Alectra Utilities and City of Markham Support Ontario’s EV Goals

Alectra

January 18, 2018

Alectra Utilities and the City of Markham unveiled ‘Alectra Drive for the Workplace’, a two-year pilot program at the Markham Civic Centre that will assess the impact of daytime electric vehicle (EV) charging at workplaces on Ontario’s electricity grid. 

This first-of-its-kind initiative involves the use of 16 Level 2 EV charging stations, 10 outdoor and six indoor for program participants only, plus one Level 2 charging station for public use. 
By making EV charging stations more accessible, the Alectra Drive for the Workplace program will help reduce battery range anxiety for participating drivers, and support the province’s goal of increasing EV sales to five per cent of all new passenger vehicles sold by 2020. 

A unique feature of the Alectra Drive for the Workplace project is the Distributed Resource Management System (DRMS) provided by Schneider Electric, which will manage and minimize the electricity needed by the Markham Civic Centre and EV charging stations during peak hours while providing adequate charge to the electric vehicles. The DRMS will collect real-time data to optimize electricity loads to the EVs and building service equipment. 

“We are excited about launching the Alectra Drive for the Workplace program at the Markham Civic Centre,” said Brian Bentz, President and CEO, Alectra Inc. “Our business customers are seeking simple solutions to implement workplace EV charging systems that manage electricity demand and energy costs, while providing their employees with the technologies they need to confidently drive their EVs to and from work.” 

“We are proud that the Markham Civic Centre was selected as one of the locations to execute this important EV charging pilot program in Alectra Utilities’ service territory,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who is a member of the Alectra Board of Directors. “The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions aligns with the Greenprint, Markham’s Community Sustainability Plan, which targets net zero energy, water, waste and emissions by 2050.” 

“Canadians made it clear through our national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, that the move to electric vehicles and lower-carbon fossil fuel alternatives is necessary for the transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr. “This pilot program will make it easier for people to drive clean and will gather valuable data that can help bring us closer to a low-carbon transportation future.” 

“As the use of EVs becomes more common in Ontario, the increased load from vehicle charging will need to be managed in order to reduce costs to building owners and utilities,” said Terry Young, Vice-President, Policy, Engagement and Innovation, Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). “Understanding the impact of daytime EV charging at workplaces will help us to manage peak demand on the provincial electricity grid and reduce future electricity infrastructure investments.” 

The Alectra Drive for the Workplace pilot program is being funded by the IESO Conservation Fund as well as by Natural Resources Canada who provided funding through its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstrations component of the Energy Innovation program. Alectra Utilities and its partners will fund the balance of the program through a combination of funding and in-kind services and products. The charging stations will be powered by Aviva Canada, who has generously covered the cost of electricity. Other corporate partners supporting the program include Schneider Electric, FleetCarma, Util-Assist, Robertson Bright, Plug’n Drive, Eguana Technologies, and FLO.  

https://www.oel.org/news/details/alectra-utilities-and-city-of-markham-to-support-ontario-s-ev-goals-with-innovative-charging-station

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    By Luc Rodier, Chair of the Board of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) The 2025 EFC Conference in Niagara was a landmark occasion—marking 30 years of innovation, collaboration, and collective progress in the Canadian electrical industry. Set against the symbolic backdrop of the Canadian-U.S. border, this year’s theme, Electrifying Connections, couldn’t have been more fitting. As President and… Read More…

  • Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    June 9, 2025 Introduction: With the multitude of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a pin and sleeve wiring device or a plug and connector in your industrial plant or facility. You might find your head swirling with thoughts about which option is best. Or you may not… Read More…

  • Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On June 3 and 4, a high-level delegation from Canada’s electrical and automation sector travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for a series of strategic meetings with Quebec government officials and key stakeholders. Organized by Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), this mission underscores the critical role the industry plays in advancing… Read More…

  • Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada This year’s Annual Industry Conference, held against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a landmark event with more than 710 Electro-Federation Canada community members. More than just a celebration of our shared history, it was a launchpad for new ideas, future-based dialogue, and deeper connections.   The energy and… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Eaton and Siemens Energy Partner to Provide Power and Technology to Accelerate New Data Center Capacity

    Eaton and Siemens Energy Partner to Provide Power and Technology to Accelerate New Data Center Capacity

    June 13, 2025 Eaton, and Siemens Energy have announced a fast-track approach to building data centers with integrated onsite power. They will address urgent market needs by offering reliable grid-independent energy supplies and standardized modular systems to facilitate swift data center construction and deployment. The collaboration will enable simultaneous construction of data centers and associated… Read More…

  • Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

    Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

    June 13, 2025 The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is warning Ontarians that a shocking new social media trend is putting students at risk of serious electrical injury including shock, burns or even fires. A pair of dangerous social media trends have been gaining interest from students. One has kids “challenging” each other to stick a… Read More…

  • Plan Group Announce New VP of Electrical

    Plan Group Announce New VP of Electrical

    June 13, 2025 Plan Group are proud to announce the promotion of Dave Scott as Vice President of Electrical. Dave has been a key part of Plan Group’s success for the last 16 years, leading with drive, accountability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to get the job done right. He will now… Read More…

  • Electro-Federation Canada Announces New Chair and Board of Directors for 2025-26

    Electro-Federation Canada Announces New Chair and Board of Directors for 2025-26

    June 13, 2025 On Monday, May 26, 2025, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) held its Annual General Meeting, which included an update on key initiatives, the welcoming of a new Chair, and the election of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors. EFC President & CEO Carol McGlogan shared key highlights from the past year and provided a summary of the… Read More…