Grid Innovation Fund ON Canada

Grid Innovation Fund

ON, Canada
Financial support for electricity conservation innovation in Ontario
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  • grant_single|openingDateMay 27, 2024
  • grant_single|closingDateJuly 22, 2024
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Grant and Funding
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  • Independent Electricity System Operator
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Receive funding to cover eligible project costs of new technologies, practices, and services to help achieve electricity bill savings for Ontario ratepayers or that reduce the costs associated with maintaining reliable operation of the province’s energy g

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This grant is specifically available to projects located in Ontario, ensuring alignment with the provincial energy strategy and grid innovation objectives.
  • Projects must be located in the province of Ontario.
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$1,000,000

Demonstrating small-scale heating with thermal storage solutions for residential flexibility

$2,800,000

Designing large-scale heating systems integrated with thermal storage for large customers

$1,200,000

Developing a V2G program demonstrating flexibility services through EV aggregations or fleets

$1,500,000

Aggregating and managing non-residential HVAC loads to support the electricity systems

$1,250,000

Showcasing Thermal Energy Storage for reducing electricity demand during winter in small businesses

$1,050,000

Implementing a V1G and V2H program to showcase bi-directional charging at residential sites

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Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
  • Proposals are welcome from non-profit and for-profit incorporated entities, including electricity distributors, technology companies, fleet owners/operators, academic institutions, public sector organizations, and others.
  • A minimum of three partners, including the applicant, are required to participate in the project and provide cash and/or in-kind contributions.
  • Funding is not available to individuals, including incorporated individuals, sole proprietorships, trusts, or joint ventures.

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This grant is open to non-profit and for-profit incorporated entities located in Ontario, encompassing a range of sectors focused on electricity innovation.
  • Electricity distributors.
  • Technology companies.
  • Fleet owners/operators.
  • Academic institutions.
  • Public sector organizations.

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The Grid Innovation Fund 2024 Call outlines specific eligibility requirements but does not explicitly specify types of companies or industries that are not eligible. However, it provides guidelines on eligible entities.

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The Grid Innovation Fund 2024 Call is designed to promote projects that explore innovative demand-side solutions in the electrification and demand management sectors. The eligible activities span across different project streams related to Electric Vehicles and Heating and Cooling systems.
  • Development and implementation of Vehicle to Grid (V2G) programs, where EV fleets or aggregations provide flexibility services to the grid.
  • Design and testing of managed charging and Vehicle to Home/Building (V2H/V2B) models to manage electricity consumption and support the grid.
  • Demonstration projects in small to medium-scale heating with thermal storage, showcasing how these technologies can contribute to system flexibility.
  • Installation and testing of large-scale heating systems with integrated thermal storage to demonstrate load reduction potential.
  • Creation of programs for aggregating HVAC loads to enhance demand flexibility and grid support.

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The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the design, development, installation, and performance verification of innovative projects aimed at electrification and demand management.
  • Bi-directional EV supply equipment – up to 100% of the incremental cost compared to an equivalent uni-directional charger.
  • Smart inverters, including multi-mode inverters.
  • Certain customer-related infrastructure upgrade costs needed to accommodate the project, e.g., upgrading panels, switchgear, customer transformers.
  • Integration of software solutions.
  • Software licensing fees.
  • Purchase of medium/heavy duty electric vehicle fleets – up to 100% of the incremental cost compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
  • Heat pumps integrated with thermal storage for residential/small commercial applications.
  • Costs associated with the monitoring, verification, and evaluation of the project's impacts, including data collection, processing, analysis, and management.
  • Compensation or incentives paid to project participants based on the participation and/or performance of their resource(s) in a program.
  • Marketing and communications directly related to project activities, including training and education initiatives.
  • Project-specific materials, equipment, products, and services.
  • Salaries and benefits of employees directly involved in the design, selection, purchase, and installation of the project.
  • Professional, engineering, scientific, technical, management, and contracting services.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for the Grid Innovation Fund 2024 are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the fund's objectives and strategic goals.
  • Project Purpose and Outcomes (5 points): The project purpose is clearly described and aligns with the high-level objectives of the call, with potential to support the provincial grid and sector evolution.
  • Grid Flexibility (20 points): The proposal articulates the flexibility services to be tested, needs addressed, measurement and quantification methods, involved distribution and transmission assets, provided load profiles, and data acquisition strategies.
  • Demand-Side Program Design and Innovation (20 points): Clearly describes a unique program design or participation model for grid flexibility, prospects to inform future management programs, and innovation within Ontario.
  • Project Design (20 points): The project design's realism, coherence, scalability, and KPI measurement approach, along with marketing strategies to attract participants.
  • Project Funding (15 points): Relevant budget items, financial feasibility, and allocation of funding risk with a focus on minimizing reliance on IESO funds.
  • Project Team and Partners (5 points): Qualifications and experience of the project team and partners, with emphasis on capacity-building and collaboration.
  • Emissions Reductions (5 points): Consistency in using standardized methodologies to calculate GHG emissions reductions and demonstrate net reductions over the project duration.
  • Sector Evolution (10 points): The potential to inform regulatory innovation and policy initiatives, including identifying barriers and proposing solutions, and plans for post-project market advancement activities.

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
  • Step 1: Contact the Grid Innovation Fund Team
    • Email gridinnovationfund@ieso.ca to discuss your project idea.
    • Request a meeting with IESO staff to obtain feedback and guidance.
  • Step 2: Prepare Proposal
    • Complete the proposal template documents required for submission.
    • Gather supporting documentation including audited financial statements, certificate of incorporation, and signed letters of support from all project partners.
    • Ensure all documents substantiate no duplicate funding for IESO-supported tasks.
  • Step 3: Submit Application
    • Email the completed proposal and supporting documents to gridinnovationfund@ieso.ca.
    • Include "Electrification and Demand Management Targeted Call" in the email subject line.
    • Confirm submission before the deadline: July 22nd, 2024, before 11:59 p.m.
  • Step 4: Confirmation of Submission
    • Receive an email confirmation of receipt from the IESO within two business days.
    • Maintain the confirmation for your records.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
  • The IESO will provide standardized testing frameworks for bulk electricity system impacts in successful projects.
  • Ongoing communication with IESO during the proposal preparation phase is encouraged.
  • The IESO has a risk-based approach for funding disbursement, which occurs on a milestone basis.
  • A non-negotiable Contribution Agreement is required for successful applicants.
  • The OEB’s Innovation Sandbox may offer customized regulatory guidance and relief for innovative projects.
  • Engagement with the OEB’s Innovation Sandbox is a prerequisite for accessing IESO funds upon project approval.

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Grid Innovation Fund

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gridinnovationfund@ieso.ca
905.403.6900

Apply to this program