Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was April 2, 2025.

Q: Who is eligible for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream program?

To be eligible for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream program, you must: • Project must be led by a utility, system operator, or an entity demonstrating direct benefit to a utility/system operator. • Project must be located in Canada and provide services or capabilities for sale or use in Canada.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream?

You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Supports Canadian utilities in grid modernization and renewable integration

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

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

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).

Activities funded

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

$ 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

$ 2,250,000

Expand distribution lines to connect community solar generation

Eligibility

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

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.

Respond to Expressions of Interest (when active)

Prepare and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) during the announced intake period, if required.

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.

Contacts

sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP) – Utility Support Stream. 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.