Artificial Intelligence Pilot to Support EV Electricity Demand in Ottawa

EIN IESO OEB Logo

April 20, 2022

To meet growing energy needs created by electric vehicles (EVs) in the Ottawa area, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) are supporting a new pilot project by BluWave-ai and Hydro Ottawa that will use artificial intelligence (AI) to manage EV charging during peak demand periods, saving customers money while extending the life of electricity infrastructure.

Through $2.4 million in funding from the IESO’s Grid Innovation Fund, as well as regulatory support from the OEB’s Innovation Sandbox, this project will contribute to technical advances that will help realize the potential of these solutions. Project proponents and their partners are investing an additional $2.4 million. Today’s announcement builds upon the support that the Grid Innovation Fund and Innovation Sandbox are providing to four projects announced last month, bringing the total investment to $41.8 million.

The IESO forecasts that electricity demand from the electrification of transportation, which includes EVs, will increase 20 per cent annually. Increased EV adoption introduces challenges for utilities who distribute the energy needed to charge them.

To meet this growing demand in Ottawa, the IESO and the OEB are supporting BluWave-ai, Hydro Ottawa, Moment Energy and Area X.O operated by Invest Ottawa. This pilot, called EV Everywhere will use AI to create an online service for EV owners that will pool the storage and charging capabilities of EV batteries to smooth out demand peaks and take advantage of lower cost energy at off-peak. The automated system will also gauge customer interest and impacts.

“Innovative technologies, like AI, are unlocking the potential for consumers to exert greater control over how they use electricity,” says Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO of the IESO. “By continuing to fund local projects through our Grid Innovation Fund, we are finding new ways to harness the potential of local supply and change the way we think about our electricity grid.”

“Supporting projects such as this gives us insight into emerging challenges in a rapidly changing energy sector, and advances our thinking on solutions that can address those challenges,” says Susanna Zagar, CEO of the OEB. “We are pleased that the OEB Innovation Sandbox can help pave the way for this project to proceed, with the ultimate goals of sector innovation and consumer value.”

This pilot will test an AI software platform that supports utilities in the visibility of and support for the growing numbers of EVs drawing electricity from the local grid. With input from customers, optimized charging times and strategic placement of battery storage, the platform aims to reduce the strain on the local grid, as well as allow EVs to provide services to the broader provincial electricity market. 

“We know that electric vehicles are the cars of the future,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “That’s why our government is building EV charging stations across Ontario’s busiest highway and working to provide an ultra-low overnight electricity rate to reduce EV charging costs when province-wide electricity demand is lower. Projects like EV Everywhere will help further integrate EVs into Ontario’s electricity grid by leveraging AI to shift EV charging to off-peak periods, a win-win that saves customers money, while reducing peak demand on the grid.”

“Distribution utilities in Ontario are faced with the challenges to support increased demand from EV chargers in customers’ homes and businesses,” said Devashish Paul, CEO and Founder of BluWave-ai. “BluWave-ai’s EV Everywhere eases the transition to high EV penetration using real-time network data to predict demand, considering forecasted consumer loads and behind-the-meter renewable generation. Integrated with utility systems, EV Everywhere provides optimal dispatch for intelligent scheduling of EV charging and available battery energy storage. It’s a non-wires alternative solution that can defer or reduce the need for capital infrastructure upgrades.”

“With our company’s goal to have net-zero operations by 2030, and as we continue to support our city’s growing energy needs, and our customers’ transition to a greener future, it’s important for Hydro Ottawa to take part in province-wide initiatives, and projects like BluWave-ai’s EV Everywhere,” says Bryce Conrad, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa. “These projects not only provide the groundwork for new, innovative technologies, but also help safeguard our electricity grid from the challenges ahead as part of this transition.”

“Working with BluWave-ai and Hydro Ottawa creates an amazing opportunity to increase EV adoption,” says Gurmesh Sidhu, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Moment Energy. “By adding energy storage to the grid, we can solve many problems the grid would otherwise experience as EV adoption increases. Working with partners enables us to demonstrate how effective second-life batteries are and the impact they can make to transmission and distribution infrastructure.”

“As part of our partnership in this project, Area X.O operated by Invest Ottawa will be providing our state-of-the-art private R&D facility and technical expertise to collaborate and demonstrate the technology solution before it moves to real-world deployment,” says Kelly Daize, Director, Area X.O. “The project will be utilizing our Level 2 and 3 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging systems, our network infrastructure and electric vehicles to build out a system to test multiple applications to ensure a seamless and secure transition to deployment.”

Since its inception in 2005, the IESO’s Grid Innovation Fund has supported more than 260 projects, taking innovative ideas from partners, and turning them into knowledge that enables the enhanced reliability, sustainability and resilience of the provincial electricity system.

The OEB Innovation Sandbox enables innovators to better understand regulatory requirements. Where necessary, it helps to clear a pathway for projects to proceed on a trial basis where there is potential to provide value to consumers.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • 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…

  • Code Quiz: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    Code Quiz: Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1, 26th Edition Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    by William (Bill) Burr Question:  Adam is working in his garage cutting wood on his table saw. Suddenly the lights go out and the sump pump and the table saw stop running. There is obviously a power outage. After a short time, the lights and the sump pump come back on, but thetable saw stays off. Adam needs to restart it.  Can you explain why the lights and sump pump come back on… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Andrey Goreev Joins Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager

    Andrey Goreev Joins Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager

    June 9, 2025 MERSEN CANADA TORONTO INC. is pleased to announce effective June 2nd, 2025, Andrey Goreev has joined Mersen Electrical Power as Regional Sales Manager for the Western Canada Region. He will report to Tom Arbanas, Vice President of Distribution Sales and Customer Care, Canada. Andrey has over 18 years of experience in industrial… Read More…

  • Electric Avenue Powers Ahead with Major Win and New Flagship Product: Watti Pro Echo

    Electric Avenue Powers Ahead with Major Win and New Flagship Product: Watti Pro Echo

    June 9, 2025 In an industry dominated by global giants, a startup from Canada’s East Coast is quickly becoming one of the most compelling cleantech success stories in the country. Electric Avenue, a Nova Scotia–based EV charging manufacturer, is making waves in the North American market with the official launch of its Watti Pro Echo… Read More…

  • Manitoba and BC Establish Free Trade Agreements

    June 9, 2025 The Manitoba government will sign a new memorandum of understanding with British Columbia to advance free trade between the two provinces and cabinet will pass regulations by July 1 to ensure mutual recognition of other provinces by Canada Day, Premier Wab Kinew announced today at the MBiz Breakfast Series hosted by the… Read More…

  • Nova Scotia Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

    Nova Scotia Removing Trade Barriers With Other Provinces, Federal Government

    June 9, 2025 Trade barriers between Nova Scotia, several provinces and the federal government will soon be removed. Nova Scotia, along with Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Prince Edward Island have taken action to remove barriers and red tape that will open up new trade and investment opportunities. It is also anticipated that the… Read More…