Press Release - Mar 12, 2008
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2008
CONTACT
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER PRAISES XCEL DECISION TO MAKE BOULDER THE NATION'S FIRST SMART GRID CITY
Gov. Bill Ritter today applauded Xcel Energy's decision to make Boulder the nation's first Smart Grid City, praising Colorado's largest energy utility for once again demonstrating its commitment to Colorado's New Energy Economy.
"We know energy conservation and energy efficiency must be key components of our energy future," Gov. Ritter said. "We also know the least expensive energy is energy that's never used -- the 'nega-watt.' New smart-grid technology will allow us to better manage, reduce, monitor and understand our energy use. It also will integrate, for the first time, solar rooftops as a recognized part of our energy infrastructure.
"For electricity consumers in Boulder who choose to participate, this will help them understand how much energy they are using at any one time, and what it's costing them. And that will help them save energy and save money. With operational cost savings and reliability as top priorities, this is the model for how cities and towns will be connected to the grid in the future.
"Future generations will produce and consume energy in profoundly different ways than we do today. With Boulder as America's first Smart Grid City, Xcel Energy is showcasing precisely why Colorado is fast becoming an international leader in the New Energy Economy, in modern energy -- and now in smart energy."