Government of Canada invests in cleaner energy system for the National Capital Region

The Energy Services Acquisition Program has been planning for the modernization of the whole district energy system for several years through funds provided in Budget 2016. Over that period, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and local and national unions have been engaged in the ongoing planning of the project and the public-private partnership procurement.

A Request for Qualification (RFQ) process was launched to identify suppliers capable of providing superior and innovative proposals for the modernization of the district energy system.

Following the RFQ, the pre-qualified companies received a Request for Proposals (RFP) that outlined the conditions and specifications of the project to inform the development of their technical and financial bids.

The RFP process resulted in a public-private partnership agreement, where the private partner is responsible for designing, building and operating a more modern and efficient energy system. The Government of Canada remains the owner of the district energy system and will continue exploring the feasibility of using alternative low- or no-carbon sources of energy to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

PSPC will establish a “stay back” team of departmental employees who will monitor the contract and the performance of the winning consortia. Current employees will have an opportunity to join this team.

The heating and cooling plant employees and their union have been consulted on a regular basis about the need to modernize the district energy system and potential impacts on ongoing operations.

PSPC is working with unions to support employees as they transition to new opportunities.

PSPC is committed to respecting employees and honouring all its obligations under the collective agreement.