Canada’s Hydro One pilots Vehicle-to-Home concept for grid reliability

Canadian utility Hydro One has partnered with AI-powered energy solutions provider Peak Power to pilot the Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) concept for grid reliability and resilience.

Peak Power will install two-way V2H charging technology at homes of Hydro One consumers that will participate in the pilot. The technology Peak Power is providing was previously tested and is now being used by Nissan in Japan and Australia.

The solution will enable consumers to use electric vehicles as batteries to provide backup power during outages or when the grid is stressed. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) will fund the pilot through its Grid Innovation Fund which is designed to support programmes aimed at helping consumers to manage their energy and ensure the reliability of Ontario’s grid.

Hydro One is using the project to modernise its grid to cater to changing business models and customer expectations.

The pilot will also help Hydro One to study how V2H can accelerate the electrification of both the transport system and consumer homes and the shift to low-carbon energy.

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Jason Fitzsimmons, chief corporate affairs at Hydro One, said the project falls under efforts to leverage new technologies that can help reduce the costs of operating the grid and consumer bills as well enhancing customer services.

Fitzsimmons added that technologies such as V2H will help in the integration of more clean energy resources on the distribution grid.

Matthew Sachs, the CEO of Peak Power, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Hydro One as a utility partner who shares our passion for pioneering clean energy innovation to benefit their customers and help support the reliability, affordability and sustainability of Ontario’s grid alongside growing EV adoption.”

Lesley Gallinger, the CEO of IESO, added: “Ontario is gearing up for a period of significant demand growth coupled with increasing pressure on supply. We see EV owners as potential partners in the system – being a part of the solution to meet Ontario’s long-term energy needs.” 

With more than 51,000 electric and hybrid vehicles currently operating in Ontario and the number expected to increase, IESO announced a $2.7 million project aimed at preparing the regional grid for an increase in demand. The investment will fund the development of local energy ecosystems that integrate batteries from electric vehicles with homes and electricity networks.

Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, said: “Our government recognizes that building an electricity grid that’s ready for future growth will require a diverse combination of energy solutions that provide greater flexibility, transparency and reliability for Ontario consumers.”

Vehicle-to-Grid technology can cut costs and emissions and power a home for approximately three days, according to a statement.