Cambridge, ON (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) – As extreme temperatures continue across Ontario, many customers are wondering how prolonged heat affects the electricity grid and what utilities are doing to maintain reliable service.
While GrandBridge Energy has not experienced any significant heat-related outages this summer, periods of sustained high temperatures place additional demands on the local electricity system. Through innovative demand management programs, investments in grid modernization and ongoing infrastructure improvements, GrandBridge Energy is taking proactive steps to strengthen grid resilience, support growing electricity demand and helping ensure customers continue to receive safe and reliable service.
Extreme heat increases electricity demand as air conditioners and cooling systems work harder, particularly during late afternoon and early evening when demand typically peaks. Extended periods of high temperatures can also place additional strain on local distribution equipment, including transformers, overhead lines and underground cables, increasing the potential for localized outages.
GrandBridge Energy plans, operates and maintains its electricity system to provide safe, reliable service year-round. To strengthen grid resilience during periods of high demand, the utility continues to invest in demand management programs, grid modernization initiatives and critical infrastructure improvements.
On July 1, GrandBridge Energy launched GridShare, a new local capacity program designed to support grid reliability in capacity-constrained areas of its service territory. Through GridShare, participating large electricity users and aggregators can temporarily reduce electricity demand or use on-site energy resources during peak periods, helping reduce pressure on the local grid when support is needed most.
On July 13, GrandBridge Energy issued its first standby notice to GridShare participants in anticipation of an activation event. On July 14, participating customers were asked to reduce their electricity demand by activating their enrolled demand response resources, marking the first GridShare activation of the summer operating season.
“GrandBridge Energy is proud to be among the first local distribution companies in Ontario to receive Ontario Energy Board approval on a program of this kind, representing an important step forward in modernizing how we manage electricity demand and strengthen grid resilience,” Umar Waqas, Vice-President, Gird Modernization, GrandBridge Energy.
GrandBridge Energy is also continuing to invest in modern grid technologies that give system operators better real-time information about what is happening on the electricity grid. These tools help operators monitor conditions and keep the system operating safely during periods of high demand. The utility is also installing automated equipment that can help reduce the impact of temporary issues on the grid and restore service more quickly where possible, helping reduce outage impacts for customers.
In targeted areas, GrandBridge Energy has also started using AI-supported tools to assist with vegetation management and load forecasting. These tools help identify where trees or vegetation may be too close to overhead power lines, allowing maintenance work to be better prioritized.
Load forecasting tools also help GrandBridge Energy better anticipate electricity demand during peak periods, including extreme heat events.
Customers can also help reduce pressure on the grid by shifting electricity use away from peak periods where possible, setting air conditioners a little higher, avoiding running large appliances or equipment during peak afternoon and early evening hours and participating in energy efficiency programs. GrandBridge Energy supports Save on Energy programs delivered in partnership with the Independent Electricity System Operator. These programs help residential, commercial, and industrial customers improve energy efficiency, reduce electricity use, manage costs, and help reduce strain on the electricity system during periods of high demand.
“Conservation is one of the most effective tools we have to build a more resilient electricity system,” said Lucas Prohaska, Key Account Manager, GrandBridge Energy. “Whether it’s a homeowner making simple energy-efficient upgrades or a large industrial customer participating in demand response, every action helps reduce strain on the grid and support long-term reliability.”
The need for innovative solutions continues to grow. The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts that Ontario’s electricity demand will increase significantly by 2050. Meeting that growth will require both smarter management of electricity demand and continued investment in critical infrastructure.
GrandBridge Energy is advancing both priorities. Alongside programs such as GridShare, GrandBridge Energy has made significant investments to increase capacity at Preston Transformer Station in Cambridge and is advancing the environmental assessment process for a new municipal transformer station on Boychuk Drive in Cambridge. These investments will help ensure local communities have the reliable electrical infrastructure needed to support future residential, commercial, and industrial growth.
