Case Study: Toronto Hydro

Discover how Toronto Hydro partnered with VR Vision to integrate cutting-edge virtual reality training solutions, transforming the way their workforce develops technical skills. By leveraging immersive simulations, they enhanced hands-on training, improved safety protocols, and increased operational efficiency.

Client

Toronto Hydro

Date

Ongoing 2022-2025

Location

Toronto, Canada

Client Profile

Toronto Hydro owns and operates an extensive electricity distribution system that serves approximately 793,000 customers in Toronto, Canada’s largest city. They distribute roughly 18% of the electricity consumed in Ontario. Known for their commitment to excellent customer service and safety, Toronto Hydro strives to provide a reliable electricity supply while delivering long-term value to the City of Toronto.

Brief

As part of their Utility of the Future Program, Toronto Hydro has partnered with VR Vision to develop and expand a suite of virtual reality (VR) applications for technical training. These applications focus on critical areas of electrical work, particularly in transmission and distribution.

The goal of this initiative is to reduce the time required to upskill both new and experienced electrical workers while addressing training scenarios that are difficult or hazardous to replicate in real life.

Key focus areas include:

Switchgear operations
Underground electrical vaults
Powerline maintenance
Other high-risk, hard-to-access environments

Technology & Services

To meet Toronto Hydro's needs, VR Vision provided 20 Quest 2 and 20 Quest 3 headsets, ensuring scalable deployment across teams.

Key features of the solution include:

Standalone VR Modules: Built for standalone VR devices, the modules provide high-quality training simulations.
Multiplayer Functionality: These modules allow multiple users to collaborate and interact in real-time, enhancing team-based training.
Variety of Training Modes: Training options range from guided education sessions to real-time performance evaluations.
Vision Portal Platform: Trainers leverage VR Vision’s proprietary platform to monitor and guide sessions with live user feeds, enabling personalized instruction.
Realistic CGI Environments: Advanced CGI technology ensures lifelike digital twins of equipment and environments, facilitating hands-on practice without physical risks.

Results

The VR training program has been in use for three years and continues to grow with new content being developed regularly. It has delivered significant benefits, including:

Efficiency Gains: A 30% reduction in time-to-train for technicians.
Enhanced Safety: Elimination of risks and hazards associated with real-world training scenarios.
Scalability: Hundreds of technicians have been trained, with increasing adoption across the organization.
By transitioning to a digital training model, Toronto Hydro has set a new benchmark for safety and efficiency in utility workforce development.