Utility municipalization update offered tonight

BOULDER — The city of Boulder’s continuing studies about whether it should form a municipal utility will be the subject of a presentation tonight from the city’s chief energy expert.

Heather Bailey, executive director of energy strategy and electric utility development, will give an update about what the city staff has learned since Boulder voters gave the city approval to form a municipal utility more than a year ago.

Bailey also will discuss what comes next as the city studies the legal, financial and technical issues it would have to address to form a utility.

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City leaders have yet to make a decision, but this summer Bailey said her staff would be able to make a recommendation to them about whether it should pursue municipalization early next year.

Xcel Energy owns and operates Boulder’s electric grid. The company has said it is not a willing seller and raised the prospect of a legal fight if Boulder attempts to claim the grid through the use of eminent domain.

The presentation will be at the East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux Drive. The event is to start at 6:30 p.m. with a meet and greet, which will be followed at 7 p.m. with Bailey’s presentation.