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Thought leadership and knowledge sharing
The Alectra GRE&T Centre is committed to advancing the evolution of the electricity sector through active knowledge sharing and collaboration. We proactively share insights from our pilot projects and demonstrations to support utilities, policymakers, technology providers, and communities navigating electrification and grid transformation.
Our team regularly presents learnings from our work at leading industry forums, contributing practical, real-world perspectives on distribution system innovation. We are frequently selected to participate in DISTRIBUTECH, the largest global transmission and distribution conference, where industry leaders explore advances in grid automation, smart networks, distributed energy resources, and electrification.
In Canada, we contribute to key platforms such as the EDIST Conference & Exhibition organized by the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA), the Electric Mobility Canada Conference, and events hosted by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Electricity Canada, and the National Electricity Roundtable (NER). Through these engagements, we share evidence-based insights that help inform emerging practices, policy discussions, and system design.
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Contributing to industry research and sector direction
In addition to public forums, the GRE&T Centre contributes to industry research, working groups, and collaborative studies that shape the future of the electricity system. Some examples are showcased below:
DER Scenarios and Modelling Study: (In collaboration with the IESO and EPRI). This study explores the impact of DERs on distribution operations at the Transmission-Distribution (T-D) interface, addressing factors such as losses, network switching, and contingencies. The research investigates the implications of bi-level participation of DERs on the local distribution systems on both local networks and broader grid dynamics. The Study also examines coordination protocols among stakeholders, including the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Local Distribution Companies (LDCs), potential future DSOs, and DER owners/aggregators.
Transmission and Distribution Working Group (TDWG): Alectra is an active part of the TDWG, a collaboration that is exploring innovative business models that will help feed into the IESO’s Market Vision and Design Project (MVDP), a crucial component of the IESO’s 10-year DER roadmap for the province. The outcomes of these collaborations will shape the operationalization of coordination protocols, communication interfaces, and shared platform.
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White Papers and Case Studies
PATH TO NET-ZERO: Achieving Zero Emissions in Alectra’s Southgate Office
In 2022, Alectra established an objective of transforming its Guelph office into Alectra's first net-zero carbon building. This whitepaper captures the path taken to achieve emissions reduction in the building operations and successfully attain net-zero status.
Download the White Paper
Data as a Utility
Alectra partnered with the City of Guelph (Ontario) in developing Canada’s first circular food economy as part of Canada’s Smart Cities Challenge. The data strategy includes the establishment of a Data Utility, where data is treated and valued similarly to public utilities such as water and electricity.
Visit our Innovation Projects
Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on our various innovation projects.