This is the first time in North America that such a large district energy system is converted from steam to safer, more energy efficient low temperature hot water. As has been done in other cities overseas, such as London and Paris, this means that instead of circulating extremely energy-intensive hot steam through the pipes, low temperature hot water will be used to heat the buildings connected to the network. The project involves upgrading and redesigning pipes and other components since steam and low temperature hot water circulate through pipes of different diameters.
In addition to creating important energy and cost savings, this new technology makes it possible to introduce environmentally sustainable energy solutions, such as heat pumps, renewable natural gas, and geoexchange.