Electric vehicle pilot offers Alberta Fortis customers $150 to test power grid
If you're a FortisAlberta customer who owns an electric vehicle (EV), the company is looking for your help with a pilot program that will test the limits of Alberta's electrical infrastructure.
Along with the valuable information, Fortis is also offering eligible participants incentives for their time.
The Electric Vehicle Smart Charging Pilot hopes to answer questions about how the adoption of EVs will affect the province's system, especially with the federal government's recent pledge to fully transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
"We expect to see an increasing number of Albertans driving EVs," Fortis said in a release, adding that thousands of Albertans are already using them.
According to the Alberta Electric System Operator, it's predicted there will be 1.5 million EVs on Alberta roads by 2035.
To participate, customers who drive an EV who live within Fortis' service area need to download Optiwatt, a smart charging app, for free from the Apple or Google Play store.
Only 600 spots are available and anyone who signs up will receive $150 – $50 at signup, and $100 at the conclusion of the pilot program after completing a survey.
Fortis says "additional incentives" will be offered to participants through the Optiwatt app.
"Rewards are provided through the Optiwatt app and can be redeemed through Paypal, Zelle, Stripe and digital gift cards," Fortis said.
It's the first pilot of its kind in rural Alberta, Fortis says, and also reflects the company's commitment to a resilient power grid.
"The data gathered will help us understand vehicle charging requirements of our customers," said Fortis' vice-president of engineering Curtis Eck in a statement.
"It will also demonstrate the opportunity for active managed charging to mitigate grid impacts, reduce carbon impacts and save customers money – costs that directly impact the transmission and distribution fees on Alberta utility bills."
The pilot program began in January and will end on Dec. 31.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.