Final reports will be posted soon!! They are currently in the process of Council review and endorsement. Check back for updates!

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Revelstoke from the air (Photo Credit: Pure Studios)

What is a Community Energy Plan?

Energy and climate change effects all of us. In fact, its hard to think of anything we do that doesn't require energy or wouldn't be impacted in some way by climate change. In our homes, at work, or on the road, energy is what fuels modern lives. And climate change threatens those lifestyles, whether through destruction of ecosystems or weather related catastrophes.

Canadians spend over $4000 on energy for every person in the country. With globalization and peak oil the costs continue to rise. This can lead to economic disruption and hardship for many people. A community that plans for a low energy future will be a more resilient community, less likely to be impacted by future energy shocks.

Energy efficient communities are also better places to live. Energy efficient homes are also more comfortable and healthier. Walking and cycling lead to better health. And reducing the amount of money spent on energy purchased from outside the community can boost the local economy.

A community energy plan is a document that helps a community prepare for changes in future energy use patterns. It provides a profile of community energy use, identifies opportunities for energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy, and solicits input into how the public would like their community to use energy in the future.

Revelstoke's CEP Update

Revelstoke was one of the first municpalities in Canada to complete a community energy plan, in 1997. As a result of this plan, the City established the Revelstoke Community Energy Corporation (RCEC) and constructed BC's first biomass district energy system.

Since 1997, many things have changed with regards to energy planning. Climate change has become a priority for the provincial government and municipalities. With that have come requirements for municipal greenhouse gas reduction targets and legislative changes with respect to municipal authority over energy consumption. In addition, Revelstoke has seen significant growth over this period, including major expansion of the ski resort. The district energy system is approaching a crossroads with regards to whether it expands to serve new areas of the City.

This CEP update will build on the 1997 plan to assess the impact of these changes, gather community input, and provide a roadmap for the future direction of RCEC.

The CEP is an initiative of the City of Revelstoke, with partial funding provided by BC Hydro Power Smart's Sustainable Communities Program.

The plan is being developed by ThinkBright Climate Solutions, in partnership with Compass Resource Management and Enerficiency Consulting.

 
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For more updates on the project, and Steering Committee information, go to http://www.cityofrevelstoke.com and click on the Planning button.
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