November 18, 2016 – The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) was busy handing out an abundance of awards during its 125th anniversary celebration recently. Congratulations to all the winners of the 2016 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Awards, Lifesaving Awards and the Sustainable Electricity Awards.

The annual OHS Awards recognize top safety performing companies and their contribution to the declining trend of health and safety-related incidents in the workplace each year.

Electric utilities recognized include:

• AltaLink
• Capital Power
• City of Medicine Hat Electric Utility
• ENMAX
• Hydro Ottawa
• NB Power
• Newfoundland Power
• Ontario Power Generation
• Toronto Hydro
• TransCanada

For a complete and detailed list of the winners, click HERE.

“Nothing matters more to us than the safety of every individual, whether employee or contractor, working at our plants, facilities and offices,” said Darcy Trufyn, a senior VP at Capital Power. “This award is the direct result of the commitment and contributions that our employees make in fostering a culture of health and safety in the workplace each and every day.”

In addition, Lifesaving Awards were presented to CEA utility member employees who saved or attempted to save a life or those who acted to prevent further harm to someone who was injured or in need of help.

A special round of applause goes to:

• Steve Doucette, Robert Kelsey, Ben Robicheau, Scott Eisenger (Nova Scotia Power), for rescuing two elderly customers from carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Jim Short and Wayne Baggs (Newfoundland Power), for providing assistance in rescuing a driver who was trapped in a water-filled ditch east of Deer Lake.
• Tara Lynn Arbeau (Capital Power), for her quick actions in assisting her husband during a life-threatening situation.
• Shawn Hutzel (FortisAlberta), for providing assistance in rescuing two trapped passengers of a rolled over car that was on fire.

When it comes to the Sustainable Electricity Award winners—evaluated by an independent public advisory panel—CEA’s president and CEO, Sergio Marchi, said they “epitomize the pinnacle of the electricity sector’s commitment to mainstreaming sustainability, innovation, collaboration and strategic partnerships.”

Kudos to this year’s recipients:

• Toronto Hydro – Integrated Approach to Sustainability
• Horizon Utilities – Continuous Performance Improvement
• Ontario Power Generation – Leadership in External Collaboration and Partnerships
• Neil Freeman, VP of business development, Horizon Utilities – Individual Sustainability Leadership

“We are honoured to have one of our own team members recognized for demonstrating leadership in sustainability by the CEA,” said Max Cananzi, president and CEO, Horizon Holdings. “Neil has demonstrated sustainable leadership as the driving force of sustainability at Horizon Utilities for nine years. It is truly gratifying to see his efforts rewarded.”
 
Horizon is no stranger to these awards. It has previously scooped up the title for Sustainability Company of the Year (2011 and 2012), the CEA Environmental Commitment Award 2013 and was the first CEA member to be designated a “Sustainable Electric Company” in 2013.

Cananzi added, “Horizon Utilities views sustainability not as a cost to its business, but rather as guidance for implementing management systems designed to reduce its operating costs and increase its operational effectiveness for customers and shareholders”.