The Ontario Ministry of Energy recognizes that energy storage technologies represent a potential opportunity for Ontario to both grow its clean energy economy and advance the modernization of Ontario's electricity system.  As energy storage is an emerging technology area, the Ministry is interested in learning more about the technologies available in Ontario, including how they operate, their potential to service Ontario's electricity system, and potential strategies for realizing that potential.

On Friday February 1^st, the Ministry will release a Request for Information (RFI) on the State of Energy Storage Technologies in Ontario. All interested stakeholders (including but not limited to utilities, public agencies, academia, technology developers, SMEs, multinationals, investors, and consultants) are invited to respond. The RFI questions are grouped into 4 main sections:

• Potential for energy storage to service Ontario's electricity system
• Cost competitiveness & economic potential
• Influences affecting energy storage sector development
• Business models and regulatory barriers

The objective of the RFI is to provide the Ministry with the information it needs in developing its approach to energy storage going forward and does not commit the Ministry to conduct a competitive procurement or implement an incentive program of any kind.

The deadline for submissions is March 28^th, 2013. Please note that the deadline for submitting clarifying questions is February 15^th, 2013. Please visit www.merx.ca to view the RFI and for instructions on submitting responses.