At FortisAlberta, we believe reliability and customer value go hand‑in‑hand, and we’re always working to strengthen both.
Our experts conduct pilot projects to responsibly test new innovations that could deliver long-term value for Albertans. The findings from these pilot projects offer valuable insight as we continue to plan for and support Alberta’s evolving energy needs.
We are currently conducting two pilots (one residential-focused, one business focused) to explore whether brief voluntary changes in electricity use can help manage peak electricity demand. Participation in these limited-scope pilots is voluntary, and customers can opt out at any time.
Customer Flex
The Customer Flex pilot is exploring how residential Wi-Fi-connected thermostats can help manage electricity demand more efficiently. Participation involves brief temperature adjustments of up to 4°C during peak demand periods.
Customers with an eligible device may be invited to participate through email or their thermostat app. Customers who choose to take part will receive occasional updates about the pilot through email or in-app notifications.
EnergyHub manages enrolment, customer support, incentives and device coordination. Researchers from the University of Calgary and University of Alberta will also support the pilot. Learn more about eligibility and enrolment.
Customer Flex will also utilize 20 batteries from Alberta-based Eguana Technologies deployed in our service area to explore how additional technologies can work together to optimize the grid and provide greater customer choice and participation. Visit PowerClerk to learn more about this component.
Peak Rewards for Business
Peak Rewards for Business tests how high-energy-use, flexible load businesses in the FortisAlberta service area can play an active role in supporting a reliable electricity grid by voluntarily reducing or shifting their energy use during peak periods. Through the pilot, we’ll learn what drives customer participation, how effectively energy use can be adjusted when it matters most, and what benefits these programs can deliver for both customers and the broader system.
The results will help shape future programs and inform system planning, ensuring that demand response plays a meaningful role in keeping electricity reliable and affordable for Albertans.
Eligible facilities may include offices, retail, manufacturing, warehousing, industrial facilities and multi‑site portfolios. Participants are rewarded financially based on their average load reduction.
This pilot is part of a broader showcase of demand response solutions by the Alberta Energy Efficiency Alliance (AEEA) and several member utilities.
* The AEEA is a member‑based organization working with Alberta’s distribution utilities to demonstrate utility‑administered demand side management (DSM) programs, raise awareness of the opportunities for DSM in Alberta, and advocate for regulatory and policy change.
Previous Pilots
Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Pilot
In January 2023, FortisAlberta launched its Electric Vehicle (EV) Smart Charging Pilot, an initiative exploring how smart charging can help manage electricity demand and reduce stress on the grid. The pilot ended in June 2024, with 320 EVs participating from 57 communities.
View an overview of results.
Read the technical report.
Contact the Innovation Team
If you have any questions about these pilots, you can contact us at innovation@fortisalberta.com
Prepare for an Outage
Create an emergency kit. It’s a good idea to be prepared for a minimum of three days without electricity.