Boulder sends Xcel RFP for providing wholesale power to municipal utility

The city of Boulder is asking Xcel Energy Inc. (NYSE: XEL) to temporarily sell power for Boulder’s proposed municipal electric utility.

City officials said Thursday that buying Xcel power for a limited time would ensure a smooth transition and reliability of service as Boulder gradually shifts its supply to a larger percentage of renewable energy.

The arrangement is not unusual in the utility industry, according to the city. Xcel Energy has at least eight wholesale power contracts in Colorado, and city officials have met with Xcel representatives to discuss the possibility.

The request for proposal that the city…