PUC Distribution Celebrates Milestone Achievement with Launch of Canada’s First Community-Wide Smart Grid System
December 12, 2023
PUC Distribution is proud to announce a historic moment in Canadian energy innovation with the launch of the country’s first community-wide smart grid system.
This groundbreaking development in Sault Ste. Marie promises to revolutionize the way electricity is distributed and managed, bringing increased reliability, sustainability, and efficiency to the region.
The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau was on hand to help officially launch the Sault Smart Grid (SSG). The Prime Minister toured PUC before cutting our Sault Smart Grid ribbon.
“I want to extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for being here today to help us celebrate this momentous event. The Sault Smart Grid would not have been possible without the critical funding and support from the Federal Government,” said Robert Brewer, President and CEO of PUC Services.
“Today’s launch of our Smart Grid underscores the value in partnership and how a collective commitment to sustainable energy can help us lead the way to a brighter, greener and smarter future,” Brewer added. “This project and the Federal Government’s support is instrumental in our journey to create a more innovative and eco-friendlier Sault Ste. Marie for generations to come.”
The Sault Smart Grid (SSG) is a significant $34 million project that aims to modernize and enhance the way electricity is delivered to the community of Sault Ste. Marie. This project received substantial support from National Resources Canada (NRCan), with $7.7 million in funding, thanks in large part to the tireless advocacy of Sault Ste. Marie’s Member of Parliament, Terry Sheehan.
The SSG project is expected to bring several important benefits to the community. Residential customers can anticipate an average energy savings of 2.7%, which can translate into cost savings on their electricity bills. Additionally, the implementation of SSG will lead to an annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2,804 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This reduction is a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns and contributing to sustainability goals.
Furthermore, SSG will improve the electrical system’s reliability in the area. This includes shorter power outages and fewer customers being impacted when outages occur. Enhancing the reliability of the electricity supply is essential for the future prosperity and sustainability of our community.
“We are immensely proud of this achievement, which represents a giant leap towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future for our community,” said Jim Rennie, Board Chair, PUC Distribution “The implementation of Canada’s first community-wide smart grid system is a testament to our dedication to technological innovation and our commitment to serving our community with the best possible energy solutions.”
