SAINT JOHN ENERGY OVERVIEW

Saint John Energy is officially known as “The Power Commission of the City of Saint John”. It was formed in 1922 as a Commission of the City to distribute electricity to the citizens of the City of Saint John. Saint John Energy presently serves over 36,000 customers. It is a local distribution company (LDC)  with a forward-looking vision of becoming a national utility leader in the transition to Net Zero. The company has gained widespread recognition for its progressive and innovative approach, earning several prestigious awards both nationally and internationally. 

SJE has been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, making significant strides in the renewable energy sector. Notably, the company deployed the world's first commercially deployed Tesla Megapack, showcasing its commitment to embracing clean energy solutions. Building on this success, SJE has plans to deploy additional battery storage in 2023. 

SJE currently satisfies 15 percent of our supply requirements with renewable energy thanks to a PPA with Burchill Wind LP, a 42-megawatt wind farm – one of the largest distribution system-connected wind farms deployed, to date, in Canada. The 10-turbine site in Lorneville, owned by Natural Forces and Neqotkuk, began supplying emission-free power for our grid in 2023. SJE continues to investigate and plan for additional clean energy supply sources utilizing either grid or micro-grid implementation. 

 SJE employs an advanced distribution management system that leverages AI and machine learning for forecasting and demand reduction. This sophisticated system ensures efficient energy distribution, further solidifying SJE's position as a forward-thinking utility company. 

SJE takes Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) seriously, boasting the capability to reduce voltage on more than 90% of its system reducing peak demand. This demonstrates the company's commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

SJE is proud to offer some of the lowest electricity rates in Atlantic Canada, making it an attractive option for consumers. Our dedication to excellent service has led to a high net promoter score, indicating a strong and positive brand perception among our customers as measured by Electricity Canada in their national survey. 

With over 75% of homes heated by electricity, SJE plays a significant role in the energy needs of the local community. The company offers a heat pump rental program, with over 10% of customers participating, further promoting energy-efficient solutions for heating. Additionally, more than 60% of SJE's customers rent water heaters.  Currently, 1,500 of these rentals have an ability to be controlled by the utility, showcasing both the company's commitment to providing comprehensive energy services to the community and our drive to reduce carbon intensive peak demand requirements. 

Saint John Energy has obtained the CEA Sustainable Electricity Company ™ Brand and have identified core sustainability issues that are important to us and our stakeholders as per ISO 26000 guidance.

Our mission: We provide affordable, reliable, and innovative solutions to our customers, helping them make informed choices so they can take control of their energy needs.

Our vision: To be a national utility leader in the energy transition to Net Zero.

More information on Saint John Energy and its operations can be found at www.sjenergy.com and www.zero30.ca

Zero30 PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

The Saint John Energy Zero30 Program is an ambitious and forward-looking initiative that aims to revolutionize our distribution system to support the energy transition to a fully electrified Net Zero Future. Through this program, we seek to understand the impact of future energy growth on our system while simultaneously identifying a roadmap for achieving Net Zero emissions. As we embark on this transformative journey, we are inviting qualified vendors through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to collaborate with us in building an innovative solution. This solution will empower us to anticipate and serve the increased load on our system driven by the electrification of transportation and space heating/cooling while integrating new sources of renewable generation driven by the adoption of Solar PV, and other non-emitting generation projects under consideration by Saint John Energy and/or with various partners. 

Zero30 will help us understand what it would take for us to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 in our own facilities and operations, and what we can do to help our customers lower their emissions.  

We don’t see Zero30 ending with a long and exhaustive report that sits on a shelf. Instead, it will be a dynamic roadmap and modelling capability allowing for various scenarios and potential actions as we make progress in creating a zero-carbon energy future. 

The Saint John Energy Zero30 Program is built upon three foundational pillars, each contributing to our mission for a sustainable energy future. This RFP specifically falls under the second pillar, "Planning for a Future with a significantly greater Energy Demand," which is of utmost importance to ensure the resilience and efficiency of our distribution system. For detailed insights into the entire program, kindly visit our dedicated website: Zero30 

PROJECT SCOPE & OBJECTIVES

Saint John Energy, as part of the Zero30 program, is issuing a Request for Proposal to address challenges related to planning for a future with significantly greater energy demand. The proposal seeks a solution for a state-of-the-art load forecasting model with presentation capability. This solution would provide insights into load growth under different scenarios and adjustable inputs, reflecting factors like electrification impacts and customer forecasts. The load forecasting capabilities will also be employed to identify specific assets in the distribution network requiring upgrades or mitigation strategies. Notably, the model created for load forecasting and distribution infrastructure planning will possess the flexibility to be modified and updated by Saint John Energy post-engagement with the selected vendor, ensuring it remains adaptable and relevant over time. 

RFP Project Objectives:  

Load Forecasting: Implement a state-of-the-art load forecasting model and presentation capability that provides insights into load growth, given various Scenarios and dynamic, selectable “from zero to maximum scenario” inputs, reflecting the impacts of electrification.  SJE will provide customer forecasts and electrification adoption rates at certain time frames which will be the drivers of system load impacts feeding into the model.  

Distribution Infrastructure Planning: Leveraging the load forecasting capability in 1. above, identify specific assets within the distribution system that will require upgrades and/or the implementation of mitigation strategies/technologies.  

The model: The model for 1 and 2 above will be provided so that it may be changeable and updatable, by SJE, post vendor engagement (i.e., Not a static report). 

Inputs from SJE to Supplier

a) CYME data

b) Grid operation guidelines (max loading of transformers, voltage band limits)

c) Typical equipment costs

d) Data from OSI SCADA

e) Current network loading

f) Metering data mapped to feeder and phase

g) Electrification Scenarios - with the below as purely an illustration:

 i) Low Scenario: 2030 5% EV, 1% PV, 12% HP; 2035 7% EV, 3% PV, 15% HP; 2040 etc...

ii) Mid Scenario: 2030 10% EV, 5% PV, 15% HP; 2035 12% EV, 7% PV, 18% HP; 2040 etc.

iii) High Scenario: 2030 15% EV, 8% PV, 18% HP; 2035 15% EV, 10% PV, 22% HP; 2040 etc... 

Conclusion: 

The Saint John Energy Zero30 Program seeks to bolster the resilience and efficiency of our distribution grid by harnessing the power of data and analytics. By selecting a qualified vendor and deploying a cutting-edge solution, we aim to gain valuable insights into future demand patterns, optimize grid management, and ensure a highly reliable system that is cost-effective. This initiative represents our commitment to supporting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for our community and beyond.