April 25, 2013 – The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) has announced Horizon Utilities as the first company in Canada to achieve Sustainable Electricity Company designation.

The designation—established by CEA for utilities across Canada and worldwide—requires utilities to commit to ISO 14001 standards on Environmental Management Systems and ISO 26000 guidelines on Social Responsibility. In addition, companies must also pass a third-party external verification to validate the implementation of CEA brand criteria.

“This is a historic day for the Canadian electricity sector,” said Jim Burpee, president and CEO of CEA. “I congratulate Horizon Utilities for attaining this brand designation based on internationally recognized standards.”

“We’re very honoured to be recognized by the CEA for our commitment to advancing sustainable business practices in our operations,” added Max Cananzi, president and CEO of Horizon Utilities. “This is an exciting day for Horizon Utilities and the electricity sector. This is also validation of a strategy we introduced several years ago as part of our commitment to contributing to the sustainability of our communities.”

Horizon Utilities is also the current recipient the CEA’s Sustainability Company of the Year Award, having won in both 2011 and 2012.