Investing in our energy future is not just an opportunity for Canadian leadership it is the greatest commercial opportunity of our time. As global markets and trade shift rapidly and the world moves toward diverse, lower-carbon sources of energy, Canada's energy grid investments must keep pace to ensure energy security and affordability for Canadians and to secure the reliability we need to support a prosperous, growing economy including during peak demand periods, like the winter months.
Today (Jan 12), Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced nearly $3 million in funding through the Energy Innovation Program's Smart Grids Regulatory Innovation Capacity Building Call for Proposals to support four Alberta projects that will enhance grid reliability and resiliency in the province. This funding includes:
- $1.5 million to ENMAX to develop a roadmap for regulatory and technical changes and to explore innovative approaches to help modernize Alberta's grid;
- $532,770 to EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. to study the feasibility of different advanced-rate structures and how they can help guide lower electricity costs;
- $500,000 to the Transition Accelerator to enable the deployment of thermal energy networks systems that use piping infrastructure to share heating and cooling between buildings which can leverage multiple local clean heat sources while lowering costs to consumers and reducing peak electricity demand; and
- $250,000 to the Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance to support the development of a regulatory framework for demand-side management in Alberta to help consumers make better use of smart grid technology.
These projects will not only contribute to enhancing grid reliability during heavy load times like winter but also support Canada and Alberta's long-term energy security and affordability and economic strength. By investing in our people, technologies and natural resources, we can strengthen our economy today, build resilience for the future and reinforce Canada's position as an energy superpower.
Quotes
"Supported by Budget 2025 and our Climate Competitiveness Strategy, 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."
The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"We must secure energy affordability and reliability, and our investments are keeping pace with that challenge. Canada's climate competitiveness will define our place on the global stage and strengthen our industries, here in Alberta and across the country."
Corey Hogan
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"As electricity use grows and changes, our focus at EPCOR is keeping power reliable and affordable. 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. We need to modernize responsibly so customers have clearer information, more choice and more control over their electricity bills."
Kirstine Hull
Senior Vice President, Electricity Service, EPCOR
"Energy affordability and reliability are now central to economic competitiveness. The technologies that strengthen the grid and lower system costs are the same ones that reduce emissions. Investing in climate competitiveness is about helping utilities and provinces build energy systems that work today and over the long term."
Moe Kabbara
CEO, The Transition Accelerator
"Demand-side management (DSM) is a proven tool for enhancing the affordability, reliability and sustainability of electricity systems. We look forward to working with other stakeholders to help increase the use of DSM in Alberta."
Jesse Row,
Executive Director, Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance
Quick facts
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As the Office of Energy Research and Development's ongoing flagship funding program, the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
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The EIP's Smart Grid call for proposals supports key technology and market and regulatory innovations that address barriers in order to scale pilot projects for grid-wide deployments.
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Canada's Climate Competitiveness Strategy:
- provides a chance to retool and reinvest in building Canada to be strong and sustainable, working closely with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners by focusing on shared economic and climate goals;
- complements the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and other actions we will continue to take under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act;
- outlines whole-of-government action to mobilize public and private sector capital, including finalizing investment tax credits, launching sustainable investment guidelines and offering carbon contracts for difference through the Canada Growth Fund to de-risk investments; and
- aligns with and advances the work on accelerating major nation-building projects to enable clean growth, address climate change and strengthen Canada's industries.
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Contacts
Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6096
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Charlotte Power
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Charlotte.Power@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
