In October 2009, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) commissioned Compass, with technical support from FVB Energy Inc., to conduct an analysis of the technical and economic characteristics of district energy, the market context for district energy in Ontario, and institutional issues that could influence the future development and operation of district energy systems in the province. The OPA wanted to understand the pros and cons of district energy in Ontario, and its potential implications for OPA from a power planning perspective.

The study included:

• A technical, economic and environmental analysis of district energy based on a representative set of neighbourhood sizes and types and district energy technologies.
• Three case studies to illustrate real-world outcomes and issues.
• Ten interviews across the district energy supply chain in Ontario to help frame district energy opportunities and issues within the province.