Revelstoke Community Energy System

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector Energy
Project value$947,085
Project Type Capital Project
Sub Sector District Energy – Biomass
Grant amount$473,500
Program type GMF
Municipality City of Revelstoke, BC
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 8,275
Project timeline 2008 - 2010
Project number 9799

Description

The Revelstoke Community Energy System is seeking to expand so it can serve more customers in Revelstoke and further reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Created in 2005, the Community Energy System is a district heating energy system (DES) that is 85 per cent fuelled by biomass and serves the City of Revelstoke’s arena, aquatic centre, secondary school, Powder Springs and Minto Manor with heat and hot water. The energy is produced in a high-efficiency burner, reducing ash and improving local air quality, and the Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation guarantees delivery of heat at stable prices for up to 20 years. Extending the system will add five new customers: a mix of low-rise apartments and commercial, federal and municipal buildings located in Revelstoke’s downtown core. This will cut GHG emissions by 221 tonnes a year and will contribute to the community’s long-term economic well-being by keeping more than $70,000 in energy expenditures in the city.

Project results

Environmental outcomes

  • Reduced energy use
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Reduced or avoided GHG emissions

Social outcomes

  • Protection/improvement of public human health
  • Improved service delivery and/or level or service
  • Improved public education or awareness

Economic outcomes

  • Innovative financing
  • Increased job creation or retention
  • Lower taxes and fees
  • Increased tourism
  • Improved district land value
  • Use of feasibility tools

Lessons learned

  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Council support/buy-in
  • Resources
  • External factors

Applicant

Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation, BC