Ontario's Smart Grid Forum

Ontario’s electricity sector has begun a broad-based industry dialogue to develop a vision for a provincial smart grid that will provide consumers with more efficient, responsive and cost-effective electricity service. The Ontario Smart Grid Forum, launched by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) in collaboration with representatives from local distribution companies, brings together leaders from across the sector.

A smart grid refers to a two-way system that monitors and automatically optimizes the operation of the interconnected elements of the power system – from the generator through the high-voltage network and distribution system, to end-use consumers and their thermostats, appliances and other household devices.

The goal of a smart grid is to use advanced information-based technologies to increase grid efficiency, reliability and flexibility. It enables better use of the existing delivery infrastructure and offers benefits for both the consumer and the environment. These benefits include:

Improved System Reliability

•		Smart grids provide dynamic, real-time optimization of grid operations and resources. They have the capacity to detect, analyze and restore system faults before they escalate.
•		Increased physical and cyber security, as well as special protection systems, will enhance the reliability of the grid.
•		Greater co-ordination among all participants in the system will trigger better price signals and a more efficient balance between demand and supply.

Increased Customer Participation

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Homeowners will have the tools and information to provide demand response to actively manage their electricity use, taking advantage of their smart meters, smart appliances and other control devices.

Environmental Benefits

•		Greater efficiencies will help alleviate the need for new generating, transmission and distribution facilities.
•		Improved integration of smaller generators embedded in the distribution system will increase the role of renewable energy supplies in meeting provincial demand.

Smart Grid Forum members will consider how a smart grid in Ontario could deliver significant operational, environmental and consumer benefits. In addition to enhancing system reliability, and supporting consumer engagement, a smart grid is likely to reduce the environmental footprint of Ontario's  power system by reducing the need to expand existing infrastructure.

The Ontario Smart Grid Forum will focus on opportunities in Ontario, but will monitor developments occurring in other jurisdictions and identify potential linkages. Forum objectives include:

•		Educating involved industry leaders about emerging drivers, technologies, and opportunities related to the smart grid
•		Developing a high-level vision of the future in Ontario served by a smart grid
•		Describing and quantifying the benefits that will be possible through a wide range of smart grid technologies
•		Identifying enablers and barriers to the construction of the smart grid
•		Identifying the actions needed to overcome barriers so that the benefits of the smart grid may be realized by the people of Ontario

Members will meet on a monthly basis until the end of 2008, after which a comprehensive report will be issued with findings and recommendations for Ontario's electricity sector.