Terasen Energy Services brings alternative energy solutions to B.C. condo developments

July 15, 2008

BURNABY, B.C. – A growing number of B.C. developers are signing agreements with Terasen Energy Services, introducing innovative geoexchange energy solutions to their developments and lessening the demands on the province’s electricity grid.

As B.C.’s leader in alternative thermal energy systems, Terasen Energy Services builds, owns and operates innovative geoexchange systems, community piping and energy transfer systems to harness renewable energy sources.

“Our systems reduce the environmental impact of traditional systems, while maintaining residents’ comfort and luxury,” said Gareth Jones, Terasen Energy Services Vice President and General Manager. “At the same time, they transfer costs away from the developer and ensure reliable and safe operation of the system, while keeping energy costs competitive.”

An increasing number of developers are getting the attention of new homebuyers across the province by recognizing that alternative energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides competitive energy costs for homeowners.

“By working with Terasen Energy Services to include a geoexchange system in the Flatiron development project, we are able to provide a product that sets us apart from other developers – this is critical in today’s market,” said Andrew Wade, Project Manager for Cathedral Ventures Ltd. “By utilizing Terasen Energy Services’ alternative energy solutions in our project, we can deliver what today’s buyers want: sustainable and reliable energy for heat, hot water and cooling that is also cost-effective.”

Terasen Energy Services has a growing inventory of geoexchange systems throughout B.C. including:

The Flatiron, a 52-unit highrise in downtown Vancouver. Terasen Energy Services’ geoexchange system provides heating, cooling and hot water. The Flatiron has incorporated an innovative radiant in-floor system that delivers heating and cooling quietly and evenly throughout the units.
The Indigo, a 174-unit highrise in Osoyoos. Terasen Energy Services’ geoexchange system will provide heating, cooling and hot water and vertical metering that will help residents manage their energy usage.
The Aquattro, a 563-unit luxury waterside condominium development in Victoria. Terasen Energy Services’ geoexchange systems will utilize a combination of nearby ground and water sources to facilitate the heat exchange process.

Geoexchange systems use the solar heat stored in the earth, just below the frost line or in a body of water, to heat or cool buildings. The systems are highly efficient, with up to 75 per cent less energy required than a conventional heating system. Plus, the use of geoexchange energy for a 1,000 square foot residence equates to offsetting up to one tonne of greenhouse gases each year.

In addition to geoexchange projects, Terasen Energy Services is actively developing sustainable district energy systems to provide heat that would otherwise be supplied by non-renewable energy sources. This includes involvement in a biomass system for the Dockside Green redevelopment in Victoria and waste heat recovery from the local waste water treatment plant for Whistler’s Athletes Village for the 2010 Olympics. Visit terasenenergyservices.com to learn more.

Terasen Energy Services builds, owns and operates geoexchange systems, community piping and energy transfer systems to harness renewable energy sources. Terasen Energy Services is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., and uses the Terasen Energy Services name and logo under license from Terasen Inc. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, serves two million gas and electric customers and has more than $10 billion of assets. Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.

Media contact:

Kristen Mucha
Manager, Business Development and Customer Relations
Terasen Energy Services
Tel: (604) 928-4188
E-mail: kristen.mucha@terasen.com

Terasen Energy Services brings alternative energy solutions to B.C. condo developments

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