2026 Event Schedule

This session explores Alectra’s SmartCharge pilot—an initiative supported by the Ontario Energy Board’s Innovation Sandbox—that demonstrates how utilities can enhance residential customer engagement amid the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The pilot tests innovative value delivery models through personalized experiences, recommendations on selecting best-fit rate structures, and managed EV charging incentives. It also introduces a customer-facing marketplace where participants can obtain a Level 2 (L2) charger through either purchase or lease. 
   
The SmartCharge pilot project builds on Alectra’s existing customer engagement infrastructure, providing participants with streamlined EV charger installation, mobile-enabled charge management, and real-time insights into energy use and cost-saving opportunities. Supporting tools include an interactive online portal featuring calculators that educate customers on the costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions associated with various EV models, rate plans, and charging times for Level 1 (L1) and Level 2 (L2) chargers. The supporting EV awareness platform also offers guidance to help homeowners determine whether electrical upgrades are needed to support an L2 charger installation.  
   
The session will highlight initial trends, implementation lessons, engagement metrics and emerging strategies for scalable, customer-centric EV programs. It will also explore how home-installed Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) can support grid resilience, delay costly infrastructure upgrades, and contribute to decarbonization goals.  
 
This case study offers valuable insights for utilities designing customer-centric electrification initiatives that balance operational needs with a superior customer experience—while contributing to broader goals of grid flexibility and decarbonization.