Xcel Energy Revises Boulder Electrification Plan, Retains Natural Gas Option
Xcel Energy has initiated audits of buildings along Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall as part of a revised plan to retire an aging natural gas line. Originally, the plan aimed to convert all 66 buildings served by the deteriorating line to electricity, aligning with Boulder’s climate goals. However, the scope has narrowed, with only 24 buildings directly connected to the line now targeted for potential electrification. Building owners and tenants will be offered assistance to switch to electricity but are not mandated to do so. Those opting to retain natural gas can connect to an existing line. The audits, which began in March, will assess necessary electrical upgrades and equipment replacements, with completion expected by year-end. The project aims to address safety risks and reduce fossil fuel reliance, but replacing the line would have been costly and disruptive, estimated at $7.5 million. Instead, upgrading the electric grid is projected to cost between $3.7 million and $4.5 million. 
