Since December Compass has been providing strategic guidance to the City of Seattle on a long-term District Energy strategy.  In July Trent Berry and key City Staff presented interim recommendations to City Council.  A final report was issued in August. The final report and recommendations can be viewed here. The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce covered the Council presentation. For the news article click here.

Based on the key findings and recommendations of the study, the City is pursuing the following course of action:

• First Hill Strategic Partnership: First Hill presents the greatest opportunity for expanding district energy in the near-term because of the opportunity created by the Seattle Housing Authority’s planned redevelopment of Yesler Terrace, coupled with large existing heat loads from three hospitals and the potential to capture additional load in surrounding areas. The City intends to form a unique  partnership with a new utility provider to build a new district energy system for Yesler Terrace while utilizing Seattle Steam as a wholesale heat provider to the hospitals. The City anticipates forming a long-term agreement with a private utility partner in summer 2012.

• District Energy Policy Support: The CIty is developing policy recommendations to remove barriers and create incentives for district energy in Seattle. More information on policy recommendations will be available in the fall.

• Additional Feasibility Analysis: Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, and the University District also present promising near-term opportunities for district energy. Opportunities in these neighborhoods will be explored further with key community partners.