November 27, 2014 – Ontario says it is providing almost $24 million to build a smarter electricity grid by supporting 17 new energy projects through its Smart Grid Fund program. This round of funding will support energy technology projects in the areas of:

• Energy storage: to allow energy to be stored and brought back to the grid on request to balance system needs.
• Electric vehicle integration: to assist customers and utilities in managing the electricity system challenges associated with EV adoption.
• Behind the Meter: to enable two-way information exchange between consumer and utility, and improve system efficiency and consumer cost management.
• Microgrids: to help localized groups of electricity generation, energy storage and loads that function autonomously from the main grid to function more efficiently.
• Grid automation: to use software and hardware to help the system operator remotely control and manage the grid.
• Data analytics: to find new ways to use data generated by smart meters and other electricity grid assets to help improve investment decisions and system performance.

“These projects represent an investment that will have long-term positive impacts on the energy sector’s contribution to developing innovative technologies, fostering economic development and promoting job creation,” said Bob Chiarelli, minister of energy.