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Boulder’s energy future is brighter
Nov 6th
City outlines implications for possible creation of electric utility
While some votes remain to be counted tonight, ballot measure 2E appears headed for a significant victory with a competing ballot measure 310 poised for defeat.
The approval of measure 2E, pending final results, will give the city flexibility in moving forward with the initial 2011 voter-approved path toward exploring the creation of a local electric utility while also recognizing concerns about unforeseen costs and customer representation. Specifically, measure 2E puts a limit on the amount the city can pay to acquire the system and clarifies some out-of-city service issues. The ballot measure includes the following:
- Setting a limit of $214 million for acquisition of Xcel’s assets and stranded costs, if stranded costs are paid in one lump sum.
- Allowing out-of-city customers, if any are included, to serve on the advisory board of a potential local electric utility.
- Facilitating utility choice on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis to potential out-of-city customers.
- Requiring rates of out-of-city customers to be the same as those in the same class of in-city customers.
- Limiting brokerage fees associated with acquiring debt to industry standards.
These requirements are in addition to criteria passed by voters as part of the Charter in 2011. These are:
- Rates must be equal or less than those offered by Xcel Energy at the time of acquisition.
- The utility must have sufficient revenue to cover operating costs and debt, plus carry a reserve of 25 percent of the debt amount, referred to as “Debt Service Coverage Ratio.”
- Reliability must remain comparable to that being offered by Xcel Energy.
- There must be a plan to increase renewable energy in the supply.
- There must be a plan to decrease greenhouse gas emissions that result from a fossil-fuel based electricity supply.
The original 2011 voter-approved Charter language on municipalization can be found at –http://www.colocode.com/boulder2/charter_articleXIII.htm. The provisions in 2E will be added to the existing Charter requirements.
“We are pleased with the results of today’s election concerning the municipalization ballot items,” said Heather Bailey, executive director of energy strategy and electric utility development. “The additional requirements set by 2E will address concerns about the unknown amounts of acquisition and stranded costs associated with forming a local utility and help define the path the community would like us to take towards creating the electric utility of the future right here in Boulder.”
The next steps in the municipalization exploration study will focus on the negotiation and acquisition process associated with obtaining the infrastructure the city would need to operate a safe and reliable local electric utility.
All information related to Boulder’s Energy Future and the municipalization study is available atwww.BoulderEnergyFuture.com.
–CITY–
Voting made easy–Boulder style
Oct 30th
Four Voter Service and Polling Centers Open Now in Boulder County
Boulder County – All four Voter Service and Polling Centers in Boulder County are open through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5. VSPCs are available for voters who would like to:
· drop off their mail ballot
· cast a ballot in person
· request a replacement ballot
· register to vote or update their registration information
· vote using equipment and facilities for persons with disabilities.
VSPC locations:
· Boulder: Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 1750 33rd St.
· Longmont: Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 529 Coffman St.
· Lafayette: Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 1376 Miners Drive, Suite 105
· Boulder: University Club, University of Colorado campus, 972 Broadway
Hours for all VSPCs through Election Day:
· 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Oct. 28-Nov. 4 (closed Sunday, Nov. 3)
· 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 (Election Day)
Additional locations for drive-by ballot drop-off will open later this week.
The 2013 Coordinated Election is being conducted by mail ballot but, under Colorado’s new election law, any voter can cast a ballot in person at a Voter Service and Polling Centers. If you’re an active, registered voter and have not received a mail ballot for the Nov. 5 election, you should visit a Voter Service and Polling Center, call 303-413-7740 or email vote@bouldercountyvotes.org for more information.
Key Dates for the 2013 Coordinated Election:
· Tuesday, Oct. 15: Ballots mailed to all active, registered voters.
· Monday, Oct. 28: Last day to register to vote online for the coordinated election. New this year, voters may register in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center up to and including Election Day.
· Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election Day. All ballots must be in the hands of the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office by 7 p.m.
– On Twitter: @BoCoClerk –
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County to host meeting about ag. flood damage 10/31
Oct 30th
Flood recovery informational meeting for farmers, ranchers and land owners Oct. 31
Boulder County, Colo. – Colorado State University Extension is hosting an informational meeting for farmers, ranchers, and landowners affected by the flood. A wide variety of information regarding technical assistance available for recovery will be presented, as well as how to apply for financial assistance. The meeting will be useful for landowners and agricultural producers with flood related damage to infrastructure and businesses and with crop losses.
What: Northern Colorado Flood Recovery Assistance Meeting
When: Oct. 31, from 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: McKee building at The Ranch, (Crossroads & I-25) in Loveland
Details: The event is free and open to the public; no pre-registration is required
Boulder County experienced great impacts due to extensive flooding not just in the mountain areas, but certainly in plains as well. Farmers, ranchers and landowners have a long road ahead to recover from these environmental changes, and having the support and knowledge of experts will benefit the community as a whole.
This meeting will feature presentations from agencies and experts ready to help, including:
· USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service
· USDA/Farm Service Agency
· Colorado State University Extension
· Colorado Farm Bureau
· Rocky Mountain Farmers Union
· Local Food Shift Group
· Living GREEN Foundation
· Colorado Department of Agriculture
· Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment
· Representatives from the offices of Colorado’s congressional delegation
For more information contact Adrian Card, CSU Extension of Boulder County, at 303-678-6383 or Adrian.Card@colostate.edu.