Ontario seeks applications for Smart Grid projects

- Ontario is now accepting project applications for the next round of the Smart Grid Fund program, seeking innovative projects to support the development of its modern, intelligent electricity system.

The Smart Grid Fund supports Ontario-based projects that test, develop and bring to market the next generation of smart grid solutions. This round of funding will support advanced energy technology projects, such as energy storage and electric vehicle integration.

Supported by investments such as Ontario's 4.7 million smart meters, the smart grid connects the electricity system with new technologies and sources of information to help reduce service disruptions, increase conservation capacity, waste less energy and increase grid security. Smart grid technologies also provide consumers with conservation tools that allow for more efficient electricity use and help manage costs.

Building a smarter grid is an important part of the Ontario government's plan to modernize the electricity system in the province and provide clean, reliable and affordable power to consumers.

Quick Facts

- The Smart Grid Fund is a $50 million program that supports high-value opportunities to advance energy innovation in Ontario.

- Project applications will be accepted until 4 p.m. on September 6, 2013. - Launched in April 2011, the first round of the Smart Grid Fund is supporting nine projects, and has created more than 600 direct and indirect jobs.

- A smarter grid is better able to detect, prevent and restore outages, gives families and businesses more tools to manage their power use, and further reduces greenhouse gas emissions by making it easier to connect renewable energy to the grid.