In addition to the City-owned False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU), several other neighbourhood-scale energy systems exist in Vancouver. Such systems are operated as public utilities and are regulated by the BC Utilities Commission External website, opens in new tab.
The Commission protects consumers and ensures energy rates are fair, just, and reasonable through an open and transparent review process.
Current systems in Vancouver
There are three large neighbourhood systems as well as a number of smaller scale on-site systems.
False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility
The False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility has been providing low-carbon energy to the former Olympic Village and Southeast False Creek community since 2010.
The system is owned and operated by the City of Vancouver.
In 2018, Council approved and planned the expansion of the system to parts of Mount Pleasant, False Creek Flats, and Northeast False Creek.
River District on Marine Way
River District Energy External website, opens in new tab is a developer-owned neighbourhood energy system. It is a public utility regulated by the BC Utilities Commission.
River District Energy has been operating since 2012, providing heat and hot water to new building developments in this area.
The utility is working towards incorporating low-carbon energy sources.
Creative Energy (Downtown)
Creative Energy External website, opens in new tab is a utility-owned neighbourhood energy system serving parts of downtown Vancouver since 1968 through 14 km of underground piping.
It is a public utility regulated by the BC Utilities Commission.
This utility is working towards incorporating low-carbon energy sources.
Other systems under development
Several other systems are under investigation or development by third-parties in areas of the city where high-density development is planned.
We're supporting the initiatives of such energy providers to incorporate low-carbon renewable energy sources to continue reducing citywide carbon emissions.