Ontario Leveraging New Technologies to Strengthen Electricity Grid in Thunder Bay
October 9, 2025
Grid Innovation Fund to Pilot New Heat Pump System at Confederation College
October 9th 2025
Thunder Bay – Today, MPP Kevin Holland announced that the Independent Electricity System Operator is investing $3.2 million through the Grid Innovation Fund (GIF) to install and pilot a large-scale electric heat pump and thermal storage facility at Confederation College. The GIF is a key component of Ontario’s Energy for Generations integrated energy plan, which outlines the province’s comprehensive strategy to modernize the electricity system and drive economic growth.
“This investment is an important step in strengthening our energy system and ensuring Northwestern Ontario is ready for future growth. Reliable and affordable electricity is essential for our manufacturing, mining, and forestry sectors to thrive and for new businesses to invest in our region. “said Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan “By supporting projects like this, our government is helping make Northwestern Ontario a leader in energy innovation and a driving force in Ontario’s economy.”
Over the next 25 years, Ontario’s electricity demand is expected to grow significantly. At the same time, demand for fuels critical to transportation, heating, and industry remains strong. To address this, the province is investing record funds in energy infrastructure, supporting skilled workers and driving economic growth amid uncertainty. The latest funding targets electric transportation, heating, and cooling projects to help reduce costs and enhance grid performance as electric vehicle use and heating needs rise.
“Ontario is leading the way in modernizing our electricity system by investing in cutting-edge technologies that enhance grid reliability and lower energy costs for families and businesses,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Thanks to the leadership of MPP Kevin Holland, this funding for Confederation College’s electric heat pump and thermal storage project will reduce costs. This is all apart of Ontario’s plan to keep energy affordable, which is why we launched the largest energy savings program in Ontario history.”
The Grid Innovation Fund provides funding for innovative pilot projects that explore the potential integration of emerging technologies into Ontario’s electricity system. Since 2005, the Grid Innovation Fund has advanced over 290 innovative pilot projects to identify opportunities to achieve electricity bill savings for Ontario ratepayers.
Quotes
“This project is a powerful example of how collaboration within our community can drive
real energy innovation. By working with Confederation College, Powerconsumer, and
Blackstone Energy Services, we’re building a smarter, more flexible grid that supports
Thunder Bay’s growth and sustainability goals. Through initiatives like this, Synergy
North is helping to shape a cleaner and more resilient energy future for our customers
and our community.”
– says Karla Bailey, Vice President, System Planning, Asset Management & Engineering at Synergy North Corporation
“This innovative project will offer real-time visibility into asset operations, winter peak
demand and shaving opportunities, and IESO wholesale level tests for energy and
capacity. The modular pilot system also allows for future capacity expansion. We are
excited to work with this team of innovators to leverage our blackPAC distributed energy
resource management platform, as it will enable a demonstration of what the future of
Ontario’s smart grid utility and client collaboration may look like.”
-Tim Schneider, President of Blackstone Energy Services Limited
“This investment supports real progress toward a cleaner, more efficient energy future
for Northwestern Ontario. Through collaboration with our partners, Confederation
College is modernizing its campus systems in ways that will reduce emissions, improve
energy efficiency, and deliver long-term cost savings. It’s an important step that
strengthens both our environmental and financial sustainability while creating hands-on
learning opportunities for our students.”
– Michelle Salo, President, Confederation College
“In this project, we are working together to advance the realization of the DSO and
support the broader energy transition. Our focus extends beyond big data analytics and
energy management technologies — it is also about making distribution system demand
management more inclusive by actively involving local communities.
– Trevor Su, CTO & COO Powerconsumer Inc.”
QUICK FACTS
- The IESO forecasts that Ontario’s electricity demand is on track to grow in the coming decades. The electrification of transportation and heating are major contributors, changing daily demand patterns and the way the electricity system is managed.
- Over 400,000 Ontario households use electric heat pumps for heating and cooling.