2022
Commodity Charge Update
July 1, 2022
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect natural gas market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the July 1, 2022 increase to Fortis’ Rate 3, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 increases to $0.07218 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 increases to $0.06099 per kilowatt hour as of the same date. See Commodity Charge Rates.
LEC 2021 Financial Statements
June 20, 2022
At the June 20, 2022 Council meeting, the City received LEC’s Financial Statements as part of LEC’s Annual General Meeting. LEC has published its Financial Statements and they are available to view online.
Commodity Charge Update
April 1, 2022
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect natural gas market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the April 1, 2022 increase in Carbon Tax, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 increases to $0.06454 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 increases to $0.05453 per kilowatt hour as of the same date. See Commodity Charge Rates.
Commodity Charge Update
January 1, 2022
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect natural gas market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the January 1, 2022 increase to the Fortis Mainland Rate 3, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 increases to $0.06326 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 increases to $0.05345 per kilowatt hour as of the same date. See Commodity Charge Rates.
2021
LEC to Adjust Its Rates
December 1, 2021
LEC has received authorization from its regulator, the City of North Vancouver, to adjust its rates effective December 1, 2021. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application was held on November 1, 2021 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC. Members of the public were provided the opportunity to comment at that time. The meeting presentation and discussion are available at the following links.
Commodity Charge Update
November 10, 2021
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect natural gas market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the October 1, 2021 increase to the Fortis Mainland Rate 3, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 increases to $0.05829 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 increases to $0.04925 per kilowatt hour as of the same date. See Commodity Charge Rates.
LEC Working with MintGreen
October 20, 2021
Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC) is working with MintGreen on a project to add clean energy to LEC’s district energy system. The City has asked LEC to become an important component of the overall carbon reduction strategy. This project is one way we will get there.
MintGreen will be operating a data computing operation which results in waste heat being generated. LEC will be recovering this heat and injecting it into LEC’s heating grid. For clarity, LEC is not involved in the data computing process; LEC is solely recovering otherwise wasted heat.
LEC is on a journey to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and this project will be part of that, however, this project will only account for a small share of LEC’s total energy generation. LEC is reviewing the feasibility of several other low carbon projects, such as sewer heat recovery and ocean source heating. We are excited to be working on clean energy projects throughout our system.
Next step for this LEC / MintGreen project will be to go through an approvals process at the City.
LEC Applies to Adjust Its Rates
October 7, 2021
LEC has applied to its regulator, the City of North Vancouver, to adjust its rates effective December 1, 2021. The supporting report provides information concerning the request. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application will be held electronically at 5:30 pm on November 1, 2021.
Any member of the public may forward comments to LEC’s regulator, the City of North Vancouver, as per the following:
- Emailed or written submissions for the Public Meeting should be sent to the attention of the Corporate Officer at input@cnv.org or by mail/delivery to City Hall (141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1H9) and refer to “LEC Rate Adjustment”. Submissions may be received no later than 12:00 pm on Monday, November 1, 2021 and must include your name and address.
- To speak at the Public Meeting to be held at 5:30 pm on November 1, 2021 you must pre-register by completing the online form at cnv.org/PublicMeetings, or by phoning 604-990-4230 and providing contact information, so call-in instructions can be forwarded to you. All pre-registration must be submitted no later than 12:00 pm on Monday, November 1, 2021.
- Speakers who have not pre-registered will also have an opportunity to speak a the Public Meeting via call-in details displayed on-screen during the Public Meeting.
LEC 2020 Financial Statements
June 21, 2021
At the June 21, 2021 Council meeting, the City received LEC’s Financial Statements as part of LEC’s Annual General Meeting. LEC has published its Financial Statements and they are available to view online.
Commodity Charge Update
April 1, 2021
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the April 1, 2021 increase to the Carbon Tax, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 increases to $0.05285 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 increases to $0.04465 per kilowatt hour. See Commodity Charge Rates.
Commodity Charge Update
January 1, 2021
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the January 1, 2021 change in Fortis rates, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 increases to $0.05124 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 increases to $0.04329 per kilowatt hour. See Commodity Charge Rates.
2020
Commodity Charge Update
October 1, 2020
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the October 1, 2020 change in Fortis rates, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 increases to $0.04813 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 increases to $0.04066 per kilowatt hour. See Commodity Charge Rates.
Commodity Charge Update
August 1, 2020
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the August 1, 2020 change in Fortis rates, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 increases to $0.04505 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 increases to $0.03807 per kilowatt hour. See Commodity Charge Rates.
LEC 2019 Financial Statements
July 20, 2020
At the July 20, 2020 Council meeting, the City received LEC’s Financial Statements as part of LEC’s Annual General Meeting process. LEC has published its Financial Statements and are now available. See 2019 Financial Statements.
LEC Supports Customers with Rate Freeze
June 25, 2020
To support our customers and provide economic relief during these challenging times, LEC is freezing its rates until November 1, 2021.
COVID-19 has resulted in financial hardship for many, including LEC’s customers, and this rate freeze will assist both residential and commercial clients by providing 18 months of predictable utility expenses. The rate freeze applies to all monthly fixed fees, including capacity and metre charges. The Commodity Charge will continue to follow FortisBC rates.
LEC will reach out to all customers over the coming weeks with more information.
See 2020 Rate Freeze Proposal Resolution and Supporting Report
Commodity Charge Update
Effective: January 1, 2020
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the January 1, 2020 change in Fortis rates, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 decreases to $0.04108 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 decreases to $0.03471 per kilowatt hour.
See how this adjustment affects LEC's commodity charge rates:
Commodity Charge Adjustments, July 1, 2016 to January 1, 2020
2019
LEC Now Delivering Clean Energy City Wide
July 31, 2019
Another milestone for the award-winning Lonsdale Energy Corp (LEC), which is now connected City-wide. LEC has completed connection of its three main service areas delivering district energy across the City of North Vancouver. See News Release.
LEC Applies to Adjust Its Rates
Effective: July 31, 2019
LEC has applied to its regulator, the City of North Vancouver (CNV), to adjust its rates effective November 1, 2019. The CNV Council resolution and supporting report provides information concerning the request. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application will be held at 6:30 pm on September 16, 2019 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC.
Any member of the public may forward comments to LEC’s regulator, the City of North Vancouver, as per the following:
- Written or emailed submissions referring to “LEC rate adjustment” may be received no later than 4:00 pm, Monday, September 16, 2019. Your submission must include your name and address. Submissions should be sent to the attention of the City Clerk, City of North Vancouver, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1H9; or email input@cnv.org.
- In person, at the Public Meeting to be held at 6:30 pm on September 16, 2019 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC.
LEC 2018 Financial Statements
July 15, 2019
At the July 15, 2019 Council meeting, the City received LEC’s Financial Statements as part of LEC’s Annual General Meeting process. LEC publishes its Financial Statements and they are now available to view online.
Commodity Charge Update
Effective: April 1, 2019
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the April 1, 2019 change in the Carbon Tax, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 is to increase to $0.04201 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 is increase to $0.03549 per kilowatt hour.
Please review the document below to see how this adjustment affects LEC's commodity charges:
Commodity Charge Update
January 23, 2019
Effective: January 1, 2019, by bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the January 1, 2019 change in Fortis’ rate schedule, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 is to increase to $0.04075 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 is increase to $0.03443 per kilowatt hour. The Heat Recovery Credit for cooling customers is also adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. The Heat Recovery Credit is to increase to $0.03722 per kilowatt hour. The Cooling Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase of 3,500 kWh/month of electricity under BC Hydro’s Medium General Service Rate. With no change in BC Hydro’s rate schedule, the Cooling Commodity Charge will remain $0.07333.
Please review the documents below
2018
Commodity Charge Update
November 26, 2018
Effective: November 1, 2018, by bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the November 1, 2018 change in Fortis’ rate schedule, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 is to increase to $0.03746 per kilowatt hour and Rate 2 is increase to $0.03165 per kilowatt hour. Invoices issued in early December will reflect this update for the November 2018 billing period. Click on the links below to access the table which calculates how these adjustments affect LEC's rates.
Please Consider Lowering Thermostats and Reducing Use of Hot Water
October 11, 2018
The October 9, 2018, incident on the gas pipeline near Prince George impacted a 36-inch natural gas line. An adjacent 30-inch line was shut down as a precautionary measure. FortisBC website now indicates that service on the 30-inch line has been restored. LEC is hopeful that this should allow continuity of the supply and reduce the likelihood of prolonged service interruptions, if any. FortisBC is still requesting customers to avoid non-essential use of gas until the situation is resolved. More information is available on the FortisBC website.
Until FortisBC lifts its request regarding non-essential use of gas, LEC is reminding customers to please consider lowering their thermostats and reduce the use of hot water as much as possible.
Potential LEC Service Interruption Notice and Request for Reduction of Consumption
October 10, 2018
As many of you are likely aware, natural gas service is currently impacted by the rupture of an Enbridge natural gas line north of Prince George.
Natural gas supplier FortisBC has asked one million customers to lower their thermostats and limit other gas use as much as possible while the damage is repaired. About 700,000 homes in northern B.C., the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island could temporarily lose gas service altogether. The issue is impacting a significant portion of the Pacific Northwest as the Enbridge pipeline supplies about half the natural gas used in Washington State, Oregon and Idaho.
As a major portion of the LEC heat production is natural gas dependent, customers could be subject to service interruptions until the situation is resolved. To assist natural gas providers, we ask that you please consider lowering your thermostats and reduce the use of hot water as much as possible.
LEC is in contact with its natural gas suppliers and will attempt to minimize the impact to our customers. LEC will also keep customers informed of potential service interruptions. FortisBC is providing updates on its website.
In-Building Metering and Invoicing of Municipal/LEC Utility Costs
July 27, 2018
The City of North Vancouver has amended three of its bylaws to address issues concerning in-building metering and invoicing of Water, Sewer and Lonsdale Energy Corp. fees and charges. The following letter should be considered by strata corporations that invoice individual strata lot owners, City and LEC utility fees, on a basis that does not comply with section 99(2) of the Strata Property Act; and rental buildings that recover City and LEC utility fees as a supplement to lump sum regular monthly rent payments stipulated in a rental agreement between the rental property owner and renter. For more information, please review the letter and attachments below.
LEC to Adjust Its Rates
July 27, 2018
LEC has received authorization from its regulator, the City of North Vancouver, to adjust its rates effective November 1, 2018. The open letter to LEC customers provides more details and was sent to all LEC customers on June 18, 2018. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application was held on July 9, 2018 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC. Members of the public were provided the opportunity to comment at that time. The meeting presentation and discussion are available at the following links.
LEC Applies to Adjust Its Rates
June 18, 2018
LEC has applied to its regulator, the City of North Vancouver (CNV), to adjust its rates effective November 1, 2018. The CNV Council resolution and supporting report provides information concerning the request. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application will be held at 6:30 pm on July 9, 2018 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC.
Any member of the public may forward comments to LEC’s regulator, the City of North Vancouver, as per the following:
- Written submissions referring to “LEC rate adjustment” must include your name and address and be received no later than 4:00 pm, Monday, July 9, 2018. Submissions should be sent to the attention of the City Clerk, City of North Vancouver, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1H9; or email: input@cnv.org.
- In person, at the Public Meeting to be held at 6:30 pm on July 9, 2018 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC.
LEC 2017 Financial Statements
June 13, 2018
At the April 23, 2018 Council meeting, the City received LEC’s Financial Statements as part of LEC’s Annual General Meeting process. LEC publishes its Financial Statements and they are now available to view online.
BCUC Public Notice
April 30, 2018
As per LEC's update dated October 16, 2017, LEC has concluded an agreement with the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District to recover and distribute heat from the New North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant. A Public Notice concerning Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Application for an Exemption from Part 3 of the Utilities Commission Act is available. See Public Notice.
Commodity Charge Update
April 1, 2018
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the April 1, 2018 change in the Carbon Tax rate, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 is to increase to $0.03396 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 is increase to $0.02869 per kilowatt hour. The Heat Recovery Credit for cooling customers is also adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. The Heat Recovery Credit is to increase to $0.03102 per kilowatt hour. The Cooling Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase of 3,500 kWh/month of electricity under BC Hydro’s Medium General Service Rate. With the April 1, 2018 change in BC Hydro’s rate schedule, the Cooling Commodity Charge is to increase to $0.07333.
Click on the links below to access each table, which calculates how these adjustment affects LEC's rates.
BCUC Public Notice
February 20, 2018
As per LEC's update dated October 16, 2017, LEC has concluded an agreement with the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District to recover and distribute heat from the New North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant. A Public Notice concerning Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Application for an Exemption from Part 3 of the Utilities Commission Act is available. See Public Notice.
2017
LEC Applies to Adjust Its Rates
December 19, 2017
LEC has received authorization from its regulator, the City of North Vancouver, to adjust its rates effective January 1, 2018. The open letter to LEC customers provides more details. It was sent on November 22, 2017 to all LEC customers. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application was held on December 4, 2017 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC. Members of the public were provided the opportunity to comment at that time. The meeting presentation and discussion are available at the following links.
LEC Applies to Adjust Its Rates
November 21, 2017
LEC has applied to its regulator, the City of North Vancouver (CNV), to adjust its rates effective January 1, 2018. The CNV Council resolution and supporting report provides information concerning the request. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application will be held on December 4, 2017 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC.
Any member of the public may forward comments to LEC’s regulator, the City of North Vancouver, as per the following:
- Written submissions referring to “LEC rate increase” may be forwarded prior to the Public Meeting attention of the City Clerk, City of North Vancouver, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1H9; or email input@cnv.org.
- In person, at the Public Meeting to be held at 7:00 pm on December 4, 2017 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC.
LEC To Sell Recovered Heat From The New North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant
October 16, 2017
Lonsdale Energy Corporation (LEC) and Metro Vancouver's Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (GVS&DD) have finalized an agreement for the sale of effluent heat recovered from the new North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, currently under construction at Pemberton Avenue and West 1st Street.
The new heat recovery facility will capture thermal energy from treated sewage, for use as an alternative energy source that replaces natural gas, providing space and domestic hot water heating to LEC customers across the City of North Vancouver. View news release.
LEC 2016 Financial Statements
July 25, 2017
At the July 17, 2017 Council meeting, the City received LEC’s Financial Statements as part of LEC’s Annual General Meeting process. LEC publishes its Financial Statements and they are now available to view online.
City Approves Application Fee Adjustment
City Council adopts City Bylaw 8545 which modifies the application fee charged to applicants. As of March 6, 2017, the application fee will be charged at an amount equal to 0.15% of the construction value of the work associated with the building permit. The fee will be due and payable at the time of building permit issuance.
LEC to Adjust its Rates
LEC has received authorization from its regulator, the City of North Vancouver, to adjust its rates effective November 1, 2016. The open letter to LEC customers provides more details. It was sent in late-August to all LEC customers. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application was held on October 3, 2016 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC. Members of the public were provided the opportunity to comment at that time. The meeting presentation and discussion are available at the following links.
Commodity Charge Update
Effective: January 1, 2017
By bylaw, LEC's regulator, the City of North Vancouver, authorizes LEC management to make adjustments to the Commodity Charge to reflect market pricing fluctuations. The Commodity Charge is adjusted to follow the purchase price of 1,000 GJ/month of gas under FortisBC's Rate Schedule 3. With the January 1, 2017 change in Fortis’ rate schedule, the Commodity Charge for Rate 1 is to increase to $0.03945 per kilowatt hour, and Rate 2 is increase to $0.03334 per kilowatt hour. Click on the link below to access a table, which calculates how this adjustment affects LEC's Commodity Charge.
Current Commodity Charge Adjustment (January 1, 2017)
Historical Commodity Charge Rate (July 1 2006 - October 31 2016)
2016
Application for 2016 Rate Adjustment
LEC has applied to its regulator, the City of North Vancouver, for permission to adjust its rates in the fall of 2016. LEC’s rate structure includes three components:
- The Meter Charge, which is constant from month to month and similar for each customer, currently at $150 per month, per service connection.
- The Capacity Charge, which is constant from month to month, but different for each customer. Basically, the charge is for ensuring that LEC’s generating capacity is sufficient to meet LEC’s system capacity requirement. The monthly charge is currently set at $3.231 per kilowatt multiplied by the energy capacity nominated by a customer.
- The Commodity Charge, which varies from month to month and is based on the amount of energy consumed. This charge essentially covers the cost of the energy purchased by LEC to provide heat to the buildings. The total charge is based on the amount of heat consumed in a month and the unit cost is adjusted in line with FortisBC gas price fluctuations. The charge currently stands at $0.02747 / kW.h.
More information with regard to these charges is available under the heading “How Rates Are Calculated”.
The application aims to implement a two rate system that will provide more flexibility to customers based on annual energy consumption. Customers choosing Rate Schedule 1 will pay a lower monthly Meter Charge but a higher Commodity Charge. Customers choosing Rate Schedule 2 will pay a higher monthly Meter Charge but a lower Commodity Charge. The Capacity Charge will be same for both Rate Schedule 1 and Rate Schedule 2. However, the proposed rate adjustment contemplates increasing the Capacity Charge to $3.5541 per kW. Both rates are summarized as follows:
Rate Schedule 1
(recommended for consumption of approximately 300 MWh per year or less)
- Meter Charge $30 per month
- Capacity Charge $3.5541 per kW
- Commodity Charge $0.03398 per kW.h
Rate Schedule 2
(recommended for consumption exceeding approximately 300 MWh per year)
- Meter Charge $161.55 per month
- Capacity Charge $3.5541 per kW
- Commodity Charge $0.02871 per kW.h
The application also recommends changing the Late Payment Charge to 1.5% per month, and increasing the Service Connection Fee to $75 per kilowatt of nominated energy capacity.
Assuming constant natural gas prices, the net increase is estimated at 7.0% of the total amount invoiced to an average customer.
While the increase exceeds the rate of inflation, the following factors should be considered:
- The Capacity Charge remained constant since LEC started operations in 2003 through 2013. The last increase was on July 1, 2014, more than two years ago.
- The Meter Charge has never been increased since LEC’s start of operations in 2003.
- The Commodity Charge was last set at $0.0458 / kW.h in 2007 to follow natural gas prices fluctuations. Due to market pricing decrease of the price of natural gas, it currently is at a record low level of $0.02747 / kW.h; a 40.0% decrease.
- As shown in the attached report, LEC’s average cost is currently the lowest of comparable Lower Mainland district energy providers. It is also lower than the cost of using stand-alone in-building boilers or electric baseboards.
View the Report to Council, which provides additional information. The recommendation contained in the report was adopted by the Council of the City of North Vancouver at its regular Council meeting of July 25, 2016.
LEC Financial Statements
June 10, 2016
At the May 30th Council meeting, the City received LEC’s Financial Statements as part of LEC’s Annual General Meeting process. LEC has published its Financial Statements and they are now available to view online.
Expansion in Moodyville given the Green Light
April 7, 2016
LEC is pleased to report that it will be extending its thermal energy services within the City of North Vancouver.
In April 2016, City Council approved a $2.3 million expansion of the LEC network between Lower Lonsdale and the Moodyville area. This means, once the area is redeveloped; more City residents will be connected to the LEC district energy system and will receive sustainable, thermal energy to meet all their needs. Proposed Passive Houses in the Moodyville area also received a boost, as Council supported the suggestion that they should be connected to the LEC network. The energy provided from LEC would be used for mainly for domestic hot water purposes, as Passive Houses do not require extensive infrastructure for space heating.
Council also agreed to a $600,000 loan to facilitate the construction of the distribution system between 1033 St. George’s Avenue and 160 East 6th Street (formally 161 East Keith Road). The extension will be the first phase in linking LEC’s Lower and Central Lonsdale service areas together for the purpose of enhancing system redundancy to customers including the Lions Gate Hospital.
Disclosure of the Corix Settlement
January 28, 2016
LEC is pleased to report that since January 1, 2014 it has assumed full responsibility for the development and operations of the district energy system operating throughout LEC’s service areas. Background information on LEC’s incorporation, the inception of the district energy service and LEC’s early years of operations can be accessed online.
Between March 3, 2004 and December 31, 2013, LEC was under contract with Corix Utilities Inc. (Corix), formerly Terasen Utility Services (“Agreement”). The Agreement covered the design, procurement, construction, financing and operation of boilers, central control system and energy meters in the Lower Lonsdale service area, as well as certain other LEC customer services, such as billing.
Following expiry of the Agreement, and after failed negotiations between the parties, Corix commenced arbitration proceedings in the fall of 2014 to determine the final purchase price for certain assets delivered under the Agreement. The arbitrator rendered a partial award on June 30, 2015 and a final award on September 21, 2015. Loan approvals were requested by LEC in 2015 to satisfy its financial obligations pursuant to the arbitral awards. Since the issuance of the arbitral awards, LEC has paid an amount totalling $2,526,188.39 in full satisfaction of all obligations to Corix remaining under the Agreement.
The Agreement contains a confidentiality clause that does not expire until after December 31, 2018. As a public utility wholly owned by the City of North Vancouver, LEC is guided by the public interest principles of transparency and accountability. In line with those principles, in November 2015 LEC sought the early removal of the confidentiality clause so that further information and documentation could be made public. Corix refused this request. A copy of Corix’s letter is available online. As a result, while LEC would prefer that all information connected to the Agreement and subject to the confidentiality provisions be publicly available without further delay, LEC remains bound by the confidentiality provisions contained in the Agreement.
LEC looks forward to the expiry of the confidentiality provision after December 31, 2018, after which LEC will make all information of public interest concerning the Agreement, Corix and the district energy system, available through the City of North Vancouver and LEC websites.
Another Accolade for the City of North Vancouvers Lonsdale Energy Corporation
November 7, 2014
The Lonsdale Energy Corporation has received a prestigious Business Excellence Award from the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has recognized LEC in the area of 'innovation' for its creative approach to business growth, success in unique business methods and reaching new markets. The award was presented at the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce 17th annual Business Excellence Awards event.
LEC Receives $12m Capital Investment From The City
December 11, 2013
In December 2013, the City of North Vancouver provided a capital investment of $12million in the form of a loan. With the exception of $500,000 which may be used for working capital, the amount is to cover a portion of the construction cost of the distribution system. LEC has met all of its financial obligations concerning the construction of the plants and customer heat delivery stations as well as the construction of the distribution system prior to 2009. Only the distribution system built by the City on behalf of LEC since 2009 is covered by this loan. In addition to reimbursing the amount, LEC will be paying to the City interest at a rate of 2.1%. LEC will also be providing an annual report on the balance and payments of principal and interest of the loan, as well as on construction activities impacting borrowing and loan repayment.
The information provided to Council and Council’s discussion is available at the following links.
LEC to Increase its Capacity Charge
September 23, 2013
LEC has received authorization from its regulator, the City of North Vancouver, to increase its Capacity Charge by 5% effective October 1, 2013 and 5% effective July 1, 2014. The Meter Charge and Commodity Charge are to remain unchanged. The attached open letter to LEC customers provides more details. It was sent in mid-August to all LEC customers. A Public Meeting to discuss LEC's application was held on September 23, 2013 in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC. Members of the public were provided the opportunity to comment at that time. The meeting presentation and discussion are available at the following links.
- LEC Public Meeting Notice and Report
- Public Meeting PowerPoint Presentation
- Public Meeting Video Clip
LEC and CNV Continue Working at Reducing the Impact of the PST on District Energy Systems
September 18, 2013
Mayor Darrell Mussatto met with Honorable Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance on September 18, 2013 to discuss the impact of the PST on district energy systems. LEC continues its work so that district energy providers compete on a level playing field. A copy of the briefing note that was provided to Minister de Jong at the meeting is available online. Also present at the meeting were: Hon. Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business and MLA of North Vancouver-Lonsdale; MLA Ralph Sultan, MLA of West Vancouver-Capilano; Peter Milburn, Deputy Minister of Finance and Secretary to Treasury Board; and Ben Themens, Director LEC.
Marine Harbourside Expansion
LEC is currently expanding the district energy system to the Marine Harbourside Area. A new miniplant has been built at the new City of North Vancouver Works Yard at the corner of West Ist Street and Fell Avenue, and the district energy system piping has been installed along Fell Avenue to serve new buildings on Marine Drive, West 3rd Street, Copping Street, the new Works Yard building and Greenhouse, and the new North Shore Rescue Building.
Climate and Energy Action Award
September 27, 2012
The City won the Public Sector Collaboration category for the Lonsdale Energy Corporation and School District 44 Education Service Centre/Arts for Kids project, which showcases a geothermal heat pump system and recycling of surplus heat. By saving energy and reducing greenhouse gases, the project allows more of SD No.44's budget to be directed towards its education mission, while allowing LEC to integrate heat recovery and geo-exchange systems into its district energy system. The awards are organized annually by the Community Energy Association in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, Union of B.C. Municipalities, B.C. Hydro and FortisBC.
National Energy Efficiency Award
December 3, 2004
The City of North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Energy Corporation has won a national Energy Efficiency Award for outstanding development and promotion of energy efficiency. In the ‘Industry’ category, the Lonsdale Energy Corporation’s (LEC) district heating utility project received top honours, and will be featured in a 2005 issue of Time magazine.
Lonsdale Energy Corporation Seals Unique Public/Private Partnership Deal
March 4, 2004
The City’s Lonsdale Energy Corporation has officially signed an operating agreement with Terasen Utility Services. The first public/private heating energy partnership on the North Shore has been formalized, resulting in a unique energy utility arrangement that will provide energy services to the Lower Lonsdale area.
Bylaw 8086
Bylaw 8086 eliminates the three distinct Lonsdale Energy Corporation service areas and expands the service area to the whole City. As such, any new building of more than 1,000 square meters is required to connect to the district heating system for heating purposes unless it is determined by the City's Director of Finance that the cost to the City would be excessive. Bylaw 8086 also allows LEC to provide cooling services in buildings planning to be equipped with air conditioning systems. Depending on the size and nature of the system, LEC may be able to use the heat generated during the cooling process in its heating network. Connection of properties to LEC's cooling system is optional.