June 10, 2014 – The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) recently recognized BC Hydro, Hydro Ottawa and Ontario Power Generation as winners of the 5th annual Sustainable Electricity Awards, which recognize companies “with sustainable approaches to electricity sector challenges”.

“The winners of the 2014 Sustainable Electricity Awards have demonstrated that sustainability is an essential consideration in their decision-making and core to their operations within the communities in which they operate,” said David Morrison, chair of CEA’s board committee on sustainability, and president and CEO of Yukon Energy Corp.

Each of the winners submitted projects that were evaluated by an independent public advisory panel chaired by Mike Harcourt, former premier of British Columbia.

“This year’s award submissions were profound demonstrations of what utilities are doing to improve their sustainability practices,” said Harcourt. “We were particularly impressed by the level of engagement of employees, Aboriginal peoples, and of entire communities.”

Winners were awarded for achievement in Environmental, Social and Economic award categories.

• Environmental Commitment Award: Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. in recognition of its environmental sustainability strategy and results achieved to-date.

• Social Responsibility Award: Ontario Power Generation Inc. in recognition of building successful partnerships with First Nations and Metis communities.

• Economic Excellence Award: BC Hydro and Power Authority in recognition of developing and implementing modular diesel generating stations (MDGS) in remote communities.

“As our electricity system is being modernized to keep up with transformative changes in our society, these awards spotlight examples of tangible commitments by CEA member utilities to deliver maximum value to customers and citizens and to contribute to a lower carbon economy,” said Jim Burpee, CEA’s President and CEO.

CEA membership comprises organizations that generate, transmit and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential and institutional customers across Canada.