OPG subsidiary to handle EV infrastructure construction
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is getting into the construction business.
The utility announced on October 5 that it has launched a new subsidiary called PowerON Energy Solutions that will build and operate electrification and charging infrastructure for municipal transit agencies and other corporate electric vehicle fleets.
OPG says PowerON will support large-scale electrification projects by providing turnkey solutions for all electrical infrastructure—from the electricity grid connection to the vehicle chargers.
"PowerON is leveraging Ontario's clean electricity to help decarbonize other sectors," said PowerON's Theresa Dekker. "We know electrification of transportation is a high impact strategy to help meet climate change goals, and we have the infrastructure and large project expertise necessary to enable municipal and other fleets to make the transition."
PowerON is currently working with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Toronto Hydro to electrify the TTC's bus fleet. The work is North America's largest transit electrification project to date, with PowerON slated to design, build, own, operate and maintain the charging infrastructure.
"As our government continues to expand and improve Ontario's transportation network, it is important that municipalities have the opportunity to power their transit with clean electricity," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "To help lead that transition, PowerON will leverage their expertise to create a greener future across our province and support economic growth."
Transportation is currently responsible for about 30 percent of Ontario's emissions. Reducing greenhouse gas in this sector is key to meeting climate change goals. OPG’s efforts to electrify the transportation sector is one the actions the company is taking to be net zero by 2040 and a catalyst for a net-zero economy by 2050.
Featured image: An electric bus outside Toronto Transit Commission's Mount Dennis bus garage. (Ontario Power Generation Inc.)