Hydro Ottawa's CEO has revealed that the utility is facing unprecedented pressure from large-scale electricity requests, particularly from data centres. The growing demand is forcing the company to consider major infrastructure upgrades to keep pace with the needs of the digital economy.
Surge in large-scale requests
According to Bryce Conrad, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa, the number of large-scale connection requests has skyrocketed in recent years. Data centres, which require massive amounts of power for servers and cooling systems, are a primary driver of this surge. Conrad noted that these facilities can demand as much electricity as a small town, putting strain on the existing grid.
“We're seeing requests that are multiples of what we've historically seen,” Conrad said in an interview. “Data centres are the new heavy industry, and they're coming to Ottawa.”
Infrastructure challenges
The utility is now evaluating how to expand its capacity to meet these demands. Potential solutions include building new substations, upgrading transmission lines, and integrating more renewable energy sources. However, these projects come with significant costs and timelines. Conrad emphasized that planning must start now to avoid future bottlenecks.
“If we don't invest today, we risk falling behind,” he added. “The economic opportunity is huge, but we need to be ready.”
Economic implications
The influx of data centres could bring economic benefits to Ottawa, including jobs and investment. However, it also raises questions about energy pricing and sustainability. Hydro Ottawa is exploring ways to balance growth with environmental goals, such as promoting energy efficiency and green power options for large customers.
Conrad stressed that collaboration with the city and provincial regulators will be essential to ensure the grid remains reliable and affordable for all residents.
