Closed
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Supports innovative electrification and demand management projects
Grant and Funding
Overview
Provides up to $4.75M per project to validate and accelerate innovative electricity solutions in Ontario. Funding supports projects in electrification and demand management (e.g., EVs, space/water heating, ventilation and cooling) that reduce system costs or enable better energy management.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
Integrate new technologies
Develop strategic partnerships
Research and experimental development
See more
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 4,750,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : July 21, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Transportation and warehousing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Projects enabling customers to better manage electricity consumption (demand management).
- Projects that reduce costs associated with maintaining reliable grid operations.
- Projects that validate performance and business case of new technologies, practices, and services.
- Projects that identify and mitigate market barriers to accelerate adoption of cost-effective energy solutions.
- For the 2024 call: electrification and demand management projects in (1) EVs (light/medium/heavy duty and rail transit) or (2) space and water heating (all sectors) and ventilation/cooling for non-residential weather-sensitive loads.
Documents Needed
- Completed proposal package
- Supporting documents listed in the Project Proposal Guideline
- Letters of support
- Audited financial statements
- Project team CVs
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a non-profit or for-profit incorporated entity.
- Project must be located in Ontario.
- Project must align with the targeted call streams (EVs or space/water heating and related loads).
- Project must be no more than three years in length.
Who is eligible?
- For-profit incorporated entities
- Non-profit incorporated entities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Projects centred on most forms of electricity generation
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare proposal package
- Complete the proposal package.
- Compile supporting documents listed in the Project Proposal Guideline (e.g., letters of support, audited financial statements, project team CVs).
- Step 2: Submit application by email
- Email the proposal package to GridInnovationFund@ieso.ca.
- Use the subject line “Electrification and Demand Management Targeted Call”.
- Step 3: Respect submission window
- Submit between May 27, 2024 and July 21, 2024 (for the 2024 targeted call).
Additional information
- The fund periodically issues targeted calls and also accepts applications through open calls.
- GIF invests in specific projects with clear objectives (not in companies).
- Projects must be no more than three years in length.
- The 2024 call focuses on “Electrification and Demand Management”.
Contacts
GridInnovationFund@ieso.ca
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund. 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.
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