current grid can handle. If utilities don’t expand capacity to keep up with a projected increase in demand of 40 percent over the next 25 years, the nation could see healthy grids become increasingly less reliable. By modernizing our energy delivery system, Xcel Energy can make its vision of a clean energy future a reality and ensure that the grid continues to serve us well into the next century.
What is "SmartGridCity"?
SmartGridCity, in Boulder, Colo., is a fully integrated smart grid community with what is possibly the densest concentration of these emerging technologies to date. It is a comprehensive system that includes a digital, high-speed broadband communication system; upgraded substations, feeders and transformers; smart meters; and Web-based tools available through MyAccount. If you live here you are now among the first in the world to enjoy a system using smart grid technology to deliver its electricity. Visit the Technology Overview for more information.
What does SmartGridCity do for me?
Boulder residents are already seeing benefits from smart grid technology:
- Your power is more reliable, with less chance of an outage.
- The electric grid is monitored in real-time, allowing Xcel Energy to predict equipment failure and proactively make necessary repairs before an outage occurs. To date, a number of potentially long-term outages have already been averted.
- In the event of an outage you can get your power back on quickly, with minimal delay since the Smart Grid technologies allow the utility to monitor customer meters and diagnose individual outages.
- If you are one of our more than 20,000 smart metered customers, you have a window into your energy use through the MyAccount Web site, where you can learn more and take action to conserve and save on your monthly bills.
What can SmartGridCity customers expect next?
You can expect to hear more news on several trial programs in 2010, including in-home technology tests, pilot pricing rates, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle road tests and added Web tools and special MyAccount features designed for Boulder residents. Watch this site for updates as they become available.
What is the SmartGridCity in-home trial and how can I get involved?
Xcel Energy is looking for a minimum of 1,000 customers who have central air conditioning in their homes to participate in a trial of in-home technology. If your home qualifies for the trial, you’ll receive for free:
- A wireless smart thermostat and home control system that allows you to monitor and control your thermostat settings from home, the office or anywhere you have Internet Access.
- Two "smart plugs" - 15-AMP 12 VAC appliance monitoring and control devices that will help you monitor energy consumption and make informed decisions on appliance use.
- Access to enhanced SmartGridCity features on the My Account Web site allowing you to:
- View of essential data about your energy consumption - in 15-minute increments, hourly, daily or monthly intervals.
- Control and manage your home’s energy consumption and identify opportunities to save on monthly energy bills.
- Participate in testing scenarios based on renewable energy availability and special energy pricing.
Smart Meter Questions
What is a smart meter?
Traditional meters can only provide one-way information and must be read in person by a meter reader. Smart meters are digital meters that offer two-way, near real time communication allowing for more interactivity between you and your utility company. Smart meters increase the reliability of your electric service and provide you with more insight into your energy use. Smart meters can deliver up-to-date information about your home’s energy use patterns. And because smart meters are in constant communication with Xcel Energy, they make it possible for us to react more quickly to outages and restore service faster.
What does a smart meter allow me to do?
Smart meters are just one part of our smart grid system, but they are an important piece when it comes to realizing the benefits of a digitally enhanced grid. Smart meters are tools that can help you make more informed energy choices by tracking your energy use by the month, day, or even in 15-minute intervals. If you choose to participate in SmartGridCity programs and services, smart meters will be an essential device for monitoring and managing your energy usage.
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 communications capabilities and create a multi-directional, high-speed communication network.
What is the frequency of BPL?
The SmartGridCity network uses fiber option 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, Xcel Energy may also be deploying wireless equipment to extend the network. In these cases, the wireless equipment will use a standard cell phone technology and frequencies.
How can I tell if I have a smart meter?
Our smart meters in Boulder have a digital readout and a faceplate marked with the names “Current,” and “Xcel Energy” on the front. The meters are manufactured by Landis + Gyr, which is also noted on the bottom of the faceplate. View an example. You can also call our customer service representatives at 1-866-235-6881 to determine if you are a smart-metered customer.
Who can I contact with questions not answered here?
Need more information? Contact our SmartGridCity customer service representatives at 1-877-887-3339 or smartgridcity@xcelenergy.com.
MyAccount Questions
Who can use MyAccount?
If you are an Xcel Energy customer in Colorado, you can register for MyAccount. (The site will be made available to customers in other states in the future.)
Is there a fee to use MyAccount?
There is no charge to use the MyAccount website.
What do I need to sign up for MyAccount?
To get started, please have your utility bill statement ready and go to the MyAccount website and click the “Register Now” button. After you’re registered, you will receive an activation e-mail for completing the registration process. If you need assistance, please call us at 1-866-235-6881.
Where do I find my account number on my bill?
Your account number can be located in two different areas of your bill. First is near the top on the right-hand side near the due date and balance due. The second location is on the bottom portion of the bill which detaches, also just above the due date and balance due.
What am I able to do with MyAccount?
MyAccount lets you monitor your Xcel Energy billing and payment history; track your past electricity usage information; see where your electricity is being used in your home; and, (if you so choose) sign up for Auto Pay and Averaged Monthly Payment programs. You can also find energy conservation tips - and if you’re a smart meter customer in Boulder, you can track your electricity usage in up to 15-minute increments. Later this year, we will expand the site to provide paperless e-bills, online payments, more detailed billing and payment history and added support for business customers.
I have a smart meter. How can I see my 15-minute interval data on MyAccount?
- From the MyAccount “Welcome” screen, click on “Account Overview” at the top-left. Select the address for the account you’d like to view.
- In the Premises box, select the “Overview” tab. Then click the drop-down menu next to “Last 24 Months” and change it to the “Hourly” view.
- Select the specific date on the calendar and the timeframes you’d like to view. Finally, click “Accept.”
- Note: 15-minute interval data is uploaded to MyAccount once every 24 hours, so you will not be able view today’s information until tomorrow.
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.
