Funding Snapshot

  • Non-repayable contributions
  • Supports innovation related to the electricity grid in Ontario
  • Holds targeted intakes periodically and open intakes yearly

Fund Description

The Grid Innovation Fund supports innovation with the potential to achieve significant electricity bill savings for Ontario ratepayers – either by enabling greater competition in Ontario’s electricity markets or by helping customers better manage their energy consumption. The Fund invests in projects through two types of calls: 1) a yearly open call, and 2) a periodic call for projects addressing a specific challenge identified by IESO.

Funding Details

The program funds up to a specified percentage of project costs which depends on the project type. Projects should be no more than three years in length.

Eligible Expenditures

The program funds projects, not companies, designed to pilot, and in some cases develop, innovative technologies, practices, services, research, and programs. Projects must present a significant opportunity for ratepayer savings, either directly by enabling customers to better manage their own electricity use, or indirectly by reducing the costs associated with maintaining a reliable electricity system, including projects seeking to increase competition for the provision of products and services in Ontario electricity markets.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants can be either for-profit or non-profit incorporated entities, including hydro companies, technology companies, educational institutions, public sector organizations, and more.

Program Run

IESO Grid Innovation Fund is a permanent program which accepts applications through both a yearly open intake and specific targeted calls.