Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream
Last Update: June 4, 2025
Canada
Supports Canadian utilities in grid modernization and renewable integration
Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : February 18, 2025
- Closing date : April 2, 2025
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
Grant Providers
- Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
- Government of Canada
Status
Closed
Overview of the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream program
The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream provides funding for Canadian utilities and system operators to modernize the electricity grid and integrate renewable energy through grid modernization projects and pre-development initiatives. The program supports permanent system upgrades and technology deployments that enhance reliability, flexibility, and clean electricity adoption (maximum funding amount not specified).
Eligible projects & activities
- Modernization of electricity grids through deployment projects.
- Upgrades and expansions to transmission and distribution systems to integrate clean electricity.
- Technology enhancements to support greater adoption of renewable energy sources.
- Pre-development projects such as planning, engineering design, feasibility studies, and assessments for grid upgrades or clean electricity integration.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 2,320,000
Deploy advanced metering infrastructure and upgrade distribution systems
$ 2,250,000
Expand distribution lines to connect community solar generation
$ 3,420,000
Upgrade substation transformers for increased renewable integration
$ 1,675,000
Upgrade SCADA systems for grid visibility and renewable integration
$ 395,000
Complete feasibility and engineering for battery energy storage system
$ 1,040,000
Integrate voltage optimization technology for energy efficiency
Eligibility criteria of the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream program
- The applicant must be a utility, system operator, or an entity that demonstrates the project will directly benefit a utility and/or system operator.
- The project must be located in Canada and provide services or capabilities for sale or use in Canada.
- The project must enable modernization of the electricity system.
- The project must represent a permanent installation of equipment or a modification to existing commercial operations, equipment, or systems.
- The project technology must be proven (Technology Readiness Level 8 or above), with exceptions for minor components integral to the deployment project.
Who is eligible?
- Utilities
- System operators
- Entities demonstrating direct benefit to utilities or system operators
Eligible expenses
- Upgrades and expansions to transmission and distribution systems.
- Technology upgrades for grid modernization.
- Engineering design work related to project planning.
- Feasibility studies and assessments necessary before deployment.
Eligible geographic areas
- Projects must be located in Canada and provide services or capabilities for sale or use in Canada.
How to apply to the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream program
1
Monitor Funding Announcements
Subscribe to the SREPs ILCE stream distribution list by sending a request with "Add me to ILCE Distribution List" in the subject line to sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
2
Respond to Expressions of Interest (when active)
Prepare and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) during the announced intake period, if required.
3
Await Confirmation and Next Steps
Wait for communication from the SREPs team regarding the status of your submission.
Respond to any requests for additional information from the SREPs team, if applicable.
Additional information
- Currently, the Utility Support Stream is not accepting new proposals, and future opportunities will be announced on the program's webpage and through the SREPs distribution list.
- The program timeline, including upcoming engagement and submission windows, is subject to change and should be monitored for updates.
- Selected applicants are advanced to the full project proposal stage only after an initial expression of interest process.
- Technologies with a Technology Readiness Level of less than 8 may be considered only if they are minor and integral to the overall deployment project.
Contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Canada
Financing for large-scale international infrastructure projects
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Funding for demonstration projects in transportation
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Funding for research and development projects in transportation
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Funding for awareness projects of ZEVs, stations and clean fuels
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Funding to increase awareness for the reduction of vehicle emission
Wage Subsidies And InternsClosed
Canada
Money for electricity firms to hire students
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Supports Indigenous-led clean energy and electrification projects
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Funding for awareness projects of ZEVs, stations and clean fuels
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Funding to increase awareness for the reduction of vehicle emission
Grant and FundingOpen
Canada
Financial support for technology innovations