MaRS partners with province to help Ontarians better manage energy use

Ontario Green Button initiative would make energy data accessible to consumers

TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - A new partnership between the Province of Ontario and MaRS Discovery District aims to give Ontarians direct access to energy data, helping consumers manage energy use and providing opportunities for Ontario companies to capitalize on the growing market for energy solutions.

The Honourable Chris Bentley, Minister of Energy, today announced that the province will partner with MaRS to explore an Ontario Green Button initiative, in conjunction with electric utilities, energy agencies and Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The program would give Ontarians direct, timely access to their own energy data through a secure download from their utility's website, utilizing the 4.7 million smart meters installed in homes and small businesses across the province.

"Through our working group to increase access to energy data, MaRS and the Ministry of Energy are opening the doors to innovative, new solutions that will drive conservation and consumer energy literacy, while positioning Ontario at the forefront of the global convergence of IT and energy," said Dr. Ilse Treurnicht, CEO, MaRS Discovery District.

Joe Greenwood, program director of MaRS Data Catalyst, believes smarter use of energy data will help accelerate the market for energy management solutions, providing a choice of tools to consumers and enabling Ontario companies to capitalize on this growing global opportunity.

"Data is as essential to today's economy as energy, and its effective use is critical to driving innovation and economic growth," Greenwood said. "Ontario's investment in the smart grid has established us as leaders in this sector. This initiative will allow us to build on that momentum."

The Honourable Chris Bentley, Minister of Energy, noted that the initiative will have both economic and environmental benefits.

"The Ontario Green Button initiative will enable each of us to have better access to our own energy use information. It will help us make choices to save energy and money," Bentley said.

About MaRS

MaRS Discovery District (Twitter: @MaRSDD) is a mission-driven innovation centre located in Toronto. MaRS works with partners to catalyze, accelerate and amplify innovation. MaRS supports entrepreneurs building Canada's next generation of growth companies.

About MaRS Data Catalyst

MaRS Data Catalyst brings together data and analysis from a variety of partners to track, quantify and grow Ontario's innovation economy. It uses data and insight to support the province's entrepreneurs, researchers, policy-makers and innovators.

SOURCE: MaRS Discovery District

Melissa Hughes

Manager, Media & Community Relations

[phone] ext. 2710
[email protected]