Xcel Energy filed a $500 million Advanced Grid Intelligence and Security proposal late Tuesday night that, if approved by the Colorado Pubilc Utilities Commission, would update the utility’s infrastructure.
The proposal has three main components: advanced metering, voltage optimization and improving the communication network.
The meters would look roughly the same but would be capable of doing more than traditional meters, according to the utility. The voltage optimization would minimize electricity lost along the line when traveling from substations to houses. The communications network would help Xcel restore power outages quicker.
A spokesman said the utility does not yet have an estimate on how the updates would affect customer bills, since the proposal was still in its beginning stages.
If approved, Xcel plans to implement the meters and communications network between 2018 and 2021. The voltage optimization would be added between 2017 and 2021.
