MISSION
EDA’s Mission is to provide local distribution companies with the valued industry knowledge, networking opportunities and collective action vital to the business success of each member.
POWERING THE TRANSITION
2023 was a year in which the pace of change accelerated for Ontario’s electricity system. The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) played a crucial role in advocating for energy policies that will benefit our customers, our members, the economy and the planet.
Our communications were informed by a simple, but compelling message: Your Local Hydro Utility Can Power Ontario’s Energy Transition.
Decision makers listened.
EDA’s advocacy influenced the shape of the provincial government’s Powering Ontario’s Growth report, which reaffirmed the central role that electricity plays and will continue to play in supporting economic growth, as well as providing a plan for meeting growing demand. We also made important, detailed and positive submissions to the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel.
VISION
EDA’s Vision is to shape the future for local distribution companies to be the premier service providers to Ontarians in the evolving energy system.
As you will read in this annual report, the EDA ensured our voice was heard across a wide range of issues that matter to our members.
Throughout the year, our team was busily engaging with colleagues across the sector, reinforcing our belief that we must productively collaborate in building Ontario’s energy future, a future in which local distribution companies (LDCs) are essential players.
Our signature events, led by EDIST and our Awards Gala and Annual Conference once again brought together our members for invaluable networking opportunities and a chance to listen to insights from expert speakers on energy issues that affect us all.
As we navigate an era of profound change and transition, the EDA continues to demonstrate that local hydro utilities are at the heart of our electricity system and that we stand ready to both listen and lead in our journey to the future.
POWERING CHANGE
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
The 2023 Annual Conference and Gala was a memorable event for me as I had the honour of assuming the role of EDA Chair. I would like to thank my predecessor, Bryce Conrad, for his leadership and guidance.
It is a momentous and exciting time to be working in a sector that matters so much to Ontario and in 2023, the Board of Directors was active on a variety of fronts.
We held important discussions to define the strategic direction for the EDA, focusing on our mandate to position our organization and our members as crucial contributors to the energy transition. In addition, we supported the EDA team’s diligent work to provide members with information and opportunities to explore the best path forward for their organizations.
The Electrification and Energy Transition Panel (EETP) was a high priority. We engaged in in-depth consultations with the panel, emphasizing Ontario’s need for energy planning to be aligned across its various agencies and arms and to maximize the value of distributed energy resource (DER) investments. We also highlighted the importance of enabling local energy markets and transferring some procurement responsibility to local distribution companies (LDCs), who would voluntarily take on this role.
Knowing the importance of resilience and affordability for our members, the Board stressed the need for strategic investments for LDCs to mitigate damage to utility
infrastructure caused by extreme climate events.
We did major and productive work with the IESO on conservation planning in 2023, including a recommendation to the government on LDC participation and remuneration in province-wide and local/ regional CDM programming post-2024.
The EDA believes that LDCs should lead the delivery of local and regional CDM programs that target bulk, regional, and local distribution system needs. The first phase of this conservation work with IESO was completed in 2023 and supported by the Ministry and we’re moving into the second phase.
The Board developed and approved an Action Plan for 2024. Our goal is to ensure that LDCs play a key role in the province’s planning for electrification and the energy transition, while making strategic investments to respond to customer demand. Recognizing the federal government’s role in developing policies that contribute to the drive to net-zero, we stepped up our advocacy in Ottawa and that will continue in 2024.
The EDA and our members are committed to supporting the government’s ongoing efforts to attract investment that will boost economic development in the province. We take seriously our job of keeping the lights on for Ontarians. Our sector is undergoing profound change, and we are determined to be a positive force to support the transition.
TIM WILSON Board Chair
TERESA SARKESIAN President and CEO
POWERING THE EDA’S VOICE
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
2023 was a whirlwind of meaningful and productive activity for the EDA. Big decisions are being made about our electrical system, decisions that will resonate for decades.
As the representative of the people who deliver power to homes and businesses across Ontario, the EDA ensured that our voices were heard and that our expertise informed the development of good energy policy. We are on the front lines at Queen’s Park, advocating on behalf of our members and achieving meaningful results.
We were pleased to see that the Powering Ontario’s Growth plan reflected EDA’s ideas on key issues such as conservation and demand management (CDM), and the distribution system operator (DSO) model.
The Minister’s Letter of Direction to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) reflected our advocacy efforts as demonstrated through his call for continued collaboration between the OEB, the Ministry of Energy and the IESO in developing and assessing local and market opportunities for DERs and LDCs. This included alternative energy business models and an examination of the potential regulatory landscape for future utility business models.
It was a vivid example of EDA’s determination to contribute to long-term energy planning and execution, as we
work towards creating a cleaner, more reliable, and more efficient electricity system for Ontario.
Our calendar was packed with tremendous events. Our EDIST Conference and Exhibition, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference, and our Annual General Meeting, Conference and Awards Gala saw record-breaking attendance and offered unrivalled opportunities to connect with friends and colleagues from the sector and to recognize our members for their hard work, dedication, and achievements.
A key policy highlight took place right at EDA’s Annual Gala Dinner, where Energy Minister Todd Smith announced that EV registration data across Ontario would be provided to LDCs. This new measure came after significant, persuasive and swift advocacy by EDA on behalf of our members. The EV/postal code announcement will bring more policy certainty and clarity for members and help them continue to build their business success.
Throughout the year, I and the members of our team were constantly engaging with decision-makers at all levels of government, colleagues in other branches of the energy sector and most importantly the members of our association. Your wisdom and guidance inform everything we do.
As President and CEO of the EDA, I will also continue as a member on the OEB’s Energy [X] Change to represent the interests of LDCs. In addition, I have also been appointed to the province’s new Investment Advisory Council, which is chaired by the CEO of Invest Ontario with an express aim to remove barriers to economic growth and new investment. While 2023 was full of meaningful accomplishments, we know that there is much more work to do, and we look forward to a busy and productive 2024. We will broaden our government relations work with ministries and agencies that touch on the business of LDCs. Our advocacy work will also expand to the federal government as we ensure that policy and funding initiatives will help support LDC grid modernization to help Ontario and Canada achieve netzero objectives.
A key action item for 2024 will be the completion of a long-term vision policy paper that defines the ‘LDC of the Future’, which will enable the province’s Powering Ontario’s Growth plan and respond to growing customer demands and preferences.
I would like to thank our members for their ongoing support and also thank the EDA team for their tireless efforts on behalf of our sector.
POWERING OUR LEADERSHIP
The Electricity Distributors Association is governed by a volunteer Board of
* Susannah Robinson, served on the EDA board from March - November 2023.
POWERING THE YEAR AHEAD
To build on the success of 2023, the Board approved an Action Plan with the goal of enabling and elevating the role of LDCs in the province’s long-term planning for electrification and the energy transition, while supporting the government’s ongoing efforts to attract investment to the province.
In our advocacy, we will continue to advance the Distribution System Operator (DSO) model, as well as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). The EDA will also continue to push for meaningful modernization, streamlining and regulatory flexibility at the Ontario Energy Board, with the goal of enabling LDCs to play a central role in the energy transition and to make meaningful strategic investments to respond to customer demand.
EDA intends to continue to promote and protect the interests of its members, while also making a meaningful contribution to public policy. To that end, EDA will broaden its government relations with ministries and agencies that have an impact on LDCs, while ensuring that our advocacy aligns with government objectives. Our advocacy reach will also expand to the federal government to encourage policy and funding initiatives that will support LDC grid modernization and help meet net-zero objectives. We will also continue to leverage our Power of Local Hydro campaign to showcase the value and innovation of the LDC sector and promote EDA priorities to decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public.
A key action item for 2024 will be the completion of a long-term vision policy paper which will define the ‘LDC of the Future’ and support the province’s Powering Ontario’s Growth plan. The paper will identify needed utility investments to support economic development, electrification and decarbonization, along with necessary policy, regulatory and legislative amendments. A benefits-case analysis will also demonstrate the value of utilities in the energy transition. The completed vision paper will provide the basis for proactive advocacy on ‘LDC of the Future’ related issues, with an emphasis on the vital role of LDCs in supporting Ontario’s economic development.
POWERING OUR MESSAGE
A central element of EDA’s mission is to advocate on behalf of its members. It’s where we devote the most time, effort and resources. Utilities have a crucial role to play in the development of sound energy policies that will benefit homeowners, businesses and the broader economy. In 2023, EDA ensured that our voices were heard by decisionmakers. We prepared dozens of submissions on a broad variety of issues across the energy sector. In addition, there were countless meetings at all levels of government, from town halls to Queen’s Park to the office of the Prime Minister. Here is a sampling.
ELECTRIFICATION AND ENERGY TRANSITION PANEL
Positioning the EDA and our members in the future energy system of this province is principal to the mandate of the EDA and is inextricably linked to the energy transition underway. Led by the Board, the EDA engaged with the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel (EETP) and Ministry officials on multiple levels. EDA CEO Teresa Sarkisian met several times with the panel’s chair, David Collie, and the Board met with the full panel in April. The goal of our advocacy efforts was to ensure the Panel had ample opportunity to hear from Ontario’s local hydro utilities and fully consider our sector’s perspective.
Our recommendations to the Panel highlighted the importance of four key pillars for Ontario’s energy transition. They include the Total Distribution System Operator model, distributed energy resources, two-way power flows, and the OEB’s mandate. The submission emphasized the significance of clean distributed energy, decentralized systems, and regulatory updates to enable a smooth energy transition.
MINISTER’S DIRECTION TO THE OEB
One of the most important initiatives produced by the Minister of Energy during the year was his letter of direction to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) which outlined the government’s expectations for the OEB for the upcoming three-year business planning period. It is a document that has a large impact on our members. That’s why the EDA placed a high priority on ensuring our concerns were heard. And they were.
We made a series of recommendations to the minister that spoke to OEB reform and the future energy landscape of Ontario. We were pleased that our submission had a clear impact, with several of the key recommendations reflected in the letter. They included guidance to enable LDC infrastructure “pre-investment” to support electric vehicle (EV) demand growth; quantifiable reduction of the red tape burden; and guidance on an appropriate cost-sharing mechanism between the Global Adjustment and distribution rates to fund certain conservation and demand management (CDM) initiatives. We see that efforts will be underway to look at utility remuneration and future business models particularly in support of DERs.
Over the past year, the EDA worked diligently to hold the OEB to account against their objectives outlined in Minister Smith’s previous letters, and we will continue to advocate and ensure the perspective and priorities of the distribution sector are top of mind at Queen’s Park.
COLLABORATION WITH IESO ON CONSERVATION
(R to L) EDA Chair, Tim Wilson, Vice Chair Indrani Butany, Ontario’s Energy Minister, the Hon. Todd Smith, and EDA President & CEO, Teresa Sarkesian, at the EDA’s 2023 Awards Gala.
Building on our conservation paper, The Power of Local Conservation, the EDA worked effectively with the IESO towards developing a longer-term model for CDM, a model that will mean a renewed role for LDCs post-2024.
We were successful in convening a working group on CDM which included both IESO representatives and LDCs to develop an enduring agreement. The discussions resulted in several consensus recommendations, which were endorsed by the Minister. His endorsement was the catalyst to enter into the next phase of the discussions to finalize an agreement regarding bulk system and local system benefits of local CDM programs, to be delivered by LDCs who wish to participate.
In a measure of the success of our efforts, the Minister’s November Letter of Direction to the OEB adopted the precise wording from the working group’s report, specifically requesting guidance from the OEB on a cost sharing mechanism from the GA and distribution rates that are grounded on the principle of beneficiary pays in order to advance a funding stream for CDM activities that have both bulk and local system benefits.
The Minister’s letter also requested the issuance of guidance on changes to the CDM guidelines to reduce barriers to LDC conservation activities, another key issue for our membership, and further evidence of the effectiveness of EDA’s advocacy.
MINISTER’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON EVs/POSTAL CODES
Effective and timely advocacy by EDA led to the Energy Minister’s significant announcement at our gala that the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) would provide LDCs with EV registration data by postal code, all at no charge. The data will come by 3-digit postal codes across the province and the full 6-digit codes wherever there are more than 5 EVs. The MTO has agreed to provide an updated database every six months (1st week of April 1st week of October) per the EDA’s request and has fulfilled all of its obligations to date.
In response to EDA requests (as seen, for example, in our November 2022 comments to MTO), MTO has reached out to us to provide feedback on a draft EV charging site feasibility assessment form. As a result of EDA advocacy, MTO confirmed that LDCs need not consider assessment forms from anyone other than the property owner unless there is evidence demonstrating that applicant has the authority to bind the property owner.
EDA’s other wins on the EV file:
• EV ChargeON eligibility was clarified in terms of the size of the municipality, based on EDA advocacy.
• In the Minister’s letter of direction to the OEB, he told the OEB that LDCs need to be able to pre-invest in their infrastructure to support potential EV demand.
LOCATES
We continued to engage and keep a watchful eye on the locates file, as One Call Ontario implements its new administrative regime. EDA’s advocacy resulted in a delay in the implementation of administrative monetary policies, from the original April 2023 to May 2024, which was good news regarding transition and readiness.
On October 31, the OEB issued a Decision & Order establishing a generic variance account to record incremental costs of locates.
Responding to the advocacy of the EDA advocacy, the government has tabled or passed a series of changes to legislation or regulations which improve locate delivery services and enable the construction of key infrastructure projects, while maintaining the safety of workers and protecting affordability for electricity ratepayers:
• A 5-day increase in the timeline to complete locates for large non-residential projects, effective May 2024
• Establishing process obligations for excavators when making locate requests.
• Removal of excavators’ entitlement to compensation and to seek recourse through the Ontario Land Tribunal for late locates.
Ongoing day-to-day utility business issues will remain a priority for EDA staff in 2024.
FEDERAL ADVOCACY
The EDA initiated face-to-face federal advocacy with a dedicated government relations trip to Ottawa in December. EDA leadership met with senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Our meetings were both with political staff and civil servants in the bureaucracy. As a result, EDA has gained significant traction in our conversations at the Federal level about the critical role that LDCs will play in achieving net-zero and electrification objectives and mandates. The Federal government is very interested in the perspective of the EDA and the local distribution sector in shaping Canada’s energy policy framework.
Energy Minister Todd Smith at the 2023 EDA Gala
OTHER EDA SUBMISSIONS
• EDA Comments on the OEBs Proposed New LEAP-EFA Program December 8, 2023
• EDA Comments on The Evolving IESO Planning Products (APO/AAR) December 4, 2023
• EDA Comments on the Benefit Cost Analysis (to the Ontario Energy Board) November 13, 2023
• EDA Comments on Market And System Operations (to the Independent Electricity System Operator) November 8, 2023
• EDA Comments on The Enabling Resource Program (to the Independent Electricity System Operator) November 7, 2023
• Further Reducing Barriers to Innovation (to the Ministry of Energy) November 6, 2023
• EDA Comments on The Future Clean Energy Fund (to the Independent Electricity System Operator) November 3, 2023
• EDA Submits Comments to the OEBs DER Connections Review Team on the draft EV Connections Procedure Document (EVCP) - October 18, 2023
• EDA Comments on FAWG Review of Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Emergency Financial Assistance (to the Ontario Energy Board) September 13, 2023
• EDA Comments on IESO Market Renewal Implementation – July 13, 2023
• EDA Comments on The IESO Transmission Distribution Coordination Working Group - July 10, 2023
• EDA Comments on Electric Vehicle Integration: Ontario Energy Board Delivery Rates for Electric Vehicle Charging - June 14, 2023
• Comments on Keeping Penalties Off Rates Under the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act May 18, 2023
• Comments on Advancing Innovation in Ontario’s Energy Sector - May 18, 2023
OTHER ADVOCACY POLICY WINS
Our advocacy contributed to securing the following policy outcomes for the benefit of our members:
• Improved timeframe for utility implementation of enhanced time-of-use billing.
• EDA Letter to the OEB on Locate Services Deferral Variance AccountMay 15, 2023
• Comments on IESO’s Pathways to Decarbonization Study (to the Ministry of Energy) - May 12, 2023
• EDA Comments on the OEB’s Regulatory Framework - May 9, 2023
• EDA Comments on Regulated Price Plan Pricing for Net Metered Customers March 21, 2023
• EDA Comments: IESO Annual Acquisition Report - March 9, 2023
• Smart Metering Entity Proposal (to the Ministry of Energy) - March 3, 2023
• EDA Comments: IESO DER Market Vision And Design Project - February 15, 2023
• EDA Provides Feedback on the OEB’s Innovation Handbook - February 6, 2023
• EDA Comments on the proposal to amend the Distribution System Code to facilitate DERs (to the Ontario Energy Board) - January 26, 2023
• OEB commitment to forego compliance action in cases where supply-chain issues prevent LDCs from installing or replacing smart meters.
• Extension of existing tax exemptions to facilitate LDC consolidation for two further years.
350+
External Meetings and Member Engagements
40+
Submissions & Policy Papers on behalf of Members in 2023
POWERING CONNECTIONS AND LEARNING
A central part of EDA’s mandate is to bring people together, to meet, network and learn. 2023 saw more people attending our events than ever before. At our Annual General Meeting, Conference and Awards Gala in March, we were thrilled to welcome more than 700 delegates. It was an unrivalled opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues from the sector and to recognize our members for their hard work, dedication, and achievements.
AWARDS GALA 2023
Our congratulations and appreciation go to all 10 of our award winners. The Awards Gala is always a sector highlight, but with a record number of member nominations, the awards serve to inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence in their organizations and communities.
Delegates at Annual General Meeting, Conference and Awards Gala in March
VIPs from the Ministry of Energy, OEB, IESO, ESA, and the Electrification and Energy Transition Panel, gather for the sector’s can’t miss event, the EDA Awards Gala.
The 2023 event was elevated by the speech from Energy Minister Todd Smith, in which he made the important announcement of great interest to our members about providing EV registration data by postal code.
EDA President & CEO, Teresa Sarkesian, welcomes the ‘standing room only’ crowd at EDIST 2023.
EDIST 2023
Later in the spring, our EDIST Conference & Exhibition overflowed with rich content, a bustling exhibition, and a wealth of opportunities to connect meaningfully with our valued members. With more than 800 people in attendance over the three days, it’s clear that energy professionals recognize the value of EDIST.
Hundreds of members and sector participants network at the EDIST 2023 Casino Night.
Members gather at the Toronto Board of Trade for the EDA’s DEI Conference
EDA Vice Chair, Indrani Butany, and InnPower President & CEO, Danny
discuss the role of DEI in recruitment and retention.
DEI CONFERENCE
In November the EDA hosted our 11th annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference, a forum for our members to share learnings aimed at influencing corporate social responsibility, shaping good governance, and enhancing employee retention and recruitment while improving corporate performance.
Persaud,
COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBER RELATIONS
THE EDA works on behalf of its members. That’s why we are constantly engaging with them, listening to their concerns and offering continuous updates on what we are doing.
Our membership survey is an important tool to hear feedback. Your opinions and priorities matter to us as we pursue our mission to deliver the best possible return on your investment in your membership. In EDA’s two semi-annual membership surveys in 2023, 95% of LDC members indicated they were very satisfied or satisfied with the value of their membership, while commercial members responded with a 100% satisfaction rate.
Along with the CEO’s monthly newsletters, there was a constant stream of fruitful interactions. The EDA is committed to providing members with information and opportunities to explore the best path for their organizations moving forward.
In March, we called the EDA’s LDC membership together for an exclusive discussion with Ontario
One Call’s leadership team around the operationalization of regulations pertaining to locates, their new administrative penalties, and their compliance approach. Ontario One Call
President and CEO (and former EDA Chair) Jim Keech and his team provided an overview of changes and requirements introduced by the government’s legislation, answered member questions, and offered candid information around the implementation deadline.
On June 6, we gathered the vast majority of EDA’s LDC membership for a webinar to discuss the various iterations of a Distribution System Operator (DSO) model that are currently being considered. It is an urgent issue for our members. Change is coming to our sector, and things may never be the same. As such, we must consider these questions as our energy system continues to evolve. This event helped enhance understanding and perspectives on the prospects and challenges surrounding the different models in play.
In partnership with Hydro One and Alectra Utilities, the EDA hosted a collaborative, cost-saving opportunity on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) 2.0, which detailed how the new hardware allows real-time data and more control over energy usage, empowers consumers, and helps LDCs build a resilient grid with a reduced carbon footprint.
In early May, the EDA also hosted our annual Directors Summit. The event returned with gusto, offering key governance insights and principles for our sector, and province at large, as we consider the elements required to support the energy transition and net-zero imperatives.
In the fall, the EDA leadership attended District AGMs across the province, a great opportunity to share the Association’s strategic priorities. These gatherings were invaluable in connecting directly with our members in engaging, informative, and community-specific experiences. A resounding message emerged from those meetings: the power of local hydro will be a cornerstone of Ontario’s electrification and the driving force behind our province’s energy transition.
Throughout the year, EDA staff and leaders enjoyed participating in various gatherings with members to celebrate their accomplishments and milestones on behalf of their customers. Among them were Green Button launches at Oakville Hydro, Enova, GrandBridge Hydro Ottawa, and NT Power, and the ribbon cutting at Elexicon’s Seaton Municipal Transformer Station, as well as our Constituency Meetings and District Conferences. There was the Niagara Grand District Spring Technical Meeting (more affectionately known as the Fish Fry) in Port Dover, the first after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
In November, we celebrated the retirements of and bid farewell to Jerry Van Ooteghem and Rene Gatien, former Co-CEOs of Enova Power and Ian Miles, former CEO of Grandbridge, with gratitude for their laudable contributions to our sector and association.
The EDA also hosted our small, medium, and large constituent meetings, which provided a valuable platform for members to connect and share their perspectives on critical issues.
We always appreciate and benefit from these opportunities to meet with members and discuss their priorities at a grassroots level.
POWERING COMMERCIAL COLLABORATION
Our roster of commercial and commercial plus members encompasses leading providers of products, services and thought leadership to distribution utilities. Companies join due to their shared commitment to the sector’s success, the business-relevant insights they gain, and the networking and business development opportunities that come with EDA membership.
An EDA Commercial Member Steering Committee provides input to help maximize the value we deliver for this category of members. On the right is a Q&A with 2023 Committee Chair Stephen Dow of TOC Logistics.
QWhy did you join the Electricity Distributors Association?
A We have always enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with being a member of the EDA. Attending events, sponsorships, and general participation with the EDA members, both LDC and the supplier community, allows us to interact with our customers and find partnerships that benefit all parties.
Q Electricity distribution is often described as a “collegial” industry – does that extend to commercial partners? Do you feel “part of the family” at EDA?
A Yes, very much so, we look forward to interacting with both the LDC and Commercial Members at both EDA events and individual opportunities for the industry outside of EDA events.
Q Speaking for yourself personally, what’s your favourite event or other form of EDA engagement?
A Likely EDIST, with the AGM a very close 2nd, but this past year, I have attended more of the District events, and I find them enjoyable and of significant value.
Q What’s the biggest challenge or most important imperative you see ahead for companies doing business with the distribution sector?
A As electrification initiatives continue to grow, the costs of labour, material and design rising affordability for the end user customer I see as the greatest challenge the entire sector will face.
EDA Commercial and Commercial Plus Members enjoy unparalleled networking and business development opportunities.
THANKING THOSE WE’RE POWERED BY
POWERED BY OUR MEMBERSHIP
The total membership of the EDA in 2023 was 158 members strong and diverse. Our core members are Ontario distribution utilities. Association services are also geared to the needs of our Commercial and Commercial Plus members (see preceding section), and of nonregulated utility Affiliate companies. Our Associate members include diverse businesses and other entities, some from outside Ontario, with an interest in the electricity distribution sector.
LDC MEMBERS
• Alectra Utilities Corporation
• Atikokan Hydro Inc.
• Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation
• Burlington Hydro Inc.
• Canadian Niagara Power Inc.
• Centre Wellington Hydro Ltd.
• Chapleau Public Utilities Corporation
• Cooperative Hydro Embrun Inc.
• E.L.K. Energy Inc.
• Elexicon Energy Inc
• Enova Power
• Entegrus Powerlines Inc.
• ENWIN Utilities Ltd.
• EPCOR Electricity Distribution Ontario Inc.
• ERTH Power Corporation
• Essex Powerlines Corporation
• Festival Hydro Inc.
• Fort Frances Power Corporation
• GrandBridge Energy Inc.
• Greater Sudbury Hydro Inc.
• Hearst Power Distribution Company Limited
• Hydro 2000 Inc.
• Hydro Hawkesbury Inc.
• Hydro One Networks Inc.
• Hydro Ottawa Limited
• InnPower Corporation
• Kingston Hydro Corporation
• Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd.
• London Hydro Inc.
• Milton Hydro Distribution Inc.
• Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.
• North Bay Hydro Distribution Limited
• Northern Ontario Wires Inc.
• NT Power
• Oakville Hydro
• Orangeville Hydro Limited
• Oshawa PUC Networks Inc.
• Ottawa River Power Corporation
• PUC Distribution Inc.
• Renfrew Hydro Inc.
• Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc.
• Sioux Lookout Hydro Inc.
• SYNERGY NORTH
• Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.
• Wasaga Distribution Inc.
• Welland Hydro Electric System Corporation
• Wellington North Power Inc.
• Westario Power Inc.
THANKING THOSE WE’RE POWERED BY
AFFILIATE MEMBERS COMMERCIAL PLUS
• Bracebridge Generation Ltd.
• Essex Energy Corporation
• Utilismart Corporation
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
• Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts Association (CHEC)
• Electrical Safety Authority
• GridSmart City Cooperative
• Independent Electricity System Operator
• Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA)
• Ontario Energy Network Inc.
• Utilities Standards Forum
• A&W High Voltage Contracting Ltd
• AESI Acumen Engineered Solutions International Inc.
• Black & McDonald Limited
• Caliber Communications
• Composite Power Group Inc.
• Cormorant Utility Services Ltd.
• Domino Highvoltage Supply Inc.
• Goodmans LLP
• Hamilton Community Enterprises (HCE)
• HomeServe
• Honeywell Smart Energy
• Hydel, Division Of Circa
• Jubb Utility Supply Limited
• KA Factor Group Inc.
• K-Line Maintenance & Construction Ltd.
• KPMG LLP
• METSCO, a member of BBA
• Milwaukee Tool
• MNP
• NorthStar Utilities Solutions
• Peterborough Utilities Inc.
• Rodan Energy Solutions
• RR Power Consulting Inc.
• S&C Electric Canada Ltd.
• Siemens Canada Limited
• Stantec Consulting Ltd.
• TE Connectivity
COMMERCIAL MEMBERS
• 3Dot Technologies Inc.
• ABB Electrification Canada ULC
• Acronym Solutions Inc.
• AECON Tristar
• Aird & Berlis LLP
• Aladaco Consulting Inc
• Altec Industries Ltd.
• AMAC Equipment Limited
• AVERTEX Utility Solutions Inc.
• Bel Volt Sales Ltd.
• Bentley Systems Inc.
• Bob Mason & Associates
• Burns & McDonnell
• Cam Tran Co. Ltd.
• Candura Instruments
• Capgemini
• CES Transformers
• Chess Electric
• CIMA+
• Cintas
• Colm Engineering
• Comprehensive Benefit Solutions Limited
• Cresa Toronto Inc., Brokerage
• Digital Boundary Group
• Dura-line
• DXC Technology/ESIT Canada Enterprise
• Eaton Industries Canada Inc.
• ECS Electrical Cable Supply Ltd.
• Engineered Intelligence Inc.
• ESAC (Electrical & Systems Advanced Control Inc.)
• Esri Canada
• Exel International
• FNX-INNOV Inc.
• G&W Electric
• Genics Inc
• GF tec Controls inc.
• CapServCo Limited Partnership
• Hammond Power Solutions
• HCL Canada Inc
• Hexagon
• Honeywell Salisbury Electrical Safety
• Hubbell Power Systems
• Iconic Power Systems
• Itron Canada Inc.
• JESSTEC INDUSTRIES INC.
• JOMAR Softcorp International Inc.
• Kevin Hanson Consulting
• Kinectrics
• K-Line Insulators Limited
• KPC Utility Solutions Group
• Langford & Associates Inc.
• Lineman’s Testing Laboratories
• LineStar Utility Supply Ontario Inc.
• MacLean Power Systems
• MindCore Technologies Inc.
• Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
• Nbisiing Power
• Noramco
• Nordmin Engineering Ltd.
• Novanet Communications Limited
• Olameter Inc.
• OSV Advisory Inc.
2023
THANKING THOSE WE’RE POWERED BY
• PLP Canada
• POSI+
• Power Source Instruments Inc.
• Rainer Cyber and Risk Management Inc.
• Rexel Utility
• Schneider Electric Canada Inc.
• Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc.
• Shepherds Utility Equip. Sales (1989) Ltd.
• Sieco-Tech Canada Inc.
• Soltex Canada
• Stella-Jones Inc.
• Surplec Inc.
• Sussex Strategy Group Inc.
• Thompson Project Management Inc.
• TOC Logistics Inc.
• Trilliant Networks Canada Inc.
• Util-Assist Inc.
• UTS Consultants Inc.
• Valard Construction LP
• Wesco
THANKING THOSE WE’RE POWERED BY
POWERING PRIDE IN YOUR ASSOCIATION
Member-representatives (including EDA board members) serve on the EDA’s standing councils, the executives of EDA districts, the Commercial Member Steering Committee, and on event- and issue-specific committees. Some also serve as EDA representatives to external entities. Our thanks to our 2023 member volunteers.
COMMUNICATORS COUNCIL
Kelly McMath*, Enova Power
Neil Russell**, North Bay Hydro
CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL
Andrea Nuesser*, Hydro One
Jeff Floyd**, London Hydro
ELECTRIFICATION COUNCIL
Jon Foreshew*, Oakville Hydro
Anthony Clavet**, Essex Powerlines
FINANCE AND CORPORATE ISSUES COUNCIL
Alyson Conrad*, Festival Hydro
Igor Rusic**, Milton Hydro
HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL
Wendy O’Keefe*, Kingston Hydro
Elizabeth Carswell**, London Hydro
REGULATORY COUNCIL
Michael Lister*, Alectra Utilities
Stephen Vetsis**, Elexicon
OPERATIONS AND ENGINEERING COUNCIL
Karla Bailey*, Synergy North
Shanon Wilson**, Niagara Peninsula Energy
COMMERCIAL MEMBER STEERING COMMITTEE
Stephen Dow*, TOC Logistics Inc.
Peter Vickery**, HCL Canada Inc.
* Chair | **Vice-Chair
TO SEE A FULL LIST OF OUR 2023 VOLUNTEERS
THANKING THOSE WE’RE POWERED BY
POWERING PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR SPONSORS
Sponsorship at all levels provides support that is instrumental in enabling the EDA to deliver member value. Many of our sponsors also provide subject-matter expertise that enriches our event offerings. Our thanks to our 2023 EDA sponsors:
PLATINUM
GOLD
BRONZE
SILVER
THANKING THOSE WE’RE POWERED BY
POWERING THE CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
On March 27, more than 700 members, industry professionals and electricity sector stakeholders gathered for the EDA Awards Gala to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Ontario’s electricity distributors in various categories, including customer service, safety, and environmental excellence. As a member-driven association, the EDA is proud to honour not only the innovative programs and initiatives of this year’s awards winners but also the success and advancement of all LDCs as they serve their customers and communities.
Check out the photos of the event over the next few pages and join us in congratulating all the 2023 Award Winners for their impressive contributions to our sector over the past year.
LDC PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD, SPONSORED BY GRANT THORNTON, was awarded to Oakville Hydro for its comprehensive approach to employee safety and mental wellness, demonstrating strong service reliability, sustainability, and system performance; while providing innovative, customercentric solutions and philanthropic initiatives that support various community events and non-profit organizations.
LDC Performance Excellence Award
THE PUBLIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD, SPONSORED BY THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUTHORITY, was awarded to Elexicon Energy for collaborating with Kids’ Safety Village Durham to provide virtual and inclassroom electrical safety presentations for students in Grades one to three.
The Public Electrical Safety Excellence Award
The Communications Excellence Award
THE COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE AWARD was presented to ENWIN Utilities Ltd. for its informational campaign around the conversion of a fleet pickup truck from an internal combustion engine to an electric vehicle.
THE CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD was presented to Essex Powerlines Corporation for its new app-based system, which enhances the customer experience, increases workplace flexibility, and assists with regulatory reporting through realtime feedback mechanisms.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD was presented to Hydro One for outstanding efforts to help customers reduce their carbon footprint through partnerships and community planning. Hydro One partnered with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to create a wetland habitat adjacent to their Kleinburg Transformer Station property.
The Environmental Excellence Award
The Customer Service Excellence Award
THANKING THOSE WE’RE POWERED BY
THE INNOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARD, SPONSORED BY THE INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR, was presented to ERTH Power Corporation in recognition of developing its Green Button solution, which will be implemented by more than 50% of Ontario LDCs as a practical and cost-effective option.
A CHAIR’S CITATION, IN MEMORY OF ROBERT H. HAY, for individual achievement was presented to Helga Reidel, former President and CEO of ENWIN Utilities Ltd., for her service and significant contributions to the EDA and the electricity distribution sector.
A Chair’s Citation, in Memory of Robert H. Hay
THE PUBLIC RELATIONS EXCELLENCE
AWARD was presented to Alectra Utilities for its “Five Years of Caring” awareness campaign supporting the AlectraCARES Community Support Program. Since its formation five years ago, Alectra Utilities has provided over $5 million to support hundreds of community-based programs throughout its service territory.
THE EDA’S VOLUNTEER EXCELLENCE AWARD is presented to an individual in recognition of their outstanding support and perseverance in advancing the Association’s policy positions. This year’s award was presented to two worthy recipients: Karla Bailey, Vice President, Asset Management & Engineering at SYNERGY NORTH and Shane Labrash, Supervisor, Energy Conservation, Business Development at Hydro Ottawa.
The Innovation Excellence Award
The Public Relations Excellence Award The EDA’s Volunteer Excellence Award
POWERING THE FUTURE
The EDA kicked off the new year with a major project, the “LDC of the Future” vision paper. The paper will build on our previous Power to Connect vision papers from 2017 and 2018 with a major focus on the role of the LDC in the future, along with the investments needed to address electrification of the economy, grid resilience, and new business models for LDCs to highlight some of the critical areas of study. We will be working with Power Advisory, with support from Elenchus and the Centre for Urban Energy, and the project is overseen by an EDA Board Committee. It will be an important thought-leadership piece to drive ongoing policy development with government, regulators and agencies.
