July 3, 2024 – The Town of Antigonish, N.S., is the beneficiary of $9.7 million for grid modernization, courtesy of Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program.

“We are excited to announce the launch of a large-scale infrastructure investment that will serve as a national flagship project,” said Laurie Boucher, Mayor. “The town’s grid modernization project is a significant initiative that showcases how municipalities, electric utilities, and customers can collaborate to ensure that our transition to a green future is inclusive and benefits all members of our community.”

The funding will help deploy hardware and software systems across Antigonish to create a more efficient and resilient grid. This should, in turn, lead to reduced power outage frequency and duration, increased opportunity for cost-effective electrification, increased renewable integration and, ultimately, help Antigonish to meet its net-zero aspirations, says Natural Resources Canada.

The $4.5-billion Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program is designed to “significantly reduce emissions and create sustainable jobs by continuing to support the deployment of grid modernization, energy storage and renewables in every region of Canada”, adds NRCan.

The Town of Antigonish owns and operates its own electric utility, with about 64% of its energy coming from renewable sources.