Continuous Intake Applicant Guide - Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs)

Table of Contents

• Version 2 Update
• 1. Disclaimer
• 2. Introduction
• 3. Expected Outcomes
• 4. Program Eligibility
  • 4.1. Eligible Recipients
  • 4.2. Examples of Eligible Projects
  • 4.3. Eligible Projects by Program Stream
    • 4.3.1. Established Renewables
    • 4.3.2. Emerging Technologies
    • 4.3.3. Grid Modernization (Only eligible Applicants are Utilities and System Operators)
  • 4.4. Program Funding Limits and Funding Period
    • 4.4.1. Indigenous-Owned Projects
• 5. Additional Program Requirements
  • 5.1. Grid Services
  • 5.2. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • 5.3. Cyber Security
  • 5.4. Performance Data Capabilities
• 6. Program Terms and Conditions
  • 6.1. Stacking of Assistance
  • 6.2. Eligible Expenditures
  • 6.3. Non-Admissible Expenditures
  • 6.4. Basis and Timing of Payment
  • 6.5. Audits
  • 6.6. Repayability
  • 6.7. Reporting Requirements
    • 6.7.1. Outcome Reporting
  • 6.8. Intellectual Property
  • 6.9. Regulatory and Legal Requirements
  • 6.10. Federal Lands
  • 6.11. Indigenous Consultation
  • 6.12. Other Conditions
• 7. Application Process
  • 7.1. Project Registration
  • 7.2. Technical and Financial Project Application
  • 7.3. Project Approval
  • 7.4. Contribution Agreement Negotiation
  • 7.5. Service Standards
• 8. Other Funding Resources
  • 8.1. Capacity Building Funding
  • 8.2. Grants for Indigenous Engagement Activities
• 9. Confidentiality and Security of Information
• 10. Program Inquiries
• 11. Appendix A - Project Registration Form: Guidance and Criteria
• 12. Appendix B - Technical and Financial Project Application: Guidance and Criteria
• 13. Appendix C - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Requirements
• 14. Appendix D - Cyber Security Application Form
• 15. Appendix E - Definitions

Version 2 Update

Please note that the section numbers have changed relative to Applicant Guide Version 1 (PDF, 1047 KB). The table below provides an overview of the changes for reference.

Version 1 Section and Topic	Version 2 Equivalent Section
1 Disclaimer	1 Disclaimer
2 Introduction	2 Introduction
3 Expected Outcomes	3 Expected Outcomes
4 Definitions	Appendix E: Definitions
5 Program Scope	Divided into multiple sections
5.1 Program Funding Streams	4.3 Eligible Projects by Program Stream
5.2 Grid Services	5.1 Grid Services
5.3 Reducing Barriers to Indigenous Participation	Combined with other sections
5.4 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion	5.2 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
5.5 Cyber Security	5.3 Cyber Security
5.6 Performance Data	5.4 Performance Data
6 Program Terms and Conditions	6 Program Terms and Conditions
6.1 Eligible Recipients	4.1 Eligible Recipients
6.2 Program Streams	4.3 Eligible Projects by Program Stream
6.2.1 Established Renewables	4.3.1 Established Renewables
6.2.2 Emerging Technologies	4.3.2 Emerging Technologies
6.2.3 Grid Modernization	4.3.3 Grid Modernization
6.2.4 Strategic Dialogue Linked Projects	Removed
6.3 Eligible Projects	4.2 Examples of Eligible Projects
6.4 Program Funding Limits and Funding Period	4.4 Program Funding Limits and Funding Period
6.5 Indigenous-Owned Projects	4.4.1 Indigenous-Owned Projects
6.6 Stacking of Assistance	6.1 Stacking of Assistance
6.7 Eligible Expenditures	6.2 Eligible Expenditures
6.8 Non-Admissible Expenditures	6.3 Non-Admissible Expenditures
6.9 Basis and Timing of Payment	6.4 Basis and Timing of Payment
6.10 Audits	6.5 Audits
6.11 Repayability	6.6 Repayability
6.12 Reporting Requirements	6.7 Reporting Requirements
6.12.1 Outcome Reporting & Performance Data	6.7.1 Outcome Reporting and Performance Indicators
6.13 Intellectual Property	6.8 Intellectual Property
6.14 Regulatory and Legal Requirements	6.9 Regulatory and Legal Requirements
6.15 Federal Lands	6.10 Federal Lands
6.16 Indigenous Consultations	6.11 Indigenous Consultation
6.17 Other Conditions	6.12 Other Conditions
7 Application Process	7 Application Process
7.1 Project Registration	7.1 Project Registration
7.2 Technical and Financial Project Application	7.2 Technical and Financial Project Application
7.3 Project Approval	7.3 Project Approval
7.4 Contribution Agreement Negotiation	7.4 Contribution Agreement Negotiation
7.5 Service Standards	7.5 Service Standards
7.6 Other Funding Resources	8 Other Funding Resources
7.6.1 Capacity Building Funding	8.1 Capacity Building Funding
7.6.2 Grants for Indigenous Engagement Activities	8.2 Grands for Indigenous Engagement Activities
8 Confidentiality and Security of Information	9 Confidentiality and Security of Information
9 Program Inquiries	10 Program Inquiries
Appendix A: Project Registration Form: Guidance and Criteria	Appendix A: Project Registration Form: Guidance and Criteria
Appendix B: Technical and Financial Project Application: Guidance and Criteria	Appendix B: Technical and Financial Project Application: Guidance and Criteria
Appendix C: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Requirements	Appendix C: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Requirements
Appendix D: Outcome Reporting and Performance Data	Appendix D: Cyber Security Application Form
Appendix E: Cyber Security Application Form	Appendix E: Definitions

1. Disclaimer

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) reserves the right to alter any call for applications, funding amounts and/or deadlines associated with any Program component, apply regional or technology stream funding limits, or to cancel any application process at its sole discretion. Any changes will be communicated to registered Applicants via the NRCan website.

Applications may also be considered for support under other Government of Canada initiatives, such as the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) or Canada Infrastructure Bank. These other programs may require additional mandatory criteria.

Any costs incurred for the submission of the Project Application are at the Applicant’s own risk and cannot be considered as part of the Total Project Costs. In all cases, any funding under any submission, review and assessment process will be contingent upon the execution of a contribution agreement.

2. Introduction

NRCan is offering funding to support smart renewable energy and electrical grid modernization deployment projects. As coal-fired electricity generation units are phased out due to provincial and federal regulations, this Program will support their replacement with renewable solutions able to meet increased energy needs, and provide grid services to the electric grid.

The Program aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to meet Canada’s 2030 targets and beyond by supporting the transition towards electrification through these renewable energy projects and the transformation of the Canadian electricity grid.

In addition, the Program will decrease barriers to participation for those underrepresented in the energy sector, including but not limited to women, 2SLGBTQ+ people, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities and persons with disabilities. This includes a minimum allotment of Program funds to support projects owned by First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

3. Expected Outcomes

Projects funded under the Program are expected to be “shovel-ready”, meaning ready to begin construction or installation, and contribute to the following outcomes or impacts:

• Decrease greenhouse gas emissions from Canada’s electricity system;
• Increase electricity grid accommodation of renewable energy;
• Increase renewable energy capacity;
• Increase the number of electricity system assets that can contribute to system reliability;
• Increase electricity system reliability, through improved efficiency and use of existing electricity assets, greater resiliency, and enhanced flexibility to increase renewable energy penetration;
• Generate economic and social benefits, including job creation and increased equity, diversity and inclusion in the energy sector;
• Increase Indigenous ownership of, and benefits from, renewable energy and grid modernization projects.

4. Program Eligibility

The following sections describe the Program Terms and Conditions.

4.1 Eligible Recipients

Eligible recipients are owners of Eligible Projects and may include:

1. Legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada;
2. Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments and their departments and agencies;
3. Indigenous communities and governments, Tribal Councils, National and regional Indigenous councils or organizations, and Indigenous (Majority owned and controlled by Indigenous peoples) for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

4.2 Examples of Eligible Projects

Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following for each Program stream:

4.3 Eligible Projects by Program Stream

Eligible Projects must support activities including:

• Installation of permanent (for the normal life of the equipment) proven commercial technologies with the intent that the project continue to operate in its intended operational environment for the entirety of its expected lifecycle;
• Modification of existing processes, operating procedures, equipment or systems for commercial operations (for the normal life of the expected modification) to accommodate and utilize modern grid operations and renewable technologies.

Project must be located in Canada and provide benefits to the Canadian electricity/energy systems.

The Program includes four distinct deployment streams, described below. Following review of the Project Registration Form, the Program will determine which stream is applicable to the Project. Where an Applicant does not agree with their stream placement, they can write the Program to explain their rationale for being considered under a different funding stream.

Eligible projects must meet the associated requirements of the appropriate Program stream. In the case where a technology is not explicitly mentioned in this Applicant Guide, the option for “Other” may be included, in which case an Applicant can provide detailed justification for how their Project and associated technologies meet the Program requirements. An initial assessment of qualification will be completed prior to more detailed application submissions. Program staff will assign a Project to the appropriate stream(s) as part of their confirmation of Project registration.

Projects that combine technologies from multiple deployment streams into a single system are called “Hybrid” projects. Hybrid projects are eligible under the Program provided the project meets the minimum size requirement of at least one stream.

It is permissible to bundle multiple projects sites of the same technology type into a single application in order to meet the minimum size requirement of a stream. The application needs to be submitted and signed by the owner of the projects. Note that each site still needs to meet all other requirements outlined in the Applicant Guide and the Applicant will be responsible to gather and submit all documents to complete the application. The Program does not allow multiple owners to bundle projects together to meet the project size requirements. Projects may not be bundled across multiple streams.

Examples of project types that are ineligible for this Program include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Demonstration projects;
• Renewable fuel production projects;
• Non-organic waste to power;
• Technologies below Technical Readiness Level 8 (see Section 4.3.2 for reference).

The four Program streams are defined in the following sections.

4.3.1 Established Renewables

The Program defines eligible established renewables projects as projects that deploy technologies that:

• Already produce renewable energy for sale or use in Canada;
• Have a minimum net installed capacity of 4 megawatts (MW) alternating current (AC) if a generating project, or 500 kilowatts (kW) (AC) if an Indigenous-owned Project;
• Have been successfully deployed at the utility scale and are commercially viable in Canada;
• Are capable of providing grid services as defined in Section 5.1.

Examples of eligible established renewable technologies are identified in Section 4.3. The minimum net installed capacity thresholds are in terms of alternating current (AC).

4.3.2 Emerging Technologies

The Program defines eligible emerging technologies projects as projects that will use technologies that:

• Have been successfully deployed at the utility scale in other countries but are not yet commercially viable in Canada, or have been successfully demonstrated in Canada but are not yet commercially deployed. A successful demonstration project will be assessed on the basis of project evaluations and final assessment reports; and
• Are capable of providing grid services as defined in Section 5.1; and
• Are capable of delivering renewable energy for sale or use in Canada; and
• Have a minimum net installed capacity per the Table below; or
• Are grid modernization technologies, as described in Section 4.3.3 and Section 4.3, led by non-utility Applicants. Examples of other eligible emerging technologies are identified in Section 4.3.

Minimum Project Size Requirements for Emerging Technologies

Project Type	Minimum Size Requirement	Minimum Size Requirement for Indigenous-owned Projects
Electricity Generation	4 MW AC	500 kW AC
Energy Storage	1 MW AC	250 kW AC
Deep Geothermal Heating	40 TJ/year	5 TJ/year
Building Integrated Renewable Energy	500 kW AC	500 kW AC
Renewable Community Heating	10 TJ/year	5 TJ/year

Successful projects require a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 8 or above as defined by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

4.3.3 Grid Modernization (Only eligible Applicants are Utilities and System Operators)

Under the grid modernization stream, eligible activities must support the deployment of technologies under the grid modernization scope in Section 4.3, and/or “Other” technologies with justification for their consideration. Projects must not be a single technology deployment and must be integrated into existing real-time utility operational processes.

These projects must meet the above general requirements as well as:

• For hardware or software retrofits to an existing renewable energy project, the existing energy project must have a capacity of 1 MW (AC) or more;
  • For Indigenous-owned retrofit projects, the existing energy project must have a capacity of 250 kW (AC) or more;
• For software or hardware to enable aggregating Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in a virtual power plant, the aggregate capacity must be 500 kW (AC) or more;
• For microgrid projects including software or hardware to enable microgrid control or other new generation and/or storage technologies to meet capacity requirements, the aggregate capacity must be 500 kW (AC) or more.

New generation and/or storage technologies for grid modernization projects will be considered eligible expenditures for the project under their respective streams with the associated funding levels and related stream requirements, except for size minimums.

4.4 Program Funding Limits and Funding Period

Projects will be eligible for funding from the date they receive confirmation from the Program on Project Approval until the Project Commissioning Date or March 31, 2025, whichever is earlier.

Program Stream	Max Eligible % of Total Project Costs	Maximum Eligible Funding
Established Renewables	10%	$50 million
Emerging Technologies	30%	$50 million
Grid Modernization	50%	$50 million

The maximum funding percentage for a Project that falls under more than one stream will be determined according to the proportion of eligible expenditures in each Program stream.

4.4.1 Indigenous-Owned Projects

Understanding that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners experience barriers in participating in the energy transition, the Program enables and encourages their participation. This includes a minimum amount of total Program funds allocated to Indigenous-led projects.

In order to support Indigenous Recipients and projects that provide economic and social benefits to Indigenous communities, the Program will provide a greater percentage of funding to Indigenous-owned projects as well as support smaller-sized projects.

Indigenous-owned projects must represent Meaningful Ownership as defined in Appendix E.

Established Renewables or Emerging Technology Projects (minimum generation capacity size of 500 kW for Indigenous-owned projects)

% of Organization Ownership	Maximum % of Total Project Costs	Maximum Funding
Project has Meaningful Ownership up to 50% per Appendix E definition	50%	$50 million
Project is majority Indigenous-owned (>50%)	75%	$50 million

5. Additional Program Requirements

5.1 Grid Services

Ensuring projects have the capability to provide grid services from all grid-connected technologies that can provide electricity, including variable renewable resources, will enable utilities and system operators to gain experience with and develop new operational processes to better support higher levels of renewable electricity generation.

All Program-supported projects under the established and emerging streams capable of delivering electricity must also be capable of providing grid services that synchronous generators (such as hydro, natural gas, coal or nuclear) have traditionally provided in the jurisdiction where the Project is located.

Specific services are uniquely identified by each local jurisdiction’s grid codes and generator connection requirements – however, in the absence of them being defined in the local grid codes, the program has defined minimum requirements for the Program. Applicants will be required to make these grid services available to, and are expected to operate as directed by, the system operators. Note that the ultimate decision to use these services from eligible projects remains with the applicable utility or system operator.

All grid modernization projects will be required to contribute to a wider range of grid services and value streams such as improved asset utilization and efficiency, increased reliability and resiliency, increased system flexibility, and enabling renewable integration. All grid modernization projects, regardless of funding stream, must be integrated into utility operational processes to ensure desired outcomes are achieved and available services are used.

For the purpose of eligibility in the Program, at a minimum each project capable of delivering electricity will need to have the capability to provide the following grid services as defined in applicable grid codes, and in their absence applicable standards:

• Fast Frequency Response (FFR) or Inertial Response (Inertial response is only applicable to technologies synchronously connected to the grid. Extraction of kinetic energy from wind turbines and other “inertia-like” services from inverter-based resources fall under Fast Frequency Response.), AND
• Primary Frequency Response (PFR), AND
• Secondary Frequency Response (SFR) / Automatic Generation Control (AGC) (with ability to send/receive external control signals), AND
• Reactive Power and Voltage Control (RPVC).

The requirement for eligibility is to have the control capabilities necessary to provide these services while respecting operational limits of the resources. Grid code requirements such as minimum size or resource availability, which may exclude otherwise eligible projects, may be identified and given exceptions, however control capabilities must still be present.

5.2 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

NRCan recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce to the resilience of Canada’s energy sector. The Program aims to advance the participation of multiple underrepresented groups in the workforce, including but not limited to women; 2SLGBTQ+ persons; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; racialized people; and persons with disabilities.

To support a diverse and inclusive energy sector, the Program will require funding recipients to either provide Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plans, or participate in a public commitment. Fulfilling this requirement could include reporting on progress, gathering relevant data, promoting the renewable and energy sector as a post-secondary option and promoting workforce diversity through collaboration.

Details about the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion requirements of the Program are found in Appendix C.

5.3 Cyber Security

Cyber security is the protection of digital information and the infrastructure on which it resides. It includes the body of technologies, processes, practices as well as response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability (source: Public Safety.gc.ca).

The Program aims to advance cyber security through the following objectives:

• Maintain or enhance cyber security: The Applicant demonstrates how their organization will make use of cyber security-related controls, standards and tools for their Project and prioritize actions and investments to maintain or enhance its cyber security posture.
• Application of best practices throughout the Project’s life cycle: The Applicant demonstrates how they plan to maintain and/or improve the Project’s cyber security posture through ongoing measures.
• Contribution to a more resilient infrastructure: The Applicant shares cyber security lessons learned as part of their final report.

Applicants will be required to outline how their Project considers cyber security and contributes to a more resilient infrastructure. Applicants will be asked to provide the cyber security measures and controls that will be used to mitigate cyber risks and help prevent, respond to and recover from cyber incidents and threats. Applicants will also be asked to identify relevant impacts and reference appropriate standards and tools as described in Appendix D.

In addition, Applicants will be required to complete the Canadian Cyber Security Tool (CCST), a virtual self-assessment of their organization’s operational resilience and cyber security posture, and summarize the results as an attachment. Further details are provided in Appendix D.

5.4 Performance Data Capabilities

In order for projects to provide grid services and operate as smart and controllable generation, projects shall be capable of capturing, storing, and transmitting performance data. Generators, aggregators, project owners and utilities already collect performance data and most, if not all, already have systems in place to automatically transmit such data. Therefore, performance data collection is considered to be consistent with existing requirements under offtake agreements in place.

By setting a minimum technical requirement for IT infrastructure in new projects funded under the Program, SREPs intends to broaden the possible utilizations of performance data. E.g. To provide the Canadian electricity and energy sector with insights on the capabilities of technologies to both provide grid services and to support grid modernization efforts such as smart grid projects, new electricity market structures and new approaches to electricity grid operations.

Applicants must attest that the following has been included in their project design.

1. Data Historian capable of storing data with the following specifications, for each energy system.
• data sampling rate: 60-samples/minute (preferred)
• data retention: 1-year (preferred)
• data transmission frequency: daily (preferred)
2. Permanent internet connection to ensure secure data transfer: E.g., fixed IPV4 address.

When the energy system comprises multiple components of the same type, it is expected that the data of each component can be sent to the file transfer server. For example, if the energy system comprises multiple wind turbines, the raw data for each wind turbine can be sent to the file transfer server.

Some projects may benefit from early discussion to identify useful data streams and collection frequencies to best scope data infrastructure capabilities.

Recipients may include costs related to performance data infrastructure and required services that will be incurred within the eligible expenditure period of their Project.

Costs related to enabling data transmission capabilities are eligible expenses provided they fall within the Project’s eligible expenditure period.

6. Program Terms and Conditions

6.1 Stacking of Assistance

Prior to signing a contribution agreement, on an annual basis, and upon Project Completion, the Applicant will be required to disclose all funding sources (Canadian and non-Canadian) for the Project, including industry sources, approved in-kind funding, and contributions from other Canadian government sources (federal, provincial/territorial and municipal).

The maximum level of total Canadian government funding authorized under this Program will be 75% of Total Project Costs when the Applicant is a for-profit organization. Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments or their departments and agencies, as well as Indigenous Recipients and non-profit organizations, are eligible to receive up to 100% of Total Project Costs from government funding sources.

In the event that actual total government assistance to a Recipient exceeds the eligible expenditures, NRCan will adjust its level of funding and if necessary, seek reimbursement.

In general, collaboration and financial leveraging from other sources are strongly encouraged for all Program streams.

6.2 Eligible Expenditures

The Program will reimburse a portion of Eligible Expenditures incurred that are directly related to, and necessary for, the implementation and conduct of a Project, which include:

• Salaries and benefits for employees on the payroll of the Recipient, including parental leave benefits, accommodations and accessibility costs;
• Professional, scientific, technical and contracting services;
• Travel costs, including meals and accommodation, based on National Joint Council Rates.
• GST, PST or HST, net of any tax rebate to which the Recipient is entitled;
• Capital expenditures;
• Other expenses, including:
  • Printing services and translation;
  • Data collection services, including processing, analysis and management;
  • Construction insurance;
  • Accreditation;
  • Licence fees and permits;
  • Capacity building and training.
• Where the Recipient is an Indigenous organization or distributing funding to Indigenous organizations, other expenses may include honoraria and costs associated with an Indigenous ceremony.
• Overhead expenses, provided they are directly related to the conduct of the Project and can be attributed to it. Overhead expenditures can be included in the Total Project Costs up to a maximum of 15% of eligible expenditures.

Costs ineligible for reimbursement from the Program (but permitted as part of the Recipient’s portion of the Total Project Costs) include:

• The reimbursable portion of Federal and Provincial Taxes;
• In-kind costs;
• Legal costs related to notarization requirements.

6.3 Non-Admissible Expenditures

The Program will not reimburse any portion of the following costs, nor will it consider the following costs towards Total Project Costs:

• Land acquisition costs and associated real estate fees;
• Costs of leasing land, buildings and other facilities;
• Legal costs;
• Project Application preparation costs;
• Tax preparation costs;
• Financing charges and interest payments on Project loans;
• Costs that cannot be deemed necessary for the implementation of the Project;
• Salary benefits and incentives deemed unrelated to the Project (e.g., employee bonuses);
• All costs associated with the protection of Intellectual Property;
• Fossil fuel generation equipment;
• Costs incurred before the Project Approval notification date, or after the Project Completion Date or March 31, 2025, whichever is earlier.

6.4 Basis and Timing of Payment

Payments will be made based on evidence of Eligible Expenditures incurred on a regular basis (e.g., quarterly), upon receipt of the documentation as defined in the contribution agreement. The total amount of contribution funding paid to a Recipient under a funding agreement is not to exceed the Eligible Expenditures actually incurred by the Recipient.

Retroactivity	Recipients will be allowed to incur Eligible Expenditures, at their own risk, from the date that Project Approval has been provided by the Program to the date of contribution agreement signing within a given fiscal year, to a maximum of 30% of the Program’s contribution.
Holdbacks	In order to ensure appropriate Project oversight, a holdback amount, based on Project and Applicant risk, may be applied to each payment. The holdback will not be released until all requirements outlined in the contribution agreement, are deemed acceptable to NRCan.
Advance Payments	Regular advance payments may be permitted, where requested by the Applicant, and based on an assessment of their need, risk levels and cash flow requirements.
Method of Payment for Indigenous Recipients	Where it is deemed by Canada as advantageous to the success of the Project, Canada shall offer fixed or flexible contribution funding approaches for contributions to Indigenous Recipients.

6.5 Audits

Recipients may be audited at least once during the course of the contribution agreement period or after Project Completion. Financial audits will be tied to financial compliance and Project performance assessments will be evaluated in relation to outcomes identified in the contribution agreement.

6.6 Repayability

Projects where the Recipient is a for-profit organization and that are intended to allow the business to generate profits, as per the definition in Appendix E, will be repayable. These projects will be monitored for five years following their commissioning to determine the amount to be repaid to Canada. Within this time period, if a profit is generated, the Recipient will be required to repay the Program funds based on profit multiplied by the proportion of Canada’s contribution towards Total Project Costs, up to a limit of the amount of Canada’s Contribution. The maximum repayment would be equal to the Program’s Contribution.

The requirements that may trigger repayments will be detailed in the contribution agreement, along with the process for repayment.

The following Projects or Recipients will qualify for non-repayable contribution agreements:

• Indigenous Recipients;
• Provincial, territorial and municipal governments;
• Projects that qualify for less than $100,000 in contribution funding;
• Non-profit organizations.

6.7 Reporting Requirements

The Recipient will submit the following on a regular basis (e.g., quarterly) using the templates provided by the Program:

• An expense report signed by the Chief Financial Officer or Duly Authorized Officer of the organization which outlines Eligible Expenditures incurred;
• An updated Project cash flow statement and/or budget for the upcoming quarter;
• An update on Project activities that includes tasks completed and expected in the next quarter, and any Project-related issues and how they are being addressed.

The Recipient will submit an annual progress report that summarizes Project activities and performance indicators during the fiscal year, to indicate how the Project has been contributing to the overall Program objectives.

At the end of the Project, the Recipient will submit:

• A financial report on how the Contribution was spent, including a declaration as to the total amount of contributions or payments (including in-kind) received by the Recipient from other sources in respect to the Project and certification that the claims for payment of Eligible Expenditures have been incurred and paid by the Recipient;
• A narrative report to describe how Project activities have contributed to the achievement of the objectives, benefits and key performance measures of the Project, including the results of the Project in comparison to the original deliverables and work plan, with explanations of any deviations;
• Where applicable, a commissioning report signed by a professional engineer or duly authorized officer, indicating the date of commissioning.

For five years following Project commissioning or completion, the Recipient will submit annually, on the anniversary, an Outcome Report indicating the revenues received as a result of the Project.

6.7.1 Outcome Reporting

The Program is requesting performance indicators from supported projects as part of Program Outcome Reporting.

Performance indicators will be requested during the five years following Project Completion, including:

• Electricity produced (depending on project type);
• Greenhouse gas emissions reductions;
• Total jobs to date; and
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion plan results.

6.8 Intellectual Property

All Intellectual Property (IP) that arises in the course of a Project shall vest in, or be licensed to, the Recipient. The Recipient will grant to Canada a non-exclusive, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free licence in perpetuity to use the data and information contained in reports and modify such reports and documents for non-commercial governmental purposes.

6.9 Regulatory and Legal Requirements

Prior to Project Approval, where applicable, Projects will be required to complete various provincial environmental assessments, obtain conditional approval from regulatory bodies or obtain necessary permits (such as construction permits), and will be subject to relevant federal and provincial laws and acts. Applicants will be expected to fulfill all federal and provincial regulatory and legal requirements applicable to their Projects, or Program funding may be withheld.

6.10 Federal Lands

Under the Impact Assessment Act, NRCan is required to assess whether projects carried out on federal lands intended for funding are likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. If so, the Project may become a “designated project” under the Impact Assessment Act, and an Impact Assessment may be required. Please identify which portion(s) of the Project (if any) will be carried out on federal lands, and the specific activities (including but not limited to site preparation, construction, installation, modification, operation, decommissioning or abandonment) that will occur on those sites. If the Project is deemed a “designated project,” funding will be withheld until the Impact Assessment is complete and it has been determined that no significant adverse environmental affects will arise from the Project.

6.11 Indigenous Consultation

NRCan has a duty to consult with Indigenous groups when a contemplated Crown conduct, such as the provision of funding or the issuance of permits, may have an adverse impact on existing or potential Aboriginal or Treaty rights. The Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System will be used to assess Consultation requirements and to identify Indigenous groups that may be impacted by proposed projects. The federal government will then follow up as appropriate. Applicants will be expected to complete Indigenous consultation applicable to their Project, or Program funding may be withheld.

6.12 Other Conditions

• No Member of the House of Commons shall be admitted to any share or part of the contribution agreements, or any resulting benefit.
• The Applicants and Recipients will comply with the Conflict of Interest Act and the Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders.
• Funding may be cancelled or reduced in the event that departmental funding levels are reduced by Parliament. Agreements will include provisions to this effect.
• Recipients will be required to acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada in all public information produced as part of the Project.
• As part of Project monitoring requirements, NRCan will have the right to visit and inspect all Project sites upon providing a reasonable notice to Project Recipients.
• Contribution agreements will include requirements for joint communications activities, such as public information products, news releases, public announcements, other joint events and official languages.
• NRCan programs are subject to Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) considerations. As such, NRCan requests that Applicants and Recipients report on the number of women and other identity groups that will be employed on the proposed Project.

7. Application Process

The approval process is based on the principle of “first in construction, first served” and is designed so that an Applicant must demonstrate that their Project is advancing towards project start date / construction date. Where multiple projects with planned start dates in the same defined period are proposed, priority will be given to projects in coal-generating provinces, followed by Indigenous-owned projects.

As this is a continuous intake process, the Program will be continually accepting Project Registrations and Technical and Financial Applications until the Program end date of March 31, 2025 or until available Program funds run out, whichever is earlier. There is no time requirement between the Project Registration and Application submission.

The process involves the following steps:

1. Project Registration;
2. Technical and Financial Project Application;
3. Project Evaluation.

Following Project Evaluation, the Program will seek Project approval. If the Project Application is approved, the Program will begin negotiation of the contribution agreement with the Applicant.

7.1 Project Registration

To formally begin applying for the Program, Applicants are required to complete and submit the Project Registration Form as outlined in Appendix A. Once the Program has confirmed receipt of the Project Registration Form and eligibility of the proposed Project, the Applicant will be informed of the Program stream they are eligible for. Invitations to submit a Technical and Financial Project Application will be sent to Applicants within 10 business days of receipt of a Project Registration Form.

The completed Project Registration Form must be submitted through the Integro portal.

7.2 Technical and Financial Project Application

To demonstrate that proposed Projects are at a sufficiently advanced stage of planning and development, ensure accordance with grid service capability requirements and provide information required for the contribution agreement, Applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Appendix B as applicable to their Project.

The completed Technical and Financial Project Application must be submitted by email as both a Word file and a signed PDF along with all relevant attachments.

If the attachments are too large (in excess of 10 Mb), they can be sent in separate emails.

If the Technical and Financial Project Application is incomplete or information is missing, the application will be rejected, and the Applicant will have to resubmit the Technical and Financial Project Application with the missing information at a later date.

The Program will evaluate the Technical and Financial Project Applications as they are received, provided that:

• The application is complete;
• Funds are available and the Project may be eligible for a contribution agreement.

NRCan will have 90 business days to review the information provided under the Technical and Financial Project Application and determine the eligibility of the Project for a contribution agreement.

If additional information or clarification is needed to complete NRCan’s review of Project, the Program will request the additional information, will consider the date of reception of the additional information as the new date of reception of the Technical and Financial Project Application, and will continue its review accordingly.

Information on the Program requirements for the Technical and Financial Project Application are provided in Appendix B.

7.3 Project Approval

Upon a positive review of the Technical and Financial Project Application, and subject to all other conditions of the Program, including availability of funds, the Program will seek approval from the financial delegated authority to fund the Project. Once approval has been obtained, NRCan will proceed to negotiate and sign a contribution agreement with the Applicant.

7.4 Contribution Agreement Negotiation

Any funding under this entire submission, review and assessment process will be contingent upon the execution of a contribution agreement.

7.5 Service Standards

NRCan maintains a suite of service standards on the expected timelines for each phase of Program delivery. The key service standards for this Program are as follows:

Activity	Service Standard
Acknowledgement of receipt of a Project Registration or Project Application	5 business days
Invitation to submit a Technical and Financial Project Application, following Project Registration	10 business days
Funding decision	90 business days
Payment issued	30 days

8. Other Funding Resources

Applications submitted under this Program may be shared with other government funding programs to which those applications may be better suited.

8.1 Capacity Building Funding

The Program will support capacity building activities for Applicants who are not advanced enough in their Project development to complete a full Application and need support for activities such as feasibility studies, development of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plans, community engagements, knowledge sharing and workforce training.

8.2 Grants for Indigenous Engagement Activities

The Program will provide grant funding, up to $50,000 per Applicant per fiscal year, to support Indigenous engagement and consultation activities and expenses related to eligible Projects. Please contact the Program via email to seek an application for grant funding.

9. Confidentiality and Security of Information

Paragraph 20(1) of the Access to Information Act prohibits a government institution, including NRCan, from disclosing any information—financial, commercial, scientific or technical—supplied by a Project Applicant to NRCan so long as the Project Applicant treats the information as confidential in their own establishment.

Accordingly, NRCan will protect the Applicant’s confidential information in its possession to the same extent as the Applicant protects said confidential information in their own establishment. NRCan will use email correspondence to the Applicant for all non-confidential matters. NRCan recognizes that email is not a secure means of communication, and NRCan cannot guarantee the security of confidential information sent via email while it is in transit. Nonetheless, Applicants who regularly use email to communicate confidential information within their own organizations may choose to submit their documentation packages by email to: sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

For more information on this subject, please refer to Section 20 of the Access to Information Act.

10. Program Inquiries

To ensure that all Applicants have access to the same information and that there is a written response to every question, all questions and answers will be sent and received via the Program email: sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

Appendix A - Project Registration Form: Guidance and Criteria

The Project Registration Form is now available on the Integro portal on the SREPs webpage, where it can be submitted to the Program while the intake process is open.

The Program team will review the Project Registration Form to determine which stream(s) the proposed Project falls into, as per Section 4.3 of the Applicant Guide. Eligible Applicants will be assigned a file number and invited to submit a Technical and Financial Project Application, described in Appendix B.

Below is a list of the information required for the Project Registration Form:

Section	Category	Requirement
1	Contact Information	Legal name of Applicant organization Mailing address Contact name, role, telephone and email
2	Organization	Type of organization (e.g., for-profit, non-profit, utility, association) Jurisdiction of organization Registration or incorporation number (e.g., federal GST number) Expected percentage of Indigenous ownership in Project (if applicable)
3	Project	Project Title Type of Project (e.g., example activity or technology per Section 4.2 of Applicant Guide) Project location Expected Total Project Cost Net capacity, if applicable (in MW AC for generating project, or in TJ/year for heat project) Project timeline (start and end dates) Project overview (300 words maximum)

In addition to signing the Project Registration Form, the Applicant will be required to attest that they have read the Applicant Guide and certify the information provided is accurate. The Program reserves the right to share the Project Registration Form with other federal support programs and the Clean Growth Hub.

Appendix B - Technical and Financial Project Application: Guidance and Criteria

Registrants who meet the basic eligibility criteria through the registration process will be invited to complete a Technical and Financial Project Application. This application covers all the mandatory criteria for Program funding selection. Reviewers under the Program will evaluate the applications on a pass/fail basis. Incomplete applications will be rejected by the Program, and Applicants will be invited to re-apply when they meet the missing criteria.

For the Technical and Financial Project Application to be considered for review, the Applicant must provide all the following information where applicable to their project. Where not applicable, please explain why.

Overview

Item	Criteria	Requirements
A1	Applicant Information	Organization name Type of organization Registration/incorporation number (e.g., federal GST number) Mailing address Project manager’s name, role and contact information % of Indigenous ownership in the Project List of core team members and their relevant experience A copy of the Applicant organization’s corporate structure
A2	Project Information	Project name Stream (as identified by Program during registration process) Type of project activity/technology Project location (including geographic coordinates, and specifying whether the Project is on federal lands or on-reserve) Estimated Project start date Estimated Project completion date Estimated commissioning (if applicable) Project size (net installed capacity AC in MW, or TJ for heat) Expected annual generation and capacity factor (if applicable). Estimated GHG emission reductions (if applicable) Expected direct job years created by project Total Project Costs Requested Program amount Status of sale of electricity (if applicable) Project Summary (150 words maximum; high-level) Description of Project benefits (150 words maximum) Description of the Project (800 words maximum) Project partners
A3	Project Timeline	Provide a detailed timeline of the Project from the current date until anticipated completion. This should include key milestones and dates for phases such as design, procurement, construction and commissioning amongst others (e.g., GANTT chart).
A4	Project Risk	Provide a review of the Project’s technical and financial risks, their estimated likelihood, and mitigation measures.

Social benefits

Item	Criteria	Requirements
S1	Indigenous Consultations	Provide a list of Indigenous groups that you have consulted with for the Project, details about the level of engagement to date, their contact information and letters of support (if available). If no consultation is required, please explain why.
S2	For Indigenous-owned or partially owned Applicants	If applicable, provide details on the percentage of Indigenous ownership of the Project and benefits expected as part of the involvement in the Project (e.g., jobs, training, opportunities for increased ownership).
S3	Equity, Diversity and Inclusion	Provide either: 1) an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan; or 2) details and proof of signing on to a public commitment for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, as explained in Appendix C.

Permits, Regulatory Approvals

Item	Criteria	Requirements
R1	Regulatory Approvals	If applicable, provide evidence of approval or conditional approval from regulatory agencies required to carry out the Project. If no approvals are required, please provide a justification.
R2	Permits	If applicable, provide a list of permits secured for the Project and a schedule for additional permits required to carry out the Project.
R3	Land Access Rights	Provide evidence of access rights to the required land for the Project. Include copies of lease agreements, licence agreements and/or easement agreements.
R4	Environmental Assessments	If applicable, provide evidence of completed environmental assessments required to carry out the Project.

* The Applicant may provide links to permits and approvals obtained where available.

Financials

Item	Criteria	Requirements
F1	Financial Application Form	Complete the Budget Application Form provided in the application package, including a budget by government fiscal year and breakdown of expenses.
F2	Financial Statements	Provide two years of Financial Statements if they are not publically available online. For newly formed organizations, such as limited partnerships, provide financial statements of parent organizations.
F3	Confirmation of Financing	If applicable, provide confirmation or conditional approval of financing required for the Project. If not applicable, explain why.
F4	Funding From Other Levels of Government	Provide details of other funding requests and the status of each.
F5	Sale of Electricity	If applicable, provide details about the status of any Power Purchase Agreement (or Conditional Agreement) or any agreement with offtakers. Include information on the purchaser, price and length of term. For Projects operating in markets, include an anticipated average price.

Technical

Item	Criteria	Requirements
T1	Energy Resource Assessments or Feasibility Studies	If applicable, provide any resource assessments, energy yield assessments and/or feasibility studies completed for the Project or a summary signed by a professional engineer. If available online, you can provide a link. The analysis should be site specific. For generation projects, include production modelling results and/or an assessment of expected production. For energy storage projects, include an analysis of how the system will operate to achieve program outcomes.
T2	Technical Characteristics	Provide documentation of the Project component’s technical characteristics (such as specification sheets and power curves) as well as technical standards met for all technologies. These documents can and should be used to confirm compliance with grid service capability requirements in T5.
T3	Levelized Cost of Energy	Complete a Levelized Cost of Energy analysis which includes anticipated capital costs, average operation and maintenance costs, and anticipated energy production. Please include a list of detailed methodology and assumptions with an explanation to support this analysis. Energy storage projects can complete a Levelized Cost of Storage analysis which includes anticipated capital costs, average operation and maintenance costs, and anticipated usable energy storage. Please include a list of detailed methodology and assumptions with an explanation to support this analysis.
T4	Interconnection Design	If applicable, provide a standard Single-Line Diagram of the Project from the point of interconnection. T4 is applicable for all projects connecting to an electricity grid.
T5	Grid Services	If the Project includes technologies capable of delivering electricity, explain how the project, as a complete system, meets the grid service provision capability requirements described in Section 5.1 of the Applicant Guide. Also include: References to applicable grid codes; Technical standards; Equipment data sheets; Testing results; A verification plan for these capabilities*. * The verification plan might include items such as utility commissioning test plans, a utility letter of support confirming required capabilities, or other items with third-party verification (such as a sign-off by a P.Eng) which clearly confirm the Project’s capabilities. For Grid Modernization Projects, explain how the Project will result in improved asset utilization, increased efficiency, increased reliability and resiliency, as well as increased flexibility and renewable energy penetration. The Applicant should include all of the associated grid service documents such as references to applicable grid codes, technical standards, equipment data sheets, testing results, and a verification plan for these capabilities. A table will be provided.
T6	GHG Reductions	Provide the estimated GHG emission reductions from your Project using the template provided with the application package.
T7	Cyber Security	Describe how the Project considers cyber security using the Form described in Appendix D.
T8	Performance Data	Attest to minimum technical requirements.

Appendix C - Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Requirements

As indicated in the Applicant Guide, there are two options for aligning with the equity, diversity and inclusion requirements of the Program:

• Option 1: Submitting an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan;
• Option 2: Signing on to a public commitment for equity, diversity and inclusion that supports the Program’s objectives. Elements for both options are outlined below.

Examples of Public Commitments

• Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s 50 – 30 Challenge
• Diversio Certification of Diversity and Inclusion
• Becoming a Signatory of the Electricity Human Resources Canada Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Accord. Please note that only the Signatory status is permissible under the Program. The Advocate status is not permissible under the Program.

Appendix D - Cyber Security Application Form

Cyber security is the protection of digital information and the infrastructure on which it resides. It includes the body of technologies, processes, practices, as well as response and mitigation measures designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability (Source: PublicSafety.gc.ca).

The electricity sector is provincially regulated, with a variety of market structures, regulatory frameworks and approaches to cyber security implemented/used/enforced across Canada. Organizations may also take a wide range of approaches to cyber security and also need to meet corporate objectives, privacy requirements and/or comply with other regulations, depending on their activities. There may also be significant differences in organizations’ capacity to undertake cyber security measures due to their level of experience and expertise with cyber security as well as their ability to employ dedicated resources or access to skilled professionals. Cyber security requirements for each project must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to planned actions to improve cyber security posture.

The Government of Canada plays an important role in protecting critical infrastructure from threats due to accidents, natural hazards, espionage and sabotage. Proponents are encouraged to consult the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber Centre) and Public Safety Canada for free tools and resources to support their cyber security-related activities.

• The Cyber Centre is the single unified source of expert advice, guidance, services and support on cyber security for government, critical infrastructure owners and operations, the private sector, and the Canadian public.
• Public Safety Canada works closely with critical infrastructure stakeholders—federal departments and agencies, provinces and territories, owners and operators, the research and development community and international counterparts—to help protect the cyber systems that underpin the infrastructure and services that are integral to the daily lives of Canadians and to the health and security of Canada’s economy.

Cyber Security Objectives

The Program aims to advance cyber security through the following objectives:

• Maintain or enhance cyber security: The Applicant demonstrates how their organization will make use of cyber security-related controls, standards and tools for their project and prioritize actions and investments to maintain or enhance its cyber security posture.
• Application of best practices throughout the Project’s life cycle: The Applicant demonstrates how they plan to maintain and/or improve the project’s cyber security posture through ongoing measures.
• Contribution to a more resilient infrastructure: The Applicant shares cyber security lessons learned as part of their final report.

Cyber Security Requirements

Tools & Standards

Applicants are required to state how they will use cyber security tools and adhere to standards on security in the proposed project (e.g., data management, incident reporting, communication protocols, supply chains, sensor networks, servers and data analysis, incident reporting, and customer data privacy). Relevant tools and standards include the following:

• Canadian Cyber Security Tool (CCST) (required)
• NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Standards
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework and Smart Grid Framework
• Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2)
• Relevant provincial tools such as the Ontario Energy Cybersecurity Framework, and Self-Assessment Questionnaire (PDF, 1.01 Mb)

Canadian Cyber Security Tool

Applicants will be required to complete the Canadian Cyber Security Tool (CCST) virtual self-assessment (for their organization’s operational resilience and cyber security posture). The tool is divided into specific and clearly defined categories that are complemented by supporting web links, which provide additional guidance and information. It takes less than an hour to complete. The post-assessment results will include advice and guidance to the Applicant related to each cyber security theme discussed throughout the tool. The results and advice can help the Applicant prioritize cyber security actions and investments for their project to mitigate cyber risks and improve resilience.

Applicants will be required to provide proof of completion and a brief summary of their CCST virtual self-assessment in their application. The results attachment provided by the tool will remain with Applicant.

Identify Cyber Security Impacts of Proposed Project

Applicants will be required to outline how their Project considers cyber security and contributes to a more resilient infrastructure. Proponents will be asked to provide the cyber security measures and controls that will be used to mitigate cyber risks and help prevent, respond to and recover from cyber incidents and threats. Applicants will also be asked to identify relevant direct outputs and ‘bigger picture’ outcomes as well as reference appropriate standards and tools.

This will be included in the application template. Examples of relevant direct outputs and outcomes are provided below.

Appendix E - Definitions

Aggregation, for Grid Modernization projects (i.e. Microgrids, Virtual Power Plants, etc.), refers to the grouping of sites to act as a Single Controllable Entity with respect to grid operations. For grouping of projects to meet minimum project size, please refer to “Bundling”.

Applicant means the organization that submits a Project Application to the Program.

Application means a written project application signed and submitted by the Applicant to the Program, comprised of the Project Registration Form as well as the Technical and Financial Project Application and any additional attachments requested by the Program.

Bundling means grouping of projects to meet minimum project size. Projects can be located in different physical locations and potentially different electrical systems. Bundled sites are still required to meet all other project stream requirements related to grid services, EDI, cybersecurity, and performance data.

Contribution means funding provided by Canada under the contribution agreement toward Eligible Expenditures.

Construction Start Date is interchangeable with “Project Start Date” where applicable for projects that do not requires construction activities.

Data Historian means the IT infrastructure used to receive and store performance data. The data historian system is comprised of data historian software, data collection software and devices interfacing with the power system components, and the IT hardware and software required to support a secure and redundant local storage, a secure file transfer with external file servers, and a monitoring of the data collection and transfer processes. The data historian system is owned and maintained by the applicant.

Diversity means the acceptance and respect of various human dimensions including race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religious beliefs, age, physical abilities, political beliefs or other ideologies.

Electricity Market Innovations are technologies (systems; software and/or hardware that provide modernization of system operations, dispatch and asset utilization which enables improved clean, reliable, and affordable operation of the electricity system. Efforts may include, but are not limited to, developing new approaches or markets for distributed resources to meet local system needs and introducing advanced approaches, rate structures, and programs to incentivise grid friendly use of end use assets, or allowing inverter-based resources to contribute to essential reliability services.

Eligible Expenditures means those costs, incurred by Recipient within the Eligible Expenditure Period, which are cash disbursements made with respect to the activities set out in the Application.

Eligible Expenditure Period means the period starting on the date on which the Applicant was notified of Project Approval and ending on the earlier of the Project Completion Date or March 31, 2025.

Emerging Technologies means technologies successfully deployed at the utility scale in other countries but not yet commercially viable in Canada, or successfully demonstrated in Canada but not yet commercially deployed.

Equity means a condition or state of fair, inclusive and respectful treatment of all people. Equity does not mean treating people the same without regard for individual differences.

Grid Services are also known as “ancillary services” or “essential reliability services.” The International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) defines ancillary services (IEV 617-03-09) as “Services necessary for the operation of an electric power system provided by the system operator and/or by power system users,” and further notes that “system ancillary services may include the participation in frequency regulation, reactive power regulation, active power reservation, etc.” (Refer to Section 5.1).

Guarantor means, in relation to a limited partnership, the parent organization or a related organization that guarantees any repayment obligation to the Program.

Hybrid Project is a project which combines technologies from multiple deployment streams.

Inclusion means the extent to which diverse members of a group (society/organization) feel valued and respected.

Indigenous is understood to include Inuit, Métis, First Nation, Status Indian and non-Status Indian individuals, or any combination thereof.

Indigenous Recipient means an Indigenous community or government, Tribal Council, National and regional Indigenous councils, and Tribal organizations, and majority owned and controlled for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Indigenous-owned Project means a Project where there exists Meaningful Ownership by an Indigenous organization.

Meaningful Ownership means that the Indigenous share of ownership is significant enough as a portion of project costs that it will result in long term benefits for Indigenous communities and that the Indigenous share of ownership of the project is as follows:

• 25% where Total Project Costs are up to $100 million
• 20% where Total Project Costs are greater than $100 million, up to $200 million
• 15% where Total Project Costs are greater than $200 million, up to $300 million
• 10% where Total Project Costs are greater than $300 million

Microgrid means a group of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), including renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and loads that act as a Single Controllable Entity with respect to grid operations. The microgrid can operate connected to the electric system and/or as an independent island while still meeting the safety and reliability requirements of the local grid codes. Microgrids implement hardware and software control and digitization technology to manage the interactions between generation, storage and load as directed by a local utility, system operator, or private company.

Profit, in relation to the Project, means net operating profit as determined by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Project means the Applicant’s project identified in the Application, as approved by NRCan.

Project Approval means the date, following evaluation of an Application, on which the Applicant was notified by the Program that it has succeeded to the contribution agreement negotiation stage.

Project Completion Date means the date of Project completion, commissioning or commercial installation.

Project Start Date is interchangeable with “construction start date” where applicable for projects that do not requires construction activities.

Recipient refers to a successful Applicant that has entered into a contribution agreement with NRCan.

Renewable Energy means energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which they are consumed.

Retrofit means the installation of new software or hardware to an existing renewable energy or storage site to enable grid service capabilities compliant with Section 5.1. Addition of capacity to an existing site is not a retrofit for the purposes of the Program and instead is considered a capacity build-out project.

Single Controllable Entity means any combination of load, and/or generation, and/or storage that can be controlled and operated as if it were single and independent facility.

Stacking means the maximum limit of total Canadian government funding (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal) that is permitted under a contribution agreement for a Project.

System Operators are often referred to as “Independent System Operators” and are defined as the Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator or Reliability Coordinator who operates or directs the operation of the Bulk Electric System (BES) in real time as defined by provincial/territorial regulations.

Total Project Costs means the Program’s Contribution and other verifiable cash or in-kind Project contributions, either received or contributed by the Recipient, from the Project Approval date to the Project Completion Date or March 31, 2025, whichever is earlier.

Utilities are also referred to as “Electrical Utilities”. These entities own, establish, maintain and operate power system equipment (poles, wires, transformers, etc.) within the transmission and/or distribution systems as defined by provincial/territorial regulations.