Ontario could cut distribution grid spending by 5% to 11% over 20 years with batteries and bidirectional EV chargers, Brattle study finds

A Brattle Group analysis commissioned by Clean Energy Canada estimates that targeted deployment of distributed energy resources, including battery storage and managed two way EV charging, could reduce Ontario's distribution capital expenditure by 5% to 11% over the next two decades. The study found that the cost of deploying these resources and offering consumer incentives would be lower than the combined savings from avoided generation, transmission and distribution upgrades. The research modelled technologies such as controllable water heaters, battery storage, bidirectional EV charging, smart thermostats and solar PV as alternatives to traditional grid reinforcement.

Why it matters: Procurement teams and charge point operators planning Ontario projects can now quantify the business case for integrating vehicle to grid and storage into grid service contracts, potentially unlocking new revenue streams while helping utilities defer expensive substation and feeder work. The findings give local distribution companies and the Independent Electricity System Operator a financial benchmark for non wires tenders that include managed EV charging infrastructure.