Action Plan - FCM

Town of Banff Local Action Plan
On-going/
Operational Costs:
Changes to on-going operational costs would have to be evaluated when a distributed
energy technology is identified.
This initiative would likely require allocation of 5% of a full-time manger position
over the program’s duration (at an approximate cost of $3000 per year). (Low)
However, costing would have to be evaluated if an additional pilot is pursued.
Pay-back: The operating costs for geothermal heat pumps and solar panels can be less than that of
the price of electricity purchases that they displace. For example, ground source heat
pumps use 25-50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems.
Furthermore, the Town would be eligible for GHG emission reduction credits (ERCs)
as a result of this initiative. The details of emissions trading systems are currently
being defined, however an ERC is currently valued at about $10 per tonne of GHG.
GHG emission
reduction potential:
Low, until larger projects are implemented beyond the pilot phase.
Other benefits: • Education of the community about the benefits of distributed energy systems.
• Security of energy supply.
• The Town's contribution to air quality concerns relating to fossil fuel based
electricity will be reduced.
• The Town will support development of renewable power business in Alberta.
Funding
Opportunities:
Further
information/ case
studies:
• Natural Resources Canada Renewable Energy Deployment Initiative (REDI)
• A series of distributed energy case study profiles are available on Natural
Resources Canada web site (see: www.retscreen.net/ang/12.php#chapter2)
• The US Department of Energy has an Office focused on Distributed Energy
Resources (DER) (see: www.eere.energy.gov/der/)
• For information on Earth Energy Utility, see: www.eeutility.com
The Sheltair Group Page
Sept 2003
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