Ontario is inviting software developers to build new apps that will help Ontarians conserve electricity and save money.

In partnership with MaRS Discovery District, the Energy Apps for Ontario Challenge is offering $50,000 to support the best new apps that use electricity data collected by smart meters. These apps will help Ontario households and businesses manage and better understand their electricity use, so they can make informed decisions and save money.

Ontario's world-leading investment in smart meters has helped build a powerful and reliable smart grid. Using the smart grid, the Green Button Initiative will empower consumers by providing easier access to their own electricity data and allowing them to securely share their data with mobile and web-based apps.

Developing new apps that encourage smart electricity use will support innovation, one of the three pillars of the government's economic plan to create jobs and growth and help people in their everyday lives.

Quick Facts

• Submissions for the Energy Apps for Ontario Challenge will be accepted from Oct. 1, 2013 to Jan. 7, 2014.
• Awards include Gold, Silver and Bronze, Best Student App, Best App Created Outside of Ontario, and People's Choice.
• In January 2014, Ontarians will be able to vote for their favourite submission to win the People's Choice Award. All awards will be announced in early 2014.
• Smart grid technology uses two-way digital communications to help consumers control their electricity use and costs while ensuring they have reliable power by letting utility companies pinpoint and automatically fix power outages.
• Ontario has completed its full rollout of over 4.7 million smart meters to homes and small business consumers across the province.

Ministry of Energy