Xcel Energy continues smart-grid project

BOULDER, COLORADO - Xcel Energy continues to lay the foundation for what is thought to be the nation's first "smart-grid" city.

The utility has installed about 15,000 residential "smart meters" in Boulder and is looking for 10,000 more households willing to let Xcel put in more of them. The meters provide two-way communication to the utility and to customers.

Customers with smart meters can monitor their energy use and, when combined with programmable thermostats and other energy-saving devices, control their use. Xcel Energy plans to set up an Internet portal in April or May so customers can better manage their electricity use.

Xcel has strung more than 100 miles of fiberoptic cable over power lines in Boulder for broadband transmission.