Federal Government Investing $3M in Guelph Smart Grid Projects

June 24, 2019

Developed by Alectra Utilities Corporation in collaboration with Enbridge Gas Inc., Ryerson University and the City of Markham, the two smart grid projects will help create smarter, greener cities and communities.   

The first project will demonstrate the ability to buy and sell power between utilities and residences. Using blockchain and other technologies, homeowners will be compensated for the power they provide to the grid. For customers, it will increase convenience, provide greater control and transparency and enhance service reliability. Utilities will have the ability to conduct real-time transactions and better respond to demand. 

The second project will see 10 homes retrofitted with solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations and hybrid heating systems to demonstrate how these integrated controls can significantly reduce pollution. 

Alectra developed these projects at their Green Energy & Technology Centre in Guelph, in collaboration with Enbridge Gas Inc., Ryerson University and the City of Markham. 

Smart grid projects like these help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase grid resiliency, improve power quality and save customers money. “These two smart grid projects will set the stage for lower energy costs in Guelph, while creating a smarter, more resilient and efficient electricity system,” says Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph. “Providing smart grid technology locally will help in implementing the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change, by providing local metrics relating to emissions reductions, clean energy generation and support for electric vehicle implementation.” 

Both projects are funded by Natural Resources Canada’s Green Infrastructure Program and are part of Canada’s Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, through which the government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.

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