Alectra, discover the possibilities

Alectra is exploring integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and visual intelligence technologies for predictive asset management. Visual intelligence, using drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors to collect data about the condition of infrastructure, is a valuable tool but is limited due to its reliance on manual analysis of images leading to large time commitments. Alectra is leveraging machine learning algorithms to analyze high-resolution images to detect potential asset defects. This has potential to improve efficiency of asset inspections, reduce the risk of equipment failure and ensure reliable power supply for our customers.

Non-Wires Alternatives such as distributed energy resources can offer cost-effective and faster deployment alternatives to expensive and time-intensive infrastructure buildouts and help in reducing a utility’s impact on the environment. Integrating the growing network of local distributed energy resources into the utility landscape is increasingly becoming pivotal to the future operations of utilities. Alectra is participating in demonstrating a local energy market, testing business processes, and helping design a regulatory construct that will ensure a seamless integration of distributed energy resources into the utility’s operations.

10% of Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from freight transportation (NRCan). Electrifying commercial fleets can help organizations reduce their carbon footprint to meet their decarbonization goals, bring down their energy consumption, and reduce the total cost of ownership of their fleet. Alectra’s Smart Cities team is exploring the various challenges and solutions presented by fleet electrification, including high-capacity EV chargers, managed charging and the potential for fleets to supply energy services back to the grid. Alectra is also investigating how utility processes could be revised to reflect the unique characteristics of EV charging projects.

The next generation smart meters, AMI 2.0, feature software and intelligence to measure and analyze the grid and allow for real-time data sharing between the utilities and their customers. This enables utilities to become active partners in energy management while customers can use the insights to reduce their carbon footprint. Alectra is researching advanced analytics that will help improve reliability and efficiency, and develop enhanced and more personalized services with the new data provided by this advanced technology.

Access to the public EV charging infrastructure is a key step to enable widespread EV adoption. Alectra has been investing in EV charging infrastructure to improve public access to charging. The Smart Cities team is engaged in developing a plan for deploying infrastructure at various Alectra offices to serve the employees, the general public, and Alectra’s fleet. The team also supports Alectra Energy Services in strategically deploying and managing EV charging infrastructure at community facilities and in delivering incentives to support customers with charging infrastructure at their businesses. The Smart Cities team also supports Alectra’s distribution planning by informing the forecasts of the impact of EV adoption on system capacity requirements.