Guelph, ON — Alectra Utilities is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its Green Energy and Technology (GRE&T) Centre, one of Canada’s first dedicated utility innovation hub. The GRE&T Centre, established in 2019, has driven transformative projects, earned recognition for its contributions to sustainability, and positioned Alectra as a leader in energy innovation.
To mark the occasion, Alectra is hosting a special event today at the GRE&T Centre in Guelph, where industry partners, community leaders and special guests, including Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, will gather to recognize the impact and achievements of the Centre over the past five years.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re proud of the role the GRE&T Centre has played in advancing sustainable energy solutions and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the utility sector,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “Our partnerships and innovations have benefited our customers and contributed to the evolution of Ontario’s energy landscape. We look forward to continuing our work in advancing green energy technologies and creating solutions that support our customers, partners and the broader community.”
“Guelph has long been known for its forward-thinking approach to sustainability and innovation,” said Mayor of Guelph, Cam Guthrie. “Our community thrives on pushing boundaries, solving challenges, and embracing new opportunities. The establishment of the GRE&T Centre here in Guelph is a testament to this spirit.”
Some of the GRE&T Centre’s notable achievements include:
- Pilot-to-policy leadership: Alectra’s Advantage Power Pricing (APP) project laid the groundwork for the Ultra-low Overnight (ULO) pricing plan introduced by the Ontario Government in 2023, providing significant cost savings for electric vehicle (EV) drivers across Ontario.
- Local energy innovation: In 2022, Alectra delivered North America’s first distribution-level local electricity market through the IESO York Region Non-Wires Alternatives Demonstration Project, a historic milestone in distributed energy solutions.
- Green leadership: Alectra’s Guelph office, home to the GRE&T Centre, achieved Zero Carbon Building status from the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) for both 2022 and 2023, underscoring Alectra’s commitment to sustainability.
The celebration event, themed “5 GRE&T Years of Impact & Innovation,” will feature keynote remarks from Mayor Guthrie, a panel discussion on the GRE&T Centre’s journey, and recognition of key partners who have been instrumental in driving innovation forward with Alectra.
For more information about the Alectra GRE&T Centre, please visit: Innovation at Alectra | Alectra Inc.
About Alectra Utilities
Alectra Utilities serves more than one million homes and businesses, representing approximately three million people in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area. As the largest municipally owned electric utility in Canada, Alectra invests in essential energy infrastructure, delivers safe and reliable electricity, and provides innovative energy solutions to help customers and communities explore the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.
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