Take Flight Towards A Smart Energy Future: Exploring Hydro Ottawa’s Eco Home

IMAGINE STEPPING OFF A PLANE at the Ottawa International Airport and into a glimpse of the future— the energy future. Nestled amongst the bustling arrivals area, you’ll find the innovative Hydro Ottawa eco home. This isn’t your average display—it’s an interactive experience designed to educate and inspire both Ottawa residents and visitors on their journeys towards a more sustainable energy future.

Transforming how we power our lives

The eco home illustrates the energy transition in action and exemplifies Hydro Ottawa’s leadership in the energy transition. It demonstrates how innovative solutions, such as electric vehicle chargers, solar panels with battery storage, and heat pumps can empower residents to embrace clean energy and reduce their carbon footprint.

“Everyone has a role to play in the energy transition,” explains Shawn Carr, Manager, Customer Experience with Hydro Ottawa. “The eco home serves to demonstrate that the transition to a sustainable energy future is not only possible but also achievable through the adoption of innovative technologies, electrification, and a commitment to energy conservation.”

Key themes and panels found in the home include:

• Renewable energy: highlights the importance of renewable energy sources like solar, hydroelectric, and biomass in meeting Ottawa’s growing electricity needs.
• Electric vehicle charging: promotes EVs as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provides information on charging options.
• Solar and battery storage: explains how solar panels and battery systems can help homeowners generate and store their own clean energy, reducing reliance on the grid.
• Heat pumps: highlights the benefits of heat pumps as an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems.
• Energy conservation: provides practical tips for reducing energy consumption at home, such as using LED bulbs, unplugging devices, and switching to energy-efficient appliances.

Building a brighter tomorrow—together

The eco home is also an opportunity to learn more about how the utility is keeping Ottawa connected today and into the future and educating customers about the benefits of electrification and available technologies so they can meet customers where they are on their electrification journey.

The utility is committed to both adapting their infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change and mitigating their carbon footprint through investments in renewable energy and grid modernization.

“Hydro Ottawa is committed to providing our customers with safe, reliable, and responsible energy,” says Guillaume Paradis, Chief Electricity Distribution Officer, Hydro Ottawa. “The modernization of the grid is essential to achieving this goal. By integrating renewable energy sources and supporting the growing demand for electrification, we are ensuring that our community has access to a clean and reliable energy supply for generations to come.”

As part of that modernization, Hydro Ottawa is undertaking studies to assess the impact of electrification by 2050 and the resilience of the distribution system to climate change. They’re also exploring non-wire alternatives, like solar power and battery storage to meet future energy needs.

Visitors can learn more about these steps in these panels:

• Climate change and adaptation: emphasizes the impact of climate change on Ottawa’s energy infrastructure and highlights Hydro Ottawa’s efforts to adapt and build a more resilient grid.
• Smart energy future: explores the concept of a smart energy system that leverages modernized infrastructure and innovative solutions like microgrids and smart communities.

Empowering our community and its residents

The eco home transcends the typical museum exhibit. It’s also a platform for education and engagement.

Visitors can charge their phones in the wireless charging station while they choose what to learn through several interactive touch screens or scan QR codes to access a wealth of information on Hydro Ottawa’s website—from details on government incentives for green technologies, to resources for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and tips for individuals wanting to make their homes more energy-efficient.

The impact of the eco home extends far beyond the walls of the exhibit itself. Hydro Ottawa and the Ottawa International Airport Authority are partnering to achieve a sustainable future which is why the location was selected for the home. The utility is helping the airport reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2040 through projects like LED lighting conversions and feasibility studies outlining different strategies and technologies to achieve its goals.

Businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint can find inspiration in the showcased technologies. Imagine powering your office with renewable energy or installing EV charging stations for a more sustainable fleet.

For residents, the eco home offers a chance to explore practical steps they can take to green their homes. Interactive displays explain the benefits of smart home technology and even small changes that lead to big results, like switching to LED lighting.

A smart energy future within reach

The eco home isn’t just about showcasing the future; it’s about making that future attainable.

So, the next time you find yourself at the Ottawa International Airport, take a moment to explore the eco home. It might just be the inspiration you need to take flight towards a smart energy future.

If you’re not flying on your next trip but still want to check out the home content, visit hydroottawa.com/home or hydroottawa.com/maison