Message from the Chair

Winter 2020-21

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 2020-21 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 & Administrative Assistant

POLICY, GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

Ted Wigdor, VP, Policy, Government and Corporate Affairs Derek Nardone, Manager, Corporate and Government Affairs Kathi Farmer, Senior Regulatory Affairs Advisor Abdul Muktadir, Senior Policy Advisor Brendan McClughan, Policy and Government Affairs Specialist

COMMUNICATIONS AND MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

Andrew Temes, VP, Marketing, Communications and Member Relations Marica Macura, Director, Member Relations and Events Sari Maritzer, Communications Specialist Dianna Merlocco, Events Specialist Lesia Kostecki, Marketing and Member Relations Specialist Christine Mack, Events Specialist

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Tamara Orlova, Chief Financial Officer Arlene Klemmer, Accounting Clerk Matthews Joseph, Senior IT Analyst Lina Parisi, Receptionist Chrissan Pascal, Office Services Assistant

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Neil Ewen, neil@titus.one

FOR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES:

Sari Maritzer, smaritzer@eda-on.ca

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Please return undeliverable copies to: Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) 3700 Steeles Avenue West, Suite 1100, Vaughan, ON L4L 8K8 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 43526108 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR EDA members do much more than simply move electrons through an increasingly complex grid. What they deliver to customers is the lifeblood of the communities we serve. Electrical supply has become so dependable that it’s easy to lose sight of its impact. Electricity brings vibrancy to our communities, is the foundation of commerce and production that fuel our economy, and has been the cornerstone of innovation over the last century.

In this issue of The Distributor we focus on ways in which Ontario’s distribution utilities power local communities and economies – and the depth and breath of these efforts are truly impressive.

EDA member utilities are instrumental in enabling a decarbonized economy through electrification. These efforts will allow for a more efficient and sustainable transportation system, the establishment of new enterprises and industries, and will ultimately help to launch smart and interconnected communities.

In the course of these efforts, local distribution companies also provide significant economic benefits directly to the communities we serve. Estimates compiled in support of the EDA’s Power of Local Hydro campaign indicate that our utility members directly employ 11,000 people; make annual capital investments of $2.3 billion; contribute hundreds of millions of dollars through dividends; and provide significant financial and in-kind contributions to local philanthropic initiatives.

It’s no wonder why LDCs and our full supply chain were designated essential services in the first wave of COVID-19. While the pandemic was of course unexpected, you’ll find overviews in this issue of The Distributor of how our sector responded – to support those who were most vulnerable and to help minimize the impacts of the pandemic on the communities we serve.

Our sector has a lot to be proud of, and I have no doubt we will continue to help power local economies and meet collective challenges, together.

Sincerely,

Ysni Semsedini

President & CEO, Newmarket-Tay Power Chair, Electricity Distributors Association