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On June 20, 2024, Climate Positive Energy Executive Director Shatha Qaqish-Clavering delivered a presentation at the semi-annual National Electricity Roundtable (NER) meeting in Montreal, Quebec. Serving as a hub for collaboration among stakeholders in Canada’s electric power sector, NER facilitates strategic partnerships with Federal Ministries to nurture the industry’s sustained prosperity and advancement.

Qaqish-Clavering provided an update on CPE’s Grid Modernization Centre, which presents a unique opportunity for Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as part of the meeting.

According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), electricity demand will double in the next two decades, and in recent years, the Government of Ontario has taken many steps to strengthen the electric vehicle (EV) sector and expand EV charging infrastructure. Industry electrification and transportation electrification are the main drivers of this increased demand.

The Grid Modernization Centre will support the EV industry and its supply chain, utilities, SMEs in Canada through a physical testing facility; cybersecurity, protection and testing and monitoring of control devices; capacity planning and “what if” scenarios; and creative financing models that can support the development of regulatory framework and policy recommendations. The Grid Modernization Centre will also help Indigenous and northern communities transition from diesel to renewable energy solutions by informing decisions around the design and construction of micro-grid facilities.

The meeting also featured a panel discussion on the the potential implications of AI on utility operations and maintenance, supply chain dynamics, and the workforce, as well as updates from Dominique Deschênes (ADM, Ministry of Energy, Government of Quebec) and Christian Bélanger, Senior Director — Research and Innovation, Hydro Quebec.

We extend our gratitude to the NER for their invitation and for providing a forum to discuss critical electricity sector issues and updates.

CPE looks forward to further activity and discussions about the Canadian electricity ecosystem.