Canada recently stated that investing in the future of energy is “the greatest commercial opportunity of our time.”
In this vein, the federal government this month unveiled support for four projects that aim to boost grid reliability and resiliency.
The administration announced nearly $3 million in funding through the Energy Innovation Program’s Smart Grids Regulatory Innovation Capacity Building Call for Proposals.
“The Government of Canada is helping provinces like Alberta build reliable electricity grids that provide enough power to meet Canadians’ energy needs for prices they can afford, today, and tomorrow,” remarked federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson.
This includes $1.5 million earmarked for ENMAX Energy Corporation to “to explore innovative approaches to help modernize Alberta’s grid,” as well as over $500K so that EPCOR Distribution & Transmission can study the feasibility of different advanced-rate structures and how they can help guide lower electricity costs.
“Through the feasibility study, we are working to better understand if advanced, customer‑focused rate options have the potential to reduce peak demand and make better use of the grid we already have,” explains Kirstine Hull, who functions as Senior Vice President of Electricity Service for EPCOR.
“We need to modernize responsibly so customers have clearer information, more choice and more control over their electricity bills,” said Hull.
Another $500K is going to the Transition Accelerator, which will enable the deployment of thermal energy networks that can leverage multiple local clean heat sources while lowering costs to consumers and reducing peak electricity demand.
“The technologies that strengthen the grid and lower system costs are the same ones that reduce emissions,” suggests Moe Kabbara, chief executive officer of Transition Accelerator.
And $250,000 is earmarked for the Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance to support the development of a regulatory framework for demand-side management in the province to help consumers make better use of smart grid technology.
“Demand-side management is a proven tool for enhancing the affordability, reliability, and sustainability of electricity systems,” believes Jesse Row, who serves as the Executive Director of the Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance.
As the Office of Energy Research and Development’s ongoing flagship funding program, the Energy Innovation Program advances clean energy technologies.
The EIP’s Smart Grid call for proposals supports technology and regulatory innovations that address barriers in order to scale pilot projects for grid-wide deployments.
“Canada’s climate competitiveness will define our place on the global stage and strengthen our industries,” stated Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.