Xcel Energy to tell its side at open house

BOULDER – Xcel Energy Inc., will host an open house on Wednesday, June 19, for customers to learn more about its energy efficiency programs, and to provide insight on its take regarding the city of Boulder’s exploration into whether to form a municipal electric utility of its own.

The free event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave. in Boulder. Several Xcel employees will be on hand to provide information on renewable energy and efficiency programs for homes and businesses, and to educate those customers about what options are available to them to help reduce their own costs and increase efficiency.

Xcel spokeswoman Michelle Aguayo said all of the discussion surrounding municipalization made the company realize that many of its customers weren’t aware of everything it offers – or even that it has so many employees who live and work locally in Colorado. Another similar event will be held July 17 at the Spice of Life Event Center in Boulder.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Business Cares: April 2024

In Colorado, 1 in 3 women, 1 in 3 men and 1 in 2 transgender individuals will experience an attempted or completed sexual assault in their lifetime. During April, we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the hopes of increasing conversations about this very important issue.

“As much as we think we’re telling people what we do and what we do well, a lot of people don’t know,” Aguayo said.

Consultant Bob Bellemare will be on hand to discuss his views regarding Boulder’s municipalization plan.

“His expertise is looking at these municipal takeovers,” Aguayo said. “He’s able to kind of look at the programs, the proposal that the city has, and say, ‘Here are the places where it makes sense, and here are the places where it’s troublesome.’ “

Xcel conducts similar customer outreach events during the year, although the hyper-local events geared toward Boulder spun off of the municipalization debate. Aguayo said events such as the one in Boulder are something that could be expanded to other locations if they go well.