District Energy
The City of Richmond is committed to building a sustainable and energy-efficient future through the development of district energy systems. These systems play a vital role in the City’s climate action plan by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while delivering reliable and cost-effective heating and cooling to local communities.
What is District Energy?
District energy is a smart and sustainable way to heat and cool buildings using a central energy plant instead of individual systems in each building. Through a network of underground pipes, hot water or chilled water is delivered to homes and businesses, providing efficient and reliable energy. These systems help support Richmond’s environmental sustainability and climate action goals, making it a cleaner and more resilient choice for the community.
Lulu Island Energy Company
Lulu Island Energy Company (LIEC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Richmond, was incorporated in August 2013 to develop and operate district energy systems on the City’s behalf.
LIEC currently serves several rapidly growing communities, including Alexandra, Oval Village, and City Centre neighborhoods. Designed to expand alongside new developments, these systems ensure that Richmond’s urban growth is supported by sustainable energy infrastructure—providing “clean, efficient energy for now and the future”.
Current Service Areas
Alexandra District Energy Utility (ADEU)
The Alexandra District Energy Utility is an award-winning project that showcases Richmond’s leadership in sustainable energy. ADEU uses a geoexchange system to provide reliable heating and cooling to residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in the West Cambie neighborhood.
Oval District Energy Utility (OVDEU)
The Oval District Energy Utility, located near the Richmond Olympic Oval, delivers space heating and domestic hot water through a centralized, energy-efficient system. It serves a dynamic, mixed-use community in the Oval neighborhood.
City Centre District Energy Utility (CCDEU)
The City Centre District Energy Utility delivers low-carbon energy to the heart of Richmond’s downtown. As a rapidly growing neighborhood, Richmond’s City Centre is the newest district energy service area. While the off-site infrastructure for the centralized, energy-efficient system is being constructed, the first developments are built with on-site energy systems designed for future connection to a centralized network.
For more information about service areas, customer rates, and other resources, please visit: Lulu Island Energy Company.