EDA 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW
What We’re All About
EDA Mission
Our 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.
EDA Vision
Our vision is to shape the future for local distribution companies to be the premier service providers to Ontarians in the evolving energy system.
Executive Message: A Year Unlike Any Other
The early weeks of 2020 featured a well-attended EDIST conference, and were capped off as usual with a successful EDA AGM and Awards Gala, held this year in a combined format with our ENERCOM conference.
efforts and accelerate results across not just policy and advocacy, but also networking and professional development, and communication, insight and analysis.
More than ever, this was an invaluable opportunity to conduct association business, and to network with, learn from and celebrate the achievements of colleagues and thought leaders.
COVID-19 was already at least a back-of-mind consideration at the time. But with the declaration of a global pandemic mere days after we gathered, it became the defining feature of the rest of 2020, with implications that will clearly reach into 2021 and beyond.
Local distribution companies swung into action to implement numerous billing changes and to ensure continued provision of essential services during the pandemic, often with both remote workforces and significantly altered working procedures.
At the EDA, we maintained an unwavering focus on supporting our members during these extraordinary times. We quickly arranged an allmember meeting with Ministers Rickford and Walker; stepped up the activities of our board and councils; and effectively advocated for solutions consistent both with member cashflow considerations, and with our sector’s customer-first orientation.
With the support of our directors, staff, and subject-matter expert volunteers from across the membership, we were able to adapt our
These efforts were not only effective, but efficient, and an independent analysis we commissioned quantifies the EDA’s return on member fees at 9:1 annually over a recent five-year period. This demonstrates that the EDA doesn’t just get results, we also help drive efficiencies in the sector.
While 2020 truly has been a year unlike any other, we’re confident our value delivery has remained very solid. We thank all members for their continued support and active engagement, which helped make the activities and outcomes outlined on the following pages possible.
Ysni Semsedini, Board Chair
Teresa Sarkesian, President & CEO
9:1 RETURN on Membership Fees
Governance Board
of Directors
The EDA is governed by a volunteer board made up of senior executives from our local distribution company members. It is composed of representatives based on both utility size and geography.
YSNI SEMSEDINI
Chair
President & CEO, Newmarket-Tay Power
BRYCE CONRAD
President & CEO, Hydro Ottawa Limited
CHRIS WHITE
Vice Chair President & CEO, ERTH Corporation
GERRY SMALLGANGE
Past Chair
President & CEO, Burlington Hydro
JASON FITZSIMMONS
Chief Corporate Affairs & Customer Care Officer, Hydro One Networks Inc.
LESLEY GALLINGER
President & CEO, Elexicon Energy Inc.
MAX CANANZI
President, Alectra Utilities Corp.
ROBERT MACE
President & CEO, SYNERGY NORTH
Governance Board of
Directors
LEARN MORE about our governance
MEET our leadership team
GLEN McALLISTER* CFO, InnPower Corporation
PETER McMULLEN Director & Treasurer, Greater Sudbury Hydro Inc.
ART SKIDMORE
President & CEO, Halton Hills Hydro
JERRY VAN OOTEGHEM
President & CEO, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro
SUSANNAH ROBINSON CEO, EPCOR Electricity Distribution Ontario
CHARLIE MACALUSO (ex officio) President & CEO, The MEARIE Group
VINAY
SHARMA CEO, London Hydro Inc.
* Glen McAllister was elected to replace long-time EDA Director Ruth Tyrrell, upon her retirement from Orangeville Hydro.
Governance Strategic Priorities
2020 was the final of three years in which EDA activities were guided by our Shape the Future strategic plan, which sets out several high-level priorities and associated strategies and success measures.
Trusted Source
Maintain and enhance the EDA’s status – with policy makers, regulators and stakeholders – as a thoughtleading, credible and insightful source of information and advice.
Policy Development and Advocacy Excellence
Lead collective policydevelopment on behalf of and in support of the electricity distribution sector and effectively advocate for its implementation.
Association
Strength and Capacity
Further strengthen the EDA with respect to the three priorities of financial stability, service excellence to members, and access to talent.
Policy & Advocacy
Highlights
The EDA is the forum in which Ontario’s local distribution companies collectively arrive at and advance policy solutions. With the support of member councils and committees, the EDA maintains a steady pace of policy submissions and an active presence in front of decision makers, for whom it has become the trusted point of contact with the distribution sector.
200+
External Meetings & Engagements
75+ Meetings with Political Staffers & Civil Servants on Behalf of Members
• The Premier’s Office
• Nine Ministries
• The Official Opposition
50+ Policy Submissions
750+ Council and Commitee Participants ONGOING ENGAGEMENT at all levels: OEB, IESO, ESA
Policy & Advocacy
Key Advocacy Wins
• Tailored Customer Relief Supporting LDC Cashflow
• Support for a COVID Deferral Account
• “Essential” Designation for LDCs & Supply Chains
• Streamlined OEB Reporting/Filing
• Conservation Framework Cost Extension
• Enhanced Flexibility re: TOU Customer Choice
• Favourable Directions in OEB Mandate Letters
Vinay Sharma
Max Cananzi CEO, London Hydro Inc.
President, Alectra Utilities Corp.
Policy & Advocacy
Policy Submissions
When a policy file or process impacts EDA member interests, we engage on it and offer solutions that align with the interests of both our members and their customers. Through the efforts of our staff, under the oversight of our directors, and with the leadership of our various councils and committees, we made the following submissions in 2020.
CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES COUNCIL
IESO: CFF Winddown Costs
IESO: CFF Issues
MENDM: 2021-2024 CDM Framework
EDA Position on Conservation
IESO: CDM Implementation Plan
EDA Position on Electrification of Transportation (with EV Sub-Committee)
MARKET RENEWAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE
York Region Non-Wires Alternatives
Exploring DER Participation in the IESO Administered Markets
Submission on Market Renewal Facility Registration
Submission on Market Renewal Revenue Meter Registration
Submission on Market Renewal Market Billing and Fund
Submission on Market Renewal Prudential Security
MRP Detailed Design Document on Publishing and Reporting
Demand Response
Energy Efficiency
Energy Storage
Market Settlement
Grid and Market Operations Integration
Offers, Bids, Data
Energy Storage Design Project
Energy Payments for Demand Response
MARKET RENEWAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE CON’T
IESO: Day Ahead Market Calculation
IESO: Settlement System Charge
IESO: Resource Adequacy
IESO: Market Entry and Prudential Security
IESO: Detailed Design
IESO: Pre-Dispatch Calculation Engine
IESO: Market Renewal Detailed Design Phase - Final Feedback Review
Policy & Advocacy
OPERATIONS & ENGINEERING COUNCIL
Connecting SW Draft Transit Plan MTO ERO 019-1097
IESO: York Region Non-Wires Alternatives Demonstration Project
Best Practices Guide on DER Connections
REGULATORY COUNCIL
MENDM EDA Submission on O Reg 32803
REGULATORY – FINANCE & CORP ISSUES COUNCILS
jointly
OEB: Draft Issues List COVID-19 Deferral Account
OEB: COVID-19 Deferral Account
OEB: Carrying Charges
MENDM: Bill Presentment Reg Changes
TRI-COUNCIL (Regulatory - Ops & Engineering - Finance & Corp Issues Councils jointly)
OEB EB-2018-02872018-0288 Extension
OEB Response to Guidance Letter of March 27, 2020
OEB re: DERs EB-2018-0287/2018-0288
OEB: Standard Supply Service Code (July 29)
OEB: Standard Supply Service Code (September 1)
MENDM: Global Adjustment Deferral
READ our 2020 submissions
OTHER SUBMISSIONS
ECDEV: Red Tape Bill Recommendations
2020 Pre-Budget Submission
EDA letter to Minister Rickford, Proposed Themes for OEB Reform
EDA Submission on Rate Relief Options to Minister’s Office
OMERS re: Plan Design Changes
MENDM: LTEP Submission
OMERS Governance
2020 Pre-Budget Submission (supplemental)
MENDM: Green Button (4 councils jointly)
MENDM: Community Net Metering (4 councils jointly)
IESO: Options to Enhance DER Participation (3 councils jointly)
2020 focal points and work products for our other councils included the following:
COMMUNICATORS COUNCIL
COVID-19 Pandemic: LDC Strategic Communications Tool Kit
OEB Communications Strategy for TOU Customer Choice
OEB Communications Strategy for CEAP & CEAP-Small Business
HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL
LDC Essential Workplace Designation
Pandemic Staffing & Structuring
Workplace Self Screening
Return to Work Protocols
OMERS Plan Design Changes
Networking & Professional Development
Highlights
Our industry is at the heart of an electricity and broader energy system that is undergoing dramatic transformation. Through a series of standing conferences on various themes, and timely topic-specific forums and webinars, our members have access to the insights they need to thrive in today’s dynamic environment, and also enjoy unparalleled networking opportunities with peers, experts and influencers.
OVER 2,400 Live & Virtual Event Attendees
RECORD ATTENDANCE at EDIST Conference
Networking & Professional Development
There’s only one or two times a year, probably, where you run into that many people in the industry, and you’re able to network with EDA members, industry influencers, politicians. And I think that’s really kind of the cornerstone of the EDA.
President and CEO, Synergy North
2:1 RETURN for event participants
Attendees on
Robert Mace
Robert Mace
President and CEO, SYNERGY NORTH
Networking & Professional Development
2020 Events
When the pandemic hit, we pivoted smoothly to extensive webinar offerings and to a new immersive virtual platform for our signature events. This ensured that our CON::NECT events program was not only sustained, but in fact expanded in response to member needs for timely insights on COVID-related business issues.
EDIST
Jan 15-17
Hilton Toronto/Markham Conference Centre
> The annual Electricity, Distribution, Information Systems & Technology Conference attracted record attendance.
EDA AGM ENERCOM & Awards Gala
Feb 26-28
Fairmont Royal York, Toronto
> Held in a concurrent format in 2020, this suite of events was the preeminent sector gathering of the year.
Webinar Series
Throughout Year
Virtual
> 10 complimentary member webinars were offered, many in partnership with EDA corporate sponsors.
M&A Forum
Oct 22
Virtual
> A roster of noted experts spoke to this always-relevant topic with a focus on key decisionmaking variables for LDCs.
Women
Connected
Nov 25
Virtual
> Offered on an immersive virtual platform, this annual event addresses the unique contributions of women in our diverse and connected world.
Networking & Professional Development 2021 Events
We look forward to welcoming members and stakeholders at these upcoming events:
EDIST
Jan 13-14, 2021
Virtual
Business Forum
May 4, 2021
Virtual
Awards
May 20, 2021
Virtual
EDA AGM
Feb 25, 2021
Virtual
Gala
ENERCOM
Aug 24, 2021
Virtual
Safety Forum
Mar 23, 2021
Virtual
Women Connected
Nov 25, 2021
Virtual
CUEE Digital Buyer’s Catalogue
Launching Jun 8, 2021
The Canadian Utility Engineering & Equipment Trade Show will be adapted to a new virtual format, retaining all of the connectivity and vendor exposure this event is known for. Participants can now showcase their products leveraging a variety of multimedia that will be accessible throughout the year.
Communication, Insight & Analysis
Highlights
EDA communication materials are a go-to source for up-to-the-minute insights for executives and senior staff across the distribution sector. Whether through a daily news compendium, deeper dives into emerging policies, or long-form features, we keep members informed in an era of constant and accelerating change. External facing campaigns such as The Power of Local Hydro, meanwhile, have positioned our sector advantageously with key decision makers.
200,000+
Chris White President and CEO, ERTH Corporation
Communication, Insight & Analysis
Highlights
2,100+
Curated Industry News Items Provided to Members
400+ Print & Digital Publication Touchpoints with Members
Two International Gold Awards for Power of Local Hydro Campaign
Communication, Insight & Analysis
EDA Communications Products
We produce and distribute:
EDA Wirescan | Daily
An early morning digest of industry-relevant news.
EDA Weekly | Weekly
A compendium of recent industry-relevant developments, along with insights on EDA events and other member-engagement opportunities.
CEO Update | Monthly
An overview of and commentary on recent and pending industry and association developments from the desk of our CEO.
Commercial Member Monthly | Monthly
An industry and association news digest, tailored to the particular interests of this category of members.
The Distributor | Quarterly
Feature-length magazine coverage of member innovations, achievements and more.
RapidSource | As Needed
As-it-happens updates on developments at Queen’s Park and elsewhere that impact our sector.
We also continuously update a website and blog, Twitter and LinkedIn feeds, and media statements.
Our Members, Volunteers & Sponsors
Our Members
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION COMPANIES
Alectra Utilities Corporation
Atikokan Hydro Inc.
Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation
Brantford Power Inc.
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.
Energy+ Inc.
Entegrus Powerlines Inc.
ENWIN Utilities Ltd.
EPCOR Electricity Distribution
Ontario Inc.
ERTH Power Corporation
Espanola Regional Hydro Distribution Corporation
Essex Powerlines Corporation
Festival Hydro Inc.
Fort Frances Power Corporation
Greater Sudbury Hydro Inc.
Halton Hills 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
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.
Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd.
London Hydro Inc.
Milton Hydro Distribution Inc.
Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution Ltd.
Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.
North Bay Hydro Distribution Limited
Northern Ontario Wires Inc.
Oakville Hydro
Orangeville Hydro Limited
Orillia Power Distribution Corporation
Oshawa PUC Networks Inc.
Ottawa River Power Corporation
Peterborough Distribution Incorporated
PUC Distribution Inc.
Renfrew Hydro Inc.
Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc.
Sioux Lookout Hydro Inc.
SYNERGY NORTH
Wasaga Distribution Inc.
Waterloo North Hydro Inc.
Welland Hydro Electric System Corporation
Wellington North Power Inc.
Westario Power Inc.
Susannah Robinson CEO, EPCOR Electricity Distribution Ontario
Our Members, Volunteers & Sponsors
Our Members
AFFILIATE MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS COMMERCIAL PLUS MEMBERS
Alectra Energy Solutions
Bracebridge Generation Ltd.
ENVARI
ERTH Corporation
Essex Energy Corporation
Peterborough Utilities Inc.
Utilismart Corporation
Wasaga Resource Services Inc.
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.
Ameresco Canada
Black & McDonald Limited
Composite Power Group Inc.
Elocity
Goodmans LLP
Hydel, Division of Circa
Jubb Utility Supply Limited
KA Factor Group Inc.
K-Line Maintenance & Construction Ltd.
KPMG LLP
NewEnergyCustomer
Opus One Solutions
Rodan Energy Solutions
S&C Electric Canada Ltd.
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Our Members, Volunteers & Sponsors
Our Members
COMMERCIAL MEMBERS
ABB Inc.
Aird & Berlis LLP
Almita Piling Inc.
AMAC Equipment Limited
Anixter Power Solutions
Arcadian Projects Inc.
AVERTEX Utility Solutions Inc.
Barkley Technologies
BDR NorthAmerica Inc.
Bel Volt Sales Ltd.
Bob Mason & Associates
Burman Energy Consultants Group Inc.
Cam Tran Co. Ltd.
Candura Instruments
ChargeHub
Chess Electric
CIMA+
Comprehensive Benefit Solutions
Limited
DeMarco Allan LLP
Dentons Canada LLP
Digital Boundary Group
DPM Energy Inc.
E2E Utility Solutions Inc.
Elenchus Research Associates Inc.
ESAC (Electrical & System Advanced Control Inc.)
Esri Canada
FNX-INNOV Inc.
G&W Electric
GFtec, Les Distributeurs Inc./ Controls Inc.
Grant Thornton LLP
Hammond Power Solutions
Hatch Ltd.
Henderson Oliver Sales Ltd.
Hexagon Safety & Infrastructure
Honeywell
ILSCO Of Canada
Itron Canada Inc.
JOMAR SOFTCORP INTERNATIONAL INC.
K.P.C. Power Electrical Ltd.
Kinectrics
K-Line Insulators Limited
Landace Hydraulics
Landis + Gyr Inc.
Langford & Associates Inc.
Lineman’s Testing Laboratories
LineStar Utility Supply Ontario Inc.
Metsco Energy Solutions Inc.
Midgard Consulting Incorporated
MindCore Technologies Inc.
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
Nordmin Engineering Ltd.
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
Novanet Communications Limited
Olameter Inc.
OMICRON Electronics
SEE YOUR OPTIONS for becoming an EDA member
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Permashell Coating Services (1995) Ltd.
POSI PLUS Technologies
Power Source Instruments Inc.
RCC Electronics
Reptame Equipment Inc.
Shepherds Utility Equip. Sales (1989) Ltd.
Siemens Canada Limited
SNC-Lavalin Inc.
Soltex Canada
SPIDA Software
Stella-Jones Inc.
Surplec Inc.
Sussex Strategy Group Inc.
TE Connectivity
Trilliant
Util-Assist Inc.
Wesco Utility
Our Members, Volunteers & Sponsors
Our Volunteers
Member-representatives serve on one or more of EDA’s six standing councils, the executives of the six districts, the Commercial Member Steering Committee, and EDA event- and issue-specific committees; or as EDA representatives to external entities. EDA board members (see pages 5-6) also took on specific responsibilities of these types. Our thanks to the following 2020 EDA volunteers:
Raed Abdullah
Andy Armitage
Brittany Ashby
Ravi Baichan
Joe Barile
Chris Barker
Natasha Bennett
Brian Bentz*
Martin Benum*
Nimish Bhatnager
Sally Blackwell
Paul Blythin
Margaret Boland
John Bonadie
Geoff Boose
Richard Booy
Stacia Boss
Dan Boucher*
Nancy Brandon
Kim Brooks
Patrick Brown
James Brown
Peter Brzezinski
Bart Burman
Bob Burman*
Kevin Bush
Indy Butany-DeSouza*
Marco Caliban
Roland Carbonneau
Shawn Carr
Daniel Carr
Elizabeth Carswell
Barb Cesarin
Dan Charron
Samir Chhelavda*
Frances Conidi-Martin
Alyson Conrad*
Mary-Jo Corkum
Courtney Courtnage
Ana Couto*
Andrew Covello*
Kelly Culver
Brian D’Amboise
Frank D’Andrea
Georgina De Cordova
Laura Deak
Gia DeJulio
Siobhan Desroches
Alicia DiMarco
Stephen Dow*
Leslie Dugas
Cuc Duong
Wayne Dyce*
Andrya Eagen
Ethan Fahey
Doug Fairchild*
Peter Faltaous
David Ferguson
Zorine Fernandes
Grace Flood
Margaret Flores
Sal Folino
Jon Foreshew
Sherry Gibson
Becky Gillis
Paul Gleason
Tammy Gravel
Angelo Gravel
Dan Guatto*
Chris Hale
Jane Hale-McDonald*
Monica Hall
Christine Hallas
Laura Hampton
Jie Han
Lorella Hayes
Tim Hesselink
Jim Hogan
Pamela Hogg
Kathy Horgan
Elizabeth Houghton
Nancy Hutton
Brent Jackson
Susan Jamieson
Arielle Kadoch
Frank Kallonen*
Katie Kelsall
Robert Kent
Jill Kirwan
Rob Koekkoek
Ivano Labricciosa
Lisa Lee*
Lucy Lombardi
Amy Long
Angie
Longworth-Barkwell
Chris Mace
Lesley MacNiven
Walter Malcolm*
Karen Marner*
Mike Matthews*
Lisa McCaskie
Melissa McDonald
Jenny McGeachy*
Kelly McGregor Cameron McKenzie
Kelly McMath
Meheran Mehta
Wilf Meston*
Peter Michaud
Paula Milot
Jeff Mocha
Salman Moin
Dan Molon
Tyler Moore
Dorothy Moryc
Scott Mudie
Kevin Myers
Margaret Nanninga
Caitlin Newey
Sheri Ojero
Wendy O’Keefe
Alex Palimaka*
Amanda Panetta
Barbara Peirce
Marshall*
Sean Perry
Danny Persaud
Graig Pettit
Michel Picard
Danielle Pietarinen
Suzanne Presseault
Jeff Quint
Gary Rains
Ken Ramnarie
Michelle Reesor
Tracy Rehberg
Rawlingson
Helga Reidel*
Robert Renshaw
Shannon Restoule
Carrie Ricketts
Margaret Rodd
Mike Roth
Joerg Ruppenstein*
Neil Russell
Joe Saunders
David Savage
Daniel Séguin
Falguni Shah*
Barbara Shortreed
David Smelsky
Jennifer Smith
Josh Smith
Cindy Speziale
Jennifer Start
Dan Steele
Oana Stefan
Matthew Strecker
Jenn Stuber
Christopher Summers
Janet Taylor
Diane Taylor
Kris Taylor*
Daryn Thompson
Katherine Thorne
Chris Towne
Cassandra Umbriaco
Liana Urquhart
Greg Van Dusen
Jac Vanderbaan
Peter Vickery
Ernie Vidovic
Marvio Vidovic
Melanie Walls
Wendy Watson
Tim Wilson
Shanon Wilson
Maryanne Wilson
Henry Winter
Chris Wray
Elena Yampolsky
Our Members, Volunteers & Sponsors
Our Sponsors
Sponsorship at all levels provides support that is instrumental in enabling the EDA to deliver strong member value. Many of our sponsors also provide subject-matter expertise that enriches our event offerings. Our thanks to the following 2020 EDA sponsors:
PLATINUM
Our Sponsors
BRONZE SILVER
Celebrating Excellence
Award Recipients
The annual EDA Awards Gala is one of the most anticipated events in our sector, and celebrates both organizational and individual achievements across various core functions. Congratulations to the following winners of EDA awards presented in 2020.
Corporate Recognition
Essex Powerlines
Top honours with EDA LDC Performance Excellence Award
Halton Hills Hydro
Communications Excellence in connection with its latest Cost of Service rate application
PUC Distribution
Customer Service Excellence in helping its customers make use of the AffordAbility Fund Trust program
Alectra Utilities
Environmental Excellence in the form of its AlectraCARES One Planet Program
Hydro One
Innovation Excellence (sponsored by the IESO) for its Aroland Battery Energy Storage System
ENWIN Utilities
Public Electrical Safety Excellence (sponsored by the ESA) for a campaign that leveraged sports marketing
Niagara Peninsula Energy
Public Relations Excellence for its Utility Box Artwork program
Individual Recognition
Ruth Tyrrell Ron Steward Chair’s Citations, in Memory of Robert H. Hay, for exceptional and long-standing service to the association and the sector
FIND OUT MORE about the most recent award winners
Looking Ahead
In 2021, EDA members will continue to be called upon to serve customers in unprecedented ways, and the EDA will be here to provide high-value support. We will continue to be your collective voice on key policy priorities, including:
• Ongoing regulatory streamlining and OEB modernization
• Recovery of pandemic-related costs
• LDC involvement with distributed energy resource development
• Opportunities for broader, beneficial electrification
• Ongoing cost efficiency and affordability improvement We will also continue to offer a robust networking and professional development program, fully adapted to public-health requirements, and to conveniently deliver timely and value-added insights and analysis to members. Whatever the future brings, members can count on a strong return from their investment in the EDA.
