About $3.6 million will be invested by NB Power in a smart electric grid pilot project using wind generation.
The initiative, known as the The Customer Load Control for Wind Integration Project, is one of 19 selected for funding in January from the federal Clean Energy Fund.
The project will use innovative technology to provide fast-acting ancillary services for wind integration by controlling commercial and residential loads without affecting the customer. Communication devices will be installed on thermal equipment and appliances in customers' homes and businesses to allow for non-intrusive control of electricity consumption to match variable supply from wind turbines.
"NB Power's smart grid pilot project is a first of its kind, and I am proud of this initiative," said Energy Minister Jack Keir. "Our government has identified the smart grid as a terrific opportunity for the New Brunswick information and communication technologies industry.
The project is estimated to cost $32 million and expected to be completed by 2014.
