Public Relations Excellence: Niagara Peninsula Energy

PUBLIC RELATIONS EXCELLENCE:

NIAGARA PENINSULA ENERGY

A Picture Perfect Solution to a Perennial Problem

We’ve all seen the large green utility boxes that dot “It just kind of clicked,” Wilkinson told the St. Catharines neighbourhoods across the province. They’re a Standard, in describing her multi-hued designs. “When I got the bland landscape feature at best, and they can even project, it just felt like a perfect opportunity to celebrate our be an eyesore. That’s especially true if they are vandalized or differences. It sounds kind of cliched and goofy, but I really graffitied – common occurrences that can also shorten the believe that part of being Canadian is our differences and what working lives of this equipment, and add unnecessary costs for we each bring to the table.” local hydro utilities. The existing art boxes have attracted many compliments, and

Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. (NPEI) was recognized with a lot of expressions of interest in expanding the program. A new the Public Relations Excellence Award at this year’s EDA cultural hub that is being developed in Niagara Falls, for Awards Gala for its creative, practical and attractive solution to example, has already reached out to NPEI to request that all the problem that these pad-mounted transformers can utility boxes in the area be wrapped. represent. The Utility Box Artwork Program has enabled NPEI to expand

Through its Utility Box Artwork Program, NPEI is not only and grow local partnerships and to contribute to the development deterring damage to equipment and extending its life, but and beautification of its communities. And it has transformed adding original and local artwork to streetscapes as utility potential eyesores into artwork that is enjoyed by not only those boxes are transformed into things of beauty. The program who live and work in the neighbourhood, but also by passersby. involves vinyl wraps for the utility boxes, on which original “We’re confident that many more boxes will be decorated in pieces of art are reproduced (with careful adjustments to 2020,” said Forcier. “It’s still early in the program, but with ensure required tags and warning decals remain visible). increased equipment longevity and reduced maintenance and

“This is a great way to make the area even more beautiful,” repairs, we expect this initiative will deliver good value for NPEI, said Sue Forcier, VP of Communications, Marketing and Public while helping make us the talk of the town.” Affairs at NPEI. “It also helps to reduce graffiti, and busy images work best to deter vandalism. We’re proud to be a local utility responding to innovative ideas from the local business community. We are the first utility in Ontario to participate in a creative program like this and we are excited to set a trend that we think is going to be very popular.” For the first round, the City of Niagara Falls held a contest for local artists to Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. (NPEI) provides local electricity distribution and related services to residential and business customers in the City of Niagara Falls, Town of Lincoln, Town of Pelham and Township of West Lincoln. NPEI is jointly owned by Niagara Falls Holding Corporation and Peninsula West Power Inc. Niagara Falls Holding Corp. is wholly owned by the City of Niagara Falls. Peninsula West submit artwork to be nominated. Sonia Wilkinson was chosen Power Inc., which is also a Holding Company, is jointly owned as the winner. Her vibrant work now adorns nearly a dozen by the Town of Lincoln, the Town of Pelham and the Township utility boxes in the Lundy’s Lane Business Improvement Area. of West Lincoln.