Utility Support Stream

Currently accepting proposals from selected EOIs only

Following a comprehensive review process, a request for full project proposals was launched on February 18, 2025. The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) notified all applicants of their proposal status and selected Expressions of Interest (EOIs) advanced to the full project proposal stage, with a submission deadline of April 2, 2025.

Objectives

The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadian utilities and system operators are working to modernize their grids, better integrate Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as utility storage systems and microgrids, and striving to reliably meet the demands of increased electrification at the least cost to ratepayers.

The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program’s (SREPs’) Utility Support Stream (USS) supports utilities and system operators in modernizing their systems and integrating renewables while maintaining reliability and affordability. Projects funded under the USS will

• Improve the utilization and efficiency of existing assets
• Increase the reliability, resiliency, and flexibility of the power system
• Increase the integration and use of renewable resources and non-conventional infrastructure solutions
• Generate economic and social benefits and
• Help accommodate growing demand for clean and affordable electricity.

Current funding opportunities

Under this Stream, SREPs is currently accepting proposals from selected EOIs only.

Future Funding Opportunities

Further USS EOIs and requests for proposals will take place over the life of the program and will have specific eligibility criteria, which may vary for each request. The SREPs distribution list will be notified when new funding opportunities are launched.

Eligible projects

The USS will fund the:

1. deployment of grid modernization projects; and
2. utility pre-development projects.

Grid modernization deployment projects include upgrades and expansions to transmission and distribution systems, and technology upgrades which increase the future integration of clean electricity generation. USS projects will improve grid reliability, resiliency, and flexibility while improving affordability and enabling greater adoption of renewable energy. Projects can propose technologies as they see fit to meet these goals, but projects must:

• Enable modernization of the electricity system;
• Represent a permanent installation of equipment or a modification to existing processes, equipment, or systems for commercial operations;
• Be located in Canada and provide services or capabilities for sale or use in Canada; and
• Represent a proven technology – Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 or above^{Footnote 1}.

In addition to deployment projects, the USS is also providing funding for utility-led pre-development projects focused on how best to expand the electricity grid or integrate more clean electricity. Pre-development activities refer to the various planning, analysis, and assessment tasks necessary prior to the deployment of grid modernization projects or solutions, including engineering design work, feasibility studies, and other activities.

Timeline

The following timeline is notional and may be subject to change.

1. July 2024 -September 2024

   Engagement on stream requirements and design

2. October 10, 2024 - December 13, 2024

   Accepting expressions of interest (deployment projects)

3. February 18, 2025 - April 2, 2025

   Accepting project proposals from selected expressions of interest (deployment projects)

4. Ongoing

   Focused engagements and design of future requests for expressions of interest and requests for proposals

Contact us

Please direct questions about this stream to the SREPs Team: sreps-erite@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.

To receive USS updates by email, please send us a request with Add me to USS Distribution List in the subject line.