The federal government says it is working to “ensure that Canada’s electricity system continues meeting the needs of Canadians’ homes and businesses.”
This includes a recent investment of $6 million through the Energy Innovation Program into Hydro Ottawa for an AI project.
The investment is earmarked for the Ottawa Distributed Energy Resource Accelerator, or ODERA, program.
“The $6-million federal government investment in Hydro Ottawa through NRCan’s Energy Innovation Program will help modernize energy use,” stated Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
Through ODERA, Hydro Ottawa will use AI-enhanced predictive analytics to forecast peak demand, which will then inform a real-time balancing of supply in an effort to maximize efficiency of energy use and availability of power throughout the region.
The ODERA program presents a “solution for the capacity constraints we face in high-growth areas of our city,” according to Hydro Ottawa chief executive officer Bryce Conrad.
The project’s primary mechanic hinges on leveraging “smart home” accessories and “internet of things” technologies.
ODERA converts customer-owned assets—such as smart thermostats, electric vehicle chargers, and home batteries—into responsive grid resources, according to Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“Canada is taking another step in creating a cleaner, more resilient grid and moving toward a more cost-effective future,” he stated. “The ODERA program will support making Ottawa’s grid more efficient and reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.”
AI integration “is increasing productivity across numerous sectors in Canada,” according to Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, “and we will continue to invest in innovative technologies.”
“It’s encouraging to see Hydro Ottawa recognized as a leader in using innovation and AI to strengthen our electricity grid,” commented Sutcliffe.
Conrad sees it as a “scalable blueprint for integrating cleaner, smarter energy across other areas of our service territory.”
“By leveraging advanced technology—combining predictive analytics with granular demand response—we can proactively address localized system needs in near real time,” he believes.
This approach “can fundamentally change how we manage grid load as it transforms customer-owned assets into valuable, responsive grid resources,” Conrad says.
Integrating AI into Hydro Ottawa “while prioritizing efficient use will keep more power available in the grid,” Solomon suggests.
David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Ottawa South, agrees.
“Integrating AI into electricity management will drive the creation of a smarter, cleaner and more reliable grid,” he says.
The move “strengthens Canada’s economy and positions Ottawa at the forefront of energy innovation,” according to McGuinty.
“These technologies will deliver direct, measurable benefits to people and businesses across the capital,” he stated.
ODERA, Conrad affirms, “is key to unlocking the full potential of distributed energy resources to reliably meet the energy demands of tomorrow.”