LEC is in a unique position to make fuel purchase decisions based on the best rates available.
Customer Benefits
- Energy Cost Savings - Customers receive the best negotiated gas purchase rates possible. While other energy providers have raised their rates, LEC has worked to reduce its rates.
- Capital Cost Savings: - Customers do not have to pay for the purchase and installation of boilers.
- Space Savings - The space requirements for the LEC heat exchanger and equipment is much less than would be required for boilers, increasing allowable living and rental areas.
- Price Stability - Lower, more stable costs over the long-term.
- Convenience - Space heating and domestic hot water available from one supply source.
- Lower Maintenance - Maintenance of the heat exchanger is included in the energy supply service. Building owners do not have to maintain their own boiler and domestic hot water heating systems.
Community Benefits
- Efficient Energy Production - Hot water heat created by LEC's high efficiency condensing boilers running at near full load is more efficient than mid efficient boilers and part load operation of boilers used in typical stand-alone applications. Solar hot water, ground source heat pumps, and heat recovery sources further improve the efficiency of district heat generation.
- Electricity Savings - Hot water heat reduces demands on electricity; greatly increases the efficiency of energy supply compared to thermal generation of electricity.
- Flexibility - LEC is designed to use a variety of fuels, including emissions-free solar energy, heat pumps, waste heat recovery, biomass, etc. so that other energy sources can be considered when it becomes economical to do so.
- Dependability - LEC can switch between mini-plants to ensure energy is always available. Long-term efficiency is not hampered by aging equipment.
- Visual Advantages - Mini-plants are contained within buildings and underground.
Environmental Benefits
- Cleaner Air - LEC's low NOX condensing boilers reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 64%; carbon dioxide emissions by 21%.
- Land Conservation - No need to build a large energy plant in the community. Instead, mini-plants suit urban environments where land is scarce.
- Greener Future - High density developments that share energy resources make it possible to implement sustainable technologies and preserve energy options for the future.
Purchasing Power
LEC is in a unique position to make fuel purchase decisions based on the best rates available. Because each interconnected mini-plant is serviced by a distinct gas meter, LEC can purchase natural gas from the most economical provider and minimize costs by alternating heat generation between mini-plants. This flexibility enables LEC to offer premium energy services to its customers at a reasonable price. As more buildings connect to the system, LEC can make high volume gas purchases that translate into additional savings for customers.
Financial Outlook
When setting utility rates, LEC considers the number of existing and future customers, as well as cost and revenue forecasts over a 20-year period to ensure that early customers are treated equitably. LEC's main objective is to deliver an appropriate balance of environmental, social and economically sustainable benefits to the community.