Closed
Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids
Supports smart grid innovation and deployment
Last Update: May 22, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : October 31, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supported smart grid demonstration and regulatory innovation projects in Canada. It aimed to improve grid reliability, resiliency, flexibility, affordability, and GHG reductions through technology, market, and regulatory innovation.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : October 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Smart grid demonstration projects.
- Regulatory experimentation and sandboxes.
- Regulatory capacity-building projects.
- Projects that modernize grid operations and deployment systems.
Documents Needed
- Project proposal
- Supporting information for due diligence
- Additional information requested by NRCan
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian incorporated or registered legal entities.
- For-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
- Electricity and gas utilities, system operators, transmission owners and operators, and local distribution companies.
- Provincial, territorial and municipal governments and their departments or agencies.
Eligible expenses
- Total eligible project costs for demonstration or deployment projects.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- FEED studies or feasibility studies on their own.
- Projects to create or upgrade research facilities not tied to a specific demonstration.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications undergo due diligence on project finances, technical risk, proposed outcomes, and team risk.
- NRCan may request additional information during review.
- Successful applicants are invited to negotiate a contribution agreement.
- Applicants are notified of the due diligence result.
Additional information
- Status: Closed.
- As funding decisions are announced, funded projects are posted on the Current Investments page.
- NRCan aims to respond to questions within two business days during regular operations.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids?
This program supported smart grid demonstration and regulatory innovation projects in Canada. It aimed to improve grid reliability, resiliency, flexibility, affordability, and GHG reductions through technology, market, and regulatory innovation.
Who is eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids program?
To be eligible for the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids program, you must:
Registered in Canada
Smart grid-related project
Supports grid modernization
What expenses are eligible under Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids?
Smart grid demonstration projects.
Regulatory experimentation and sandboxes.
Regulatory capacity-building projects.
Projects that modernize grid operations and deployment systems.
Who can I contact for more information about the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids?
You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at energyinnovation-innovationenergetique@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
Where is the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids available?
The Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids program is available across Canada.
Is the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids?
Energy Innovation Program — Smart Grids is funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)