FAQs

Creative Energy is the owner and operator of one of the largest district energy systems in North America. It is a public utility established in 1968 and is regulated by the BCUC. Creative Energy has 12 district energy projects in development, deploying a range of low carbon technologies from ocean-exchange to sewer heat recovery. In collaboration with our partners, Creative Energy designs, builds, and operates neighbourhood scale energy systems that support responsible development and help shape our cities of the future. 

Our system in Vancouver, called the Core Thermal Energy System, provides space and water heating to over 200 customers across more than 45 million square feet of connected real estate. With 53 years of operation in downtown Vancouver, Creative Energy is a leader in the energy transition and continues to support the city and our customers’ journey towards a sustainable future. 

Creative Energy is a regulated utility and our rates are subject to approval by the BCUC. Our rates are designed to recover the cost of providing service, which includes:

• Infrastructure costs, including our existing generation plant, distribution piping system, and new low carbon generation
• Operating and maintenance expenses to ensure reliable service
• Administrative costs and overhead
• A regulated and reasonable return on capital invested
• Fuel costs

Each year, we submit our costs to the BCUC for review and they determine the revenue we're allowed to collect from customers. Our current rate structure divides these allowed costs into declining blocks, where the price per unit decreases as consumption increases.

Your input is an important consideration in the development of our new rate structure. With your input, we will be able to ensure that any change to our rate structure best reflects the values and needs of our customers. We are planning to undertake three rounds of engagement from May 2025 to early 2026, prior to submitting an application to the BCUC.

The consultation process will take place over three rounds. Round 1 of our 2025 Rate Design Consultation will run from May 12 to May 30, 2025.

2025 Rate Design Consultation: Round 1

• Register now for a Customer Information Session by emailing us at engagement@creative.energy. Customer information sessions to be held on:
  • Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 1 p.m. PST
  • Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 11 a.m. PST
• Register now (External link)for a Public Information Session (open to all interested parties), with an opportunity to ask questions or provide comments, to be held on:
  • Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6 p.m. PST
• Read the Discussion Guide and provide your input through our Feedback Form
• Ask questions through our online Q&A portal

• You can also send us an email with your feedback to engagement@creative.energy or call us at 604.688.9584. 

  Feedback will be accepted until Friday, May 30, 2025.