The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) will receive $265,250 in funding from the Ontario Smart Grid Fund program to develop software that will analyze smart grid investment options for local utilities, David Orazietti MPP announced today.
“SSMIC’s Smart Grid Fund project offers an exciting opportunity for the region to take advantage of opportunities in the emerging smart energy sector while working with local, regional and international partners,” said Orazietti. “Building a smarter grid has been a key part of our government’s plan to provide clean, reliable and affordable power to consumers.”
SSMIC’s project will develop a ’Smart Grid Financial Analytics and Geomatics Tool’ that will provide utilities with the ability to plan, finance, visualize and build smart grid projects with confidence. The SSMIC project’s electricity utility collaborator is Sault Ste. Marie PUC.
Today’s announcement is in conjunction with the launch of the SSMIC’s Energy Opportunities Conference taking place in Sault Ste. Marie from November 4th- 6th, providing an opportunity for participants to network with community partners and energy stakeholders.
“Advancing smart grid technologies is an important component of our community’s Smart Energy Strategy,” said Tom Vair, Executive Director, SSMIC. “We greatly appreciate this significant support from the Government of Ontario and look forward to working with Energizing Co., Leidos and the Sault Ste. Marie PUC on this exciting project.”
The Smart Grid Fund supports the development of new and emerging technologies that will bring benefits to Ontario’s homes and businesses – like fewer service disruptions, less wasted energy and increased grid security.
Building a smart grid and supporting innovation is part of the government’s economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario’s greatest strengths – its people and strategic partnerships.
Quick Facts
The Smart Grid Fund is a $50 million program that supports high-value opportunities to advance energy innovation in Ontario
Launched in April 2011, the first round of the Smart Grid Fund supports nine projects, and is creating more than 600 direct and indirect jobs.
