District Energy Systems centralize energy production for heating, cooling and/or domestic hot water, servicing residential and commercial customers in a given service area. Buildings connected to district energy do not need their own boilers, furnaces, or air conditioning systems. These services are generated in a central location then sent to households through a network of underground pipes.
Environmental Benefits
District energy systems enable building owners to conserve energy and improve operating efficiency, thus protecting the environment. By reducing the need to burn natural gas once sewer heat extraction technology is implemented, it is estimated that greenhouse gas emissions will be
80% less than buildings not connected to district energy.
Fuel Flexibility
District Energy is adaptable to sustainable energy sources such as ground source heat, ground water heat, sewer heat, solar and renewable energy technologies as they are developed.
Cost Savings
Rates are based on the Richmond Council adopted objective to provide customers with annual energy costs that are equal to or less than conventional system energy costs based on the same level of service. At the same time, the rate is designed to recover the utility’s costs related to infrastructure development, operation and maintenance, and fuel.
Ease of Operation
Individual buildings connected to District Energy systems require smaller sized boilers, chillers, cooling towers, or none at all. This results in reduced ongoing operating, maintenance, and labour costs.
Reliability
District energy technology is proven and is reliable, has built-in backup systems and performance is monitored continuously. It increases energy use efficiency by matching the energy source with the use. District energy systems increase community energy resiliency by reducing reliance on external energy sources.
Comfort and Convenience for Customers
District Energy provides more affordable energy costs for their customers.
It delivers worry-free, ready-to-use heating and cooling directly to a customer’s building.
District Energy provides hydronic (water) heating and cooling which is generally considered more comfortable than other forms of space conditioning.