Who is LIEC?

The Lulu Island Energy Company (LIEC) is a municipal corporation wholly owned by the City of Richmond. Established in August 2013, LIEC is the City’s dedicated solution for delivering “Clean, efficient energy for now and the future” through the implementation and operation of district energy systems.

Our commitments include:

  • Delivering efficient energy services for space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water at competitive and affordable rates.
  • Providing reliable and resilient local energy solutions.
  • Operating and maintaining low-carbon energy systems to support a sustainable future.

What is District Energy?

District energy systems centralize the production of space heating, cooling, and domestic hot water at the neighbourhood scale. By centralizing these processes, district energy offers a more energy-efficient way to deliver these services to a wide range of customers, including residential, commercial, hotel, and retail sectors. Additionally, district energy systems can utilize a variety of energy sources, allowing them to adapt to and incorporate emerging energy technologies.

District energy is not a new concept – it began in North America in the 1880s, with one of the first systems built in Lockport, New York.

Where Do We Provide service?

LIEC currently provides district energy services in three key areas of Richmond:

  • Alexandra Area – A growing community with a mix of residential and commercial developments.
  • Oval Village Area – A vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood near the Richmond Olympic Oval.
  • City Centre Area – The heart of Richmond’s urban core.

We are actively exploring opportunities to expand our service network to additional neighborhoods as Richmond continues to grow. Our goal is to bring the benefits of clean and efficient energy to more communities across the city.

LIEC and Developers

At LIEC, we collaborate closely with developers to ensure that new buildings and developments are fully compatible with our district energy systems. Our team provides:

  • Technical guidance on system compatibility and design requirements.
  • Connection guidelines and documentation, including City bylaws, permitting processes, and energy service agreements.
  • Ongoing support throughout design and construction to ensure a smooth and timely connection.

By partnering with LIEC, developers help build a more sustainable Richmond while providing future residents and tenants with access to reliable, low-carbon energy.