Justin Trudeau hangs with local kids, cuts ribbon on Canada's first community-wide smart grid at PUC

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Sault Ste. Marie today to help PUC Services officially launch the $34 million Sault Smart Grid system.

The Prime Minister's visit coincided with PUC's 'bring your child to work day' as he toured the facility and helped cut the Sault Smart Grid ribbon.

“The PUC Sault Smart Grid is a great example of how investing in Canadian innovation is good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for families," the Prime Minister said in a news release issued by PUC. "This project will not only help cut pollution to keep our air clean, it will also mean energy savings and reliable power for customers. That is a true win-win.”

“We set out to become a national leader in the energy industry, and the Smart Grid project turns that aspiration into reality," said Mayor Shoemaker in the release. "Through the tremendous leadership of PUC Services, Sault Ste. Marie is now the first city in Canada with a community-wide grid, and residents and businesses will benefit from a more cost-efficient and reliable power source.”

Full text of the PUC Services news release follows:

PUC Distribution is proud to announce a historic moment in Canadian energy innovation with the launch of the country's first community-wide smart grid system. This groundbreaking development in Sault Ste. Marie promises to revolutionize the way electricity is distributed and managed, bringing increased reliability, sustainability, and efficiency to the region.

The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau was on hand today to help officially launch the Sault Smart Grid (SSG). The Prime Minister toured PUC before cutting our Sault Smart Grid ribbon.

“I want to extend my gratitude to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for being here today to help us celebrate this momentous event. The Sault Smart Grid would not have been possible without the critical funding and support from the Federal Government,” said Robert Brewer, president and CEO of PUC Services.

“Today’s launch of our Smart Grid underscores the value in partnership and how a collective commitment to sustainable energy can help us lead the way to a brighter, greener and smarter future,” Brewer added. “This project and the Federal Government’s support is instrumental in our journey to create a more innovative and eco-friendlier Sault Ste. Marie for generations to come."

The Sault Smart Grid (SSG) is a significant $34 million project that aims to modernize and enhance the way electricity is delivered to the community of Sault Ste. Marie. This project received substantial support from National Resources Canada (NRCan), with $7.7 million in funding, thanks in large part to the tireless advocacy of Sault Ste. Marie's Member of Parliament, Terry Sheehan.

The SSG project is expected to bring several important benefits to the community. Residential customers can anticipate an average energy savings of 2.7 per cent, which can translate into cost savings on their electricity bills. Additionally, the implementation of SSG will lead to an annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2,804 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This reduction is a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns and contributing to sustainability goals.

Furthermore, SSG will improve the electrical system's reliability in the area. This includes shorter power outages and fewer customers being impacted when outages occur. Enhancing the reliability of the electricity supply is essential for the future prosperity and sustainability of our community.

"We are immensely proud of this achievement, which represents a giant leap towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future for our community," said Jim Rennie, board chair, PUC Distribution "The implementation of Canada's first community-wide smart grid system is a testament to our dedication to technological innovation and our commitment to serving our community with the best possible energy solutions."

Quotes:

“The PUC Sault Smart Grid is a great example of how investing in Canadian innovation is good for the environment, good for the economy, and good for families. This project will not only help cut pollution to keep our air clean, it will also mean energy savings and reliable power for customers. That is a true win-win.” - The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau

“We have been working hard with the PUC for many years to make Sault Ste. Marie the home of Canada's first community-wide Smart Grid. Making use of this cutting-edge technology will help reduce greenhouse emissions, reduce electricity consumption, and prepare us for electrification and the growth in electric vehicles. I want to thank the Prime Minister for joining us in the region to celebrate this game-changer for Sault Ste. Marie. It is my hope that our Smart Grid will be a model for communities across Canada.” - Sault Ste. Marie’s Member of Parliament Terry Sheehan

“We set out to become a national leader in the energy industry, and the Smart Grid project turns that aspiration into reality. Through the tremendous leadership of PUC Services, Sault Ste. Marie is now the first city in Canada with a community-wide grid, and residents and businesses will benefit from a more cost-efficient and reliable power source.” - Mayor Sault Ste. Marie, Matthew Shoemaker