Progressive Regulations to Promote Clean Technology and District Energy

Issue

Alberta regulations are lagging in making renewable energy and clean technology feasible for consumers. Specifically, the Province’s micro-generation regulations restrict Alberta businesses from aggregating sites owned by customers, in turn restricting their ability to generate and distribute any excess energy directly to other buildings or compound residence (district energy). Adapting provincial regulations to promote self-generation with clean technology and district energy sources is an important climate change strategy for Alberta, and an opportunity to reduce costs and improve competitiveness for Alberta businesses. 

Background

Locally and globally, there is an increasing need for electricity, due to a growing demand for air conditioning, electric heating, and electrified transportation, for example. Growing electricity demand will result in higher delivery and electricity prices: upgrades to infrastructure and construction of generation will be necessary, resulting in costs being passed on to consumers. 

Our Recommendations

1. Implement an industrial, commercial and residential regulatory framework that allows customers to install district energy systems for the sharing of electricity and heat between tenants and neighbouring buildings. Such a framework would include checks and balances to ensure cost controls are in place to protect end use customers. 
2. Include, support and promote district energy systems in programs and policies aimed at helping drive Alberta and Canada’s climate change aspirations, more resilient communities and a more competitive economy.