New Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, and Associate Minister of Energy - Intensive Industries, Sam Oosterhoff / 5
Local Hydro Utilities are Powering Community Growth across Ontario
A Sustainable Future and Service Excellence In Peel Region / 10
Powering Waterloo Region’s Largest Economic Engine / 26
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Welcome to the summer edition of The Distributor! I am honoured to address you for the first time as Chair of the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA). It is a privilege to serve in this role, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our association.
Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Chair, Tim Wilson, for his invaluable support during this transition. His leadership maintained a strong foundation for the EDA, and I am grateful for his guidance.
The theme of this issue is particularly significant: exploring how local hydro utilities contribute to economic development in their communities. Our member articles illustrate how local hydro utilities are not just power providers, but essential drivers of economic growth. Whether supporting transportation projects, implementing best-in-class building practices, or training the next generation of Ontario’s workforce, local hydro utilities are at the forefront of preparing for the future of energy and the province.
I am also proud to note that this is a historic moment for the EDA. Alongside Teresa Sarkesian, our President and CEO, and Janice McMichael-Dennis, our Vice Chair, this marks the first time the Association has been led entirely by women. Teresa has penned a lovely article on page 16 that provides more detail about this evolution in representation across our industry.
This issue also features highlights from our recent EDA events, including the Excellence Awards Gala, ENERCOM, and the Directors Summit. These events showcase the remarkable achievements and innovations within our industry, and I am thrilled to share them with you.
As we move forward, I look forward to a productive year filled with collaboration, innovation, and progress. Together, we can continue to build a resilient and sustainable future for our communities.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the EDA. I hope you enjoy this edition of The Distributor and find it as inspiring and informative as I do.
Sincerely,
Indrani J. Butany Chair, Electricity Distributors Association
The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) publishes The Distributor for its members and stakeholders. All rights to editorial content are reserved by the EDA. No article can be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the EDA.
PUBLISHED SUMMER 2024 FOR:
Electricity Distributors Association
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Teresa Sarkesian, President and CEO
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CABINET SHUFFLE AT QUEEN’S PARK
On June 6, Premier Doug Ford unveiled a new provincial Cabinet, with Stephen Lecce becoming Minister of Energy and Electrification. Sam Oosterhoff also becomes Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries as part of the Ministry. This addition to the portfolio marks a clear recognition of the emphasis the Government has placed on grid electrification. The EDA thanks the Hon. Todd Smith for his past service to Ontarians as Minister of Energy and his achievements in charting a course for powering Ontario’s future growth with sustainable and reliable electricity. We congratulate Minister Lecce on his new appointment and look forward to working with him to enable local hydro to play a leading role in the energy transition.
The EDA welcomes Joerg Ruppenstein, President & CEO, Fort Frances Power Corporation, back to the Board of Directors. Joerg returns to the Board for his second time, previously serving in 2019-20, to replace Tim Wilson, upon his retirement.
SYNERGY NORTH ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF ANDREW COVELLO AS INTERIM PRESIDENT & CEO
The SYNERGY NORTH Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Covello as Interim President and CEO, effective immediately. This follows the retirement of Tim Wilson, who announced his departure in February.
VINAY SHARMA, PRESIDENT & CEO, ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT FROM LONDON HYDRO
London Hydro has announced that Dr. Vinay Sharma, its long-serving CEO, will be retiring this August. Dr. Sharma has worked for 26 years at London Hydro, leading the company for the last 15 years. Vinay has also been deeply involved in the EDA, serving on the Board for several years and as Chair in 2017-18.
YSNI SEMSEDINI APPOINTED AS LONDON HYDRO’S NEW CEO
The London Hydro Board announced the appointment of Ysni Semsedini as its Chief Executive Officer, effective August 6, 2024. Ysni Semsedini brings over 20 years of experience of electricity distribution, telecom, manufacturing and healthcare to London Hydro. He previously held the position of CEO at NT Power and Festival Hydro. NT Power’s Board of Directors has appointed Stuart Smith as its interim CEO.
MIKE RENCHECK OF BRUCE POWER TO TRANSITION ROLE
Mike Rencheck retired from the position of President & CEO effective June 30, 2024, and will assume the role of Executive Vice-Chair. He will continue to serve as a senior advisor to Bruce Power and the industry. Bruce Power is pleased to announce the promotion of Eric Chassard to the position of President and CEO, effective July 1, 2024.
TORONTO HYDRO ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
Toronto Hydro has announced that Jana Mosley has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto Hydro effective September 3, 2024. Ms. Mosley succeeds Anthony Haines, who has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto Hydro since October 2009. Mr. Haines will remain with the Corporation until December 31, 2024, to ensure an orderly transition in leadership.
This spring, more than 4,000 Indigenous youth laced up their skates and took them to the ice for the 50th anniversary of the Little Native Hockey League’s (Little NHL) tournament, which was sponsored by Hydro One. The Little NHL tournament was created to foster inclusivity in hockey for Indigenous players and support communities and young players through safe play.
On April 19, Hydro One and Chapleau Hydro announced that the OEB had approved their application for Hydro One to become the electricity service provider in the Township of Chapleau during the current board term.
In celebration of Earth Day, ENWIN announced the installation of its new rooftop solar net metering facility at its head office. One of the largest of its kind in Canada, the rooftop solar array, consisting of over 3,000 solar panels, will generate enough clean, renewable electricity to power approximately 300 homes annually.
PUC Services Inc. has been recognized as one of Canada’s top small and medium employers for 2024 by Canada’s Top 100 Employer. Winners are selected on several criteria, including health, financial and family benefits, training and skills development, employee communications, and community involvement.
In an effort to educate and keep kids safe, SYNERGY NORTH launched its Be Power Safe educational program at local elementary schools. The new informative and dynamic electrical safety program sets out to make children aware of electricity and its potential hazards.
April 2024 marks five years of Elexicon Energy powering the lives of its customers and empowering the communities it serves to create a better future. The organization will celebrate the milestone with community events and contests throughout the coming year.
Oakville Hydro reports that during Earth Hour the Town of Oakville saved approximately 9.4 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity, which is equivalent to turning off about 625,000 15-watt light bulbs for one hour.
Gary Smith, Executive Vice President, Operations and Innovation, Fortis Inc., and Rick Putman, Superintendent, Distribution Lines, Hydro One, were recognized at Electricity Canada’s “Faces of the Industry” awards, which honour leadership and innovation in the electricity sector.
HYDRO ONE AND ACT EMPOWER LOCAL
Hydro One joined the Advanced Coronary Treatment (ACT) Foundation to celebrate Heart Month (February) with the launch of Opioid Overdose Response Training in Thunder Bay high schools. Teachers in the region are now trained in the Opioid Overdose Response Training enhancement, empowering them to impart critical lifesaving skills to 1,200 Grade 9 students every year.
HYDRO OTTAWA ON CANADA’S GREENEST EMPLOYERS FOR 13TH TIME
Hydro Ottawa has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 13th time. With its commitment to local sustainability initiatives and strategic planning, this achievement highlights what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Hydro Ottawa is also focused on making it easier for residential customers to participate in a sustainable energy future.
In honour of National Indigenous People’s Month, GrandBridge Energy continued its partnership with the Woodland Cultural Centre in a collaborative effort to support Truth and Reconciliation. GrandBridge delivered awareness sessions to all employees in early June as part of the organization’s commitment to truth and reconciliation and building positive relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Proven Ontario Regulatory Compliance Multiple Entities Commodities Services Supports Regulated and Non-Regulated Operations Managed CIS MDM Settlement Assist and Serices
Integration with AMI MDM/R GIS SCADA OMS MDM Sub-Metering Services Heat Meters EV Charging Automation of Business Processes
By Harneet Panesar, Chief Operating Officer, Ontario Energy board
Electricity distributors can now offer flexible hosting capacity arrangements that are designed to connect distributed energy resources (DERs) safely and reliably to the grid, even when their aggregated output may surpass the technical capacities of distribution feeders and/or substations. This flexibility is instrumental in its ability to accommodate the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, support customer choice, further optimize Ontario’s competitive energy advantage, and facilitate the energy transition.
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) amended the Distribution System Code (DSC) under its DER Connections Review, effective March 27, 2024. As part of this initiative, the OEB established a Working Group comprised of a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Electricity Distributors Association and its members. Insights and recommendations offered by this Working Group have formed the basis of many DSC amendments that have provided further clarity and consistency in the process for connecting a DER, as well as removing barriers to adopting DERs. Among these critical amendments, the flexible hosting capacity arrangement stands out.
Harneet Panesar, Chief Operating Officer, Ontario Energy board
“The only way to navigate this transition is through partnership. Together, we are taking major steps in enabling the proliferation of DERs, customer choice and public value,”
- Harneet Panesar, Chief Operating Officer, Ontario Energy Board
These latest DSC amendments enable electricity distributors to offer flexible hosting capacity arrangements when connecting DERs to portions of the power grid that are constrained. They also recognize that distributors are best positioned to assess the distributor-specific costs and benefits of the flexible hosting capacity arrangement, which is specific to each distribution system and each potential DER connection. If a distributor opts to offer a flexible capacity arrangement, it can also determine when and how to provide those arrangements to ensure they are safe, reliable and cost-effective. As we progress through the energy transition, the drive to innovate has inspired the creation of DER solutions that use grid capability more effectively and avoid expensive investments like station upgrades.
There is also a new section to the DSC that provides for sufficient time to establish connection requirements and other terms and conditions. This will help ensure minimal impact to the system and existing customers by exempting compliance with certain DSC timeline requirements. This new provision also requires distributors to outline the operating terms and conditions that govern the output and/or operation of the DERs, providing enhanced clarity and transparency during the connection process.
Distributors now have an opportunity to proactively inform prospective DER customers about the availability of flexible hosting capacity arrangements. Through updates to distributor websites and direct notifications, customers can be informed of their options and initiate discussions on leveraging DERs, particularly in parts of the grid that were previously constrained.
These amendments will facilitate innovation in the electricity sector, support system capacity optimization and cost effectiveness, and accommodate additional DERs. Perhaps most importantly, customers connected to constrained portions of the distribution system may now be afforded the choice to take advantage of DERs.
By Ashley Trgachef, Alectra Utilities
Alectra reached a momentous milestone with the grand opening of its new state-of-theart building in the fall of 2023, nestled in the city of Brampton at 200 Kennedy Road South. Functioning as the consolidated operations centre for more than 300 Alectra employees serving Mississauga and Brampton customers, this facility embraces innovation and cutting-edge technology.
“This is more than just a building; it’s a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and customer service excellence,” remarked Brian Bentz, President and CEO of Alectra Inc.
The Kennedy Road facility represents a strategic move by Alectra to consolidate its Central Region Service Operations, which include Network Operations, Metering, Substations, Design & Engineering and Alectra Power Services, among others. This consolidation amalgamates two aging service centres on Sandalwood Parkway and Mavis Road, bringing them together in a central location to fulfil the needs of Alectra’s flourishing communities in the Peel Region and its evolving operational demands.
Alectra designed the Kennedy facility to better serve today’s customers, while
Alectra’s new state-of-theart building in the city of Brampton at 200 Kennedy Road South.
anticipating and accommodating the expected growth in customer demand and the electrical grid within the central region in the years to come. The older facilities were less equipped to accommodate the increasing customer and employee needs, with equipment and systems that would necessitate substantial and disruptive capital improvements.
With the new centre, Alectra is also providing a safer and more productive work environment for both current and future employees. Notably, approximately 20 per cent of the office space has been earmarked to support future operational expansion and other business requirements, enabling even better customer service down the road. The 300-employee site has now settled comfortably into the Kennedy Road area, contributing to the economic development of local businesses.
Spanning 215,000 square feet, this facility will be the fifth building certified under LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – within Alectra’s portfolio, meaning more energy and water savings and reduced CO2 emissions. Joining the ranks of the company’s LEED Gold facilities in Vaughan and Markham, as well as its LEED-
Pictured at the building’s ribbon-cutting ceremony include: Nando Iannicca, Peel Regional Chair; Martin Medeiros, Brampton Regional Councillor; Stéphane Sarrazin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy; Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton; Norm Loberg, Chair of the Board for Alectra Inc.; Brian Bentz, President and CEO of Alectra Inc.; Paul Vicente, Brampton Regional Councillor; Gurpartap Singh Toor, Brampton Regional Councillor.
certified establishments in Guelph and Barrie, it further solidifies Alectra’s commitment to environmentally conscious infrastructure.
“Brampton is a green city, and together with our partners, we are dedicated to building an increasingly sustainable community and increasing our resilience to climate change,” stated Mayor Patrick Brown, City of Brampton.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the operations centre incorporates a host of eco-friendly features, including upgraded dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS) that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an impressive 43 per cent beyond LEED Gold standards. Additionally, the facility harnesses 500KW in rooftop solar power generation, producing over 800 MWh/year of renewable energy to meet its power requirements.
To further support green initiatives, the centre offers six stations with 12 connections for Alectra’s own fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), five stations with 10 connections in employee stations, and one visitor charging station with two connections. Infrastructure for additional charging stations is in place for future needs.
In alignment with Alectra’s ambitious objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, this strategic investment not only reduces the company’s carbon footprint but also underscores its commitment to promoting renewable energy systems and elevating service standards for customers in the Peel Region community.
At the same time as the Kennedy opening, Alectra also introduced its first all-electric bucket truck, which is now actively in use. The International eMV double bucket truck joined Alectra’s lineup as part of the company’s 2050 net-zero goal, marking a pivotal moment in the transition to cleaner energy solutions.
The progress of the service bay. The building’s construction was overseen by Joseph Almeida, Director of Supply Chain Operations at Alectra.
The electric bucket truck plays a crucial role in day-to-day overhead line maintenance operations, serving as a green alternative to traditional diesel-powered vehicles. Alectra is running a forward-looking pilot program, with the truck rotating between three of its largest service centres in Brampton, Markham and Hamilton, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of its practicality and potential for future deployment.
Highlighting the environmental impact of this initiative, Alectra estimates that incorporating the EV bucket truck into its fleet is equivalent to removing approximately two average passenger vehicles from the road, based on average annual Canadian vehicle emissions. This underscores the tangible benefits of transitioning to EVs in the pursuit of a greener future. Additionally, Alectra’s fleet expansion includes the integration of three Ford E-Transits and four Plug-In Hybrid Ford Escapes into its field operations, further solidifying its dedication to environmentally conscious practices.
Over 300 distribution utilities in the United States and Canada rely on Olameter to manage or monitor key assets and to process critical data. Olameter’s clients include electric, gas, water, sewer, and street lighting utilities, as well as telecom and fiber carriers.
Olameter’s clients range from large integrated utilities – investor or government-owned – to smaller distribution entities, many owned by municipalities or cooperatives. We also provide staff and technical support to the system integrators and other contractors who service some of these utilities
ERTH Corporation is committed to fostering local economic growth and supporting innovative job creation initiatives with local partners and community stakeholders. One example is ERTH’s active involvement in the Community Employment Services (CES) Career Expo, an event that draws over 3,000 students from high schools across Oxford County and thousands of job seekers from surrounding communities. The CES Career Expo is one component of a comprehensive Labour Force Attraction and Retention strategy that CES and its community partners have established in response to chronic skill and labour shortages in Oxford County.
As a participating employer and major sponsor of the CES Career Expo, ERTH plays a key role in engaging with students exploring diverse career paths, as well as co-op and volunteer opportunities. ERTH’s goal is to educate students about the vast opportunities and increasing demand for skilled labour within
the utility sector, both locally and provincially. From journeyman electricians and engineers to design technicians, powerline technicians, metering technologists, and more, the utility sector offers a spectrum of fulfilling career paths that students may not be aware of or consider without such events and interactions.
During these events, ERTH has a bucket truck on display, along with electrical equipment to interact with and personal protective equipment to try on. ERTH team members from various skilled backgrounds are on-hand to share their real-life education journey and experiences that have led to a successful career in the utility industry.
“Initiatives like the CES Career Expo are instrumental in preparing the youth for vital roles in the energy sector,” says Chris White, President and Chief Executive Office of ERTH Corporation. “By actively participating and supporting these events, ERTH aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of local talent to meet the demands of the evolving energy landscape, while continuing to live and work in our communities.”
In addition to addressing the immediate needs of the industry, these initiatives also contribute to addressing the broader challenges of labour shortages and skill gaps. By actively engaging with local communities and educational institutions, ERTH not only supports local economic development but also plays a significant role in shaping the future of the electricity sector in Ontario.
By Kelly McMath, Enova Power Corp.
Waterloo Region is one of Ontario’s most rapidly growing communities, with 623,000 people calling the region home. Enova Power Corp. (Enova) is its largest locally-owned distribution company, serving close to 463,500 residents and more than 15,500 businesses, including tech behemoths Google and Blackberry, countless tech start-ups, two hospitals, manufacturing companies, post-secondary institutions, and more.
In 2005, Waterloo Region was identified as one of Canada’s “Places to Grow” with the population expected to balloon by 50 per cent, or 250,000 people, by 2031. That growth is well underway.
To protect its surrounding farmland and water supply while accommodating the
is Enova’s Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration technology.
anticipated growth, Waterloo Region built a light-rail transit system (LRT) to drive growth in urban areas, encouraging people to move in and up instead of building over valuable farmland and aquifers.
Enova’s legacy utilities, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. and Waterloo North Hydro Inc., played a critical role in building and powering the infrastructure that brought Waterloo Region’s LRT system, ION, to life. “Building the LRT was a massive undertaking that required cross-sector collaboration from business to utilities to municipalities to developers, and Enova invested more than $40 million to upgrade systems, relocate infrastructure, and build capacity,” says Greig Cameron, President & CEO, Enova. ION began operation in June 2019 and since then has seen close to 18 million riders board its trains, and its construction heralded a “tsunami of development” as dubbed by the Waterloo Region Record.
With ION carrying millions of residents across Waterloo Region, development in the urban cores has boomed, with high rises popping up like spring flowers. Enova prepared for the intensification by investing $4 million in infrastructure upgrades to the downtown core alone, and more
than $10 million to upgrade or replace transformer stations and build in grid resilience through smart grid technologies. These upgrades ensure that the distribution system is reliable and resilient and has the capacity to meet the needs of its community. Among the smart grid technology investments is Enova’s Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration technology (FLISR), which identifies faults in the distribution system and re-routes power before most affected customers even notice a problem. FLISR and other automation tools have saved close to 600,000 customer minutes of interruption to date.
Enova’s 15,500 business customers demand service that meets their unique needs. Enova’s Key Account Advisors work closely with those customers to help them efficiently manage their electricity use and prepare for the energy transition, including electrification and decarbonization of their fleets, facilities, and processes. Our Key Account Advisors offer on-site consultation and host webinars and in-person events to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing to support Waterloo Region’s business community.
“Building the LRT was a massive undertaking that required cross-sector collaboration from business to
utilities to municipalities to developers,
and Enova invested more than $40 million to
upgrade systems, relocate infrastructure,
and build capacity,”
-
Greig Cameron, President & CEO, Enova
A community is more than just a place to live and work. Enova helps sustain a thriving community through its corporate sponsorship program and employee-driven fundraising initiatives. In 2023, Enova invested $387,000 in the community, from sponsorship of Electric Thursdays at Centre in the Square and community festivals, to holding United Way fundraising campaigns and eBilling campaigns in support of the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, our local hospital foundations, and more. In addition, Enova provides education grants for students in engineering and powerline technology programs at Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo and provides reforestation grants to each of its municipal shareholders to compensate for the impact of its tree-trimming program.
Local hydro is the backbone of the communities we serve, and Enova is proud to be the smart friend our friends and neighbours can rely on.
By Teresa Sarkesian, President & CEO, Electricity Distributors Association (EDA)
As the President and CEO of the Electricity Distributors Association, one of my greatest privileges has been witnessing the transformative impact of diverse leadership across Ontario’s electricity sector. With recent appointments, including Indrani J. Butany as our new Chair and Janice McMichael-Dennis as Vice Chair, the EDA exemplifies the evolution toward more inclusivity and diversity—an evolution that is mirrored across the broader energy landscape in Ontario. This shift is part of a larger trend impacting key regulatory bodies and institutions within our sector, such as the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), and the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Collectively, our leadership now showcases progress toward gender parity and includes a significant increase in BIPOC leadership at the helm of major utilities. This represents a notable step forward in fostering a more inclusive leadership model throughout the sector.
The leaders of OEB, IESO, and ESA share a common commitment to integrating economic, social, and environmental goals into their frameworks. This holistic approach supports Ontario’s transition to a clean energy economy and underpins the strategic initiatives aimed at ensuring the reliability and affordability of our electricity. These initiatives are crucial as we navigate the complexities of energy distribution in a rapidly changing world.
Furthermore, the emphasis on modernizing regulatory practices to meet the challenges of the energy transition suggest the need for more collaboration and inclusivity in how stakeholdering takes place and decisions are made. I am confident that with these
The EDA will host its 12th annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Conference on November 5, 2024, at the Toronto Region Board of Trade (Gala Hall). Stay tuned to the EDA website and other communications for registration and program information.
leaders at the helm, there will be more participatory decision-making with better outcomes for the sector long term.
The journey at the EDA has involved advocating for local distribution companies and advancing policies that enhance our sector’s resilience and adaptability. The diverse experiences of leaders like Indrani and Janice not only enrich our understanding but also drive us to innovate and act decisively.
Our leadership, enriched with diverse perspectives, stands as a testament to the benefits of varied viewpoints in guiding our sector forward. And through our collaborative efforts we aim to establish new benchmarks for excellence, sustainability, and inclusivity.
The transition towards a more electrified and sustainable economy offers both challenges and opportunities for innovation. Our leadership, rooted in collaboration, vision, and resilience, remains our most valuable asset in this transformation.
As we continue on this transformative path, I invite our peers, partners, and stakeholders to join us. Together, we can build an energy future that not only sustains but also truly represents the diverse communities we serve. The path we are charting today is paving the way for future generations, and I am proud to be part of this collective journey.
This spring, top-performing local distribution companies (LDCs) from across Ontario were honoured at the EDA’s Excellence Awards Gala. This annual celebration acknowledges significant accomplishments, outstanding customer service, sustainability programs, innovations, and best practices in delivering the Power of Local Hydro across the province.
“Ontario’s local hydro utilities are on the front lines of power, working hard to deliver safe and reliable electricity, along with enhanced services and innovative solutions our customers expect,” said Teresa Sarkesian, EDA President and CEO. “EDA member utilities have achieved significant success in providing value-added services and experiences to their customers in communities across Ontario.”
With nearly 600 guests in attendance at the Fairmont Royal York, the EDA’s Board Chair Indrani J. Butany, President and CEO of Elexicon Energy, emceed the event. “This past year, we witnessed an abundance of excellence within Ontario’s electricity distribution sector,” added Butany. “As always, the EDA takes great pride in spotlighting the remarkable achievements of our members and the innovative approaches they employ to serve their customers with utmost dedication and effectiveness.”
The Gala’s keynote speaker, the Hon. Todd Smith (then Minister of Energy), spoke about the critical role local hydro can play in the energy transition and an electrified economy. The EDA is appreciative of the Minister’s support and collaborative relationship with our sector and the Association.
The EDA extends heartfelt thanks to all members who submitted nominations, celebrating their efforts and success in advancing the industry. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their exceptional contributions to Ontario’s electricity distribution sector.
On May 2, 2024, the EDA Directors Summit took place at Aird & Berlis LLP in downtown Toronto. This full-day event offered directors, corporate secretaries, and governance staff a chance to learn from top experts and thought leaders. The program aimed to boost board performance by sharing best practices and fresh perspectives on leadership challenges.
Teresa Sarkesian, President & CEO of the Electricity Distributors Association, kicked off the day, highlighting the importance of strong governance in the energy sector. Sarah Simmons from Power Advisory presented the EDA’s vision paper on achieving a customer-centric energy transition. Ron Clark of Aird & Berlis shared insights on enhancing board efficiency, while Dr. Richard Leblanc, author of The Handbook on Corporate Governance, provided cutting-edge knowledge for boards and directors.
Melanie Cole and Nadia Narain of Aird & Berlis discussed Canada’s New Modern Slavery Act and its compliance requirements. Patricia Klayh (MEARIE) and Brian Sweigman (Goodmans LLP) addressed emerging risks in employment practices, emphasizing proactive risk management.
Brent Jackson from Grant Thornton Powering talked about strategic business approaches for local distribution companies, and Patrick Gajos of Sussex Strategy analyzed Ontario’s energy policy landscape, offering guidance on future challenges and opportunities.
The EDA Directors Summit was a comprehensive platform for governance professionals to expand their knowledge, network, and gain actionable insights to enhance their leadership capabilities. The event underscored the value of continuous learning in the evolving energy sector.
The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) has been at the forefront of addressing pressing issues and future opportunities for Ontario’s Local Distribution Companies (LDCs). Here, we detail four significant recent events highlighting the EDA’s proactive approach to navigating the evolving energy landscape.
On May 28, 2024, the EDA, in collaboration with Norton Rose Fulbright, hosted a Legal Series Member Forum at the Norton Rose Fulbright Office in Toronto. This half-day event focused on the increasingly complex issues facing Ontario LDCs, emphasizing cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and regulatory challenges.
The cybersecurity and AI panel, led by Imran Ahmed and Travis Walker, offered an engaging discussion on the opportunities and threats posed by emerging AI technologies like ChatGPT. They highlighted best practices for dealing with cyberattacks and ransomware incidents, ensuring LDCs are well-prepared for the digital age.
The regulatory panel, featuring Mary Anne Aldred, Matt Keen, and Peter Forrester, explored new regulatory requirements and challenges. The discussion covered the regulator’s concerns amid increased investment in electricity infrastructure and analyzed regulatory approaches from other Canadian jurisdictions. The insights gained promise to guide Ontario LDCs in navigating their transition-related investments effectively.
On June 10, 2024, the EDA held a crucial webinar for members to discuss the refreshed role of LDCs in customer engagement for the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) provincewide Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) programs. The IESO-LDC CDM Working Group secured this role throughout 2023.
The webinar outlined three key pillars: a sustainable model breaking from the short-term horizons of previous frameworks, LDC ownership of the customer engagement process, and appropriate remuneration for these activities. Speakers, including EDA CEO Teresa Sarkesian and VP Policy Ted Wigdor, provided insights into the future of CDM programs post-2024. The session was instrumental in preparing LDCs for their evolving roles in customer engagement and program implementation.
The EDA has been actively advocating for the role of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) in Ontario’s future energy market. On June 18, 2024, the focus was on the evolution of DSOs and their market opportunities. The event, part of ongoing engagement through the IESO’s Transmission-Distribution Working Group, explored Total
Distribution System Operator (T-DSO) and Dual Participation Distribution System Operator (DP-DSO) models, as well as the Market Facilitator (MF-DSO) model.
Speakers discussed the current DSO journeys and experiences from members with pilot programs. The webinar underscored the EDA’s commitment to optimizing assets and structures, ensuring LDCs are well-positioned to capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
With the October 1, 2024, deadline for compliance with the Ontario Energy Board’s Cyber Security Standard approaching, the EDA, in collaboration with MNP, hosted a webinar on June 25, 2024, to guide LDCs in achieving compliance. The session, led by Seyed Hejazi and Chris Law from MNP, provided a detailed roadmap for aligning with the new standards.
Participants gained insights into the specific requirements, their implications for organizations, and tactical steps for compliance. The webinar was a crucial resource for LDCs aiming to enhance their cybersecurity measures and ensure readiness for the forthcoming regulatory changes.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend and support these LDC member-driven and designed meetings. District meetings offer an excellent opportunity for attendees to network with LDCs on a geographical basis. EDA Districts have confirmed the dates, locations, and, in some cases, the program agendas for their upcoming District Annual Meetings. The following information is currently available on each of the individual events:
• Joint Northeast & Northwest District AGM - September 4-6, Sudbury, ON
• Western District AGM - September 10, Caradoc Sands Golf Club, Strathroy, ON
• Joint Upper Canada & Georgian Bay District AGM - September 18-20, Minett, ON
• Niagara Grand District AGM - September 23-24, Niagara Falls, ON
For further information on EDA District Meetings please see: www.eda-on.ca/EVENTS
• CUEE24 - October 8-9 @ Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON
• DEI 2024 - November 5 @ Toronto Region Board of Trade, Toronto, ON
• EDIST 2025 - January 14-16 @ Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre, Markham, ON
• ENERCOM 2025 - March 16-17 @ Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, ON
• Awards Gala 2025 - March 17 @ Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, ON
• EDIST 2026 - January 19-22 @ Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, ON
• EDIST 2027 - January 18-21 @ Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, ON
Our most significant recent milestone was the public release of Solving Grid-Lock – our member-driven vision paper for a customercentric energy transition. This vision paper maps out the indispensable LDC contribution to a net zero future. It speaks to the scope of investment needed in local grids, both to support booming demand and to enable LDCs to innovate, orchestrate, and complete their own transformations into digital utilities of the future.
With the paper now in the public domain, we have launched broad and sustained advocacy and communications efforts. Members have received both the paper and a toolkit of communications materials to amplify key components of this important sectoral vision. We began advocating for the realization of this vision during discussions with former Energy Minister Todd Smith, Deputy Minister Jason Fitzsimmons, and senior officials in the civil service. Further meetings are scheduled with senior representatives of both IESO and OEB.
On the communications side, the paper has enjoyed strong engagement, with over 200,000 social media impressions and nearly 2,000 visits to the campaign site since its launch. We will continue to promote our customer-centric vision on EDA social media and other communication channels and hope that EDA members will join us in this effort.
EDA has intervenor status in the OEB Cost of Capital review and has actively participated in recent issues conferences. We’re pleased with the inclusion of cloud computing (and capex eligibility thereof) in this review. To strengthen our advocacy, we have engaged and briefed economists and legal counsel who will help frame our input on behalf of the sector as the process moves towards oral hearings.
We have secured the option for LDCs to re-engage with customers on CDM and to re-establish business lines that could include the design and delivery of local programs. A virtual information session for members was held on June 10 to update on the scope of this emerging opportunity. We anticipate more details from the government in early fall on budgets and targets and encourage members to stay tuned for further EDA communications.
Teresa Sarkesian and Indrani J. Butany and Former Energy Minister, Todd Smith at Vision Paper Briefing
Our engagement with the IESO has ensured that the “total distribution system operator” model is firmly on the table within the IESO Tx-Dx Coordination Working Group. Most recent discussions have centred on the new “Market Facilitator” model. To keep members informed, we hosted an information session on June 18 and will continue our active assessment, engagement, and outreach to members on this important issue.
Our stepped-up outreach at the federal level aims to expand access to new funding streams beyond generation alone. Recent meetings in Ottawa included discussions on LDC grid investment eligibility for investment tax credits, additional funding for grid modernizations, and tax reform to support growing capital needs. Key meetings included discussions with Hannah Wilson, Policy Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Robert Demeter, Director General of the Tax Legislation Division; Chris Padfield, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Clean Growth; Ben Chin, Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister; and Yasmine Atassi, Senior Policy Advisor at NRCan. Political and civil service officials actively consider all of our issues.
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