Media Release
The Corporation of the City of Oshawa
For Immediate Release
Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (Oshawa Power) is one of the first utilities in North America to champion residential solar-plus-storage systems, spearheading innovation in delivery of energy services that can change how we power our customers’ homes and ensure that lights stay on even in the event of grid outages, such as due to extreme weather
OSHAWA, ON – Oshawa Power, in partnership with the City of Oshawa and the Japanese government agency New Energy and Industrial Development Organization (NEDO) is leading the charge for the way utilities will do business and provide economically and environmentally sustainable energy services to their customers in the 21st century. This week, Oshawa Power, along with its partners, will celebrate one of the first several installations of residential solar-plus-storage systems by a utilities company in North America.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on November 20, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the first installation. Tabuchi Electric president and CEO Toshihiro Kaihoshi, Oshawa Power CEO Atul Mahajan and Oshawa Deputy Mayor Nester Pidwerbecki will participate along with other dignitaries in the ceremony at a customer’s home.
The Oshawa Power Solar Storage Pilot Program, which runs at no cost to homeowners, will allow approximately 30 homes in Oshawa to use solar energy at home and store it using a lithium-ion battery for shifting energy demand from on-peak to off-peak and provide backup power supply during power outages. The initiative also supports Ontario’s clean energy generation and energy efficiency policies.
Despite the fact that a wide spread deployment of such a technology could be disruptive to its business model, Oshawa Power is leading the charge, “because, we are in the 21st century and there are technologies now available for us to serve the customer’s needs better” says Oshawa Power CEO, Atul Mahajan. He also added, “We are excited to bring these advanced energy solutions that provide increased reliability with storage back up and efficient and sustainable on-site solar power generation right where our customers need it. Integrating solar and storage with the grid in select homes across Oshawa will allow us to study the technology closely and most importantly develop innovative business models on our path to creating the utility of the future.”
The new solar-plus-storage systems by manufacturer Tabuchi Electric combines an all-in-one solar inverter and lithium ion battery that easily fits inside a home. The system marks a leap forward in reliability, efficiency, and a simple, unobtrusive installation.
“We designed our grid-friendly system to help utilities like Oshawa Power capture the benefits of solar power while also improving customer reliability during power outages. Extreme weather events are becoming more common and solar plus storage system allows continued power supply during these events. We are committed to helping Oshawa and Ontario continue to lead the way in bringing such innovative solutions to its residents, ” said Harumi McClure, Tabuchi Electric Managing Director and General Manager.
About NEDO
NEDO conducts technology projects around the world and promotes the demonstration of new energy, energy conservation and environmental technologies abroad.
About Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation.
Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC) is an infrastructure assets holding company that provides innovative energy and communication related services through its operating subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.oshawapower.ca
About Tabuchi
Electric Tabuchi Electric is the leading residential solar inverter manufacturer in Japan and has been a leading power electronics company since 1925.
For more information about the City of Oshawa’s Economic Development Services, visit www.oshawa.ca/business or follow @InvestOshawa on Twitter. For updates on the City, visit www.oshawa.ca or follow “OshawaCity” on: Twitter and Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Paul Ralph
Commissioner, Development Services
905-436-3311 ext. 2403; pralph@oshawa.ca
Cindy Symons-Milroy
Director, Economic Development Services
905-436-3311 ext. 3859; csymons-milroy@oshawa.ca
Nadeige Carter
Oshawa PUC Energy Services
905-743-5207; ncarter@opuc.on.ca
