The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities may be throwing its hat into the residential heating ring by expanding its District Heating system to private homes.

The District Heating system currently circulates hot water through a network of insulated underground pipes, delivering warmth directly to seventy buildings in BPU territory, such as Jamestown High School, the Northwest Arena, UPMC Chautauqua, commercial, non-profit, offices and apartment buildings. As part of the Retool District Heating effort, the BPU would seek to attract additional businesses, industries, schools and housing to the heating project, utility officials said in a news release prompted by an inquiry by The Post-Journal.

The initiative is part of the Retool District Heating/Charting for the Future project. As part of the effort, the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation staff will conduct public outreach in targeted neighborhoods near existing District Heating infrastructure or areas planned for future expansion. The outreach will initially focus on residential properties on streets that have the potential for seamless integration into the BPU hot water distribution network.

“The BPU is seeking federal and state funding to progress the Retool District Heating initiative to upgrade and expand the current District Heating system,” said Becky Robbins, communications coordinator for the BPU. “This initiative, which originated in 1984, received a New York State Governor’s Innovation Award at that time,” she said.

Should the Retool District Heating project include residential customers, the system would allow homeowners to replace their natural gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters with hot water heat exchangers. Such changes would reduce reliance on fossil fuels, eliminate a source of carbon monoxide in homes and contribute to a greener Jamestown while not burdening the electric system.

“We are eager to engage with community members to understand their interest and address any questions they may have about the possibility for residential district heating,” said BPU General Manager David L. Leathers. “We are uncertain that residential district heating is an option we will pursue but we’d like to dedicate time to investigate, seek input and learn more.”

Leathers explained how he believes district heating would enhance the levels of service BPU’s residential customers receive.

“Transitioning to district heating would allow residents to enjoy safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly heating,” said Leathers. “The Jamestown BPU remains committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community through innovative energy solutions, specifically at this time through our District Heating Division.”

For more information about the District Heating system and the residential neighborhoods included in this outreach, please contact Retool District Heating Project Engineer Derek Johnson at 716-661-1643 or email djohnson@jamestownbpu.com