March 27, 2012 – The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) presented its annual industry awards last night at the EDA’s annual general meeting in Toronto, Ont. We congratulate the following:

The Local Distribution Company (LDC) Performance Excellence Award, sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), was presented to Essex Powerlines Corp., which “distinguished itself among its peers by performance excellence in 2011” in the following areas: occupational health & safety; operational excellence; financial operations; retail strategies for conservation and demand management; and for contributions to the community.

“To be excellent is to deliver outstanding performance time over time. As the sponsor of the 2011 LDC Performance Excellence Award, Ontario Power Generation is pleased to congratulate this year’s winner, Essex Powerlines Corp.,” said Tom Mitchell, OPG’s president and CEO. “Their achievements continue to demonstrate how all levels of the electricity industry—generators, transmitters and distributors—add value and contribute to a productive and sustainable Ontario.”

Essex Powerlines Corp. is municipally owned and provides service to residential and business customers in Amherstburg, LaSalle, Leamington and Tecumseh.

Other electricity utility companies receiving awards last night included:

EDA Environmental Excellence Award: PowerStream Inc.
PowerStream demonstrated its commitment to the environment by “taking a holistic approach”. The company provided environmental education and training to engage employees, offered environmentally friendly commuting options for staff, upgraded its fleet with electric vehicles and achieving LEED Gold with one of its operations centres. In addition, PowerStream provided enhanced customer educational in the area of energy conservation.

EDA Public Relations Excellence Award: North Bay Hydro Distribution Ltd.
The “Watts Up With This” program engaged grades Five and Six students in 18 classes from schools across North Bay. More than 500 students and their families participated in the hands-on program that helped them understand how electricity is used in their homes, and what they can do use less.

EDA Communications Excellence Award: Enersource Hydro Mississauga Inc.
In 2011, Enersource focused on the development of a new brand identity and upgraded website that helped reinvigorate the direction and focus of the company. The new corporate tagline “more than energy” is a “cornerstone of the rebrand strategy”, and features prominently in all external and internal communications.

EDA Customer Service Excellence Award: Hydro Ottawa Ltd.
Hydro Ottawa developed a self-serve program that enabled customers to interact with Hydro Ottawa when and how they want, demonstrating that “everything starts with the customer in mind”. 42% more customers signed up for online access to their account, and there was a 60% increase in customers signing up for e-Billing.

The evening was also a celebration for the association and its members as they celebrated 100 years of representing the companies that deliver electricity to the 4.7 million homes, businesses and public institutions in the province.

“There is a long tradition of achievement in Ontario’s electricity utility industry—this year we are celebrating 100 years as the voice of this province’s local distribution companies (LDCs),” said Charlie Macaluso, EDA president and CEO. “As we celebrate a century of service we are pleased to once again recognize the significant accomplishments of individual utilities that have raised the bar on excellence through their performance, programs and special projects.”