Register for the informational webinar & Q&A session on October 8th.
Powering BC’s clean electricity future
BC’s electricity demand is entering a period of sustained, structural growth and peak demand is growing even faster than overall demand. Meeting those peaks efficiently means BC needs dispatchable flexibility: technology that can shift, store, and manage load at the moments the grid needs it most.
Partnering with BC Hydro, one of the largest and cleanest electricity producers in North America, NorthX is investing up to $5 million in non-dilutive capital through the 2026 Call for Innovation: Capacity & Energy Solutions. This Call for Innovation brings together NorthX’s expertise in climate hard tech commercialization with BC Hydro’s expertise in BC’s electricity system, helping companies close the gap between promising technology and field deployment.
Advancing flexible energy solutions
This funding opportunity will support high-impact projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping bring greater flexibility to BC’s electricity system. We’re particularly interested in behind-the-meter solutions that can help industrial sites, buildings, fleets and other customers respond to changing electricity demand.
The program supports BC Hydro’s Power Smart 2.0 and Powering Growth plans, prioritizing innovations that can contribute to its targets of 2,200 GWh in energy savings and 800 MW in capacity savings. Priority areas include demand response and flexible loads, energy storage, distributed energy resources and virtual power plants, managed and bidirectional charging, energy efficiency, and technologies that enable flexibility and dispatch. Eligible activities include demonstrations, pilots, field validation, utility integration testing and innovative business models that support broader market deployment.
Why apply
- NorthX will fund up to 50% of eligible project costs, with an average grant of $750,000 CAD, reimbursed against project milestones
- Priority goes to behind-the-meter solutions — technologies that solve a site’s own challenges first, before becoming a dispatchable grid resource
- Funded Proponents get a credible path to BC Hydro as a market partner, with real opportunities for testing and validation
How to apply
Before applying, we encourage all prospective Proponents to:
- Review the Applicant Guide
- Confirm your eligibility
- Prepare your Expression of Interest: a short written summary, a 5-minute video, and a pitch deck if available
Learn more about the Capacity & Energy Solutions Call on October 8, 2026.
Join the NorthX team for an information webinar covering the Capacity & Energy Solutions Call for Innovation, including eligibility, funding, the application process, and what makes a strong application. The session will conclude with a live Q&A.
Application Guide & FAQs
Timeline
Applications follow a staged review process from expression of interest through evaluation and funding decisions. Please refer to the timeline above for key dates and milestones.
The first application window closes October 30, 2026 at 5pm.
Expressions of Interest (EOI) will be reviewed as they are received. Applicants are encouraged to submit their EOI early. Applications received after the first deadline may be considered in Q1 2027, subject to available funding.
Questions?
If you have questions about the University Call for Innovation or the application process, please reach out to the NorthX team at info@northx.ca.