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Canadian Electric Utilities Innovation Workshop

The Canadian Electric Utilities Innovation Workshop is a national initiative bringing together electric utilities from across Canada to advance innovation in the sector. This two-day workshop (with optional 3rd day) is designed to build a shared understanding of utility innovation priorities, processes, and challenges, and to identify opportunities for collaboration.

It will focus on practical application through discussion tables, utilities presentations and peer exchange, with the goal of defining clear collaboration opportunities and actionable next steps. The workshop aims to support coordinated innovation efforts across teams working in Energy Conservation Demand Side Management (DSM), Capacity focussed DSM and Grid Edge modernisation.

Location

BC Hydro Office
333 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, B.C.
Chris O’Riley Space for Collaboration
In-person attendance only.

Workshop dates: October 14 to 16, 2026

Day 1: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Workshop sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Networking reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Day 2: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Workshop sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Optional dinner follows.

Day 3: Friday, October 16, 2026 (Optional)

Site visit and pre-arranged meetings from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
 

Agenda and registration overview

Participants will be asked to provide further information by e-mail following registration.

Day 1: Building Connections and Sharing Innovation Practices

  • Opening keynote on innovation and the rapidly changing utility landscape
  • Interactive networking and innovation mapping activities
  • Utilities panel discussion on innovation governance, funding, pilot projects, implementation
  • Roundtables on utility innovation priorities, challenges and collaboration opportunities
  • Utility case studies showcasing successes, lessons learned, and practical experiences
  • Facilitated discussion to identify common challenges and opportunities for future collaboration
  • Hosted evening dinner reception (off-site)

Day 2: Collaboration in Action 

  • Guest speaker on building successful innovation networks and partnership 
  • BC Hydro panel discussion on innovation, electric vehicles, and grid modernization
  • Facilitated discussion tables on topics (Innovation Challenges and Organizational Barriers, Energy Conservation Demand Side Management (DSM), Capacity focussed DSM and Grid Edge modernisation)
  • Interactive workshop to discuss the future shape of the Canadian Electric Utilities Innovation future and opportunities for ongoing collaboration

Day 3: Optional

  • Site visit to PowerTech Labs or other pilot demonstration site
  • Pre-arranged meetings with BC hydro staff/departments (please contact in advance to facilitate)
  • Optional meeting room space for utility discussions
     

Participant engagement opportunities

Through registration, participants can:

  • Express interest in speaking or presenting 
  • Suggest discussion topics 
  • Share innovation priorities and collaboration interests
     

Registration form

Fields marked with * are required.

Hotel information

A limited block of 30 rooms has been reserved for participants at a preferred rate and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. (Rooms priced at $252.13.)

Important

  • Hotel accommodations are not covered by BC Hydro
  • Participants are responsible for booking and payment directly with the hotel.

Booking instructions

By phone

Please contact our Reservations Team at 1-800-SANDMAN (726-3626) and quote the following details to access the preferred group rates:

Hotel: Sandman Signature Vancouver Downtown Hotel
Group name: Canadian Electric Utilities Workshop
Block ID: 659229

Online booking

Guests may also reserve directly online using this link:

https://reservations.sandmanhotels.com/113060?groupID=5302347#