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Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) - Grid Innovation Fund

Q: 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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Last Update: February 17, 2026

ON, Canada

Supports innovative electrification and demand management projects

Grant and Funding

Ontario Power Authority (OPA)

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Integrate new technologies

Develop strategic partnerships

Research and experimental development

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

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.

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

ON, Canada

Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

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

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.