Platform
Consulting
Resources
Pricing
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund - Ontario - Canada
Closed

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund

Supports innovative electrification and demand management projects
Ontario Power Authority (OPA)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000,000 - $ 4,750,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : July 21, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada

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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Conduct research and development activities
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

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

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

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

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

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.

What is the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund?

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.

How much funding can be received?

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $4,750,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund program?

To be eligible for the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund program, you must: Incorporated entity (for-profit or non-profit) Project located in Ontario Project length: up to 3 years

What expenses are eligible under Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund?

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.

Who can I contact for more information about the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund?

You can contact Ontario Power Authority (OPA) by email at GridInnovationFund@ieso.ca.

Where is the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund available?

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund program is available the province of Ontario.

Is the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund is a Grant and Funding

More programs like this