Canada funds $13 M for Ontario smart grid
Federal programme supports distributed energy resources, AI-based markets, and advanced conversion systems to odernize Ontario’s electricity grid.
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Canada, Ontario: The Canadian federal government has announced over $13 M in funding for several smart grid projects in Ontario, aiming to modernise distribution networks and expand access to electricity markets for customer-owned devices such as solar panels and batteries.
The investment comes through the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) – Smart Grid Demonstration Call for Proposals. Projects receiving funding include:
- Alectra Utilities Corp., Mississauga – $6 M for the Centricity initiative, which will integrate customer-owned devices into electricity markets, advancing from limited distribution system operator trials to full-scale implementation. Centricity is also supported by an international collaboration grant under the Green-Powered Future Mission.
- HIAH Corp., M’Chigeeng – $3.16 M to demonstrate a multi-port AC-DC-AC power conversion system that integrates renewables, storage and standby generation, supporting industrial operations in weak-grid rural areas.
- Peak Power Inc., Toronto – $3.15 M for a distributed energy resources (DER) management platform optimising DERs across three sites, designed to reduce emissions and defer costly infrastructure.
- Enova Power Corp., Waterloo – $750,000 to trial a distribution-level electricity market using AI-based load forecasting and network-constrained optimisation, aiming to ease feeder constraints and enable local energy procurement.
According to Natural Resources Canada, the EIP supports projects that demonstrate smart grid technologies and new market mechanisms, contributing to a more reliable, competitive and low-carbon energy system.
Source: Electrical Buisiness