Brattle Report Finds that Ontario Could Cut Grid Upgrade Costs by up to 11% with ‘Non-Wires’ Solutions

As Ontario’s electricity demand rises, new research from Brattle experts shows that “non-wires” solutions – like battery storage, smart thermostats, and two-way EV charging – could significantly reduce the need for costly grid upgrades.

A recent report by The Brattle Group, commissioned by Clean Energy Canada, finds that scaling distributed energy resources (DERs) across the province could lower distribution capital costs by 5% to 11% over the next 20 years. These technologies help manage peak demand and ease pressure on local grids, and can delay infrastructure investments by up to eight years in some cases.

Importantly, the report finds that deploying DERs – including customer incentives – costs less than the savings they generate by avoiding new generation, transmission, and distribution expenses.

While Ontario already supports energy efficiency through programs like Peak Perks, the analysis highlights untapped potential and the need to accelerate deployment. Unlocking these benefits will require better systems to manage DERs and compensate participants.

“The Value of Using DERS for Distribution System Services in Ontario” was authored by Principals Sanem Sergici and Ryan Hledik, Managing Energy Associate Akhilesh Ramakrishnan, Energy Associate Kailin Graham, Senior Research Analyst Oliver Grocott, and Research Analyst Carly McAdam. The full report is available on Clean Energy Canada’s website.