Students of Durham Region look to re-think energy in a smart way

Oshawa, ON – Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. (OPUCN) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) are pleased to partner and launch the first-annual Sustainable Future: Smart Energy Consumption and Generation within Local Communities student competition, held in Durham Region, and focused exclusively on student innovation and ingenuity around managing our energy needs efficiently. The first round of the student design competition will take place on Friday, June 15 at UOIT, with the finals set for Thursday, August 16.

The competition is designed to challenge Grade 12 and post-secondary students to demonstrate how they would use technology and innovative ideas to influence the efficient usage and management of electricity demand. Working in teams, students are encouraged to put forth concrete ideas that will help communities efficiently use or generate safe and reliable electricity.

“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it,” said Atul Mahajan, president and CEO, OPUCN. “I envision that our innovative students, right here in Durham Region, can help us create a bright future to put our community on the world map as the proud incubator and host of thriving businesses focused on energy efficiency. What Silicon Valley is to high tech, Durham Region can be to clean-tech business.”

“Durham Region with its dynamic industries and interest in the electrical power sector is sure to make an impact in the next generation Smart Grid,” said Dr. Vijay Sood, associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, UOIT, and the NSERC-OPG co-chair in Innovative Design Engineering at UOIT. “This student competition will create opportunities for innovative young minds to explore and potentially contribute new ideas to this sector.”

Industry leaders Honeywell and Willis Energy Services have agreed to help judge the competition, they are enthusiastic co-sponsors and will supply industry professionals to be judges.

The first-place team will receive $5,000, with second-place being awarded $2,000 and the third-place team $1,000. In addition, Willis Energy Services will provide a $1,000 bursary to a student pursuing post-secondary education in an energy-related area.

For more information or to participate in the student design competition, please visit the OPUCN website: http://opuc.on.ca/Conservation.aspx.

Video link to contest announcement at UOIT (click on link).

Nadeige Carter
Oshawa PUC Networks
905.743.5207
ncarter@opuc.on.ca

About Oshawa PUC Networks Inc.

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. provides safe, reliable electricity distribution services to the community of Oshawa, serving over 53,500 customers and is active in promoting energy conservation management.

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