Excerpted from Survalent’s Exploring the Utiliverse podcast, featuring Robert Brewer, CEO of Sault Ste. Marie Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
As the country’s first community-wide smart grid initiative, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Utilities Commission (PUC) smart grid offers invaluable insights into the key drivers, technologies, and funding strategies behind successful grid modernization.
Leading the Way in Smart Grid Innovation
The Sault Ste. Marie PUC’s smart grid project marks a transformative step forward in utility modernization. Known as the Sault Smart Grid (SSG), this pioneering initiative integrates a variety of energy sources—including solar, wind, and hydroelectric, alongside natural gas—into a cohesive, resilient, and efficient grid. Among PUC’s key challenges was managing variable energy supplies while ensuring dependable service for the community. Survalent’s technology suite played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, delivering solutions that enhance both operational control and reliability.
This project serves as a blueprint for other electric distribution utilities interested in exploring sustainable, cost-effective, and robust grid modernization. By embracing intelligent systems, real-time communication, and renewable integration, SSG sets a high standard for the future of utility service.
Key Technologies Driving Success
At the heart of PUC’s smart grid transformation are advanced tools and technologies, all integrated through the SurvalentONE Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS). This system includes SurvalentONE Voltage/VAR Optimization (VVO), SurvalentONE Dynamic Voltage Regulation (DVR), and SurvalentONE Outage Management System (OMS) providing PUC with real-time visibility and control over grid operations. With these tools, the utility can make data-driven decisions and optimize energy management for greater efficiency.
The voltage regulation enabled by SurvalentONE VVO and SurvalentONE DVR ensures that energy delivery to customers is highly efficient, leading to an estimated annual energy savings of $2.3 million and an average reduction of 2.7% in residential energy consumption. The smart grid also features SurvalentONE Distribution Automation (DA), which is equipped with Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) capabilities and functions as a ‘self-healing’ mechanism. This technology identifies and isolates faults, minimizing the impact of outages and rapidly restoring service to unaffected areas.
The integration of enhanced grid intelligence improves operational insight and reliability, significantly reducing both the frequency and duration of outages. In addition to improved efficiency and reliability, the project is also making a positive environmental impact, with a projected annual reduction of 2,804 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. As utilities prepare for increased renewable integration, demand growth, and ambitious climate goals, the Sault Smart Grid stands out as a scalable model of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation for the modern utility landscape.
The Role of Strategic Funding in Grid Modernization
One of the most valuable insights from the Sault Ste. Marie PUC project is the creative approach taken to finance such a large-scale initiative without increasing customer bills—a major concern for many utilities (and rightfully so). PUC leveraged the energy savings generated by SurvalentONE VVO to offset much of the project’s cost. This, combined with federal support through Natural Resources Canada’s EnerCan fund, allowed PUC to implement the upgrades without passing costs onto its customers.
Securing 25% of the project funding from the federal government was a crucial milestone, but it wasn’t easy. PUC’s CEO, Robert Brewer explains that PUC had to demonstrate the viability and value of its approach to both the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and EnerCan. By presenting data on energy savings, reliability benefits, and environmental impact, PUC was able to convince stakeholders that the project was not only feasible but essential for modernizing their grid.
Utilities looking to pursue similar funding opportunities can learn from PUC’s experience. Brewer emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared for regulatory scrutiny, noting that PUC had to go through multiple rounds of approvals and fine-tuning to get the green light from provincial and federal bodies. The lesson highlights just how critical it is to have a well-thought-out plan and to ensure that there is buy-in from stakeholders from the very start.
Lessons for Utilities Embarking on Grid Modernization
The Sault Ste. Marie PUC project provides valuable insights for other utilities considering grid modernization. Key lessons include:
One of the foremost lessons from this project is the importance of securing broad stakeholder alignment from the outset. By fostering a unified vision among municipal shareholders, board members, engineering teams, and the community, PUC built trust and maintained support throughout—a crucial factor for the success of large-scale infrastructure efforts.
- Flexibility in Funding and Technology
A critical takeaway from the project is the need to stay flexible and creative when securing funding and deploying advanced technologies. PUC combined federal support, energy savings from innovative grid technologies, and strategic partnerships with companies like Survalent to complete the $34 million project without placing additional financial burden on customers.
- Vendor Partnerships Aligned with Long-Term Goals
According to Brewer, selecting vendors with a shared vision and commitment to the utility’s long-term goals is vital. Partnering with Survalent allowed PUC to implement advanced technologies that not only met immediate needs but also aligned with their vision for a resilient, future-proof grid. Brewer emphasizes that utilities should choose partners who offer reliable support, technical expertise, and an understanding of the utility’s broader mission.
For utilities planning similar projects, these lessons highlight the importance of a strong network of partners, both for technology and funding, and the need for flexibility in adapting to unforeseen challenges. Together, these elements can form a strong foundation for overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success.
Looking Forward: The Future of Grid Modernization
The Sault Ste. Marie’s smart grid project marks an important first step in a broader transformation toward smarter, more resilient utilities. The next step is to gather and share data on energy savings, reliability improvements, and customer satisfaction. These insights will inform future projects and serve as valuable data points for other utilities as they prepare for their modernization journeys.
For utilities across Canada, this project is a reminder that grid modernization is not just about upgrading technology—it’s about strategic planning, funding innovation, and stakeholder management. By leveraging the lessons learned from Sault Ste. Marie, other utilities can accelerate their own journeys toward smarter, more resilient grids. And Survalent is always here to join as the trusted partner to help navigate the path forward.
To hear more about this groundbreaking project and gain practical advice for your utility, listen to the full episode of Survalent’s Exploring the Utiliverse podcast:
Ready to take the next step in modernizing your grid? Contact Survalent today to learn how we can support your utility’s transformation.
