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: The Power of Resilience
Local distribution companies in Ontario have demonstrated a relentless commitment over the last year. Through the multiple emergency declarations, stay-at-home orders, and shifting public health measures, our members have continued to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to their customers. This customer-first mindset is not surprising to those of us in the sector, since utility employees routinely step up in the most challenging conditions such as ice storms and other major weather events.
With the assistance of our board of directors, staff and the volunteers of our various councils and committees, the EDA has been able to successfully navigate through an ever-changing environment. Through our collective efforts, we were able to provide quality offerings in the areas that matter most to our members, including policy and advocacy, networking and professional development, along with communication, insight, and analysis.
Likewise, the EDA has continued to be laser-focused on supporting our members every step of the way. By meeting with key ministers on a wide range of policy issues, we were able to ensure energy sector workers were prioritized in the vaccination roll out, and we secured an extension of CEAP (the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program) into the 2021-22 fiscal year. The EDA successfully advocated for the removal of provisions regarding digging without locates in the draft Building Broadband Faster Act, and influenced the favourable direction in the three-year Ontario Energy Board business plan with its emphasis on lightening the regulatory burden.
The association also delivered a full year of member-engagement opportunities to help address the business concerns of our members – all from a distance. Early 2021 featured the first-ever virtual EDIST, multiple learning opportunities through our specialized forums, and our successful online AGM. The EDA also leveraged new virtual platforms so that members were still able to come together to network and celebrate excellence throughout the sector at our awards gala.
With 91 per cent of members reporting they are satisfied or very satisfied with the overall value provided by the EDA – and supported with an independent analysis that quantifies the EDA’s return on member fees at 9:1 annually over a recent five-year period – we’re confident our efforts made a difference in 2021.
We want to thank all of our members for their ongoing involvement in and support of the EDA. The successes outlined in this report demonstrate the strength and excellence of the local electricity distribution sector.
Chris White, Board Chair Teresa Sarkesian, President & CEO
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.
CHRIS WHITE Chair
President & CEO, ERTH Corporation
BRYCE CONRAD
Vice Chair
President & CEO, Hydro Ottawa Limited
YSNI SEMSEDINI
Past Chair
President & CEO, Newmarket-Tay Power
ROBERT BREWER
President & CEO, PUC Services Inc.
JASON FITZSIMMONS
Chief Corporate Affairs & Customer Care Officer, Hydro One Networks Inc.
CHARLIE MACALUSO (ex officio)
President & CEO, The MEARIE Group
MIKE MATTHEWS
Senior Vice President, Network Services Alectra Utilities Corporation
GLEN MCALLISTER CFO, InnPower Corporation
Governance Board
of Directors
LEARN MORE about our governance
MEET our leadership team
WILF MESTON VP, Operations, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc.
SCOTT MUDIE COO, Oakville Hydro
SUSANNAH ROBINSON CEO, EPCOR Electricity Distribution Ontario
GERRY SMALLEGANGE President & CEO, Burlington Hydro
TIM WILSON President & CEO Synergy North
VINAY SHARMA CEO, London Hydro Inc.
Governance Strategic
Priorities
The EDA board of directors set the strategic direction for the association, including several high-level priorities and associated strategies and success measures, and an experienced leadership team oversees all EDA operations. Activities and decisions of the board of directors are guided by the EDA’s by-laws, guidelines and terms of reference.
Policy and Advocacy Success Enhanced by a Strong Relationship with Government and Agencies
Ensure that Members Support and Value the EDA by Developing a Clear Value Proposition Sustainable Financial Model
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.
210+ External Meetings & Engagements
50+ Meetings
with Political Staffers & Civil Servants on Behalf of Members
• The Premier’s Office
• The Official Opposition
• Ministries of:
• Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
• Energy
• Environment, Conservation and Parks
• Finance
• Government and Consumer Services
• Infrastructure
• Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Transportation
30+ Policy Submissions
390+ Council and Commitee Participants ONGOING ENGAGEMENT at all levels: OEB, IESO, ESA
Policy & Advocacy
Key Advocacy Wins and Priorities*
• CEAP extended to 2021-22 fiscal year
• Successfully advocated for the removal of provisions regarding digging without locates in the draft Building Broadband Faster Act
• Ensuring energy sector workers were prioritized in the vaccination roll out
• Wind down of Conservation First Framework projects extended to end of 2021
• Favourable Direction in 3-Year OEB Business Plan with an emphasis on lightening the regulatory burden
• Maintained the EDA’s governance representation on both OMERS boards
• Broadband implementation*
• Electrification of transportation*
Robert Brewer
President & CEO, Hydro Ottawa & Vice Chair, EDA
President & CEO PUC Services Inc.
Bryce Conrad
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 2021.
CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES COUNCIL
• MECP: Hydrogen Strategy Discussion
• MENDM: Energy Planning Framework Review
• IESO: Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Roadmap
• IESO: Industrial Energy Efficiency Program
MARKET RENEWAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE
• IESO: Annual Planning Outlook
• IESO: Enabling Resources
• IESO: Hybrid Integration Project
• IESO: Proposed Settlement Statements Recalculations Process and Replacement of the IESO’s Settlement System
OPERATIONS & ENGINEERING COUNCIL
• MENDM: Restrictions for Renewable Energy Generation Facilities
• MENDM: Energy Planning Framework Review
• MENDM: Renewable Energy
OPERATIONS – FINANCE & CORP ISSUES COUNCILS (JOINTLY)
• MGCS: Consumer Protection Act Review
REGULATORY – FINANCE & CORP ISSUES COUNCILS
(JOINTLY)
• OEB: Comments on the COVID Deferral Account
• MENDM: Broadband Expansion
• ENERGY: Ontario Electricity Rebate
Policy & Advocacy
Policy Submissions
REGULATORY – OPERATIONS COUNCILS (JOINTLY)
• MENDM: Mandatory Information Re Connections
TRI-COUNCIL (REGULATORY – OPS & ENGINEERING –FINANCE & CORP ISSUES COUNCILS JOINTLY)
• OEB: ICF Consulting Study
• OEB: DER Consultation
• MENDM: Energy Planning Framework Review
• OEB: COVID Deferral Account
• IESO: Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Roadmap
OTHER SUBMISSIONS
• MFIN: 2021 Pre-Budget Submission
• OEB: Filing Requirements for Cost-of-Service Rate applications for smaller LDCs
• OLA/MOI: Submission on Bill 257
• ECCC (Federal): Migratory Bird Regulations
• OEB: IESO Proposed Issues List
• MGCS: Red Tape Submission
“At this point, I do not feel a need for improvement as you are doing everything that this utility could not accomplish on its own. As a small-sized utility, we cannot and would not be able to lobby as well as you are able to do so. Thank you for all you do and keep up the great work.”
Dan Boucher, General Manager/Operations Supervisor, Northern Ontario Wires
2021 focal points and work products for our other councils included the following:
HUMAN RESOURCES
COUNCIL
• Essential Worker Vaccination Advocacy Support
• COVID-19 Issues from an Employer Perspective
• Vaccination Issues from an Employer Perspective
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Issues
• Motivating & Productive Change Management
COMMUNICATORS COUNCIL
• Customer Landscape Input: OER/Other Bill Changes
• Marketing/Promotion and Uptake of CEAP & CEAP-Small Business
• IESO’s Third Party Access to Smart Metering Data Application to the OEB
• Communication Support Materials for Conservation Programming
• Off-peak Holiday/Changes to RPP Rates
READ our 2021 submissions
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.
FIRST VIRTUAL EDIST Conference and Exhibition
Networking & Professional Development
“My favorite events at the EDA are the annual meeting and the district meeting and the reason is the networking for different LDCs and meeting our colleagues; ah, it’s absolutely huge. A lot of work gets done through networking and able to do it face-to-face is great. Obviously, there’s lots of education also provided at those events, but really to me it’s the networking and a lot of work does get done behind the scenes there.”
Chris Litschko Chief Executive Officer, Lakeland
2:1 RETURN for event participants
We are very pleased with the great work that the EDA and its staff are doing advocating for our best interests and keeping members informed. Keep up the great work!
Power Distribution
Joerg Ruppenstein, President and CEO, Fort Frances Power Corporation
Networking & Professional Development
2021 Events
The EDA’s EDIST Conference, offered virtually for the first time ever in January 2021, once again provided a strong launch for our annual events program. After a year of online events, resiliency is in fact now built into our networking and professional development program as a whole and we have proven our ability to pivot and to deliver compelling virtual events of various scales.
EDIST
January 13-15
> The annual Electricity, Distribution, Information Systems & Technology Conference attracted ample engagement opportunities and information exchange.
EDA AGM
February 25
> The EDA’s annual general meeting was held virtually and welcomed in our 2021 Board of Directors. Safety Forum
March 23
> Noted experts delivered actionable insights on current issues, research and best practices relevant to one of the most important priorities for LDCs.
Construction & Infrastructure Forum
May 4
> This half-day session included a mix of legal, regulatory and sector perspectives, with leading experts speaking to unique constraints and considerations.
EDA Awards Gala
May 20
> This event was the preeminent sector gathering of the year, celebrating excellence within our industry.
Webinar Series
Throughout Year
> Various timely and topical member webinars were offered, many in partnership with EDA corporate sponsors.
Directors’ Summit
June 17
> This half-day session for directors, corporate secretaries and governance staff, heard from governance experts and thought leaders on best practices and strategies to improve board performance.
CUEE Digital Buyer’s Marketplace
Launched June 8
> The Canadian Utility Engineering & Equipment Trade Show was transformed into an interactive online platform, retaining the connectivity and vendor exposure this event is known for.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, powered by Women Connected
November 25
> This annual event addresses the unique contributions of women in our diverse and connected world.
Networking & Professional Development
2022 Events
The EDA is pleased to announce we will be back to in-person events consistent with local and provincial protocols next year. As always, our networking and professional development offerings in 2022 will provide members with valuable opportunities to come together and connect with each other. We look forward to welcoming members and stakeholder at these upcoming events.
EDIST
January 19-21
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre
EDA AGM & Awards Gala
March 30
Fairmont Royal York
Webinar Series
Throughout Year
Virtual
CUEE (Canadian Utility Engineering & Equipment Trade)
September 13-14
Mississauga’s International Centre
Enercom
Four-part Speaker Series
Virtual
GET THE MOST UP-TO-DATE event information and registration details
Communication, Insight & Analysis
Highlights
EDA communications are your go-to source for up-to-theminute insights for executives and senior staff across the electricity distribution sector. Whether through a daily news scan, 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.
315,000+ Social Media Impressions
95,000+ #PowerofLocalHydro Digital Media Impressions
Bryce Conrad President & CEO, Hydro Ottawa & Vice Chair, EDA
Communication, Insight & Analysis
2,100+ Curated Industry News Items Provided to Members 450+ Print & Digital Publication Touchpoints with Members
100% of Members are Satisfied or Very Satisfied with EDA Communication, Insight & Analysis
Communication, Insight & Analysis
Communications Products
Timely information and analysis delivered through:
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.
Get contentrich updates on our website and blog, Twitter and LinkedIn feeds, and media statements.
CHECK OUT
EDA advertising opportunities
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
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
Wasaga Distribution Inc.
Waterloo North Hydro Inc.
Welland Hydro Electric System Corporation
Wellington North Power Inc.
Westario Power Inc.
Janice McMichael-Dennis President & CEO, Bluewater Power Distribution
Our Members, Volunteers & Sponsors
Our Members
AFFILIATE MEMBERS ASSOCIATE MEMBERS COMMERCIAL PLUS MEMBERS
Bracebridge Generation Ltd.
ENVARI
Essex Energy Corporation
Peterborough Utilities Inc.
Utilismart Corporation
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.
Domino Highvoltage Supply Inc.
Goodmans LLP
Hydel, Division of Circa
Jubb Utility Supply Limited
KA Factor Group Inc.
K-Line Maintenance & Construction Ltd.
KPMG LLP
Metsco Energy Solutions Inc.
NorthStar Utilities Solutions
Opus One Solutions
Rodan Energy Solutions
S&C Electric Canada Ltd.
Spark Power Corporation
Stantec Consulting Ltd.
Our Members, Volunteers & Sponsors
Our Members
COMMERCIAL MEMBERS
ABB Inc.
ABG Bag, Inc.
Aird & Berlis LLP
Altec Industries Ltd.
AMAC Equipment Limited
Anixter Power Solutions
AVERTEX Utility Solutions Inc.
Barkley Technologies
Bel Volt Sales Ltd.
Bob Mason & Associates
Burman Energy Consultants Group Inc.
Cam Tran Co. Ltd.
Candura Instruments
Chess Electric
CIMA+
Comprehensive Benefit Solutions
Limited
Digital Boundary Group
DPM Energy Inc.
Dura-Line
E2E Utility Solutions Inc.
Eaton Industries Canada Inc.
Elenchus Research Associates Inc.
ESAC (Electrical & System Advanced Control Inc.)
Esri Canada
FNX-INNOV Inc.
Forbes Bros Ltd.
G&W Electric
Genics Inc.
GFtec, Les Distributeurs Inc./ Controls Inc.
Grant Thornton LLP
Hammond Power Solutions
HCL Canada Inc.
Hexagon Safety & Infrastructure
Hubbell Power Systems
Itron Canada Inc.
JOMAR SOFTCORP
INTERNATIONAL INC.
K.P.C. Power Electrical Ltd.
Kevin Hanson Consulting
Kinectrics
K-Line Insulators Limited
Langford & Associates Inc.
Lineman’s Testing Laboratories
LineStar Utility Supply Ontario Inc.
MindCore Technologies Inc.
Municipal Property Assessment Corporation
Nordmin Engineering Ltd.
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
Novanet Communications Limited
Olameter Inc.
OMICRON Electronics
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Permashell Coating Services (1995) Ltd.
POSI PLUS Technologies
Power Source Instruments Inc.
Provincial Pole Specialists Inc.
Shepherds Utility Equip. Sales (1989) Ltd.
Siemens Canada Limited
Soltex Canada
SPIDA Software
Stella-Jones Inc.
Surplec Inc.
Sussex Strategy Group Inc.
TE Connectivity
Trilliant Networks Canada Inc.
Util-Assist Inc.
Utilis Consulting Inc.
Valard Group of Companies
Wesco Utility
Our Members, Volunteers & Sponsors
Our Volunteers
Member-representatives serve on one or more of the 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. The EDA’s board members also took on specific responsibilities of these types. Our thanks to the following 2021 EDA volunteers:
Raed Abdullah
Justin Allen
Todd Anderson
Henry Andre
Brittany Ashby
John Avdoulos
Ravi Baichan
Karla Bailey
Joe Barile
April Barrie
Greg Bartlett
Dawn Bates
Olivia Baudais
Claire Bebbington
Susanna Beckstead
Gaurav Behal
Christine Bell
Martin Benum
Nimish Bhatnager
Sally Blackwell
Aaron Blazina
Paul Blythin
Geoff Boose
Richard Booy
Dan Boucher
Alex Braletic
Nancy Brandon
Robert Brewer
Kim Brooks
Patrick Brown
James Brown
Richard Bucknall
Paula Burgin
Bart Burman
Kevin Bush
Indy Butany-DeSouza
William Butt
Marco Calibani
Allison Cann
Roland Carbonneau
Daniel Carr
Shawn Carr
Elizabeth Carswell
Adam Casciato
Barb Cesarin
Joshua Charles
Dan Charron
Nancy Clark
Alyson Conrad
Bryce Conrad
Dayne Cooke
Joseph Cornacchia
Stephen Costello
Marie Coulombe
Courtney Courtnage
Ana Couto
Andrew Covello
Kelly Culver
Brian D’Amboise
Christine Dade
Jennifer Damphouse
Frank D’Andrea
Georgina De Cordova
Laura Deak
Mark Delaurier
Alicia DiMarco
Stephen Dow
Stephen Du
Leslie Dugas
Vic Duong
Wayne Dyce
Ethan Fahey
Doug Fairchild
Mark Faught
David Ferguson
Lori Filion
Jason Fitzsimmons
Grace Flood
Margaret Flores
Jeffrey Floyd
Sue Forcier
Jon Foreshew
Dan Gapic
Sherry Gibson
Becky Gillis
Jennifer Gordon
Jeff Graham
Angelo Gravina
Mark Groendyk
Dan Guatto
Philip Guido
Chris Hale
Jane Hale-McDonald
Christine Hallas
Laura Hampton
Jie Han
Bryon Hartung
Tim Hesselink
Colin Hicks
Kathy Horgan
Catherine Huneault
Nancy Hutton
Susan Jamieson
Brent Jackson
Arielle Kadoch
Frank Kallonen
Tyler Kasubeck
Pat Kelly
Robert Kent
Rob Koekkoek
Deanne Kulchyski
Anne Marie Kurello
Ivano Labricciosa
Kerry Lakatos-Hayward
Lisa Lee
Peter Lee
Kristen Lefor
Chris Litschko
Lucy Lombardi
Amy Long
Jayne Lougheed
Tiija Luttrell
Charlie Macaluso
Rob Mace
Ken MacPherson
Bob Mason
Mike Matthews
Glen McAllister
Lisa McCaskie
Josh McCulloch
Melissa McDonald
Jenny McGeachy
Kelly McGregor
Edyta McKay
Kelly McMath
Janice McMichael-Dennis
Michael Mederios
Meheran Mehta
Kyle Mersky
Wilf Meston
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
Blaine Osmond
Pina Pacione
Alex Palimaka
Amanda Panetta
Adam Pappas
Barbara Peirce Marshall
Sean Perry
Danny Persaud
Graig Pettit
Danielle Pietarinen
Roch Pilon
Have Platt
Suzanne Presseault
Jeff Quint
Lesley Racco
Ken Ramnarine
Michelle Reesor
Tracy Rehberg Rawlingson
Robert Renshaw
Carrie Ricketts
Susannah Robinson
Margaret Rodd
Joerg Ruppenstein
Igor Rusic
Neil Russell
Gladys Saenz
Jerry Sampson
Joe Saunders
Jeff Scott
Daniel Séguin
Ysni Semsedini
Taylor Servos
Falguni Shah
Vinay Sharma
Stanton Sheogobind
Trudy Shields
Cindy Shuttleworth
Art Skidmore
Gerry Smallegange
David Smelsky
Jennifer Smith
Josh Smith
Katie Speziale
Jennifer Start
Dan Steele
Oana Stefan
Jenn Stuber
Timothy Sturgeon
Christopher Summers
Janet Taylor
Diane Taylor
Daryn Thompson
Katherine Thorne
Chris Towne
Greg Van Dusen
Jac Vanderbaan
Stephen Vetsis
Ernie Vidovic
Marvio Vinhaes
Brad Walker
Melanie Walls
Umar Waqas
Wendy Watson
Michael Weatherbee
Brandon Weiss
Jackie Wheal
Chris White
Jennifer Wiens
Tim Wilson
Taylor Wilson
Maryanne Wilson
Shanon Wilson
Ashley Windsor
Henry Winter
Michael Wittemund
Bill Wylie
Lora Wyman
Elena Yampolsky
Eisha Zaveri
Steve Zebrowski
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 2021 EDA sponsors:
PLATINUM
Our Sponsors
BRONZE
Celebrating Excellence
Award Recipients
Excellence abounded throughout the electricity distribution sector in Ontario this year and the EDA Awards Gala was a chance to celebrate the many noteworthy achievements of our LDC members. The annual EDA Awards Gala is one of the most anticipated events in our sector, and honours both organizational and individual achievements across various core functions. Congratulations to the following nominees and winners of the EDA awards presented in 2021.
Corporate Recognition
Entegrus Powerlines
LDC Performance Excellence Award for outstanding performance in occupational health and safety, operations, finance, conservation and contributions to the community.
Alectra Utilities
Communications Excellence Award for its internal communications strategy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
London Hydro
Customer Service Excellence Award for its website refresh to improve customer self-service options and Price Plan Calculator.
Hydro One
Environmental Excellence Award for its one-of-a-kind Pollinator Habitat Program.
Waterloo North Hydro
Innovation Excellence Award for introducing a Fault Location, Isolation & Service Restoration project to its distribution system.
Burlington Hydro
Public Relations Excellence Award for its balanced approach to celebrating its 75th anniversary in the midst of a global pandemic.
All LDC Members of the EDA
Public Electrical Safety Excellence Award, sponsored by the Electrical Safety Authority, for their extraordinary efforts in 2020.
Individual Recognition
Max Cananzi & Dr. George Shaparew
Chair’s Citations, in Memory of Robert H. Hay, for exceptional and long-standing service to the association and the sector.
Bart Burman & Pierre Carriere
Honorary Memberships for individual service to the industry and the EDA with distinction over a long period of time.
FIND OUT MORE about the most recent award winners
Looking Ahead
In 2022, the EDA will continue to be the voice of Ontario’s electricity distributors on key priorities, including:
• Raising the distribution sector’s profile during the upcoming pre-election period
• Advocating for further OEB modernization and reduced regulatory burden
• Ensuring LDC flexibility and remuneration in enabling distributed energy resources
• Enhancing the role of LDCs in the electrification of transportation
• Addressing the issues of climate change and grid resilience
We also look forward to engaging in-person with members at our many networking and professional development events, as well as to providing you with timely and informative communications.
As our members provide unparalleled service to Ontarians, the EDA is here to deliver a strong return on your membership dues by advancing your interests, advocating for the policies that will best enable you to serve your customers, and providing you with high-value support in all of your future endeavours.
