Enova and GridS2 are collaborating to create and operate a local, distribution level electricity market, in the form of a Distribution System Operator (DSO) pilot. This pilot aims to optimize grid operations, reduce peak demand, and make use of the distributed energy resources in the region.
By accurately forecasting short-term electricity needs and efficiently managing resources across the grid, the project will enable Enova Power to deliver overall benefit to customers and communities. This will also help integrate local energy sources while keeping costs manageable as electrification grows.
Partners
Enova Power Corp.
Enova serves more than 165,000 residents and businesses in the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo, the Township of Wellesley, the Township of Wilmot and the Township of Woolwich.
GridS2
GridS2 is an Ontario based cleantech firm that is helping utilities reduce the cost of delivering electricity by enabling local energy procurement through its innovative transactive energy platform that contains AI-based load forecasting, network constrained optimization and market settlement modules. It is a startup that incorporated in 2021 and has since focused on developing their platform for commercial implementation. It is co-founded by two industry veterans – one a power systems technology leader and the other a consulting professional – both with decades of relevant utility experience and expertise. Between them they have designed, developed, managed and delivered complex engineering products and projects worth millions of dollars in their professional careers.
Project Location
The project will be implemented within the Enova service territory in the Region of Waterloo, which is a growing metropolis. The pilot is being planned to focus on a key distribution station within Enova’s service area which serves a diverse mix of residential and commercial through multiple feeders. By focusing on one station with several feeders, the team will be able to determine how local market signals and smart coordination can help balance supply and demand, improve reliability and reduce system costs. Existing Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) – both generation and load resources would be encouraged to participate in the market.
Project Benefits
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Project Benefit 1 – Affordability:
Projects that directly address issues related to reducing the energy burden of communities through grid modernization and innovation. This can involve but is not limited to: projects reducing energy poverty, projects serving low-income communities and housing, and projects reducing the cost of participation related to electrification.
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Project Benefit 2 – Access:
Projects that increase the involvement of certain communities and actors in innovative projects, for example: projects serving and involving communities in-need (e.g., high-density housing, communities with energy poverty), project reducing costs of participation, projects establishing communication and increased collaboration. This can include projects improving energy resiliency, increasing parity in grid modernization projects, increasing access to low-cost capital in communities.
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Project Benefit 3 – Participation:
Projects that reduce the barriers to participation of certain communities and actors to be direct beneficiaries, leaders, and partners in these projects. For example: projects establishing networks, employing within the community, developing engagement, increasing the skills and knowledge of certain communities in the sector. This can include projects increasing energy democracy, increasing clean energy job creation and contracting within communities.