Every Canadian depends on reliable and affordable power
Like utilities across the country, Saint John Energy is facing a once-in-a-generation planning challenge. As electrification accelerates, demand across its service area is expected to grow significantly, with some projections showing it could double by 2050.
The ways customers use electricity are rapidly evolving. Electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps are changing when, where, and how electricity is consumed. Businesses and industrial operators are electrifying too, with large new loads from electric boilers, rock crushers, and EV fleets adding further complexity. The existing grid was not built for this pace and scale of growth.
Let’s make this work.
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Building a future-ready grid
Together with Deloitte Canada, Saint John Energy introduced a forward-looking, scenario-based approach to grid planning enabled by ElectrifiedGrid™. Instead of relying on single forecasts that can quickly become outdated as the external environment rapidly evolves, ElectrifiedGrid™ models a range of possible futures. From slower adoption of electrification technologies to high-growth scenarios, the team can now test decisions across all of them to identify investment options that can reliably meet future demand.
“Before ElectrifiedGridTM, planning was largely a trending exercise based on our SCADA data—which became harder to stand behind as we looked further into the future. ElectrifiedGridTM gives us something we can stand behind, with confidence that these are realistic scenarios that could play out.”
— Andrew Ahearn, Director of Engineering and System Strategy, Saint John Energy
Key highlights of the project
- Shifted planning from reactive decision-making to a more proactive, scenario-based approach.
- Improved visibility into how EVs, heating electrification, and distributed energy resources could affect transformers, feeders, and substations.
- Used 8,760-hour power flow simulations to simulate and understand detailed asset impacts.
- Helped translate Saint John Energy’s Zero30 energy transition ambition into system-feasible, cost-conscious pathways.
- Supported reduced peak demand and helped avoid unnecessary or premature grid upgrades.
What’s next?
As electrification continues to reshape energy demand, Saint John Energy is better positioned to plan for growth and navigate increased uncertainty, with the capability to prepare for a range of future scenarios while protecting the customer outcomes that matter most: dependable service and reasonable cost.
Connect with our team to explore how Deloitte can help your utility plan with greater confidence, model future demand scenarios, and make smarter investment decisions across the grid.
Book a 30-minute consultation or contact us to start the conversation.
“Utilities who get this right will see significantly more economic growth, more affordable electricity, and will be part of the solution into the future.”
— Gavin McTavish, National Strategy & Business Design Leader, Deloitte
