A district heating and cooling system is an important part of a city’s infrastructure, benefiting downtown residents, workers and visitors. Here are some of the reasons St. Paul building owners chose to connect to a district system:

Proven Reliability: System reliability, including scheduled service tie-ins, has exceeded 99.99 percent since heating and cooling service began (based on customer hours served).

Low, Stable Rates: District heating and district cooling provide rate stability and low energy prices. The rates for both services have remained well below the inflation rate.

Fewer Emissions and Greater Efficiency: Since its formation in 1979, District Energy has doubled the efficiency of the old steam system it replaced and reduced emissions by half through conservation and conversion.

Synergistic Benefits: Air quality has improved with the elimination of over 150 smokestacks on individual buildings.

Protection of Ozone Layer and Earth’s Resources: District cooling reduces the use of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants and the use of groundwater in our community.

Fewer Power Plants: Our chilled water storage system delivers chilled water during the day that is produced at night using off-peak electricity. This shifts the load, lowering the region’s peak electric demand and reducing the need for additional plants.

Reduced Risk: District service reduces the risk of capital cost over-runs, fuel price volatility and safety and reliability variables: no on-site storage of chemicals and combustibles; 24-hour, plant-based expert operation and care; diversification of equipment and fuels; and the added security of satellite plants.

New and Renewable Energy Options: District Energy is now providing "green energy" to its customers from a new combined heat and power plant. Fuel for the plant is clean, renewable wood waste from the metropolitan area. The new facility further improves plant efficiency, economics and environmental performance, while keeping energy dollars in the local economy.