The Distributor Spring 2019 by Dovetail Communications

RECOGNIZING OUR VALUED VOLUNTEERS 20

DISTRIBUTOR THE

SPRING 2019

THE INNOVATION

AGENDA

Bold thinking and modernization at play among sector stakeholders 8

Agreement #: 43526108

LDCs

Grant Thornton: How to Prepare for a New Cyber Reality ///22

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CONTENTS

SECTOR SCAN

6 News from the LDC Sector

COVER

8 The Innovation Agenda 14 Alectra Utilities: GRE&T 16 Oakville Hydro: Innovation Improves Outage Response

ADVOCACY IN ACTION 18 A Busy Start to 2019

18 Conservation: A Bold New Narrative 19 Quest for Savings Could Impact LDCs 19 EDA Supports Clean Fuel Standard Design 19 LDC Governance: Assessing the OEB’s Report 20 Recognizing Our Valued Volunteers

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS 22 Ask the Expert: Grant Thornton on Preparing for a New Cyber Reality

24 IESO Opens the Door to Sector-Wide Cybersecurity Offensive

LDC INNOVATORS

26 Stratford Home to Canada’s Largest Battery Storage Facility

CONNECT EVENTS 28 EDIST 2019: Powering Forward on Innovation

29 Women Connected 2019: May 15 29 Directors Summit 2019: June 12 30 Connect Events Calendar www.eda.on.ca

SPRING 2019

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Spring 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 Spring 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 Sunaina Uppal, 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

The Distributor welcomes Gerry Smallegange, President and CEO of Burlington Hydro, as Chair of EDA’s Board of Directors for 2019–20. Gerry took office officially at the EDA’s AGM on March 26. I am very pleased to share my first greeting as EDA Chair at a time when our sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation. Evolving market demands and consumer dynamics are reinventing how LDCs distribute power to local communities. Our sector is playing a pivotal role in designing and managing innovative services that provide customers with more value, convenience and control over their energy use. At Burlington Hydro, for example, we are demonstrating cogeneration technology and evaluating its effectiveness, with the objective of increasing sustainable district energy options for the city. We have also launched an electric vehicle (EV) charging station pilot to help us understand the impact on the grid and to better prepare for the wider adoption of EVs in the community. Many LDCs are looking for new ways to implement and integrate the latest technologies, including small-grid generation, storage and other distributed energy resources. But driving innovation forward requires that our regulatory and market frameworks evolve in step. For years, the EDA has been pressing for the removal of roadblocks to innovation. As your Chair and as leader of a progressive LDC, I am very pleased to see how the EDA’s advocacy is influencing the regulator and other stakeholders. In this issue of The Distributor, our feature article discusses the electricity innovation agenda in Ontario right now. You will see what is taking place provincially and federally, as well as at the OEB and IESO. You will also see more examples of LDC innovation that are enhancing service for local customers and maximizing grid efficiency for the benefit of all Ontarians. Ontario’s LDCs are well equipped to propel the innovation agenda. Looking ahead, we will continue to transform the sector by offering customers more cost-effective, efficient energy solutions. Working together, through EDA, we can ensure our voice is heard by decision makers.

PUBLISHER 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

Sincerely,

Gerry Smallegange President and CEO, Burlington Hydro

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SPRING 2019

SECTOR SCAN

EDA Annual Report 2018 Is Now Available

Each year, the EDA prepares a report detailing activities and successes over the past year. Our 2018 Annual Report covers policy initiatives, advocacy achievements, event highlights and member engagement throughout 2018. It also recognizes the contributions of our dedicated volunteers and valued sponsors. Get your copy of the EDA’s 2018 Annual Report, available for download now at eda-on.ca.

Alectra Game Day in Hamilton

As part of Alectra’s CDM partnership with the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, the team hosted an Alectra Game Day on February 2. John Friesen, Manager, External Communications at Alectra Utilities, joined Hamilton Bulldogs President and GM Steve Staios for the ceremonial puck drop, as the Bulldogs took on the Erie Otters. The Bulldogs also marked the occasion by donating a block of tickets to local schools.

New EDA Website: A Better Member Experience The EDA is thrilled to announce the launch of a new website and member database that offers more robust features and puts more control in the hands of members. The new system allows 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. The new website gives members quick, convenient, 24/7 access to more information and resources, with a fresh look and clearer navigation. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to set up your new username and password to continue enjoying exclusive member content and features. Need help? Contact us anytime. THE DISTRIBUTOR

SPRING 2019

SECTOR SCAN EHRC Researching Emerging Electricity Occupations

Technological innovation is reshaping and reinventing the skills and occupations required to support the electrical grid of the 21st century. In an effort to proactively address current and future needs of the electricity labour market, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) began last fall to explore the transformational impact of technology and innovation on the changing nature of work in the sector. Through this research, a total of 15 National Occupational Standards and Essential Skills Profiles are being revised or developed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, two of the 15 – solar panel installer and wind turbine technician – are now the fastest growing areas of employment in 24 per cent of U.S. states. Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiative Program, the project supports the goal of addressing current and future skills shortages.

Teresa Sarkesian Presents on Power of Local Hydro

In mid-February, the EDA’s President & CEO, Teresa Sarkesian, teamed up with Luc Levasseur, Vice President at NATIONAL Public Relations, to deliver a presentation on our Power of Local Hydro campaign at the Canadian Society of Association Executives Trillium Winter Summit in Burlington. The session described the campaign and its impact not only as a government and public relations initiative, but also as an opportunity for members to take part in influencing discussions and decisionmaking. Whether adding a Power of Local Hydro logo on a website, taking part in our video, tweeting with #poweroflocalhydro or submitting an innovation story, 38 per cent of members participated actively in the successful campaign, which continues to inform our outreach in 2019. Learn more at poweroflocalhydro.ca.

Appointment: David Leonce, Westario Power Inc.

David Leonce, CET, MMP, PMP, first joined Westario Power in 2017 in the role of VP, Engineering and Operations. In 2018, he took on the role of Interim CEO. He has now been installed permanently as President and CEO. David brings more than 25 years’ experience in electrical and electronic engineering, industrial automation, power distribution design, T&D systems construction and maintenance, and Renewable Energy Technologies to his role. In this position, he provides leadership and drives the strategic direction of the organization.

Proud supporter of the LDC Community. TD is a long-time EDA member and would like to thank our many Local Distribution Company customers for their business.

® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

M05598 (1118)

COVER

THE INNOVATION

AGENDA

“Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement. Those who initiate change will have a better opportunity to manage the change that is inevitable.” — WILLIAM POLLARD, AMERICAN PHYSICIST

THE DISTRIBUTOR

SPRING 2019

COVER

ndustries worldwide are undergoing rapid change and disruption. Electricity is no exception. Emerging technologies, increased digitalization, changing consumer preferences, decarbonization and other factors are bringing about significant evolution in how electricity is generated and distributed. In Ontario, LDCs are seeking new approaches and opportunities to create value for shareholders and customers. Innovation creates both challenges and opportunities. New products and services have the potential to bring about dramatic improvements in efficiency, but they can also create uncertainty if sector participants are not prepared for change. As the electricity sector evolves, the roles and responsibilities of LDCs are evolving with it. LDCs cannot remain the “poles and wires” businesses of the past. As the owners and operators of Ontario’s distribution grid and as the customer face of the sector, LDCs need to be empowered as efficient, cost-effective service providers leading Ontario’s transition to a cleaner, more intelligent grid. LDCs want to be at the forefront. They want the ability to minimize risk and capitalize on new opportunities. More than just pursuing the “next new thing,” facilitating innovation is also critical to Ontario’s competitiveness. Preparing for and embracing change is necessary to achieve a resilient, low-carbon electricity system that can alleviate cost pressures, especially in the government’s active pursuit of a further 12 per cent bill reduction for consumers. The EDA has long emphasized to government and regulatory decision makers the importance of driving innovation by helping LDCs assume a critical function in the province’s energy transition. The EDA has advocated for grid modernization and enabling technologies, such as microgrids, energy storage and advanced grid-edge controls that support reliability and enhance resiliency. Leveraging innovative operational technologies and distributed energy resources (DERs), LDCs could be in position to reduce distribution costs, optimize efficiency and improve service.

EDA vision

In 2017, the EDA outlined its vision for the future of the sector in “The Power to Connect: Advancing Customer-Driven Electricity Solutions for Ontario.” The vision paper proposed a new way forward for the province’s electricity system that recognizes consumers as drivers of change, with LDCs at the centre. The paper emphasized the imperative for LDCs to own, operate and integrate small-scale clean energy and storage systems (DERs) into their local systems to better meet consumer needs, while also augmenting the bulk power grid.

Identifying barriers

At the same time, the EDA saw serious legislative and regulatory roadblocks. In 2018, the EDA published its follow-up paper, “Power to Connect: A Roadmap to a Brighter Ontario.” The new paper identified five barriers to the evolution of LDCs, through an assessment of current policy, legislation and regulations:

www.eda.on.ca

SPRING 2019

1. The need for updated rules and provisions 2. The need for augmented distribution planning, to reflect the complexity of DERs 3. Uncoordinated, centralized procurement of electricity resources 4. Misperception of LDCs as lacking the capability to innovate 5. Pricing and rate design

Offering solutions

More than just identifying problems, however, the “Roadmap” went further, outlining concrete steps Ontario’s policymakers could take to best serve the interests of an evolving industry. The paper offered nine high-level solutions that could be implemented over a 15-year timeline, including: • Level the playing field for DERs • Improve the definition of DERs and potential services • Allow investments in grid visibility • Decentralize procurement • Allow LDCs to control and operate DER assets • Locational marginal pricing Besides advocating for change, the EDA has gone a step further to warn that an unplanned, uncoordinated approach to adding DERs to the network may expose customers to higher costs and poor reliability. Augmented planning will ensure investments are right-sized to meet customers’ needs. Active visibility and control of resources would also inform distribution planning with respect to when resources should be maintained, retired or replaced.

Regulatory modernization

Recognizing that outdated regulations could prove the biggest business hurdle for the modernization of LDCs, the EDA pressed for a renewed framework that would allow LDCs to implement innovative tools and technologies for greater cost efficiency, system reliability and service. Besides benefiting individual customers, these technologies could enhance Ontario’s grid overall, which would benefit the province more broadly. At the end of 2017, the voice of the energy sector was heard when the Government of Ontario launched its Ontario Energy Board (OEB) Modernization Review Panel. Headed by Richard Dicerni, the Panel was formed to review Ontario’s energy regulator “to ensure it can best adapt to innovative services and new technologies.” (Government of Ontario News Bulletin, “Ontario Establishing Panel to Modernize the Ontario Energy Board,” December 14, 2017) In our formal submission to the government’s Modernization Review Panel last year, the EDA advocated for a review of the mandate, role and structure of the OEB, and greater flexibility for LDCs. The submission called for explicit promotion of innovation in the OEB’s core mandate, as well as innovationrelated cost recovery and incentives for LDC innovation.

COVER

“If the regulation of utility planning and investment decisions is not updated to consider and accommodate these new customer options when it makes sense to do so, utility customers may miss out on opportunities for better and more efficient service.” — ACI report OEB Advisory Committee on Innovation

The OEB Modernization Review Panel report is currently with the Government of Ontario for evaluation. In the meantime, the OEB proceeded to establish its own Advisory Committee on Innovation (ACI) last fall. Chaired by Paul Murphy, the ACI was charged with identifying actions the regulator could take to support and enable cost-effective innovation, grid modernization and consumer choice. Over an eight-month period, the ACI examined business issues facing utilities, innovators and consumers. The Committee then focused on identifying potential solutions to address those issues. In November, the ACI submitted its report to the OEB Chair, including 14 recommendations in four broad areas: 1. Provide a transparent and level playing field by clarifying expectations and requirements regarding obligations between parties and towards customers; 2. Remove disincentives to innovative solutions by changing how utilities are remunerated, and introduce more systematic methods of valuation and pricing; 3. Encourage market-based solutions and customer choice by making more detailed and timely information available to sector participants; 4. Embrace simplified regulation by adopting simple and timely ways to allow for experimentation.

Alignment with the EDA Roadmap

The EDA was pleased to see significant alignment between the ACI report and the EDA’s Roadmap paper: • Restrictions on the ownership/operation of DERs should be addressed • LDCs should be permitted to own and operate DERs and associated enabling infrastructure • LDCs should be permitted to “see” DERs and recover associated investments in enabling infrastructure • DERs should be eligible to be included in Rate Base • LDCs should be permitted to share access to enabling systems and infrastructure The ACI hosted a Stakeholder Forum in January to discuss the Report and gather feedback on priority sequencing of recommendations and interdependencies for next steps regarding consultations and policy development. The Committee also sought written input from stakeholders. The EDA participated in the Stakeholder Forum and worked with Councils to prepare a formal submission.

In January, the EDA’s written submission to the ACI commented on three issues: OEB priority actions: The EDA recommended that the near-term deployment of foundational investments be prioritized. Many LDCs have already begun investing in foundational infrastructure, such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure, smart inverters, two-way data flows, etc. The EDA also recommended clarifying today’s regulatory environment to enable LDCs to identify and evaluate technology deployment that will leverage foundational investments in ways that customers want and that the regulator would be able to approve readily. Interdependencies for planning and sequencing the OEB’s next steps: The policy environment and corresponding regulatory framework should be consistent and reflected in enabling legislation, licences, codes and guidance. This coordination will provide clarity and certainty that will support LDCs in bringing innovations to customers in ways that optimize customer benefits. Additional or complementary areas of inquiry: The OEB should address the consistency of its regulatory instruments. The EDA supports the OEB’s establishment of the “Innovation Sandbox” (see below) and foresees that it will be helpful in identifying gaps. The OEB could also provide Filing Guidelines that set out the evidentiary requirements for LDCs that seek to recover the costs of the innovative technologies through rates.

OEB Innovation Sandbox

The OEB also has established an “Innovation Sandbox” as an accessible mechanism for the OEB to support innovators testing new ideas, products, services and business models in the electricity sector. The Sandbox is designed to help utilities and other companies interested in innovative energy-related projects that have the potential to benefit consumers, whether through long-term economic efficiencies, cost performance improvements or service enhancements. Innovators can use the Sandbox to engage with OEB staff, access regulatory guidance and, where appropriate, receive temporary regulatory relief.

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SPRING 2019

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AlectraNews

Alectra

COVER

The IESO is developing an Innovation Roadmap to facilitate an internal and external dialogue on the evolution of Ontario’s electricity and broader energy sector as it relates to IESO’s mandate.

IESO Innovation Roadmap

Besides issues around regulation, the EDA has identified acknowledged market inefficiencies as a barrier to the success of the LDC of the future. Last fall, the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) also began development of an Innovation Roadmap to discuss the evolution of Ontario’s electricity sector as it relates to IESO’s mandate. The IESO Roadmap, currently in development, is designed to identify key challenges and opportunities facing IESO in preparing for change. The Roadmap also aims to remove barriers to innovation to support improved system reliability, cost effectiveness and efficiency, all of which will benefit the people of Ontario. The IESO recognizes that Ontario’s electricity sector will become increasingly decentralized over the next decade. With the decommissioning of large-scale generation assets, such as the Pickering nuclear plant, DERs will play an important role in meeting electricity requirements through participation in IESO-Administered Markets (IAM). DERs also will provide services to customers behind-the-meter and serve as alternatives to traditional transmission or distribution infrastructure expansions to meet local electricity needs, as part of distribution system plans or markets that will be established to meet those local needs. As the once-prohibitive costs of products such as solar infrastructure and energy storage come down, these technologies will become increasingly accessible. DER owners will be able to monetize the full range of services DERs can provide, as well as the ability of DERs to be scaled to meet local and customer needs and to be implemented within a short timeframe. The IESO has identified three main objectives for its Roadmap: 1. I dentify and remove barriers to the adoption of innovation within the electricity market and broader system 2. Identify how IESO operations may need to adapt in response to external changes in order to optimize reliability and cost effectiveness 3. Identify innovation that will improve performance

Alignment with the EDA’s position

The EDA supports the IESO’s efforts to create an Innovation Roadmap that aligns with the EDA’s position and direction. EDA members want to be active facilitators in a transformed electricity market, one that not only puts customers first but also maximizes the use and value of electricity assets. At the end of 2018, the EDA provided a written submission addressing three specific issues related to the IESO Roadmap: IESO priorities: The EDA proposed that the IESO emphasize the need for foundational investments in infrastructure that can support other investments. Many LDCs already deploy foundational infrastructure, such as SCADA systems. Other examples include electrically accurate depictions of the characteristics of existing infrastructure, and electrically accurate simulations of infrastructure loading/operations capable of estimating the consequences to achievable service life of investments in traditional and innovative technologies. The DER-enabling platform advocates the development of an intelligent method for integration of DERs within the distribution system, including network control and automation, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, smart inverters, two-way communications and advanced distribution management systems to improve visibility of assets that are operating within the networks. Learning and capability building: Capability building in the form of reorganizing system data that is presently available in multiple forms and media into forms/media that can be supported by IT/IS infrastructure (e.g.,: sensors, control devices, software and data sharing protocols that provide cyber security). LDCs can nurture capability building by engaging customers who are expected to realize tangible benefits – and who ideally will be willing to act as LDC capability building ambassadors. The integration of DER ownership into LDC business models will further stimulate DER market development and create certainty with respect to achieving public policy goals through coordinated DER planning. LDCs are well-positioned to take leadership roles.

THE DISTRIBUTOR

SPRING 2019

COVER

Removing barriers and enabling innovation: Enabling innovation requires risk management. First adopters of any new technology incur more and higher-level risk. LDCs should have responsibility for risks that are within their control, but they should not be responsible for risks under the control of other parties. As noted in the EDA’s Roadmap paper, the onus is on LDCs to demonstrate that investments are appropriate and eligible for inclusion in the rate base. This applies to all investments, including potential DERs. While DERs can be useful to meet local system needs, LDCs have indicated it is risky to leverage DERs in their Distribution System Plans because there is uncertainty with respect to the criteria for the evaluation of non-wires solutions (versus traditional distribution assets).

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Going forward

With the appropriate tools, investment and regulatory support, LDCs will be able to plan, operate and coordinate DERs within their networks for the benefit of all Ontarians. As the voice of the LDC sector, the EDA is continuing to advocate with government and regulatory decision makers to create an environment conducive to grid optimization, cost efficiency and consumer choice. The EDA looks forward to seeing how the OEB will incorporate ACI recommendations. We are equally eager to see the report from the OEB Modernization Review Panel. This report — and the government’s policy response to it — could prove a defining factor in Ontario’s energy innovation future.

www.eda.on.ca

SPRING 2019

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COVER

GETTING INNOVATION IN MARKET ALECTRA GRE&T CENTRE TO EXPLORE COMMERCIALIZATION OF GREEN TECHNOLOGIES

he energy industry continues to undergo transformational change toward more decentralized, decarbonized, digitalized solutions. Low-cost, renewable distributed energy resources (DERs) and storage, combined with digital intelligence and communication, are important change drivers in today’s market. Today’s customers are savvier, too. They want more personalized, affordable, controllable energy choices, along with seamless digital experiences. Alectra, currently serving more than one million homes and businesses throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe area, is seeking to evolve into an innovative, integrated energy solutions provider that can plan, design and deliver on- and off-grid services, with a focus on green energy. The GRE&T (Green Energy & Technology) Centre is Alectra’s latest initiative to secure a position at the forefront of exciting industry changes. Located in Guelph, Alectra’s GRE&T Centre will serve as a hub to identify, evaluate, develop and deploy emerging green and customer-friendly energy solutions. The centre will bring energy innovations to life by identifying, evaluating, developing and deploying emerging green, customer-friendly energy solutions across Alectra’s service territory. It will ultimately catalyze the commercialization and mass consumer adoption of green technology, creating a bridge between the R&D phase and full commercialization of technology solutions.

A Transitional Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from Alectra’s communities, including senior management from Alectra and the former Guelph Hydro, has brought together subject matter experts in areas of clean energy, sustainability, customer insights and emerging technologies. Since early 2018, the group has provided guidance on strategy planning and development of the Alectra GRE&T Centre, including the setup of an accelerator and recommendations for potential partners, pilots and demo projects. To guide the strategic direction of the GRE&T Centre as it develops throughout 2019, Alectra is currently putting together a long-term Advisory Committee made up of professionals from diverse backgrounds, experienced with emerging technologies and clean energy, and demonstrating capabilities in the areas of commercialization, finance, investment, branding, marketing, intellectual property, legal, entrepreneurship, logistics, sales, and customer and product insights. The Advisory Committee will provide strategic advice related to the Alectra GRE&T Centre on pilot projects, demonstrations, partnerships, community engagement activities, accelerator operations, recruitment of cohorts and other related activities. The centre is expected to launch officially in 2020. Learn more about the Alectra GRE&T Centre at alectrautilities.com.

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SPRING 2019

COVER

INNOVATION IMPROVES OUTAGE RESPONSE

Distributed grid intelligence helps shorten outages at Oakville Hydro By Cody McMullin & Kishen Pais

n today’s society, homes, businesses and institutions rely on electricity for most basic functions. Unscheduled outages can cause major inconvenience for some, lost revenue for others. From home heating, cooling and appliances, to computer systems, WiFi and even most landline-connected telephones, electricity is essential for residential and business customers. It is no surprise, then, that public frustration with outages can be high, resulting in a barrage of angry tweets, comments and social media posts. Today’s utilities need innovative solutions for faster, more effective outage response. Distributed grid intelligence can be part of the solution for meeting stakeholders’ expectations.

Innovative technology to the rescue

Customers in the Town of Oakville saw the value of distributed grid intelligence in December 2018, when a significant widespread outage was caused by failing equipment at a provincially owned transformer station. Initially, 9,523 customers were left without power. Fortunately, Oakville Hydro had invested in innovative technologies to deal with this type of situation more quickly and cost-effectively. Distributed grid intelligence helped automatically restore 1,085 customers in just 16 seconds, through the activation of five switchgear devices and layered automation devices. The remaining 8,438 customers had their power back on within six minutes. Oakville Hydro was able to restore power to all of the impacted customers, without dispatching a single crew to the field.

Innovation builds flexibility into distribution

responds to changing electricity grid conditions. The system uses algorithms and sensors to restore power to customers, often within seconds and without human intervention. Oakville Hydro now has more than 200 remotely automated devices. Implementation of this innovative technology at Oakville Hydro involved the following key tasks: • Fine-tuning sensing equipment, logic control and firmware in the local equipment • Collaborating with experts from Oakville Hydro, as well as those from equipment suppliers • Improving logic through grid intelligence to determine false readings • Placing Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors to provide solutions that effectively connect the automated controllers for enhanced data capture The key to success in this transition has been a culture of innovation at the utility, building on the existing centralized SCADA control system, embedding enhanced intelligence into field devices. The company’s innovation journey reached several milestones in 2018, including increasing the switching density of devices per feeder, and the number of open points with field automation. In addition, the company’s deployment of device logic and fine-tuning of sensors was optimized. Now, when an outage occurs, the switching devices are able to detect the loss of power and automatically reconfigure the grid to an alternative supply point, allowing for almost immediate power restoration — with no human involvement.

Many utilities still rely on customer phone calls and socialmedia posts to find out which areas of their distribution system have been affected by a power outage. Then, manual switching by the utility may be needed to restore power. A range of technologies has been developed to automate this process, however, making restoration appear almost instantaneous. This way, the utility’s network becomes a self-healing system — one that can go a long way towards minimizing power interruptions. In fact, some customers may not even notice that their power went out and was reconnected via a different source.

Grid intelligence accessible to large and small utilities

A long-term process

Cody McMullin is an Innovation Lead with Oakville Enterprises. Kishen Pais is Manager, Grid Smart, Oakville Hydro (oakvillehydro.com). To learn more about OEC Innovates, visit: oecinnovates.com.

Implementing distributed grid intelligence has been a multi-year process at Oakville Hydro. It includes installing field equipment with enhanced intelligence that automatically

Some automation solutions can be practical only for particularly large utilities, but distributed grid intelligence can be applied in many circumstances. With just over 70,000 customers served, Oakville is a good example of a mid-sized community that is able to benefit fully from this type of solution. Oakville Hydro is eager to connect with other local utilities to share ideas on how to apply distributed grid intelligence for enhanced outage response, to help improve productivity and quality of life for all residents and business owners.

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Meter Services Peterborough, a Division of Peterborough Utilities Inc. is a provider of revenue meter related services in Ontario. We are IESO registered as MSP #1002 and provide meter installation services; Meter Data Management (MDMA) functions; Web posting of data and bill reconciliation (MDS Web); Settlement Services (WSS Web); Conservation and Demand Management and Power Quality Monitoring Solutions to Wholsale Market Participants, Local Distribution Companies, Energy Services Companies and Generators. Please contact us at 705-748-9301 ext. 1279 for more infromation on our suite of service offerings

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

A BUSY START TO 2019 The first months of 2019 proved busy ones for the EDA and the sector. Since the beginning of the year, the EDA team has participated in a number of consultations, attended several informal meetings and delivered nine government and stakeholder submissions, including a pre-Budget submission to Ontario’s Minister of Finance. In January, we participated in the OEB’s Advisory Committee on Innovation (ACI) Stakeholder Forum. The EDA is pleased to see innovation on the agenda at the OEB, particularly the launch of the new Innovation Sandbox. We responded in writing to OEB questions regarding policy priorities and considerations. We now look forward to seeing how ACI and stakeholder recommendations will be implemented. The EDA also responded to calls for comment from the Ministry of the Environment on the new Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, as well as from the OEB on proposed changes to Customer Service Rules and to codes around regional planning. And we were pleased to receive intervenor status, as the IESO seeks licence to monetize non-personal smart meter data — an issue of key interest for LDCs. The EDA expects that the 2019 Budget will be the most important piece of policy activity for the government during the current legislative session. In its pre-Budget submission to Ontario’s Ministry of Finance, the EDA called on the government to continue its support of voluntary consolidation and other innovative partnerships through tax certainty and clarity. The submission also emphasized strong support for a continued framework of successful, LDC-led energy conservation programs. The EDA team continues to meet with political staff and civil servants to ensure LDC priority issues remain on the government’s radar. Most recently, we met with senior staff from the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development & Mines to discuss the value of continuing LDC-led conservation programs. We have also held meetings with officials from the Premier’s Office; Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks; IESO; and OEB. Discussion topics have included LDC innovation, the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, paperless billing, LDC fiscal policy, electric vehicles, OEB reform and distributed energy resources. For ongoing updates on EDA advocacy activities, consultations and submissions, visit eda-on.ca.

A NEW NARRATIVE ON CONSERVATION

To date, LDCs have done an exceptional job delivering on electricity usage reduction targets called for in Ontario’s Conservation First Framework 2015–2020 (CFF). While the current CFF is still in play, the future of conservation programs and the role of LDCs in delivering them remains uncertain, as the government continues its quest to reduce the deficit and deliver on its promise of a further 12 per cent bill reduction for families. With professional guidance from a former PC party campaign chief, the EDA revisited our positioning in an effort to ramp up our advocacy. We are now using bold messages, targeted directly to Queen’s Park decisionmakers, to advocate for continued, locally led conservation program delivery now and beyond 2020. In February, the EDA held an LDC member webinar that provided a detailed overview of updated campaign messaging and tactics. We thank the more than 80 participants who joined us for the webinar to learn firsthand about the “Stop Energy Waste” campaign. In addition to the digital advertising component, the EDA is also calling on LDC members to submit their local conservation success stories. Stories highlighting how LDCs have helped customers reduce energy waste and save money are helping to influence MPPs and decisionmakers. Members can follow the campaign’s developments through the EDA’s LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook channels. We encourage all LDCs to take part in the conversation using the hashtag: #StopEnergyWaste.

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ADVOCACY IN ACTION

GOVERNMENT QUEST FOR SAVINGS COULD IMPACT LDCs The PC Government remains eager to deliver on its promise to further reduce hydro bills by 12 per cent for families, farmers and small businesses. Recent announcements from the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development & Mines are focused on cost saving measures, such as Bruce Power’s January announcement regarding $200 million in savings from nuclear refurbishment, as well as an ongoing commitment to reform Hydro One executive compensation. The government is also working toward a promised Industrial Rate Consultation during the first half of 2019. The EDA will actively seek opportunities to provide LDC input. In its ongoing quest for savings, the government continues to push for efficiencies across all sectors, which could impact LDCs. For example, the recently announced Regional Government Consultation impacts the shareholders of up to 24 LDCs. The review will include consultations with municipal councillors and leaders, stakeholder organizations and the public in the spring of 2019. The review covers Ontario’s eight regional and lower-tier municipalities. In total, 82 upper- and lower-tier municipalities are included. The EDA will be monitoring progress of the review and providing feedback to members.

EDA SUPPORTS ECCC’s CLEAN FUEL STANDARD REGULATORY DESIGN In February, the EDA provided comments on the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) Regulatory Design Paper, issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). As the voice of Ontario’s LDCs, the EDA is advocating for CFS regulations that treat electricity equally with other low- or no-carbon fuels and enable distributors to take advantage of credits. Overall, the EDA supports the development of the CFS and its objectives of reducing GHG emissions, increasing the use of lower-carbon fuels and driving investments in clean technologies. Our submission expressed strong support for key components of the CFS policy design. We raised some concerns regarding the discussion on end-use fuel switching to electricity and the need for flexible credit systems structured to maximize efficiency with implementation. We were pleased with ECCC’s proposal to allow some end-use fuel switching to generate CFS compliance credits. We also welcomed the proposed approach to crediting end-use fuel switching to electricity for transportation, as it relates to the crediting of EV charging in different scenarios. LDC members can download our full submission to ECCC on the CFS Regulatory Design by logging in at eda-on.ca. For more information or to share your feedback, contact Lynn Williams, Senior Policy Advisor, at (905) 265-5334.

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SPRING 2019

EDA ASSESSING OEB REPORT ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 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 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. With regard to director independence, the EDA advocated that a director should be permitted to sit on both an LDC board and the associated holding company board and still be considered independent on both. We were very pleased to see the OEB accept this recommendation. This year, the OEB will consult on amendments to its reporting and record-keeping requirements (RRRs) vis-à-vis corporate governance. 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. For more information, contact Kathi Farmer, Senior Regulatory Affairs Advisor, at (905) 265-5333

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS. Your invaluable contributions helped strengthen the EDA and the electricity distribution sector in 2018. TAMARA CASTONGUAY BARB CESARIN DAN CHARRON TIM COLLINS ALYSON CONRAD MARY-JO CORKUM MARIE COULOMBE ANA COUTO ANDREW COVELLO BRIAN Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AMBOISE FRED DAMIANI EILEEN DIAS ROBERT DICESARE STEPHEN DOW LESLIE DUGAS

SIMON ABBOTT

DAWN BATES

PATRICK BROWN

RAED ABDULLAH

MARTIN BENUM

BART BURMAN

ERIC ANDRES

MIKE BICKERS

TED BURRELL

ANDY ARMITAGE

SALLY BLACKWELL

KEVIN BUSH

GEORGE ARMSTRONG

PAUL BLYTHIN

INDY BUTANY-DESOUZA

BRITTANY B. ASHBY

MARGARET BOLAND

MARCO CALIBANI

TED BAKER

JOHN BONADIE

STACIA CAOUETTE-BOSS

NIRUPA BALENDRAN

RICHARD BOOY

MARY CAPUTI

JOE BARILE

DAVID BOWEN

MATT CARLINI

CHRIS BARKER

NANCY BRANDON

CHRIS CARR

SUSAN BARRETT

KIM BROOKS

DANIEL CARR

GREG BARTLETT

MIKE BROWN

SHAWN CARR

CUC DUONG HASSAN EL MADHOUN KIM K. ELLLIS GLEN FARROW DAVID C. FERGUSON PAUL FERGUSON WAYNE FERNANDES SUE FORCIER JOHN FRIESEN PAUL GLEASON JENNIFER GORDON

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ADVOCACY IN ACTION ANGELO GRAVINA

SCOTT MUDIE

DAN GUATTO

KEVIN MYERS

CHRISTOPHER HALE

MARGARET NANNINGA

JANE HALE-MCDONALD

DEREK NEILL

MONICA HALL

CAITLIN NEWEY

CHRIS HALLAS

WENDY Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;KEEFE

JIE HAN

LISA OELKE

BENJAMIN HAZLETT

ALEX PALIMAKA

TAMAR HEISLER

SHAHID PASHA

PAMELA HOGG

JEFF PAUL

KATHY HORGAN

SEAN PERRY

JOSH SMITH

MARC VILLETT

NANCY HUTTON

GRAIG PETTIT

PAUL SNOSEK

MARVIO VINHAES

SUSAN JAMIESON

MICHEL PICARD

CHRISTOPHER SOMMERS

EVAN WADE

FRANK KALLONEN

MAXIM PICCO

DAN STEELE

WENDY WATSON

ROB KOEKKOEK

DANIELLE PIETARINEN

OANA STEFAN

JACKIE WHEAL

IVANO LABRICCIOSA

PETER PREAGER

JOANNE TACKABERRY

WILLIAM WHITING

PAUL LAROSA

SUZANNE PRESSEAULT

DIANE TAYLOR

LORI WHITT

FRANK LASOWSKI

JEFF QUINT

JANET TAYLOR

LAURA WILSON

PETER LEE

GARY RAINS

KRIS TAYLOR

MARYANNE WILSON

KRISTEN LEFOR

KEN RAMNARINE

DARYN THOMPSON

SHANON WILSON

SUZANNE LEONARD

MICHELLE REESOR

CHRIS TOWNE

TIM WILSON

AVI LIPSITZ

MICHELLE REESOR

RUTH TYRRELL

HENRY WINTER

ANGIE LONGWORTHBARKWELL

SUSAN REFFLE

ANGELA VALENTINE

GAYE-DONNA YOUNG

TRACY REHBERG RAWLINGSON

GREG VAN DUSEN

STEVE ZEBROWSKI

IAN VESTERBACK

HANS ZIEMANN

ERNIE VIDOVIC

GIORDAN ZIN

CHRIS MACE

ROBERT RENSHAW

BARBARA PEIRCE MARSHALL

JOSE RIBON

BOB MASON

MARGARET RODD

MIKE MATTHEWS

CHRIS ROUTLIFFE

LISA MCCASKIE

NEIL RUSSELL

JENNY MCGEACHY

JOE SAUNDER

KELLY MCGREGOR CAMERON MCKENZIE KELLY MCMATH

TESSA SCHELLENBERG FALGUNI SHAH

PAULA MILOT

STANTON SHEOGOBIND

JEFF MOCHA

BARBARA SHORTREED

SALMAN MOIN DOROTHY MORYC

www.eda.on.ca

DAVID S. SAVAGE

JENNIFER SMITH

SPRING 2019

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

ASK THE EXPERT:

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEW CYBER REALITY

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COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

n light of regulatory changes implemented on March 15, 2018, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) now requires all licensed electricity transmitters and distributors to provide information on how they intend to mitigate cybersecurity risks. Here, experts from Grant Thornton LLP — Mohamed Elghazouly, Senior Manager, Cybersecurity; RK Madan, Director of Technology Strategy & Architecture; and Sandy Boucher, Senior Investigator — answer some frequently asked cybersecurity questions to help LDCs better understand what this means for the electrical industry and to further strengthen cybersecurity efforts.

Q: What do the OEB’s new cybersecurity standards entail, and what will LDCs need to do to meet them?

Mohamed Elghazouly: Although LDCs are not yet required to comply with the Ontario Cyber Security Framework (OCSF), as of June 2018, they must fill out annual “readiness reports.” These self-assessments require companies to measure their current level of cybersecurity preparedness against both OCSF requirements and a separate data privacy protection standard based on Privacy by Design (PbD). This requirement is seen as a step in the right direction and one that complements the existing cybersecurity threat intelligence shared by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). It also goes beyond existing NERC standards, which do not address privacy controls. Not only will these self-assessments help LDCs determine where they stand in terms of cybersecurity preparedness, but they will also allow the OEB to assess the state of cybersecurity readiness in the sector more effectively and to determine whether further action is necessary. The self-assessment is a good resource to have when initiating discussions with cybersecurity insurance providers.

Q: What do LDCs need to do to effectively protect their IT/OT enterprise?

RK Madan: Cybersecurity is a concern in every industry, but the utility space faces a host of unique challenges. Not only must providers balance the costs of protecting their overall information and operational technology (IT/OT enterprise), but they must also do so while considering the return on their cybersecurity investment. Because cybersecurity costs ultimately may be borne by the ratepayer, it’s vital to keep them low, without sacrificing security. At the same time, given the interconnected nature of the grid, every stakeholder must be committed to protecting themselves and the greater whole — including other utilities, market participants and customers. Over the last few months, many utilities are looking to machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) technologies that will help them improve operational characteristics in functional domains, such as smart devices and networks, load

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SPRING 2019

forecasting, demand management, predictive maintenance and customer insights. By taking a holistic approach and creating a well-thought-out digital transformation and cybersecurity strategy, LDCs can leverage these technologies to improve their cybersecurity footprint and embed optimum cybersecurity measures in the enterprise architecture at the component level. This will allow them to truly maximize the benefits of ML/AI and other transformation initiatives.

Q: How can forensic reviews improve an LDC’s cybersecurity framework?

Sandy Boucher: Since all LDCs are interconnected through the grid, if one utility is exposed to a cyberattack, everyone is. As a result, one attack could cripple a large portion of society and the provincial economy. With changing geopolitical climates, LDCs have become potential trophies for cybercriminals who want to disrupt systems, create chaos and reap personal benefits in the process. As a result, we’re seeing an increasing trend towards cyberattack campaigns led by specific interest groups, terrorists, nation states and hacking groups. Given the devastating impact a security breach would impose on Ontario’s utility sector, it’s wise to include forensic considerations in the planning phase. For instance, when a control system fails to function properly, a forensic review could help confirm that hacking is not involved. Similarly, if a hostile act is detected through a forensic process, forensic investigators can help determine what type of action must be taken to identify the source and strengthen existing cybersecurity measures to mitigate similar risks. Ideally, the forensics should cover the configuration workstation, Ethernet and non-Ethernet networks, SCADA servers and other field devices like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) or Remote Terminal Units (RTU). Such a broad approach is critical. While a cyberattack on a workstation can be addressed by applying forensic techniques on the workstation itself, non-Ethernet attacks are much harder for investigators to conduct without specialized equipment. If forensic reviews are conducted early, experts will have a better understanding of a utility’s SCADA-related devices and will be able to find important forensic evidence swiftly in the event of a breach. If you have additional questions or need advice on cybersecurity strategies within your utility, contact: Mohamed Elghazouly, Senior Manager, Cybersecurity; Mohamed.Elghazouly@ca.gt.com RK Madan, Director, Technology Strategy & Architecture; RK.Madan@ca.gt.com Sandy Boucher, Senior Investigator; Sandy.Boucher@ca.gt.com

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS

IESO OPENS THE DOOR

TO SECTOR-WIDE CYBERSECURITY OFFENSIVE

he IESO’s new cybersecurity mandate, announced in July last year, is good news for Ontario utilities looking to shore up their cybersecurity defenses, and even better news for the province’s electricity system. As part of its expanded role, the IESO has initiated a sectorwide data-sharing service to help increase cybersecurity resilience. By participating, utilities will be made aware of any threats facing the sector as a whole, as well as contributing to the system operator’s ability to see these threats, all in near real-time. The service is the result of a first-of-itskind partnership between the IESO and the Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity (CCCS), which operates under the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) – Canada’s central trusted government source of cybersecurity information, advice and guidance. “The IESO is leveraging its partnership with CCCS and is reaching out to all electricity utilities across the province to join forces in ensuring Ontario’s electricity system continues to operate safely and reliably in the face of potential cyber threats,” said Alex Foord, the IESO’s Vice-President, Information &

Technology Services and Chief Information Officer. “We are the first system operator in North America to pursue this kind of sector-wide partnership for the purpose of building even greater resiliency into the electricity grid.” Three local utilities – Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited, Hydro One and Hydro Ottawa – are already onboard. Once security agreements were signed and information systems linked, CCCS began to pull in information from the IESO’s systems for analysis, sharing any red flags with the IESO. The system operator’s cybersecurity team in turn reviews and produces energy sector contextual outputs and uploads them to an information-sharing portal. On the basis of this information, the IESO determines if any alerts are warranted for the entire sector, or for individual utilities. “Our number-one goal is situational awareness for the sector,” said Ben Blakely, the IESO’s Senior Manager, Information Security. “Alerts might relate to a potential loss of power to the whole grid, part of it or an individual utility. Or, they could be about a data breach affecting customer information, day-to-day operations or payment systems.”

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Hydro Ottawa was among the first utilities to sign up. “We didn’t hesitate to get involved because, from our perspective, it’s all upside,” said Hydro Ottawa’s Manager of Cybersecurity, Jojo Maalouf. “The electricity grid in the National Capital Region is critical infrastructure. We are confident that under the IESO’s leadership, and with the support of other utilities in the province, we will all benefit from the CSE partnership.” According to Blakely, all organizations that participate in the electricity sector have something to contribute, as well as a way to benefit: “This new capability can scale, as well as provide unique insights for all those involved, no matter their size. When the IESO receives information from CCCS, it may be customized for our sector, it may relate specifically to the bulk electricity system or it may be broader. There is strength in numbers, and in the information that’s shared.” There are 67 electrical utilities in Ontario, several of which are currently in the process of signing the necessary agreements. Electricity sector companies that want to join the IESO’s province-wide cybersecurity initiative can do so at any time.

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SPRING 2019

ONTARIO UTILITIES’ CYBERSECURITY TOOL KIT JUST GOT BIGGER

A new online service is now available to provide cybersecurity support to Ontario’s electricity utilities that want to share best practices, approaches, guidance and experience with their peers in a secure environment. Available thanks to a new partnership between the IESO and the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX), the service is housed in a centralized and secure online portal. According to the Ponemon Institute, an average of 39 per cent of all cyber-attacks can be thwarted by an organization sharing threat intelligence with peers. The online portal is a “one-stop shop” for cybersecurity information for Ontario’s electricity sector. The IESO’s cybersecurity team manages all content, acting as moderator and issuing updates. For access to the portal, or for more information, contact cybersecurity@ieso.ca.

LDC INNOVATORS

STRATFORD HOME TO CANADA’S LARGEST BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY

Festival Hydro CEO Ysni Semsedini explains the benefits of the battery storage project

he City of Stratford is the Canadian leader in battery storage facilities, thanks to Festival Hydro’s battery storage project in the Wright Business Park. This is the first step towards building a microgrid, which can provide the community with more efficient, safer and cleaner energy. The project is a partnership between Hecate Energy, Saturn Power, Powin Energy and EllisDon Construction and Building Services. The facility is housed on an acre of land adjacent to a Festival Hydro transformer station. Using Powin Energy’s Stack140 energy storage system, the facility houses four lithiumion battery cell arrays – two with a capacity of 2.0 megawatts, and two with a capacity of 2.4 megawatts. Together, the battery cell arrays will provide a storage capacity of 8.8 megawatts, which translates to 40.8 megawatt hours of available energy – enough to supply more than 10,000 homes with electricity for an hour.

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LDC INNOVATORS

“This allows us to take energy off the grid at non-peak times,” said Ysni Semsedini, CEO of Festival Hydro. “For example, it can charge up during the night, as you would with your cellphone. Then, you have the energy stored to be able to put it back on the grid when you need it for peak reduction.” By having the ability to store power overnight and discharge it during the day, Semsedini says the battery storage facility will help reduce demand on Festival Hydro’s central generation system during peak hours. “Over time, if you strategically located these [batteries] through your service territory, you could start bringing down the amount of infrastructure you might need, or the sizing of that infrastructure,” Semsedini says. By relying less on the central generation system, the battery storage facility would not only help with peak reduction, but it would also assist with voltage stability. “I equate it to using a vacuum in your house. If you need a lot of load really quickly, you’ll notice the lights dim in your house. A battery can supplement that draw of electricity through the system and support the voltage level, so people get a more stable voltage quality,” Semsedini explains. The improved voltage stability provided by the battery storage facility will also ensure that customers in the south industrial area of the city will not experience a reduction in voltage quality when Festival Hydro has to switch those customers to another transformer elsewhere in the city in order to complete maintenance or repairs on the transformer station in the Wright Business Park. According to Semsedini, the four battery cell arrays that will be used in the battery storage facility are among the first batch of power storage projects distributed through an open procurement process by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). “IESO is looking at how battery storage is going to impact the whole Ontario system, so the study is important for us in Stratford, but it’s also important for the province as a whole,” Semsedini said. Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson sees the investment in his community as a realization that Stratford, in partnership with Festival Hydro, can

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SPRING 2019

lead in innovation. “This project speaks to the fact that Stratford is on the radar for large companies making technology and innovative investments. And they want to be here,” he said. Festival Hydro distributes power to approximately 20,000 customers in the municipalities of Stratford, Brussels, Dashwood, Hensall, St. Marys, Seaforth and Zurich. Festival is also responsible for water billing and streetlight maintenance. For more information, visit festivalhydro.com.

CONNECT EVENTS See more photos and access presentations from EDIST 2019 at eda-connect.ca

Another Outstanding Success! The EDA’s 2019 Electricity Distribution, Information Systems and Technology (EDIST) Conference and Exhibition was our most successful to date, attracting more than 700 delegates, speakers and exhibitors. The robust conference agenda included two inspiring keynote talks, four plenary sessions and 21 technical presentations on engineering, operations and information systems. The sold-out exhibition featuring more than 100 booths showcased the latest and greatest in utility-related technology and services. And, of course, guests enjoyed great food, prizes and networking at the always popular closing Casino Night. Jodi Charto, Oakville Enterprises, wins the “Rock Your Shades” Twitter contest at Casino Night

Thanks to our sponsors for their generous support in helping make EDIST 2019 a resounding success.

Save the date! Mark your calendar for EDIST 2020: January 15–17, 2020.

Platinum Sponsors: Oakville Enterprises Corporation

Each year, the EDA invites members to submit abstracts for consideration by our EDIST Committee. Stay tuned for the #EDIST2020 Call for Papers, coming this summer.

Silver Sponsors: Convergent Energy + Power, Jomar Innovative Software and NorthStar Utilities Solutions Event Sponsors: ABB Inc. and S&C Electric Canada Ltd. The first winner of our the new CON::NECT Event Series QR code survey prize draw!

Thank you to EDIST 2019 Casino Night sponsor Oakville Enterprises for a great night of games, great food and prizes

Silver Sponsor JOMAR Innovative Software showcases innovative products and services in the sold-out exhibit hall

For more information on EDIST 2020, please contact Marica Macura, Director of Member Relations & Events, at (905) 265-5346.

Business strategist Stuart Knight kicks off EDIST 2019 with an engaging talk on “Five Decisions All Winners Make”

EDIST attendees visit Silver Sponsor S&C Electric for a chance to win a Samsung HD Smart TV

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Women Connected is an exciting, inspiring day of learning and networking for women — and all those who support the advancement of women — in the electricity sector. Whether you are just starting out in the industry or an experienced senior leader, join us for unparalleled opportunities to gain new insights, connect with colleagues and explore ideas for women within electricity utilities, affiliates, municipalities, commercial enterprises and associations related to the sector. Women Connected 2019 takes place May 15, 2019 at The Design Exchange in downtown Toronto. Check out the complete Women Connected 2019 program and register now at eda-on.ca. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, you can also contact Marica Macura, Director, Member Relations & Events, at (905) 265-5346.

REGULATORY SUPPORT STRATEGIC PLANNING STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT DISTRIBUTION ENGINEERING & PLANNING CDM SERVICES PROGRAM DELIVERY PROGRAM EVALUATION CDM/DSM PLAN MANAGEMENT www. burmanenergy.ca or info@burmanenergy.ca

EDA THANKS ITS 2018 SPONSOR: BURMAN ENERGY

The Latest Insights on Corporate Governance The EDA Directors Summit explores the latest ideas, best practices and strategies for hydro utility directors, corporate secretaries and staff with governance responsibilities. Join peers from utilities across Ontario to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing boards today. Hear from recognized governance experts and thought leaders on how to enhance leadership and optimize board performance. The EDA Directors Summit provides opportunities to: • Enhance board member knowledge, skills and contributions • Gain valuable insights from industry leaders, peers and advisors • E quip board members and executive management with valuable tools to fulfill their fiduciary duties, add value and advance corporate goals Directors Summit 2019 takes place June 12. Stay tuned to eda-on.ca for complete program details and registration.

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT EDITION OF

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MAGAZINE

Beth Kukkonen bkukkonen@dvtail.com | 905.707.3506 Brady Seguin bseguin@dvtail.com | 905.707.3526

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, you can also contact Marica Macura, Director, Member Relations & Events, at (905) 265-5346.

www.eda.on.ca

SPRING 2019

January 16-18

Awards Gala

March 24-25

March 25

WCX 2019

WOMEN CONNECTED

March 26

October 2019

2019 EDA

2019 EDA Annual General Meeting

2019 EDA

Directors Summit

May 15

September 2020

June 12

Network. Learn. Engage. See complete details for EDA Connect Event Series. For more information visit www.eda-on.ca or contact: Marica Macura, Director, Member Relations & Events, (905) 265-5346 Powered by

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Connect + Learn + Engage • 4 Plenary Sessions, including 2 featured keynote speakers

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• Two full evenings of dining and networking • Golf Tournament

June 19-21, 2019 JW Marriott, The Rosseau Muskoka

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