The Distributor Winter 2019 by Dovetail Communications

SMART SPEAKERS CONNECT UTILITIES WITH CUSTOMERS 26

THE EDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIRST AFFILIATE FORUM 24

DISTRIBUTOR THE

WINTER 2019

MAKING THE CASE FOR

CONSERVATION

Agreement #: 43526108

Advocating for continued LDC participation in CDM delivery 8

Cable Testing: Supporting Improved Regulatory Performance ///21

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CONTENTS

SECTOR SCAN

6 News from the electricity distribution industry

COVER

8 Making the Case for Conservation 12 Alectra Utilities: Conservation Improves Quality of Life for Seniors 14 Niagara Peninsula Energy: Retrofits a Big Splash at Family Resort 16 Energy+: Customers Enjoy Cool Savings

ADVOCACY IN ACTION 18 The Year that Was, the Year Ahead 19 MRP Committee Assessing IESO Proposals 19 Reviewing OEB Amendments to DSC and TSC 20 Corporate Governance: Assessing OEBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report

LDC INNOVATORS

21 Cable Testing: Supporting Improved Regulatory Performance 22 London Hydro: Leading the Industry in Green Button Innovation

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS 24 EDA Hosts First Forum on Affiliate Business

26 Smart Speakers Can Help Utilities Connect with Customers

CONNECT EVENTS

28 EBIC 2018 Empowers Attendees with Innovative Thinking 29 EDIST 2019 29 H old the Date: 2019 AGM and Awards Gala www.eda.on.ca

WINTER 2019

30 Connect Events Calendar

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Winter 2019

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 Winter 2019 FOR: Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) 3700 Steeles Avenue West, Suite 1100 Vaughan, ON L4L 8K8 www.eda-on.ca

EDA STAFF CEO’S OFFICE Teresa Sarkesian, President and CEO Natasha Galati, Executive and Administrative Assistant

POLICY AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Justin Rangooni, Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs Kathi Farmer, Senior Regulatory Affairs Advisor Jesse Kulendran, Senior Policy Advisor Lynn Williams, Senior Policy Advisor Derek Nardone, Manager, Corporate and Government Affairs Brendan McLughan, Policy and Government Affairs Specialist

CORPORATE AND MEMBER AFFAIRS Ted Wigdor, Vice President, Corporate and Member Affairs Marica Macura, Director, Member Relations and Events Andrea Ritter, Manager, Communications and Media Relations Sari Maritzer, Coordinator, Communications Dianna Merlocco, Events Specialist Lesia Kostecki, Marketing and Member Relations Specialist

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Tamara Orlova, Director, Finance and Administration Arlene Klemmer, Accounting Clerk Matthews Joseph, Senior IT Analyst Lina Parisi, Receptionist Chrissan Pascal, Office Services Assistant

PUBLISHER

A new year is always a good time to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. As I write this message, a couple of months remain in my term as your Chair. The past 10 months have been exciting ones, with a provincial election, many policy changes and sector developments. In the weeks and months ahead, we are sure to see our sector continue to evolve. This edition of The Distributor focuses on one of the five pillars of our Power of Local Hydro campaign — expanding local energy conservation. Much more than an environmental concern, conservation is about helping our customers access incentives and programs that can help them increase efficiency and keep their costs down. In this issue, you will see how LDCs are helping businesses in their local communities manage their energy costs, enhance their competitiveness and reinvest in their operations. I am very proud to share an example, on Page 14, of how Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. helped one of Ontario’s most popular family vacation spots take advantage of conservation programs to create a better experience for their guests. Over the past several years, LDCs have been instrumental in fostering a culture of conservation across the province. We do not want to lose that momentum. As you will see in our cover feature in this issue, that is why the EDA is advocating to keep conservation on the government’s radar and to ensure LDCs continue to participate in delivery of these programs. The EDA team has continued to meet with ministers, Queen’s Park staffers, and regulators, keeping LDCs and our Power of Local Hydro campaign front and centre. Working together with EDA staff and Councils, Ontario’s LDCs have a strong collective voice — one that is being heard by government, regulators and stakeholders. I am also impressed by the quality of our EDA events. I encourage all of you to take a look at the robust calendar of upcoming conferences, trade shows and celebrations and register with your teams. I especially look forward to welcoming all members to our upcoming AGM and Awards Gala in March, where I will have the opportunity to pass the gavel to my successor and to celebrate outstanding LDC achievements. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to submit your Award nominations before the end of this month. It has been an honour to serve as your Chair and I am extremely thankful to Teresa and the EDA staff for their commitment and assistance throughout my term. I look forward to taking my place on your Board as Past Chair for 2019-2020. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Sincerely,

DOVETAIL Communications 30 East Beaver Creek, Suite 202 Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1J2 Tel. 905.886.6640 | www.dvtail.com Advertising inquiries, Beth Kukkonen, bkukkonen@dvtail.com Editorial inquiries, Andrea Ritter, aritter@eda-on.ca Please return undeliverable copies to: Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) 3700 Steeles Avenue West, Suite 1100, Vaughan, ON L4L 8K8 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 43526108

Brian Wilkie

THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

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SECTOR SCAN Teresa Sarkesian Talks Power Provincewide

EDA Awards 2018: Celebrating LDC Excellence

Every year, the EDA celebrates high-performing local electricity utilities for innovative achievements and business success that inspires and elevates the entire industry. The EDA Awards program is the premier recognition of excellence in Ontario’s electricity sector, providing winning LDCs with exceptional brand profile. Submit Your Nomination The EDA is accepting nominations for its 2018 Awards on Monday, January 28, 2019. Nominations can be submitted in the following 11 categories: • LDC Performance Excellence Award, sponsored by OPG • Conservation Leadership Excellence Award, sponsored by the IESO • EDA Public Electrical Safety Excellence Award, sponsored by the ESA • Innovation Excellence Award • Environmental Excellence Award • Customer Service Excellence Award • Communications Excellence Award • Public Relations Excellence Award, sponsored by NATIONAL Public Relations • Chair’s Citation, in Memory of Robert H. Hay • Honorary Member Award, in Memory of Pauline Storks • Foreign Study Tour Award, in Memory of W.R. Mathieson Complete nomination criteria and submission instructions are available to LDC members at eda-on.ca.

Celebration

Awards are presented and celebrated at the EDA’s prestigious annual Awards Gala, part of the association’s AGM. This year’s awards ceremony takes place March 25, 2019, at the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Stay tuned for registration details at eda-on.ca.

EDA President and CEO Teresa Sarkesian continues to tour the province, speaking to members and stakeholders about EDA policy work, the Power of Local Hydro and the future of the electricity sector in Ontario. In October, Teresa was in Niagaraon-the-Lake for the Ontario Economic Summit, where she took part in a roundtable on red tape reduction and economic growth, hosted by the Hon. Rod Phillips, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Teresa contributed to two panel presentations, one at the Ontario Waterpower Association Conference on disruption in the industry, the other at APPrO 2018 on bringing down the cost of electricity. Several LDCs have also had Teresa speak at their board meetings. In December, she delivered an update to the board of Energy+. She is presenting to the Essex Powerlines Corporation board in January. If you would like to invite Teresa to speak at your event, contact Natasha Galati, Executive Assistant, at ngalati@eda-on.ca or (905) 265-5343. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @EDA_ONT and LinkedIn to find out where Teresa will be next.

Dave Sinclair Retires

As of January 1, 2019, long-serving Kenora Hydro CEO and EDA volunteer Dave Sinclair officially joined the ranks of the retired. Dave and his wife are looking forward to travelling, possibly cruising to Alaska, visiting family in Sweden and Italy, perhaps even touring Canada and the U.S. in an RV! They plan to spend all of March tackling projects and enjoying the tranquility of their “camp” in Lake of the Woods. Sounds rustic, but the island property is fully self-sufficient, with solar power, running water and satellite Internet! Until then, Dave will be assisting with the transition, as Kenora Hydro completes its merger with Thunder Bay. The EDA thanks Dave for serving as the very first board chair of the association in 2001. He has since served several terms as a director, committee member, council chair and trustee of the LDC Tomorrow Fund. Dave’s down-to-earth style and wise counsel will be missed by the EDA team. All the best in your next chapter, Sinc! THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

SECTOR SCAN

Alectra Utilities Calls for National Lineworker Appreciation Day

In partnership with Alectra and other utilities nationwide, the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) has launched an initiative calling on the Government of Canada to designate July 10 as National Lineworker Appreciation Day. The proposed day of recognition will honour the men and women who, for more than a century, have braved challenging, sometimes hazardous conditions to keep the lights on across the country. To support the call to officially make July 10 National Lineworker Appreciation Day, visit Electricity.ca and sign the petition.

LDCs Encourage Paperless Bills by Giving Back

The EDA congratulates the many LDCs that are giving to local charities, while encouraging customers to opt for paperless billing. For every customer who signed up for e-billing: • Hydro Ottawa donated $5 to CHEO, the local children’s hospital foundation • Waterloo North Hydro committed $2 to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region • InnPower Corporation gave $5 to the Rizzardo Health and Wellness Centre • Essex Powerlines donated $10 to one of four local food banks Programs like these keep costs down, reduce waste and showcase LDCs as caring community contributors. Let us know how your LDC supports local charities in the communities you serve. Share your story at edanews@eda-on.ca. www.eda.on.ca

WINTER 2019

A New Year, a New EDA Website

The EDA is always looking for ways to improve services and interactions with members. One of the initiatives we are undertaking to enhance your experience includes the implementation of a new database that offers more robust features and puts more control in the hands of members. The new system will allow members to access their own records, edit their information and preferences, register for meetings and events, make payments and much more, all from one convenient web portal. All members will receive new web login instructions via email. This project will also include a new EDA website with a fresh look, clearer navigation and enhanced resources for members. Watch for the announcement unveiling the new and improved EDA website!

COVER

MAKING THE CASE FOR

CONSERVATION

The EDA Advocates for Continued LDC Participation in Conservation

espite decades of focused government efforts to promote it, conservation undoubtedly continues to suffer from some PR challenges. It is less understood and tougher to measure than energy supply. It is difficult to see, since it is often buried in walls or inside appliances. Perhaps most important, energy conservation is typically bound tightly to environmental concerns. Less obvious are the significant economic benefits — benefits that are simply too important to ignore. According to the IESO, Ontario’s electricity system sees three dollars in savings for every dollar invested in conservation. Savings like these are tough to ignore. The EDA posits they are also critical to keep rates from climbing. As the government continues to look for savings opportunities for consumers, the EDA is emphasizing that conservation remains a critical component in a cost-effective system. And then there is the argument for preservation of jobs. Collectively, Ontario LDCs employ approximately 400 people in conservation program administration alone. The EDA further estimates that as many as 5,000 jobs are tied to conservation program delivery, including energy audits, product manufacturing, and sales and installations carried out by private enterprises. Conservation remains a vital part of Ontario’s electricity mix, primarily because it is so much cheaper for the system than any form of new supply. Major reductions in electricity usage have indeed helped support Ontario’s shift to a low-carbon economy. These reductions have also curtailed the need for capital-intensive, multi-year investments in new generation sources.

For businesses, more efficient electricity usage reduces costs, boosts competitiveness and can even enhance employee safety and satisfaction — think better, brighter lighting, for example. For institutions, such as hospitals and community centres, conservation frees up funds that can be re-invested back into care and programming. For homeowners, more energy efficient heating, cooling and appliances not only keep bills in check but also enhance home comfort and quality of life.

The power of local conservation

In recent years, local hydro utilities have demonstrated exceptional leadership in shaping a culture of conservation across Ontario. Local businesses, in particular, are looking to their LDC for assistance, advice and, in some cases, specialized programs that address unique local needs. For instance, in the Niagara Region, a destination for 14 million visitors annually, hotels and motels are taking advantage of retrofits tailored for the lodging industry. Similarly, Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. has teamed up with HydroOne to provide an innovative AgriPump Rebate Program, available to agriculture customers in Hydro One and Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. territories. Examples like these are among the reasons why local energy conservation figures prominently as one of the five key policy pillars of the EDA’s Power of Local Hydro campaign: 1. Keep the customer first 2. Cut through red tape 3. Drive local hydro innovation forward 4. Respect community decision-making 5. Expand local energy conservation THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

COVER

Conservation First Framework

Back in 2015, the Government of Ontario put forward its Conservation First Framework (CFF), mapping out Ontario’s energy conservation goals over a six-year period. The CFF set out a lofty target, aiming for a total reduction of 8.7 TWh in electricity consumption in Ontario by December 31, 2020. Of that total, 7 TWh is to come from a broad range of conservation programs delivered by LDCs to residential and business consumers. Today, with electricity generation outpacing consumption in Ontario, some market players are questioning whether conservation should remain a government priority. For their part, LDCs are interested in maintaining the conservation culture they have cultivated, which will become even more important within the next five years, when a significant portion of generation capacity goes offline with the decommissioning of the Pickering nuclear plant.

Exceptional LDC track record

Other stakeholders, including third-party vendors, are pressing to have the role of LDCs in any future delivery model scaled back significantly or eliminated entirely, in the name of efficiency and reduced spending. LDC results, however, speak for themselves. Just past the mid-way point, LDCs had already achieved nearly 70 per cent of their CFF target, at the lowest cost on record, just 2.5–3 cents a KWh. Achieving two-thirds of a stretch goal, at only one-third of the allocated budget is a major accomplishment that shows the strength of LDCs in delivering on provincial commitments and serving customer needs efficiently and cost effectively.

Framework efficiencies and enhancements

The EDA is working actively to promote LDCs as key players to deliver on conservation, not only within the current Framework but also beyond 2020. Through the CFF Mid-Term Review process, the EDA advocated for a six-year extension of the current Framework, with appropriate enhancements and adjustments. With just over two years remaining, the EDA has been working actively with LDCs and government to identify efficiencies and explore options for the continuation of these programs. EDA options for the preferred future state of conservation in Ontario centre on two key advocacy objectives: 1. to reinforce that conservation remains integral to system planning and achieving the government’s goals of affordability and reliability; and 2. to secure a continued role for LDCs in the design and delivery of conservation programs now and beyond 2020. Keeping affordability and reliability top of mind, the EDA has conceived immediate framework efficiency and program enhancement options. Efficiency options could include: • pausing cost-intensive, quick-to-market programs, such as Coupons and Deal Days; • selecting only a few programs for provincewide delivery; • removing programs that have not proven cost-effective; • capping incentives for certain programs; and

www.eda.on.ca

WINTER 2019

• shifting some residential programs from full LDC budget accountability to having the LDC provide customer engagement support. In addition, the EDA has considered framework enhancements, such as: • recalibrate CDM objectives based on government priorities and current demand forecasts; • amortize conservation costs over the savings benefit period; • review the value of the Save ON Energy brand and central services operations; • identify efficiencies and improve transparency in centrally delivered programs.

Ongoing EDA advocacy

Looking ahead in the new year, the EDA’s Policy and Government Affairs team is continuing to meet with political staff and public servants at the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, as well as the Premier’s Office. The EDA is also counting on members to support these efforts with examples of returns realized by local residents and businesses that work with their LDC to take advantage of conservation programs. There is no better way to demonstrate the value of conservation to Ontario’s economy and quality of life than to hear these messages directly from consumers. Working together, the EDA is pushing forward to ensure conservation remains on the provincial radar, for the benefit of LDCs and “for the people” of Ontario. If you have questions about the EDA’s policy position and advocacy approach to conservation, please contact the EDA’s Justin Rangooni, Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs, at (905) 265-5325.

EMPOWERING YOUR CUSTOMERS: TELL YOUR STORIES!

Given the government’s ongoing emphasis on customer affordability and reliability, the EDA encourages all LDC members to share stories and customer testimonials showcasing how your expertise and tailored services empowered your customers to save money, enhance competitiveness and reinvest. On the following pages, you will see examples of programs, savings opportunities and customer benefits resulting directly from LDC-driven conservation programs. Your stories could be showcased at poweroflocalhydro.ca, in The Distributor and within the EDA’s advocacy narrative. Right now, stories about small business, commercial, agricultural, institutional and industrial customers will be especially compelling to the government’s Open for Business agenda. Share your stories at edanews@eda-on.ca.

COVER

WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CONSERVATION “Energy efficiency and energy conservation are a critical part of our business strategy. We have been able to meet these goals working with our local hydro utility, Bluewater Power.”

—T om Strifler, Executive Director, Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park

“Waterloo North Hydro’s Energy Conservation team has been instrumental in helping us reach our energy and water conservation targets throughout our Brantford, Kitchener, and Waterloo campuses.”

—R obert McCallum, Project Manager, Wilfrid Laurier University

“By working closely with Greater Sudbury Utilities through the SaveOnEnergy program, we have realized cost savings, reduced our energy consumption and most importantly, redirected funds to provide quality patient care.”

“Since 2014, we’ve been partnering with the Entegrus Powerlines’ Conservation and Demand Management Department to identify, evaluate, and implement retrofit projects that have enabled our company to modernize our facilities to control energy costs.”

—P at Tessier, Director of Facilities Management, Health Sciences North

“We have been active participants in the SaveOnEnergy program through Veridian Connections. The program’s retrofit projects have lowered our operational costs and increased efficiency, enabling us to remain competitive against offshore competition.”

—S hane Kumar, Senior Accountant, Long & McQuade and Yorkville Sound

“Alectra Utilities’ expert understanding of our electrical profile, business needs and incentive programs helped us develop the right energy efficiency plan for our company.”

— Vari-Form Inc.

“The Capreol Curling Club Executive and its members are grateful that Sudbury Hydro has the SaveOnEnergy retrofit grant available. Without grants like these, we would not be able to operate.”

—E ugene Vinogradov, General Manager, Novotel Vaughan

“Alectra’s suggestions helped me better understand how to minimize the impact of my home business to my bill. We definitely saw a significant reduction in energy costs.”

—S usanne Aylward, President, Capreol Curling Club —C laire Pope, Alectra small business customer

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COVER

ALECTRA UTILITIES

CONSERVATION IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE AT SENIORS’ RESIDENCE

(Left to right) Garry Hopkins, CEO, IOOF Senior Homes; April Currey, Director, Customer Insights & Acquisition, Alectra Utilities; Nicholas Ganesh, CDM Key Account Specialist, Alectra Utilities; Ed Urbonavicius, Director of Facilities & Environment, IOOF Senior Homes; Robert Stollar, Account Manager, Pacific Light & Energy Ltd.; John Nichols, Board Chair/President, IOOF Senior Homes.

ndependent Order of Odd Fellows Senior Homes Inc. (IOOF) has served the needs of Barrie seniors for over 100 years. The organization provides a continuum of care, including independent living, supportive housing, rent-gearedto-income housing, long-term care and convalescent care. Last fall, IOOF Seniors Homes called out local hydro company Alectra Utilities and the provincial Save on Energy program for their support in enabling the non-profit corporation to realize thousands of dollars in energy savings. The residence’s Board of Directors plans to reinvest into care for the residents who call the facilities home. “As a non-profit charitable organization, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our operating costs, so there is more budget available for resident care,” said the IOOF’s Chief Executive Officer, Garry Hopkins. “Energy efficiency projects like the lighting retrofit we just completed are one way for us to make life better for our residents, and for this reason, we’ll be looking at more energy-saving projects in the future.” In Barrie’s Allendale area, the facility’s four buildings — which provide a combination of supportive housing, long-term care and independent living — replaced every light fixture with energy-efficient LED lights. Exterior parking lot lighting was also replaced with LEDs.

“Our goal is to develop a customized and collaborative approach to energy management that our customers are comfortable with, and to support the implementation of their projects in a way that optimizes the energy savings,” said April Currey, Alectra Utilities’ Director of Customer Insights and Acquisitions. In addition to potential annual savings of about $110,000, it is anticipated the retrofit will reduce the facility’s yearly energy usage by more than 493,000 kilowatt-hours and energy demand by more than 44.7 kilowatt-hours — roughly equivalent to the electricity used by 700 Ontario homes per month. There are also intangible benefits, such as improved brightness in hallways and common areas, a greater sense of security for staff and visitors walking to the parking lot at night, and a more cheerful ambiance overall for residents. “Our mandate is to provide quality care for seniors,” said Hopkins. “Everything we do is about our residents’ quality of life. This retrofit has allowed us to honour that commitment.” Alectra Utilities serves approximately one million customers across 16 communities, including Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Brampton, Bradford, Guelph, Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, St. Catharines, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

Welcome to the Alectra family, Guelph and Rockwood! Canada’s largest municipally-owned electric utility just got bigger! We are proud to add Guelph and Rockwood as two of the 17 communities served by Alectra’s family of energy companies, as we strive to be a single trusted ally to more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area. Guelph will be home to Alectra’s Southwest Ontario operations hub, and the new Green Energy & Technology Centre (GRE&T Centre) for research and development.

Learn more at alectrautilities.com

@alectranews

AlectraNews

Alectra

COVER

NIAGARA PENINSULA ENERGY RETROFITS A BIG SPLASH AT FAMILY RESORT

ith more than 100,000 square feet of indoor water rides, slides and other activities, Great Wolf Lodge has become a go-to destination for family fun in the Niagara region. An extensive lighting retrofit funded through the Save on Energy Retrofit program is not only saving the resort $154,000 annually in electricity costs, it’s shining a whole new light on the customer experience. “An extensive energy retrofit completed in 2017 not only reduced the facility’s electricity costs,” says Patrick Dunn, Assistant General Manager at the Great Wolf Lodge. “It also visibly improved the hotel’s overall ambiance, as well as having a positive impact on staff.” With support from Niagara Peninsula Energy, the Lodge converted most exterior incandescent lighting to energy-efficient LED lights. It also switched to LED lights in the waterpark area, the stage show area, in hallways and in the dining area. “We

wanted to enhance the guest experience from the moment they arrive in the parking lot, right through to the Lodge itself, and also demonstrate our commitment to conserving energy,” says Dunn. This work alone is saving the resort approximately 1.4 million kWh of electricity annually. The cost savings translate to about 400 room bookings annually. That’s on top of savings achieved with new heating and air conditioning units, variable frequency drives in the pump room, and occupancy sensors and smart thermostats that allow guests to control their comfort in the facility’s 406 suites. Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. is committed to helping customers with tailored energy-saving programs. That’s the Power of Local Hydro in the Niagara region. To see the upgrades and how they helped enhance the customer experience at Great Wolf Lodge, check out the testimonial video, available at npei.ca. THE DISTRIBUTOR

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Powering the future, today KPMG has built one of Canada’s largest Power & Utilities practices to provide audit, tax, infrastructure development and financing, and strategy and operations advice to developers, companies, investors, and stakeholders across the industry. Augusto Patmore Tony Hamer Michel Picard GTA Energy Leader Partner, Mgmt Consulting Partner, Audit E: apatmore@kpmg.ca E: mpicard@kpmg.ca E: achamer@kpmg.ca © 2018 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. 19717

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WINTER 2019

COVER

ENERGY+: CUSTOMERS

ENJOY COOL SAVINGS WITH BUSINESS REFRIGERATION PROGRAM

n July, Energy+ Inc. unveiled a new Business Refrigeration Incentive program that provides eligible small-business customers with fresh reasons to undertake energy efficiency upgrades to their refrigeration systems. With just a quick phone call or email, customers can sign up for a free on-site refrigeration assessment by a qualified professional, and up to $2,500 in free refrigeration system upgrades. “Energy+ is pleased to help our small-business customers reduce their energy consumption and energy costs, and also improve the reliability of their business refrigeration equipment,” said Ed Glasbergen, Vice-President of Business Development at Energy+. “We believe this will go a long way to enhance the experience for customers and employees.” The new program is delivered by Burman Energy, a fullservice energy consulting company and Energy+ partner. Small-business customers who use less than 250 kW of energy per year and use commercial-grade refrigeration can take advantage of several competitiveness-boosting benefits, including:

• reducing refrigeration energy use by 45-60% • increasing sales with brighter, more appealing LED display cases • extending equipment life by as much as five years • improving food safety and quality with more reliable equipment • savings of up to $100/month in ongoing energy use Small grocers, convenience stores, restaurants and bars, recreational and banquet facilities, nursing homes and florists are among the many customers throughout the City of Cambridge, Township of North Dumfries and the County of Brant that can reduce energy usage and lower their bills with this valuable program. Business owners and managers can get started with an easy online self-assessment at www.reducemyhydrobill.ca. Once the customer has indicated interest, an on-site assessment is arranged at their convenience. A licensed refrigeration contractor from Burman Energy will then supply and install the free upgrades. THE DISTRIBUTOR

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ADVOCACY IN ACTION

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD

A busy year behind us, ahead of us at the EDA

ooking back on the year that was, 2018 was a busy and productive year at the EDA. Over the past 12 months, the Policy and Government Affairs (PGA) team delivered 28 submissions and engaged in 180 meetings with policymakers and industry stakeholders. Early and frequent access to the new government in the latter half of the year was a strong signal that the EDA has established a strong position as the responsible, credible voice of the LDC sector. Overall, the government’s focus on affordability, reliability and red tape reduction remained steadfast. Key decision makers are reviewing how EDA policies and positions map to these themes. The government has shown interest in the EDA’s recommendations on the 12% bill reduction, further regulatory reform (beyond the Dicerni Panel), intervenor reform and LDC innovation. In November, the OEB’s Advisory Committee on Innovation presented 14 recommendations, which showed strong alignment with the EDA’s Power to Connect vision: embracing simplified regulation and a transparent, level playing field; removing disincentives to innovation; and encouraging market-based solutions and customer choice. We look forward to developing a written response and participating in the Committee’s Stakeholder Forum in January. Alignment with the Power to Connect is also present within the IESO, which is now looking to facilitate dialogue on evolution of the electricity sector as it relates to the IESO’s mandate. The IESO’s Innovation Roadmap is identifying challenges and opportunities and establishing priorities for learning, capability building and the removal of barriers to innovation. The EDA will consider input in the new year. The EDA was pleased to see the government continue the work of the OEB Modernization Review Panel, albeit with a narrowed focus on enhancing OEB’s internal governance structure and operations. The Panel’s highly anticipated report is expected early this year. The EDA was encouraged by the Fall Economic Statement in November, which supported voluntary consolidation and the continuation of transfer tax changes. The government has

committed to considering ways to reduce red tape, promote sector efficiency and stabilize industrial electricity rates. We were also pleased to see several points of interest for LDCs in the government’s new Environment Plan, including pledges to implement Green Button data standards for utilities and to assess climate-related infrastructure vulnerability in the distribution sector. In line with the EDA’s Power to Connect policy papers, the plan calls for greater integration of emerging technologies and DERs, not only in support of climate change mitigation but also in aid of infrastructure resiliency. The intent to reduce regulatory hurdles related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure could also spell additional opportunities for the sector. As the EDA continues to showcase the significant successes of LDCs in meeting their Conservation First Framework targets — ahead of schedule and below budget — we are also emphasizing the direct role of local hydro utilities in helping consumers leverage conservation programs to keep costs down and improve business competitiveness (see the examples on Pages 12-16 in this issue). All LDCs are encouraged to share their conservation success stories and customer testimonials. The team is leveraging these materials heavily, as we advocate for continuation of conservation programs and the continued leadership of LDCs in their delivery, now and beyond 2020. Moving forward into 2019, the EDA will continue to highlight the many ways LDCs enhance competitiveness and quality of life in Ontario, with particular focus on the Power of Local Hydro government and public relations campaign and Power to Connect policy positions. Working closely with the EDA’s Board and Councils, the team will continue to promote the LDC sector as a key resource to deliver affordable, efficient, customer-focused energy solutions to the people of Ontario. If you have questions about EDA policy development and government relations activities, please contact Justin Rangooni, Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs, at (905) 265-5325.

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ADVOCACY IN ACTION

EDA REVIEWING AMENDMENTS TO DSC EDA’S MRP COMMITTEE AND TSC RELATED TO REGIONAL PLANNING ASSESSING IESO In December, the OEB made amendments to the Distribution System Code (DSC) to clarify rules on Cost Allocation for PROPOSALS Regional Planning. The IESO’s Market Renewal Program (MRP) continues to propose market changes to help overcome acknowledged market inefficiencies that place upward pressure on commodity prices. The EDA has been working closely with its recently established MRP Committee to identify and assess distributionrelated MRP issues. The EDA’s MRP Committee is tasked with: • reviewing MRP proposals, including preliminary decisions and High Level Design documents; • identifying risks and opportunities for LDCs; • anticipating the consumer perspective; • anticipating potential impacts on LDC customers and on LDC operations; • considering how LDCs may coordinate MRP deliverables with other market and regulatory initiatives; • evaluating estimated results. EDA MRP Committee Members • Patrick Brown, Hydro Ottawa, Chair • Alex Palimaka, Bluewater Power, Vice Chair • John Bonadie, Alectra Utilities • Tamar Heisler, Alectra Utilities • Kris Taylor, Essex Powerlines • Frank Kallonen, Greater Sudbury Hydro • Margaret Nanninga, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro • Martin Benum, London Hydro • Paul Ferguson, Newmarket-Tay Power • Chris Barker, Northern Ontario Wires • Ivano Labricciosa, Oshawa PUC The EDA’s ongoing series of MRP Updates keep LDC members informed of MRP activities. LDC members can access these updates anytime by logging in at eda-on.ca. If you have questions about the EDA’s advocacy on the MRP, contact Justin Rangooni, Vice President, Policy and Government Affairs, at (905) 265-5325.

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The OEB also made amendments to the Transmission System Code (TSC) concerning the cost allocation for Regional Planning: • the apportionment of costs of transmission connection and transmission network investments; • rules on which customers are responsible for capital contributions; • the apportionment of cost responsibility for connection assets at end-of -life; • rules on regional solutions that involve more than one distributor; • permitting a distributor to render a capital contribution in instalments; • changes that better align the DSC with the TSC. The OEB is also amending the Codes to adopt minor changes it consulted on in August: • to clarify that the beneficiaries of investments should pay the associated capital contribution, whether they are connected to the transmission system or to the distribution system; • to clarify that the transmitter is responsible for both the computation of the initial capital contribution and the subsequent true-ups; • to preserve distributors’ discretion as to whether to provide basic connection to customers other than residential customers; • to eliminate distributors’ discretion as to whether to seek an expansion deposit; • to clarify the rules on the computation of peak demand when calculating bypass compensation. The OEB reinforced that the relationship between bypass compensation and capacity reserve charge will be addressed in its upcoming proceeding on Commercial and Industrial rate design. The EDA is working with Regulatory, Finance and Corporate Affairs, and Operations and Engineering Councils to assess the amendments and set out members positions. For more information, contact Kathi Farmer, Senior Regulatory Affairs Advisor, at (905) 265-5333.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

EDA ASSESSING OEB REPORT ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

EDA PREPARING RESPONSE TO CODE AMENDMENTS, ELIMINATION OF SSCs

At year-end, the OEB issued its Report on Best Practices regarding Governance of OEB Rate-Regulated Utilities. The report deals with four aspects of corporate governance: • Director independence — a majority of the utility’s board directors should be independent of shareholders; agreements with or directions provided by shareholders should not limit directors’ ability to act in the best interests of the utility. • Director skills — the utility’s board (and committees thereof ) should possess a complete suite of skills required to provide appropriate oversight of key business functions; directors should be provided with ongoing education. • Documentation — written mandates and Codes of Conduct are expected. This year, the OEB will consult on amendments to the RRRs. When finalized, the amended RRRs will establish baseline and ongoing reporting requirements. The OEB’s report states its intention to use RRR information on governance to monitor utility performance and to establish the depth of regulatory review. In the future, the OEB may provide more explicit guidance and propose additional reporting tools related to corporate governance. The EDA is working with members to assess the appropriate RRRs and the OEB’s proposed amendments.

In a Notice of Proposal to Amend Codes, the OEB has proposed to amend the DSC to implement Phase 1 of the Customer Service Rules Review amending three Codes. In a Notice of Hearing, the regulator announced it will commence a hearing on Non-Payment of Account Service Charges. The OEB intends to eliminate the Specific Service Charges (SSCs) for “Collection of Accounts” and for “Install/Remove Load Control Device.” The OEB will not establish Deferral/Variance accounts that would, for example, be used to record forgone revenues from the elimination of these SSCs for all LDCs. Individual LDCs can apply for such an account. Evidence filed in support of such an application will need to demonstrate compliance with OEB eligibility requirements. The OEB is also consulting on changes to: • security deposit rules; • bill issuance and payment rules, including allocation of payments, equal payment plans and arrears payment agreements; • disconnection and reconnection practices; • correction of billing errors; • management of customer accounts. The OEB proposes to rename “Disconnect/Reconnect” charges as a “Reconnection” charge. The proposed amendments would come into force at three different dates, depending upon whether LDCs need to make changes to business processes and systems, Conditions of Service or both. The EDA has heard concerns from many LDC members related to CSR amendments. We are working with our councils to develop a detailed submission addressing those concerns.

For more information, contact Kathi Farmer, Senior Regulatory Affairs Advisor, at (905) 265-5333

THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

LDC INNOVATORS

CABLE TESTING: SUPPORTING

IMPROVED REGULATORY PERFORMANCE Asset Assessment Critical to Distribution System Planning By Glenn Magill Age isn’t everything

For over a decade, Hydro Ottawa teamed up with the National Research Council, the Government of Canada’s premier research and technology body, to test and refine new ways to diagnose the health of XLPE cables without harming the cable. Research conducted by CableQ, a Hydro Ottawa affiliate, revealed that more than 40 per cent of cables over 30 years old remain in good condition. These results have borne out for several LDCs, including Hydro Ottawa, Oakville Hydro, Veridian and Sioux Lookout Hydro Inc (SLHI).

Effective data for DSPs

nder the OEB’s performance-based regulatory framework, effective system planning is an essential component of customer value and continuous improvement. To determine whether an electricity distributor is achieving desired outcomes, the OEB looks first and foremost to the utility’s Distribution System Plan (DSP). The DSP is the primary means through which utilities highlight their asset management procedures and capital investment plans. At the heart of this process is a mandatory asset condition assessment, which allows utilities to make decisions that best manage reliability and costs. OEB filing requirements include specific data elements: • information, by asset type, on the years-in-service profile and condition of system assets; and • a description of asset lifecycle optimization policies and practices, including replacement and refurbishment policies, maintenance planning criteria, and routine and preventive inspection and maintenance programs. The OEB also requires distributors to explain how their system renewal program spending is optimized and prioritized to align with budget envelopes. OEB case history shows that data on asset age alone is insufficient; distributors are expected to have condition-based asset management strategies.

Supporting asset assessment through cable testing For Ontario distributors, underground electric cable is an asset type that features prominently in any DSP. Historically, distributors have experienced challenges in gauging the overall health and condition of their cables accurately. Traditional methods not only risk irreparable damage to the cables but also tend to yield incomplete findings. www.eda.on.ca

WINTER 2019

SLHI leveraged this data when submitting its last major rate application. “With a small community in Northern Ontario that depends on a limited number of submarine and underground cables, the reliability of our infrastructure is critical, particularly in winter,” said Deanne Kulchyski, President and CEO of SLHI. “CableQ testing showed that our submarine cables were actually in good condition, but some of our residential cables were a concern.” In the completion of its DSP, SLHI noted under section 5.4.5.2 Material Investments: “The underground cable testing identified by the [CableQ] report indicates that the … submarine cables are in good condition and therefore do not need to be replaced during the plan period. However, other cables tested that supply the [residential] areas, should be a concern. These cables … have been slated for replacement in 2019.” “The condition-based information provided by CableQ, combined with the critical nature of these cables, gave us the ability to confidently defend our planned investments to our regulator,” Kulchyski noted. Key advantages of CableQ’s testing technology include: • a non-destructive process that allows distributors to monitor cable health without damaging cables; • trackable results that illustrate changes in cable health with repeated testing; • ability to diagnose the condition of cable insulation with a finite rating, allowing action and future validation; • full diagnostic reports, enabling distributors to develop results-based asset management plans. CableQ’s technology provides invaluable support to distributors looking to modernize their asset management approach, while offering peace of mind that testing results will meet the highest standards of OEB review. Glenn Magill, C.E.T., is General Manager, Infrastructure Management, with CableQ, an affiliate of Hydro Ottawa. Learn more at www.cableq.com.

LDC INNOVATORS

LONDON HYDRO:

LEADING THE INDUSTRY IN GREEN BUTTON INNOVATION

n an era of service evolution and technology advancement for LDCs, London Hydro has developed a unique “digital utility” strategy, which has successfully positioned the company to address future needs. So far, the strategy has improved London Hydro’s revenues and is keeping the company at the forefront of emerging technology. Green Button is one of the key digital initiatives stemming from the strategy. In 2012, the Government of Ontario launched the Green Button initiative to provide utility customers with easy, secure access to their energy usage information in a consumerfriendly, computer-based format. London Hydro saw the value and became one of the first utilities in Canada to provide Green Button accessibility to customers. Green Button accesses smart meter data and shares it with applications to provide customers with more choice and convenience, while creating an open-access utility. Customers can choose from a selection of approved apps that use the Green Button format and grant permission to securely share their smart meter data with the app. In turn, the apps provide customers with helpful information and analysis to help them conserve energy and reduce their costs. This increased engagement and transparency helps households and businesses conserve energy and better manage their electricity bills. Thames Valley District School Board and the Budweiser Gardens sports-entertainment centre, for example, have already benefitted from the implementation of Green Button solutions, which have helped both see more efficient energy management and significant cost reductions.

Three central pillars

By taking an aggressive approach in supporting a secure, scalable and universally accessible framework, London Hydro has been recognized as a Green Button program leader and an innovator for three key elements of the technology solution design: • Standards base: Open data by design mitigates the creation of data silos, which can become barriers. Customers can access data from multiple facilities across different utilities; open data also ensures that solutions work across provincial and international boundaries.

• Open sources: By leveraging the greater development community, the apps and tools needed to interpret data and help customers use energy more efficiently can be developed at a faster pace and in greater numbers. This also helps to lower licensing and development costs, and creates a marketplace for skilled resources. • Cloud computing: This is a game-changer for obtaining near-real-time data and behind-the-meter analytics to facilitate data integration.

First to receive certification

The Green Button Alliance (GBA) is a U.S.-based non-profit organization formed to foster the development, compliance and widespread adoption of the Green Button standard. The Green Button Connect My Data (CMD) Certification Program is the industry standard for secure access and sharing of energy usage data. London Hydro was the first utility to complete the GBA’s Download My Data and Connect My Data testing and certification processes, which means London customers can view and share their data with confidence. “London Hydro is taking a leadership position by effectively leveraging the full capabilities of the Green Button standard,” said Barry Haaser, Executive Director of the Green Button Alliance. To showcase and further develop the initiative, London Hydro has integrated the Green Button experience into its Innovation Centre. The centre serves as a hub for creative thinking and problem solving with the participation of London Hydro customers, as well as being a space for application developers to create and test innovative Green Button–powered solutions. To date, the Green Button software has been adopted by two other utilities, Festival Hydro and Whitby Hydro, while a cooperative pilot project between London Hydro and Union Gas is looking into providing customers with real-time data over a mobile phone application. London Hydro CEO Vinay Sharma understands the potential of embedding digital solutions into the utility’s strategy: “Technology is key for all utilities,” he says. “The solutions being developed can span across borders and LDCs.” Learn more about London Hydro’s Green Button initiative at mygreenbutton.ca.

THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

POWERING PROSPERITY IN YOUR COMMUNITY Local hydro distribution companies (LDCs) are responsible for the safe, reliable, affordable delivery of power to homes and businesses across Ontario. LDCs must be empowered to provide innovative, cost-saving solutions that help their customers and communities succeed. As the voice of Ontarioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LDCs, the Electricity Distributors Association advocates for policy decisions that address five key principles:

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RESPECT COMMUNITY DECISION-MAKING EXPAND LOCAL ENERGY CONSERVATION

DRIVE LOCAL HYDRO INNOVATION FORWARD

LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED AT POWEROFLOCALHYDRO.CA #POWEROFLOCALHYDRO @EDA_ONT linkedin.com/company/electricity-distributors-association

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

EDA HOSTS FIRST FORUM ON

AFFILIATE BUSINESS

he EDA rounded out the month of November by hosting The Power to Connect: Strengthening Affiliates, Empowering Customers, Seizing Opportunities, our first forum dedicated to affiliate businesses. Presented in partnership with Aird & Berlis, a Commercial member and EDA sponsor, the full-day event explored strategic considerations of leveraging non-regulated businesses to advance innovation, empower customers and enhance shareholder value. As outlined in the EDA’s 2017 Power to Connect vision paper, evolving market dynamics, new government policies and consumer demands are transforming the electricity sector. Customers are demanding more choice, convenience and innovative ways to control costs. At the same time, LDCs want to take advantage of new technologies and business opportunities.

In our 2018 Power to Connect follow-up paper, the EDA identified key regulatory barriers preventing LDCs from becoming fully integrated network orchestrators. “LDCs want to empower their customers,” said the EDA’s President and CEO, Teresa Sarkesian, in her opening remarks. “They want to be empowered to deliver on customer and shareholder expectations.” Electricity is one of the most highly regulated sectors in Canada, for good reason. The primary responsibility of LDCs is to ensure a safe, reliable flow of electricity to homes, businesses and institutions across the province. Because Ontario’s regulatory framework, as it stands today, limits the business activities electricity utilities are permitted to undertake, many LDCs look to maximize business through their affiliates.

THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

With new technologies and opportunities come new questions — about financing, governance, risk mitigation and other critical business issues. Those questions prompted the EDA to invite LDC members to the Aird & Berlis offices in downtown Toronto to engage in discussion and uncover some answers. “There are myriad issues involved in marrying the opportunities, obligations and limitations of regulated and non-regulated businesses,” said emcee Ron Clark, a partner at Aird & Berlis who specializes in commercial, municipal and energy law. Clark presented on governance structures for unregulated affiliates and jointly owned entities. He also introduced sessions on: • the impact of unregulated assets on LDC credit ratings; • financial considerations of growth; • risk assessment for non-regulated businesses; • new approaches to rate-basing; • private capital and risk transference. The EDA was thrilled to have Paul Murphy, Chair of the OEB’s www.eda.on.ca

WINTER 2019

Advisory Committee on Innovation, deliver the final keynote, in which he summarized the committee’s recommendations to the regulator. “We are very encouraged by this report as an important conversation starter on innovation in 2019,” said Teresa Sarkesian. “We greatly appreciate the acknowledgment of LDCs as enablers of Ontario’s energy future.”

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

HEY, ALEXA! HOW MUCH HAVE

I SPENT ON HEATING MY HOME THIS MONTH? Smart speakers can help utilities connect with customers by Salim Popatia

ntario LDCs are uniquely positioned to take advantage of one of the newest consumer communication channels: smart speakers. Smart speaker penetration is on the rise. When combined with Ontario’s access to rich consumption data, this technology offers utilities the opportunity to engage with customers in a dynamic new way. Enabling customers to ask questions such as, “How does my hot water usage compare to similar homes?” or “How much did I spend on air conditioning this month?” can empower them to make smarter choices. Responses can help drive energy efficiency, lift CDM program participation and elevate customer satisfaction.

Within a year of launching, smart speakers such as Google Home and Amazon Echo already made their way into eight per cent of Canadian homes; for comparison, a report by Media Technology Monitor found that adoption of tablets was at only three per cent in the first year of availability, while Netflix topped out at six per cent. This is only the start of the smart speaker boom: Parks Associates, an Internet-of-Things market research and consulting firm, predicts that 55 per cent of U.S. broadband households could have a smart speaker with a voice-based personal assistant by 2021. What makes the smart speaker revolution unique is that this technology can connect with customers in a familiar THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

setting and engage them in a “human” way. This new channel is opening up all kinds of possibilities for B2C companies to engage with their customers in a direct and personalized manner. Utility companies are no exception. Many of Ontario’s LDCs are challenged to connect personally with customers. The transactional nature of utilities’ communications, including billing, notifications and inquiries, often results in a static relationship with customers. The existing channels of mail, email and call centres inhibit the level of customization and insights utilities are able to offer their customers, which, in turn, presents obstacles for utilities seeking to drive behavioural change. Voice technology has the potential to change customer interaction dramatically. Advances in this area enable opportunities for utility companies to become more customercentric, offering personalized insights, customized solutions and relevant programs. This enhanced customer experience has the potential to yield increased energy savings, improved customer satisfaction and fewer calls, as inquiries can be made anytime and answered immediately by the smart speaker. As many early adopters of smart speakers have discovered, generic information does not lead to engagement and frequent usage. While many forward-thinking utilities are already engaging customers via voice assistants, those interactions are limited to relatively generic information such as billing, account management, general tips and customer service information. If the end goal is better engagement and behavioural change, then utilities need to deliver an ondemand, personalized experience using tailored energyefficiency tips based on customers’ unique energy consumption and home characteristics. In other words, the best way to engage customers is to get personal. Personalization can be achieved by combining smart meter data with disaggregation — the ability to break the data down into appliance-level insights. Ontario is uniquely positioned in this regard because it sits on a goldmine of rich smart meter data. Combined with disaggregation and customer analytics, the ability to leverage this data can radically transform the customer experience. BC Hydro is the first utility in North America to take the customer experience to the next level by providing personalized, appliance-level energy consumption data via smart speakers. Customers can now ask their smart speakers relevant questions like, “What time of day am I using the most energy?” or “How can I save on my next bill?” This level of personal interaction through smart speakers can drive further behavioural change, helping customers keep their costs down while helping utilities meet conservation targets. To achieve this level of personalization, BC Hydro has partnered with Ecotagious, a Canadian clean tech company specializing in smart meter disaggregation, to deliver personalized interactions based on each household’s unique consumption and characteristics. Ecotagious analytics turn existing smart meter data into appliance-level insights that can be delivered across various channels, including email, paper, portal and smart speakers. www.eda.on.ca

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Companies with access to rich data and analytics will have the most success using the smart speaker channel to engage their customers. Ontario LDCs are perfectly positioned to benefit from this exciting technology. Salim Popatio is Vice President of Business Development at Ecotagious, a Commerical Plus member and proud sponsor of the EDA. To learn more about energy savings and customer engagement for utilities, contact him at salim.popatia@ecotagious.com.

HYDRO OTTAWA GETS SMART

Hydro Ottawa is the first utility in Canada to develop a skill (smart audio’s version of an app) for Alexa and Google Assistant. The new skill can be used with Amazon and Google smart speakers and is also accessible through apps on smartphones and tablets. Customers can access information about their electricity bill, conservation tips, current electricity rates and outage information. Learn more at Poweroflocalhydro.ca

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EBIC 2018 EMPOWERS ATTENDEES WITH INNOVATIVE THINKING In October the EDA kicked off its second successful Energy Business Innovation Conference (EBIC), welcoming members and guests from across the province. This year’s program was packed with networking opportunities, keynote talks and a full day of back-to-back sessions on branding, regulation, innovation, finance, online and offline communications and cultivating corporate culture. Attendees also learned about brand storytelling, heard the latest research on public trust in energy decision-making and experienced hands-on empathy-building activities. Stay tuned to our 2019 Connect Event Series calendar for details on EBIC 2019 and all upcoming Connect Events Series conferences and tradeshows in the new year: eda-on.ca. Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario, an EDA sponsor and the largest OMERS retiree organization, promotes its services to EBIC attendees.

EDA members gather for a second, highly successful EBIC.

Prof. Monica Gattinger, from the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy, discusses energy decision-making in Canada.

Ilana Ben-Ari, Founder of Twenty One Toys, showcases empathy as a critical skill for today’s workforce.

Marketing expert Tony Chapman kicks off EBIC, sharing best practices on making a business brand shine.

EBIC host Teresa Sarkesian, President and CEO of the EDA, welcomes members and guests.

EDA Chair Brian Wilkie thanks EBIC guests and Connect Event Series sponsors for their support.

THE DISTRIBUTOR

WINTER 2019

The EDA’s Electricity Distribution, Information Systems and Technology (EDIST) Conference & Exhibition is the sector’s premier technical education event, addressing critical engineering, operational, IT and management issues faced by Ontario’s local electricity distribution companies. EDIST 2019 is just around the corner: January 16-18 at the Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre and Spa. Exhibit space has long been sold out, but there’s still time to register for a broad range of technic al sessions while also seeing the latest products and services from suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. EDIST 2019 presents optimal opportunities to: • Network with top engineering, operations and IT professionals in Ontario’s electricity sector • Share knowledge with industry colleagues • Learn about the latest technological advances For more information or assistance with registration, please contact Dianna Merlocco, EDA Events Specialist, at (905) 265-5351.

Save the date for these can’t-miss EDA events!

Mark your calendars! The 2019 EDA Annual General Meeting and Awards Gala takes place March 24-25 in Toronto. The highly anticipated event kicks off with a networking reception on the Sunday evening, followed by meetings and informative sessions with engaging business and political speakers throughout the day Monday. It all winds up Monday evening with the most prestigious electricity sector event of the season — our annual Awards Gala, recognizing local utilities for their industry leadership and business excellence. Watch for a complete program and registration details, coming soon! For more information on the AGM and Awards Gala, stay tuned to eda-on.ca. To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Marica Macura, Director of Member Relations & Events, at (905) 265-5346.

www.eda.on.ca

WINTER 2019

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