To our Customers, Business Associates, and the Community: It may come as no surprise to those familiar with our company that we are unique.  There are many reasons we are unique, including how our company was founded and the leaders that came together to realize an ambitious vision for a better future. This foundation has influenced everything at the core of the company, from our values, to our customer service, to our innovative solutions.

It began with a vision, a dream.  Our founders dared to be different and dreamed of a better way to deliver energy. They envisioned a new community energy system that would be a model for the Nation. This innovative spirit is not just a thing of our past. It continues to manifest itself every day as we work to remain at the forefront of our industry and lead the advancement of energy. As a team, we work to deliver the efficiencies and renewables that anchor an integrated system. All while providing value and affordable rates to our customers.

Dreams are a crucial part of invention, but they can not serve our mission unless we build.   2010 was an active year of building and progress. We built new service connections, added customers and expanded our system. District Energy was also an integral partner in the early utility relocation construction that helped our region move forward on Light Rail Transit. In addition to system improvements, we implemented solutions to continue being a renewable energy leader, using more biomass and less fossil fuel. Our longstanding commitment to renewables led to building the Midwest’s largest solar installation, through a partnership with the City of Saint Paul, the Saint Paul RiverCentre and the Department of Energy. This project will help transform the solar market and showcase Saint Paul’s continued commitment to energy leadership.

To dream and to build are both admirable, but the true test of our commitment is how we deliver our services. District Energy was built with a commitment to deliver reliability, efficiency, affordable rates, and outstanding customer service. That remains our commitment today. In 2010, we improved our organization with an expanded customer service team, new solutions for energy delivery, and increased integration of fuels. In recognition of our efforts, the International District Energy Association concluded that we outperformed all other systems, and presented us the prestigious System of the Year award.

As we look forward to 2011 and beyond, District Energy will continue to innovate and envision ways to integrate energy advancements in Saint Paul. And we will deliver on our commitments to provide services that benefit our customers, our community and the environment. It is what makes us unique.