July 16, 2014 – The Energy Council of Canada (ECC) has announced Anthony Haines, president and CEO of Toronto Hydro, as the 2014 Canadian Energy Person of the Year, an award bestowed upon individuals with  “remarkable accomplishments in the business or government sector and in the community at large”.

He was nominated by the City of Toronto’s city manager, Joseph Pennachetti, in recognition of his “fundamental leadership of the city’s electricity utility”, which serves about 2.8 million customers, said ECC. Additionally, the council noted that Haines is being acknowledged for his “dynamic vision regarding long-term priorities, to ensure Toronto Hydro, along with other provincial electricity suppliers, is able to meet the reliability needs of future demand, as well as delivering cost-effective programs for residential and small business customers and the development of energy supply from renewable and other low-carbon sources”.

Haines’ leadership during the 2013 ice storm was demonstrated by his success in delivering transparent and effective communication throughout the crisis, said ECC, adding that in making this award, the council acknowledges the “outstanding efforts and contributions of the men and women at local utilities who provide reliable power day in and day out”.

As the Canadian Energy Person of the Year, Haines will serve as an ambassador of Canada’s energy sector, “demonstrating a clear vision and commitment to fostering the sustainable use and development of energy for the benefit of all”.

The award will be presented at the 2014 Canadian Energy Person of the Year Celebration event being planned for fall 2014 in Toronto, Ont.