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ERTH Power Opens Net-Zero Head Office / 10

THE

FALL 2026

Stronger Together

Supporting vibrant, resilient communities every day

Inside the Executive Survey / 12 London Hydro Invests in Community / 21 Entegrus Reimagines Customer Experience / 34

Shaping the Future of Energy & Infrastructure Serving the infrastructure, energy, gas and electricity distribution, and telecommunications sectors nationwide, we are trusted to deliver innovative and reliable solutions that not only meet client needs but consistently exceed expectations. From concept and design to engineering, comprehensive field and construction services, our integrated solutions deliver excellence on time and on budget, safely and with quality.

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10 14 IN THIS ISSUE 22 FALL 2026

COVER SECTION

UP FRONT

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04 Message from the Chair

ERTH Power Unveils New Zero-Carbon Facility Oshawa Power’s Community Impact is Unmatched London Hydro Connected to the Community People Come First at Bluewater Power Alectra Utilities is a Trusted Community Partner Entegrus Modernizes Customer Experience Hydro Ottawa Builds Low-Carbon Transformer Station

Sector Scan

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS 18

Commercial Corner

40 Upcoming Events 41

Advocacy in Action

NEWS & INTELLIGENCE 12 20 28 30 32 38

Ipsos Releases LDC Executive Survey Results Still Time to Take Part in Senpilot Trial MNP Shows How Technology Can Support Human Resources CES Transformers Uncovers Practical Solutions for its Partners OEB Releases Stream 2 eDSM Framework IHSA Delivers Powerline Technician Training

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On the cover: Spectacular work day for Entegrus employees working near train tracks.

FROM THE CHAIR Building Stronger Communities Together After a summer of heavy rains and extreme heat, the arrival of fall brings a welcome change of pace, and a reminder of the vibrant communities we are privileged to serve. The wildfires that affected Ontario this summer served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and dedication of those who respond when communities need them most. We extend our sincere appreciation to the utility crews, first responders and emergency personnel whose commitment supported affected communities during an incredibly challenging time. The theme of this edition of Distributor is Connecting People and Places; a role Ontario’s electrical utilities fulfill every day. Beyond delivering reliable power, our members are committed community partners volunteering, supporting local charities, investing in community initiatives and helping make the places we serve stronger, more resilient and more connected. Let’s take a moment to celebrate a few of our community successes: • Elexicon Energy supported six charities through its annual golf tournament • ENWIN Utilities announced four $1,000 student scholarships and supported storm recovery in Woodstock • Essex Power invested $40,000 through the Youth in Community Fund to support youth initiatives across their four municipalities • London Hydro provided free bus rides to rally community support for Team Canada during the World Cup • GrandBridge Energy Inc. donated $5,000 to the Woodland Cultural Centre for a new art exhibition • North Bay Hydro raised funds through a United Way Airplane Pull to support programs across Nipissing and Parry Sound

• Northern Ontario Wires Inc. hosted a “Touch a Truck” event in Iroquois Falls to promote community education • The Oshawa Power Charity Golf Classic raised $30,000 for Their Opportunity, a local charity that removes financial barriers for kids in sports. These are a few examples of how Ontario’s electrical utilities connect and support the communities they serve. In June, our EDA Board of Directors met in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a strategic planning session focused on the future of our association and Ontario’s electricity distribution sector. The discussion reflected a shared commitment to ensuring the EDA remains well positioned to support members as the sector evolves. We are developing an action plan to guide this work, which will be presented for approval and shared with members this fall. The Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE) report remains under consideration by the Ministry of Energy and Mines. The EDA continues to actively engage with government. Throughout the summer, EDA staff met with senior officials, political staff and civil servants from the ministries of Energy and Mines, Finance and Municipal Affairs and Housing to reinforce the importance of the panel’s recommendations and ensure decision-makers have the information they need. We remain committed to keeping PULSE a priority as we advocate for the long-term success of Ontario’s distribution sector. Here’s to meaningful conversations, shared experiences and time spent with family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. The connections we build, both professionally and personally, continue to strengthen our communities and our sector.

FALL 2026

The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) publishes The Distributor for its members and stakeholders. All rights to editorial content are reserved by the EDA. No article can be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the EDA.

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POLICY, GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

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FALL 2026

SECTOR SCAN Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. Breaks Ground on Lincoln Transformer Station Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. marked a $35 million infrastructure investment in Lincoln with a May groundbreaking of its new Spring Creek Transformer Station. The station will:

Learn More

support an increasing need for reliable energy, increase capacity and strengthen the local grid. Construction of the new station is underway and expected to be complete in 2029.

FORT FRANCES POWER CORPORATION SOLAR PROJECT WILL GENERATE MORE ELECTRICITY

Fort Frances Power Corporation is partnering with FirstLight to bring a solar project that will generate enough electricity to power 8,000 local households. The new solar project will also support local economic development. FirstLight is a producer of clean power and will operate a 57.2 MW solar project in partnership with Lac Des Mille Lacs First Nation.

STRONG SAFETY PERFORMANCE REVEALED IN TORONTO HYDRO SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

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Toronto Hydro released its 2025 Sustainability Report, Connecting Power and Possibility, in May and it details strong safety performance as well as progress toward increasing indigenous and domestic procurement as well as transmission system partnerships with First Nations. The report highlights a recordable injury rate of .68 per 200,000 hours worked, a figure below industry standards and shows major steps toward supply chain resilience that have increased spending for Canadian suppliers to 90 per cent.

LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN THE SECTOR CYNTHIA CHAN, VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, MILTON HYDRO Milton Hydro appointed Cynthia Chan as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer as of July 6. Chan brings deep experience in the electricity distribution sector as a financial, governance and regulatory reporting leader. Previously she was the Chief Financial Officer of Elexicon Energy where she led the organization’s finance team and worked closely with leadership from five municipal shareholders. Chan also worked in senior finance roles at Toronto Hydro and her early experience includes leadership roles with Doctors Read the media without Borders. release

SANJEEV MOTWANI, PRESIDENT, MMI The MMI Board of Directors appointed Sanjeev Motwani as President effective May 1. Motwani joined the MEARIE Group in November 2019 and brings six years of experience within the organization. He has strong institutional knowledge of MEARIE’s member-driven mandate, operations, and strategic priorities. His appointment supports continuity in leadership and reinforces a steady path forward for the organization. Motwani has extensive financial and management experience and holds three designations including CPA, CFA and CGMA.

SECTOR SCAN E-BILLING HELPS ESSEX POWERLINES CREATE A GREENER COMMUNITY

LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN THE SECTOR GUILLAUME PARADIS, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, TORONTO HYDRO

The Toronto Hydro Corporation announced Read the that Guillaume Paradis was named Chief media Operating Officer effective June 29. Paradis release replaces Interim Chief Operating Officer Dan Smart. He brings two decades of leadership experience in Ontario’s energy and utilities sector. Most recently he was Vice President, Distribution Generation and Chief Operating Officer at Hydro Ottawa.

BHOJNARINE “RAM” RAMCHARAN, VICE PRESIDENT CORPORATE STRATEGY & INNOVATION, MILTON HYDRO

HYDRO ONE RELEASES 2025 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

Milton Hydro appointed Ram Ramcharan as Vice President Corporate Strategy and Innovation on June 22. Ram brings 20 years of leadership experience across strategy, operations, technology, and transformation, with a strong record of leading complex initiatives, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable results. We welcome Ram to the distribution sector. Read the media release

Essex Powerlines’ successful paperless campaign converted 100 customers to digital billing during its one-month campaign and supported greener communities in Amherstburg, LaSalle, Leamington and Tecumseh. Essex Powerlines matched the total and is donating 200 trees to local schools.

In May, Hydro One released its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing a strong safety performance. It highlights progress of Indigenous and domestic procurement and building Ontario’s transmission system through a First Nation government partnership. It also shows steps taken to reinforce supply chain resilience amid global uncertainty.

LONDON HYDRO RELEASES 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

London Hydro released its 2025 Annual Report in the spring, and it lays out how the southwestern utility continued to strengthen its foundation while preparing for what is next. Achievements include: $62 million invested in strengthening reliability, customers had power 99.99 per cent of the time and a 58-minute average outage time, below Ontario’s 10-year average.

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Elexicon Corporation released its 2025 annual report: A Year of Progress, a Future in Motion in June. The report clearly shows the utilities’ accomplishments and lays the critical groundwork for long-term sustainable performance and a five-year investment plan. A strong record of operational excellence including a 100 per cent reduction in lost time injuries as well as $111 million work program are a few of the highlights. Elexicon had a busy spring as they also released a Corporate Strategy to guide them forward until 2031 with four strategic planks that align business priorities, inform capital planning and support decision-making while committing to workplace investments and customer service modernization. THE DISTRIBUTOR

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SECTOR SCAN LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN THE SECTOR JANA MOSLEY, CHAIR OF THE BOARD, ELECTRICITY CANADA Electricity Canada announced Jana Mosley as Chair of its Board of Directors as of June 23. Mosley is Chief Executive Officer and President of Toronto Hydro where she oversees the operations and performance of one of Canada’s largest urban electricity companies. She brings 25 years of experience in the electricity sector including senior leadership roles at ENMAX Corporation. She will guide Electricity Canada to meet growing hydro demands, support electrification and ensure electricity is reliable Read more and affordable.

TERI FRENCH, BOARD MEMBER, EDA BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) appointed Teri French to its Board of Directors on June 5. French is Hydro One’s Vice President, Safety, Operations and Customer Experience and has more than 25 years proven success leading large scale operational functions. She has held numerous senior positions at Enercare and Direct Energy and has served on the Board of Directors for Ontario Chamber of Commerce and StepUp.

JOSÉE M. GUIBORD, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ELECTRICITY CANADA Electricity Canada appointed Josée Guibord as President and CEO. Guibord has 25 years of experience in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors. She will work alongside members, government and stakeholders to implement a strategy to meet growing demand, Read more support electrification, and deliver reliable, affordable and increasingly clean electricity to Canadians.

Children check out a Northern Ontario Wires cherry picker at the ‘Touch a Truck” event in Iroquois Falls.

NORTHERN ONTARIO WIRES COLLABORATE WITH COMMUNITY FOR TOUCH A TRUCK EVENT Community is at the heart of every utility and residents of Iroquois Falls were treated to a Touch a Truck event in July supported by Northern Ontario Wires and other community partners such as emergency services, municipal and provincial organizations. The free event was an opportunity to interact with a variety of community services who serve the area and get a closer look of trucks used by the northeastern utility and others.

ALECTRA AND TORONTO HYDRO RECOGNIZED AS CANADA’S BEST 2026 CORPORATE CITIZENS Both Alectra Utilities and Toronto Hydro are again being recognized by the Corporate Knights for being Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens. Toronto Hydro is ranked third and Alectra is ranked 28 for corporate citizenship among electricity transmission and distribution utilities in Canada. This distinction is significant because the Read more Read more about Toronto about Alectra evaluation assesses 350 companies Hydro across Canada.

ERTH CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES $45,000 FOR HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

ERTH Corporation’s 19th annual Golf Tournament brought 160 golfers from the distribution sector to the Ingersoll Golf Club for a sold-out charity event that raised $45,000 for the Alexandra Hospital Foundation. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help implement an advanced electronic health record system to improve patient information and enhance care throughout the region.

THE DISTRIBUTOR

FALL 2026

HYDRO ONE INVESTS IN NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERING TALENT Hydro One renewed its partnership with four Ontario universities by investing $1.2 million to support Ontario’s energy workforce talent of the Read future. The partnership more includes Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Waterloo, Ontario Tech University and Western University and will support 60,000 students over three years. The program expands Hydro One’s elementary and secondary school outreach programs and student career development.

PUC RECOGNIZES 23 STUDENTS IN ANNUAL SAFETY AWARDS

Ontario’s Distribution Sector Represented at Banff Conference. In June, EDA members completed the CAMPUT Energy Regulation Course in Banff, Alberta. From L to R: Yatti Tjipto, Hydro One Networks Inc., Yaser Maniyali, Hydro One Networks Inc., Derek Nardone, EDA, Dhvani Shah, Hydro One Networks Inc. and Cora Leung, of Hydro One Networks Inc.

OSHAWA POWER CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES $30,000

On a beautiful June day, the second annual Oshawa Power Charity Golf Tournament brought 120 golfers to the greens at Sunnybrae Golf Club to raise money to support under-serviced youth. The tournament brought together employees, sponsors and friends for a fun day that raised $30,000 for “Their Opportunity,” a local charity providing sporting opportunities to youth who otherwise could not afford to participate.

ALECTRA RAISES THE BAR IN COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROJECTS In June, Alectra supported charities in both Toronto and Hamilton during a Ride for the Cure for Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and a Walk a Mile in Their Shoes supporting YWCA. Alectra employees raised $10,000 during the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes to support survivors and commit to end gender-based violence. Alectra also Read fielded a team of 66 riders who cycled 200 kilometres from more Toronto to Niagara Falls in support of life-saving cancer research and patient care. This year, the Alectra team raised $193,500, but they have collectively raised one million dollars over the last decade to support groundbreaking cancer research. EDA-ON.CA

At its fifth annual PUC Services Student Safety Awards in June, the northern utility recognized 23 outstanding Grade 8 students for their Read leadership and more commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and responsible school community. Their actions made a positive impact on other students. Students received personalized plaques and a commemorative gift for their achievement.

HYDRO OTTAWA PACKS BACKPACKS FOR CHARITY In preparation for the fall school season, Hydro Ottawa staff packed 700 backpacks within two hours to support children and youth living in Ottawa Community Housing communities. Known as the annual Pack-a-Thon, volunteers and community partners gathered to fill a total of 2,300 backpacks with school supplies.

OSHAWA POWER RELEASES 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

In Oshawa Power’s 2025 Annual Report called, “In good hands” it highlights successes including an exceptional reliability score of 99.99 per cent (about 63 per cent less than Ontario’s average), an average yearly 35-minute downtime, and 84.5 per cent customer satisfaction score.

Built for the Future: Inside ERTH Power’s New Zero-Carbon Operations Centre

In spring 2026, ERTH Power transitioned into its new zero-carbon Business and Operations Centre in Ingersoll. The 57,000-square-foot building was designed to strengthen operational readiness, improve sustainability, and accommodate the utility’s continued growth as Ontario’s electricity sector evolves.

DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE From the outset, the project was about much more than replacing ERTH Power’s existing facility, which had reached its capacity and no longer met the needs of a growing utility. The objective was to create a modern Business and Operations Centre that strengthens operational readiness, supports future growth, advances sustainability, and provides employees with a collaborative and inclusive workplace. During the design phase, ERTH’s project team visited utility and municipal facilities across Ontario to learn from others and better understand the evolving needs of a modern utility. Employees from

across the organization also played an important role in shaping the building, ensuring it reflects the practical realities of day-to-day utility operations.

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the project. The zero-carbon building operates without a natural gas connection and is heated and cooled primarily through an advanced horizontal geothermal ground-source system, supplemented by high-efficiency heat pumps during periods of extreme outdoor temperatures. A 460 kW rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar array was expected to offset approximately 80 per cent of the building’s annual electricity consumption. However, early monitoring indicates that 100 per cent electricity offsets are currently being achieved. A high-performance building envelope, automated LED lighting, occupancy sensors, and other energy-efficient building systems were incorporated into the design to reduce overall energy consumption and THE DISTRIBUTOR

FALL 2026

ERTH Power’s new Business & Operations Centre features sustainable design, collaborative workspaces and modern operational facilities that support future growth, utility modernization and operational efficiency.

are proving to be key elements in the design, leading to this success. The site features 28 Level 2 EV chargers, including 14 publicly accessible chargers for employees and visitors, along with 14 dedicated chargers for ERTH’s growing electric vehicle fleet. The fleet garage also includes charging infrastructure for hybrid bucket trucks.

SUPPORTING MODERN UTILITY OPERATIONS At the heart of the building is a state-of-the-art control room that gives operators real-time visibility of ERTH’s growing distribution system. Designed to support system monitoring, outage management, and coordination between operations staff and field crews, it enables faster decision-making and more efficient response during outages and other system events. Expanded warehouse space, fleet facilities, and dedicated staging bays further strengthen operational readiness. Equipment and materials can be staged in advance, allowing crews to mobilize quickly for storm response, planned maintenance, and capital projects.

evolving workforce. To celebrate the completion of this major project, ERTH Power hosted a Community Open House on July 11, welcoming more than 150 employees, family members, customers, and community leaders to tour the building. The project was also recognized during a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by provincial and local dignitaries, municipal leaders, and industry representatives. The event celebrated the collaboration and long-term planning behind the project while highlighting the important role that modernization, sustainability, and innovation will continue to play in preparing Ontario’s electricity sector for the future.

SUPPORTING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE The same thoughtful design extends to the office areas. Bright, modern workspaces are complemented by collaboration areas that encourage teamwork, innovation, and knowledge sharing across departments. A multi-purpose training and lunchroom provides space for onsite safety training, professional development, and large group meetings. Accessible and inclusive design features, including dedicated men’s and women’s change rooms, reflect the changing demographics of the utility industry and create a workplace that supports a diverse and

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2026-07-31 8:38 AM

Ontario’s LDCs See Opportunity Amid Energy Transformation The results of the 2026 LDC Executive Survey are in, and one theme is clear: Ontario’s local distribution companies (LDCs) are looking ahead with confidence, even as the sector navigates unprecedented transformation. Commissioned by the EDA and conducted by Ipsos, the survey builds on executive interviews and findings from the last survey in 2022. Confidence has strengthened over the past four years, with utilities viewing the future as broader in scope and larger in scale. Rather than seeing change as a challenge, LDCs increasingly view it as an opportunity to lead the next phase of grid innovation. That optimism is reflected in a broader vision for the sector. LDCs are looking beyond their traditional role as electricity distributors, with smart grid investments emerging as the leading growth priority and interest in Distribution System Operator (DSO) models continuing to gain momentum. Larger utilities are focusing on DSO services and advanced load management, while smaller LDCs are prioritizing microgrids and EV charging infrastructure. The survey also highlights how rapidly the electrification conversation has evolved. Since 2022, the focus has shifted from customer adoption to ensuring the grid is ready to meet rising electricity demand. The ability to pre-invest in grid capacity and connect large, energy-intensive customers is now viewed as essential to supporting the distribution sector. Meeting that demand will require significant investment. LDCs consistently identified pre-investment authority, access to capital, investment recovery mechanisms, and a stable regulatory framework as critical to achieving the province’s long-term net-zero objectives. LDC leaders agreed that ambitious policy goals must be matched with practical implementation tools and financing mechanisms that enable utilities to invest ahead of demand.

Climate resilience is another growing priority. As severe weather events become more frequent and more intense, investments in grid modernization, automation, system hardening, and resilience are viewed as the most important response measures. Small and large LDCs are aligned in the actions required to strengthen the grid. At the same time, respondents expressed increasing frustration with the pace and effectiveness of regulatory modernization. Many called for a simpler cost-of-service process, more modern regulatory policies, and greater alignment between regulation and operational realities. While support for a future DSO model is widespread, executives agree its success will depend on clear governance, regulatory certainty, technology THE DISTRIBUTOR

FALL 2026

SECTOR SCAN standards, and workforce readiness. Collaboration continues to be one of the sector’s defining strengths. Mutual aid agreements, joint purchasing, Green Button implementation, billing partnerships, and shared technology initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to working together to improve efficiency and build capacity. Innovation is also reshaping the sector. Artificial intelligence is already improving productivity, customer service, analytics, and operations. Looking ahead, executives expect AI to become embedded across utility operations, supporting workflow automation, asset management, compliance, and predictive maintenance. Despite this optimism, one challenge stands above all others, access to capital. Executives identified capital availability as the sector’s most significant strategic risk over the next five years. The survey tells the story of an industry that is confident, collaborative, and ready to lead, but one that will need capital, capacity, and regulatory certainty to build the grid Ontario’s future demands.

MILTON HYDRO WELCOMES ELECTRICAL SAFETY LEADERS FOR INDUSTRY FORUM Safety leaders from across the province gathered in Milton for a two-day event in June. The Association of Electrical Utility Safety Professionals (AEUSP) was Read a regional event that brought safety professionals from utilities and contractor more organizations to advance shared safety priorities and strengthen collaboration across the distribution sector. The AEUSP is a collaborative network for members of Ontario’s electrical utility landscape with a focus on strengthening safety practices and improving training methods.

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2026-07-31 8:40 AM

Our Place in the Community

Oshawa Power is building safety knowledge, inspiring future careers, and giving back close to home.

The impact of a local distribution company on its community goes beyond the performance of the grid. LDCs have a responsibility to give back, building electrical safety awareness, developing future career pathways, and supporting grassroots causes in the areas we serve. Oshawa Power has leaned into these moments of connection, and the results speak to what LDCs across Ontario already know. We are more than local service providers. We are a critical part of thriving communities, building towards a more connected future.

BUILDING SAFETY KNOWLEDGE, ONE CONVERSATION AT A TIME Electrical safety education works best when it starts early and happens face to face. That

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belief has shaped our approach to community outreach. In May, our crews took part in the City of Oshawa’s Public Works at Work event, bringing bucket trucks and equipment out from behind the fence and into the hands of curious kids and their families. This September, we will return as title sponsor of the city’s Touch-a-Truck event for the third consecutive year. These events provide more than entertainment. Every conversation is a chance to talk about what our lineworkers do, why the equipment exists, and how families can stay safe around electrical infrastructure. That same approach carries into more structured settings. This year, our team visited the Beavers and Cubs at Camp Samac in Oshawa, where our Hazard Hamlet safety diorama gave young Scouts an up-close look at electrical hazards they may encounter around our city. Watching a downed line spark in a tabletop model neighbourhood teaches a lesson no pamphlet can and starts conversations about safety that kids carry home to their families. These are not one-off appearances, but part of a deliberate safety education program that grows each year.

THE DISTRIBUTOR

FALL 2026

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Careers The energy transition will be carried forward by people who have not entered the workforce yet, many of whom have never considered a career at a utility. We are working to change that. Our visit to Camp Samac did not stop at safety. Working in small groups, the Scouts built their own solar-powered Morse code transmitters, turning sunlight into signals and getting a first taste of the engineering that powers their community. Hands-on activities like this make energy tangible. When a career at a utility stops being abstract and starts being achievable, everyone in our industry benefits. For a sector facing a generational workforce turnover, there are few investments more practical than an afternoon spent building circuits with kids. Our leaders are also working to inspire traditionally underrepresented groups to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and local utilities. Over the past year, Oshawa Power’s CFO, Amanda Tang, and VP of Regulatory and External Affairs, Valerie Bennett, participated in local Women in STEM events, sharing their career journeys with young women considering the field. Their leadership helps inspire students to pursue the education and careers that will shape our electrical system through the energy transition.

Giving Back Where We Live On June 26, we hosted our second annual Oshawa Power Charity Classic at Sunnybrae Golf Club, bringing together 120 golfers, including employees, sponsors, and special guest Doug Gilmour, to raise $30,000 for “Their Opportunity.” The charity removes financial barriers that keep local kids out of organized sport, covering registration fees, equipment, and program costs so no child is left on the sidelines. The tournament has quickly become a fixture. In its first year, the Charity Classic raised $20,000 for Hearth Place Cancer Support

Centre, and this year’s total grew by 50 per cent. More importantly, it has become a rallying point for our employees, partners, and vendors, who show up year after year because the cause is local and the impact is visible.

A Leader in our Community Since 1887 None of this work generates revenue and none of it shows up on a reliability scorecard, but it matters deeply to our community. Our employees live here, shop here, raise families here, and the trust we build at a community event or a Scout hall is the same trust we draw on during an outage, a rate change, or a major infrastructure project. For Oshawa Power, connecting people and places starts with showing up. Every safety conversation, every circuit built, and every dollar raised is an investment in the community we have served proudly since 1887.

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London Hydro is Earning Every Customer

PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS As affordability pressures continue across Ontario, making financial assistance easy to find and understand has become increasingly important. To help eligible customers access the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) and the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), London Hydro launched a targeted awareness campaign combining traditional advertising, digital outreach and community partnerships, that reached customers where they live, work, learn and gather. The approach increased OESP participation by seven per cent, helping more than 15,000 households save a combined $8.8 million on their electricity bills. More than 1,000 local families also received emergency financial assistance through LEAP, with London Hydro distributing $565,000 through the program in 2025. Making financial assistance visible,

London Hydro CEO Ysni Semsedini discusses the utility’s campaign to raise awareness of electricity bill assistance programs on Rogers TV in April 2026.

accessible, and easy to understand helps customers access support before they reach a crisis point.

BETTER COMMUNICATION WHEN IT MATTERS MOST Power outages are often the moments that define customer trust. Customers want to know the outage has been identified, crews are responding, and restoration is underway. Over the past two years, London Hydro has shifted its approach to outage communications by providing more frequent, transparent updates throughout restoration efforts. Using social media, in addition to the traditional outage map and direct notifications, the utility keeps customers informed with regular progress updates, photos from the field, safety information, and estimated restoration times during widespread or extended outages. By giving customers timely, transparent information when they need it most, London Hydro – servicing 169,000 customers - is earning trust even before power is restored.

BUILDING TRUST BEYOND THE METER Customer relationships extend beyond billing statements, power outages and service calls. Community events give utilities opportunities to connect with customers, build trust, and demonstrate their commitment to the communities they serve. For London Hydro, community events are an extension of its customer experience strategy. Whether meeting families at the London Multicultural Festival or connecting with runners, cyclists and volunteers at the annual Dash 4 Dad, these events create opportunities THE DISTRIBUTOR

FALL 2026

PHOTO: ROGERS TV

As Ontario’s electricity sector evolves, local distribution companies (LDCs) face growing electricity demand, the need for significant grid investment, and rising customer expectations. With this changing landscape, London Hydro looked to refresh its Strategic Plan, and engage customers and community stakeholders to better understand what they want from their electricity provider, both today and in the years ahead. Affordability, grid capacity, and reliability emerged as the community’s top priorities. That feedback shaped London Hydro’s vision of Earning Every Customer, a commitment to building trust through transparent, customer-focused service. “It is our goal to put customer experience at the forefront of everything we do, from delivering reliable electricity to making it easier for customers to access support when affordability becomes a challenge,” said CEO Ysni Semsedini.

for employees to engage with customers in a more personal setting while supporting initiatives that strengthen the community. These connections help build lasting relationships and reinforce London Hydro’s role as a trusted community partner.

PARTNERSHIPS THAT PROTECT AND SUPPORT CUSTOMERS Strong partnerships with governments and public safety agencies help protect customers and strengthen system reliability. As copper theft in Ontario continues to be a growing concern, London Hydro has worked with municipal, provincial and federal partners to strengthen and protect critical electricity infrastructure. These efforts contributed to recent Criminal Code amendments requiring courts to consider interference with essential infrastructure during sentencing. This action followed incidents that damaged equipment, created serious public safety risks, and caused outages affecting thousands of customers. Protecting critical infrastructure helps keep crews and the public safe, reduces preventable outages, and strengthens customer confidence in the reliability of the electricity system.

A SECTOR-WIDE OPPORTUNITY Earning every customer requires more than reliable electricity. It depends on clear communication, accessible customer support, meaningful community engagement, and protecting critical infrastructure. As customer expectations evolve, these efforts offer a practical

London Hydro shared timely updates and photos from the field during a major storm, giving customers a clear view of restoration efforts and helping reduce uncertainty throughout the outage.

roadmap for LDCs seeking to strengthen relationships with the communities they serve. Earning every customer is not a single initiative, it’s an ongoing commitment reflected in every interaction.

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Discover how GrandBridge Energy is

Delivering Sustainable Progress by turning commitment into action.

View our 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report at grandbridgeenergy.com/report.

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2026-07-28 9:01 AM

COMMERCIAL CORNER By Daryn Thompson, Chair, EDA Commercial Member Steering Committee

Members Driving Better Connections

The committee approved three new pillars to guide its discussion:

1. Enhance value for the committee members (to encourage participation) 2. Enhance value for the commercial members (to keep the community strong) 3. Act as a steering body for projects that enhance the other two pillars. Please watch for upcoming Commercial Corner columns as we collaborate with the EDA to improve “Connections” such as: • Committee members being more visible at events and webinar opportunities • Commercial members getting access to event discounts and early information • Adding some AI to the Members Directory in the members section of the EDA website to improve the reach and connections • Automating some of our processes that work well, so we can move on to bigger challenges. I look forward to keeping you informed of our progress and in the meantime, I wish everyone a great fall and all the activities that come with that! THE DISTRIBUTOR

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PHOTO: © AFOTOSTOCK / ADOBE STOCK

It is an exciting time at the Commercial Members Steering Committee (CMSC) as we work to improve our connections and expand our mission of the CMSC for the next two-year cycle. We have decided to put our energy into defining our structure and purpose and increasing connections with the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA), the commercial members and our LDC partners to add value to our “meetings” and for the commercial members. Change is a process of evolution, and I imagine two years from now we will have a more defined structure in place. The CMSC has long been an opportunity for committee members to be updated on the policy work of the EDA, and the portfolios it manages such as input into ministry proceedings and early opportunities to view upcoming plans. But for a while now it has been a one-way information flow. Our committee members have reviewed our strengths and opportunities along with our enthusiastic board member Daniel Arbour from Oshawa Power. In addition, we also looked at how we can change our approach and add value to our membership.

Power through change with a trusted advisor at your side.

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© 2026 Doane Grant Thornton LLP—A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd. All rights reserved. Some of the defined services may be provided by an associated entity of Doane Grant Thornton LLP.

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There’s Still Time to Join the Senpilot’s Regulatory AI Program

The EDAxSenpilot Regulatory AI Program is still available to EDA member LDCs! Learn more about the trial program at our upcoming September 14 workshop following a successful introductory session in June attended by 30 LDCs and another session in August. Senpilot’s AI platform is built specifically for utility regulatory work, anchored to Ontario Energy Board filings, decisions, and Ontario-specific precedent. It compresses weeks of research, drafting, and filing review into hours, extending the reach of regulatory teams without adding headcount. Every response is fully traceable to the original filing and page, giving members confidence that AI-assisted work is accurate, auditable, and supported by regulatory evidence. All EDA member LDCs can still attend the final September 14 hands-on workshop that will give LDCs opportunities to explore real-world Regulatory AI use cases, ask questions, and share best practices with peers. All EDA members can trial Senpilot’s Regulatory AI platform for free through December 31, 2026. This trial provides a practical, low-risk way to explore AI, strengthen regulatory processes, and prepare for the future of utility regulation. LDCs that show interest in procuring by November 1, 2026 will lock in group pricing discounts for longer-term contracts – the rate improves as more utilities join. For more information, please reach out to hello@senpilot.com or sign up for a live demo of the Regulatory AI platform at senpilot.com/ learn-more.

CURRENT CANADIAN AI STATS

12.2% 14.5% 51% 79%

of Canadian businesses reported using AI in 2025

of businesses plan to adopt AI within the next 12 months

of Canadian employees report using AI at work of users say AI has improved their productivity - Statistics Canada and KPMG Canada

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Welcome New EDA Members In each quarterly issue of Distributor, we’re pleased to welcome the newest members of our electricity distribution community. You are joining our sector at a pivotal time of transition. As electrification reshapes how Ontarians live, work, and move, collaboration and innovation have never been more important. Together, our members are building a smarter, more resilient, and sustainable electricity system. Thank you for choosing to be part of our community. We look forward to the knowledge, perspectives, and expertise you’ll bring to our sector.

YORK1 - is a forward-thinking and innovative environmental company, with a fully integrated infrastructure division.

SUBNET Solutions - offering engineering expertise dedicated to making substation operations smarter, safer and more reliable.

Pickard Utility Services Group - is a recognized leader in specialized utility construction, with deep expertise in the telecommunications and electrical sectors.

Shepherd Trades - is a long-term investor in ICI electrical service businesses, backing strong operators through succession and growth, while preserving local independence and leadership.

iGreenTree - empowers energy & utility providers with innovative IT solutions offering services such as IT consulting, application development, system integration, and digital transformation services.

For more information on EDA memberships contact Marica Macura at mmacura@eda-on.ca

PLEASE JOIN US IN EXTENDING A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS: Stratatek Test & Measurement - a Markhambased company that sells, rents, calibrates, and services electrical test and measurement equipment used by utilities, substations, electrical contractors, and engineers, from leading manufacturers including Fluke, Megger, Keysight, Anritsu, Schleich, Metrel, Hipotronics, HT Instruments, DeweSoft. Alvian Networks - an Ontario-based infrastructure cybersecurity technology company. Alvian delivers a cryptographic authority layer that makes infrastructure time and events trustworthy again. They work with utilities, telecom providers, and government agencies to strengthen the integrity and resilience of critical systems. MECCART - is a North American manufacturer specializing in the design and construction of controlled environments. Our company provides premium spaces with a personalized approach, tailored to diverse markets, different team sizes, and varying scopes of work. OFIL Systems - is a leading provider of solar-blind UV (daytime) inspection systems in the high-voltage markets. EDA-ON.CA

Reliable Power, Stronger Communities. With more than

$80 MILLION* INVESTED

in the grid, Enova is keeping the lights on in Kitchener-Waterloo. enovapower.com

*2024

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Connecting People and Places

The Power of Our People

While our role is to deliver safe, reliable electricity to the communities we serve, our impact extends far beyond poles, wires, and substations. We connect people and places in countless ways every day through exceptional customer service, community involvement, economic development, and a culture that puts people first. Our employee centric culture is truly our secret sauce. We firmly believe that when employees are respected, supported, and empowered, they in turn provide extraordinary service to our customers. It is why Bluewater Power is a place where people want to work and why those who join our team are deeply committed to our customers and community. Our employees are not just utility workers. They are our neighbours, coaches, volunteers, community leaders, and local residents who genuinely care about the people they serve. That level of community commitment cannot be taught. It comes from having employees who live here, raise their families here, who are invested in the success of our region, and who genuinely want to help our stakeholders. Every day we receive feedback from customers about our teammates going above

Bluewater Power is proudly powering local causes that benefit all in our community.

and beyond. Whether assisting at the scene of an accident, helping an elderly resident with an unexpected challenge, quietly supporting a family experiencing hardship, or making anonymous holiday bill payments for struggling families, our people consistently demonstrate that service extends far beyond the meter. Our commitment to the community is also reflected through our annual Community Investment Fund, which supports hundreds of local organizations, events, charities, and initiatives that make our region a better place to live, work, and raise a family. If it helps make our community stronger, safer, healthier, or more vibrant than we for sure want to be part of it. When severe weather strikes, our team never hesitates for a second and work around the clock to restore power safely and quickly. When new businesses look to invest in our region, we work alongside community partners to support economic growth and job creation. When it comes to financial performance, we strive to exceed expectations while maintaining affordability and delivering value for our customers and stakeholders. Above all, safety remains our highest priority. We are proud of our strong safety record, but we never take it for granted. Not for a day, not for a shift, not for a single task, not even for a second. Every employee understands that safety is job one (and two, three and four!) and that every worker deserves to return home at the end of the day. At Bluewater Power, we connect people and places through infrastructure, but we connect communities through something far more important: people who genuinely care. That commitment is what defines us, and it is what continues to make a difference throughout the communities we proudly serve. The power of a local utility can truly never be overstated! And at Bluewater Power, that is all due to our people! THE DISTRIBUTOR

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The future of energy isn’t powered by technology alone Technology may power the grid, but people power the strategy

Ontario’s energy sector is transforming at a rapid pace. As organizations modernize operations, advance grid innovation, and compete for talent, technology is becoming an essential part of workforce strategy. But it only delivers value when it’s aligned with clear goals, strong leadership, and the people who make it work. Reach out to a member of our team today to explore how energy and utilities organizations can use technology to strengthen workforce planning, support employee development, measure progress, and build the teams needed for the future.

Scan here to learn more

Melanie Fix, BComm, Partner | 780.733.8671 | melanie.fix@mnp.ca MNP.ca EDA-ON.CA

Powering communities beyond the grid:

The AlectraCARES framework Local distribution companies (LDCs) have always played a vital role in powering Ontario’s homes, businesses and economy. As communities grow and customer expectations evolve, it is even more important that LDCs fulfil their role as trusted partners – strengthening the communities they serve through collaboration, responsible investment and meaningful local engagement. AlectraCARES is Alectra’s overarching sustainability framework that embeds the pillars of people, planet and performance into its core strategy and operations to create enduring value. Through the AlectraCARES Community

In June 2026, Alectra celebrated 10 years participating in the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation Ride, reaching an important milestone of more than $1 million raised to support cancer research and patient care. Pictured is Alectra’s cheer station.

Support Program, employee volunteerism and community partnerships, Alectra helps to improve quality of life across the 17 communities it serves while supporting the people and organizations working to address local challenges. This integrated approach reflects the role of local hydro utilities in connecting people and places.

LOCAL HYDRO SUPPORTING ITS COMMUNITIES Strong community investment begins with understanding what matters most to the people we serve. Over the past several years, Alectra has conducted customer surveys to better understand the most important issues in their communities. Our customers consistently identified mental health, food security, housing security, access to health care and supports for children and youth among their highest priorities. The findings have helped shape the evolution of the AlectraCARES Community Support Program, ensuring investments continue to reflect changing community needs. THE DISTRIBUTOR

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HELPING COMMUNITIES

THRIVE The AlectraCARES Community Support Program is about investing in what makes every community stronger: protecting the environment, food and housing security, celebrating diversity and inclusion, and mental health care.

$1 million+ in donations annually Local communities made stronger

See the work we’ve done together:

Alectra.com/Community

EDA-ON.CA

These insights reinforce the important role LDCs play beyond delivering electricity. By understanding local priorities and working alongside public service organizations, LDCs can help strengthen the social infrastructure that supports healthy, resilient communities.

INVESTING WHERE IT MATTERS MOST Established in 2017, the AlectraCARES Community Support Program invests approximately $1 million annually in charitable and not-forprofit organizations across Alectra’s service territory. Organizations apply through an application process, with investments supporting initiatives that deliver meaningful support for residents within the program’s focus areas. Through the AlectraCARES Community Support Program, Alectra’s priority is investing in organizations that deliver essential services, strengthen local support systems and help ensure those in greatest need have access to essential resources. AlectraCARES supports both grassroots organizations and regional institutions, including Trillium Health Partners, Guelph General Hospital Foundation, Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation and William Osler Health System Foundation, alongside organizations such as Odeiwin, the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre and the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario. Together, these partnerships are helping expand access to health care, strengthen Indigenous-led programming, support families facing

In February, employees participated in Coldest Night of the Year, raising more than $15,000 to support local organizations assisting individuals and families experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness across Alectra’s service territory.

hardship and protect Ontario’s natural environment.

EMPLOYEES POWERING CHANGE At the employee level, Alectra also works together to advance community support. Alectra employees participate in companywide fundraisers by financially contributing to the causes, as well as contributing thousands of volunteer hours each year. This community investment demonstrates how employee engagement can amplify corporate investment and strengthen connections within local communities. With these initiatives (pictured), community investment becomes even more meaningful when employees are empowered to support the causes they care about within the communities where they work and live.

CREATING LASTING VALUE Long-term community investment requires accountability as well as action. THE DISTRIBUTOR

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Alectra’s 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report highlights the measurable impact of its community investment. During the year, the company invested approximately $1.12 million through AlectraCARES, supporting more than 160 community organizations. These investments helped distribute more than two million meals, provide 62,000 hours of mental health care, assist 185 people in securing sustainable housing, engage more than 13,000 people in environmental programs, plant over 20,000 trees and shrubs and divert 1.8 million pounds of waste from landfill. In 2026, Alectra received Imagine Canada’s PRISM Community Impact Certification for the fifth consecutive year, recognizing organizations that reinvest at least one per cent of pre-tax profits into charitable and community causes. Alectra was also recognized among Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens and as one of the Top Five Global 25 Most Sustainable Public Sector Corporations by Corporate Knights.

Alectra employees formed the largest corporate team at Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, helping YWCA Hamilton raise funds and awareness for survivors and people experiencing gender-based violence.

As Ontario’s communities continue to grow, local hydro utilities have an opportunity to create value that extends well beyond the electricity grid. By listening to communities, investing strategically, empowering employees and measuring meaningful outcomes, Alectra is helping build stronger, healthier and more connected communities, today and for the future. To learn more about Alectra’s community support, visit: Alectra.com/Community

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Power up Your People Strategy with Technology From workforce development to employee retention, technology is helping energy and utilities organizations prepare for an increasingly complex future. The energy and utilities sector is undergoing significant transformation. As organizations work toward net-zero goals, modernizing infrastructure, and competing for talent in a challenging labour market, HR teams are under pressure to support organizational growth while fostering inclusive and resilient workplaces. Technology, such as AI integration, human capital management (HCM) systems, human resources (HR) analytics, and workforce dashboarding tools, can play a critical role in helping organizations meet these workforce goals – but only when implemented as part of a clear strategy. Technology provides organizations with better visibility into workforce performance, employee engagement, training needs, and recruitment efforts. It can help leaders make informed decisions, measure progress toward strategic objectives, and identify opportunities for improvement. However, technology itself is not a solution; success depends on aligning tools with organizational priorities and workforce needs.

FIVE WAYS TECHNOLOGY CAN SUPPORT HR OBJECTIVES 1. Improve performance management Technology can help employees track goals, monitor progress, and take greater ownership of their performance. Reporting capabilities also provide leaders with valuable insights into workforce productivity, helping identify trends and opportunities to support employee development and business objectives. 2. Enhance employee satisfaction and retention Modern workplace tools can simplify scheduling, facilitate employee recognition, support feedback, and improve collaboration across teams. By creating a more connected and responsive workplace experience, organizations can strengthen employee engagement and retention. 3. Strengthen training and development As the energy and utilities sector evolves, employees must continually develop new skills. Technology can help organizations identify skills gaps, track training progress, and provide learning opportunities that support both individual career growth and organizational needs, including through learning management systems (LMS) platforms. THE DISTRIBUTOR

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4. Free up HR for higher-value work Automating administrative tasks such as onboarding, recruitment processes, benefits administration, and compliance activities can reduce workload and improve efficiency. This allows HR teams to focus more time on strategic workforce planning and other long-term priorities.

5. Support recruitment and workforce planning Technology can streamline hiring through applicant screening, interview scheduling, and talent management tools. Better workforce data and planning capabilities also help organizations attract, retain, and deploy the talent needed to support future growth.

A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO IMPLEMENTATION While technology offers significant benefits, organizations should take a thoughtful approach to implementation. A successful strategy begins with assessing the current state of the workforce, including talent demographics, employee engagement, recruitment practices, and existing technology capabilities. Understanding where the organization stands today helps identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. The next step is defining the desired future state. Organizations should establish measurable goals that align with broader business objectives, whether those goals relate to growth, talent development, employee retention, or building a more inclusive and resilient workforce. Identifying these targets provides direction for selecting and implementing technology solutions that support long-term success.

EDA-ON.CA

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To learn more, contact Melanie Fix, Partner, at 780.733.8671 or melanie.fix@mnp.ca

Once goals are established, organizations can move forward with implementation. The right solution will depend on factors such as organizational size, available resources, workforce needs, and budget. No single technology platform is the right fit for every organization, making it important to evaluate options carefully and ensure they align with business priorities. Implementation is only the beginning. Organizations should continually monitor performance, evaluate outcomes, and adjust as workforce needs evolve. Tracking key metrics related to recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and organizational culture can help leaders measure progress and make informed, data-driven decisions. As workforce challenges continue to shape the future of the energy and utilities sector, organizations that combine the right technology with a clear people strategy will be better positioned to attract talent, strengthen employee experience, and achieve their long-term goals.

2026-07-29 8:06 AM

Powering Stronger Communities Through Reliable Partnerships

As Ontario’s communities continue to grow and electrification accelerates, local distribution companies (LDCs) are making strategic investments to strengthen the electrical infrastructure that powers homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and critical public services. Behind every successful infrastructure project is a network of trusted partners working to ensure utilities have the equipment, expertise, and support needed to deliver safe, reliable electricity. CES Transformers is proud to be one of those partners. CES Transformers works closely with LDC partners to deliver more than just transformers. They provide the expertise and support needed to meet evolving customer demands. By collaborating with engineering and supply chain teams, CES develops cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions while balancing lead times, pricing, and performance. Through ongoing

An overhead view of the CES Transformers 14th Avenue facility in Markham, showcasing the dedicated team, single-phase pad-mounted transformers in production, and finished products ready to be delivered to customers across Canada.

communication and a willingness to explore design improvements, alternative components, and optimized testing, CES helps uncover practical solutions that create lasting value for their partners. Manufacturing more than 10,000 distribution transformers annually, CES Transformers has established itself as one of Canada’s leading transformer manufacturers. To meet increasing demand, CES continues to invest in expanded manufacturing capacity, reinforcing its commitment to supporting utilities as they modernize their distribution networks and prepare for Canadian growth. At the centre of this investment is CES Transformers’ new state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility in Markham, now fully operational. Designed to enhance production efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing flexibility, delivering advanced automation throughout the production process. With additional expansion already underway, CES is further strengthening its ability to respond to the evolving needs of utilities across Canada. Reliable electricity is fundamental to vibrant, connected communities. Every transformer implemented supports essential services, businesses, and neighbourhoods that drive local economies and enhance the quality of life for Canadians. As LDCs continue investing in infrastructure, CES Transformers remains committed to delivering world-class manufacturing, innovation, and partnerships that help utilities connect people and places across Canada. THE DISTRIBUTOR

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Your Partner in Grid Reliability. Supporting Canadian utilities with reliable transformer solutions, responsive delivery, and trusted lifecycle support. As Canada’s electrical grid continues to grow, CES Transformers is helping utilities stay ahead of the curve. Manufacturing over 10,000 transformers annually, supported by a resilient supply chain, and comprehensive lifecycle support, we deliver the quality and reliability, utilities depend on to keep communities connected. 5900 14th Ave, Markham, Ontario, Canada L3S 4M4 (905) 474-0777 • cestransformers.com • info@cestransformers.com

EDA-ON.CA

Community-Focused Solutions Through Local eDSM By Nancy Marconi, Chief Operating Officer

Across Ontario, communities are growing, businesses are expanding and electrification is increasing demand on local electricity systems. As these changes reshape energy needs, electricity distributors are looking for new ways to maintain reliability, manage costs and deliver value for the customers and communities they serve. The Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) Stream 2 framework, which sets out how distributors can design and justify local electricity demand-side management (eDSM) programs, provides an important new tool to help them do exactly that. Released in July 2026 as part of updates to the OEB’s Non-Wires Solutions (NWS) Guidelines, the new framework creates a clearer path for distributors to design and implement community-focused eDSM

Nancy Marconi, Chief Operating Officer, Ontario Energy Board

initiatives. These programs will address local distribution system needs and deliver value to Ontario’s broader electricity system. As a result, they will be funded from both distribution customers (through rates) and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), with costs shared in proportion to the benefits delivered. Rather than relying solely on traditional infrastructure investments, Stream 2 enables distributors to pursue targeted demand-side solutions that can help communities manage growth, improve local reliability, avoid or defer costly upgrades to infrastructure such as feeder lines and substations, and support long-term affordability. The framework recognizes that energy challenges are increasingly local in nature and that effective solutions should reflect the unique needs and priorities of individual communities. The final guidance is the result of extensive participation from sector stakeholders. A working group, including representation from the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA), the IESO, Ontario Energy Association and individual distributors, developed a detailed proposal for how funding requests from distributors for local eDSM programs would be reviewed by the IESO and the OEB. The OEB leveraged this proposal as the basis for a public consultation that THE DISTRIBUTOR

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brought in other perspectives, including customer interests and energy services providers. Input from across the sector helped ensure the framework is practical, evidence-based, responsive to evolving system needs and protects the interest of consumers. We would like to thank the EDA, its members and other stakeholders who contributed to this important work. The framework also reflects the Province’s broader policy direction. Letters of Direction issued by the then Minister of Energy and Electrification in 2023 and 2024 called for expanded local eDSM opportunities and a regulatory approach that recognizes both local distribution benefits and broader system value. Stream 2 translates that direction into a practical pathway for implementation.

WHAT STREAM 2 MEANS FOR COMMUNITIES Stream 2 provides distributors with a clear, structured approach to proposing local eDSM programs designed around communityspecific needs. Potential initiatives can: • Address local reliability concerns and distribution system constraints • Reduce peak electricity demand in targeted areas • Support growing communities and other emerging loads arising from electrification or economic development priorities • Defer or reduce the need for traditional infrastructure investments • Deliver benefits to the broader provincial electricity system through lower peak demand and avoided system costs • Reflect local customer characteristics.

LOOKING AHEAD As we seek to seize the opportunities posed by significant load growth, distributors will need a broader set of tools to manage demand, maintain reliability and keep costs affordable for customers. Stream 2 positions local eDSM as an important part of that toolkit, giving distributors greater flexibility to address community-specific challenges while supporting the province’s evolving energy needs. With Stream 2 guidance now in place, the OEB encourages distributors to develop Stream 2 program funding requests for IESO and OEB review. The framework represents more than a new regulatory pathway – it is an opportunity for distributors to deploy solutions that are tailored to local needs while supporting Ontario’s broader energy transition. As electrification accelerates and demand continues to grow, community-focused eDSM programs can help ensure that Ontario’s electricity system remains reliable and affordable for the people, businesses and institutions that depend on it every day.

Modernize without the complexity A New Choice for Substation Automation

Importantly, the framework establishes clear expectations for program design, benefit-cost analysis, measurement and verification and coordination with the IESO. By providing greater regulatory certainty, Stream 2 aims to provide distributors with more confidence to explore innovative approaches that complement traditional planning and infrastructure investments while delivering measurable benefits to customers and communities.

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2026-07-29 7:57 AM

Entegrus Modernizes the Customer Experience with Engage360 By Rachel Janzen, ERTH Corporation

Think about the last time you shopped online, booked a flight, or managed your banking. Those experiences are simple, intuitive, and available whenever it’s convenient. Customers increasingly expect that same level of convenience from every service they use, including their utility. Recognizing those evolving expectations, Entegrus sought to enhance the customer experience by expanding secure, convenient digital self-service options. Earlier this year, the utility launched a new customer portal powered by ERTH’s Engage360 platform, creating a single, secure

Entegrus’ new customer portal powered by ERTH’s Engage 360 platform.

destination where customers can manage their accounts, access information, and complete common service requests. As part of Entegrus’ broader digital modernization strategy, the new portal provides a flexible foundation that can continue to evolve alongside customer needs. One of Entegrus’ primary objectives was to simplify the customer experience. Many customers have more than one account, whether residential, commercial, or multiple properties. The new portal allows customers to securely access all their accounts through a single login, making it easier to view billing information, payment history, electricity usage, account preferences, and service requests from any device. The utility also wanted to make existing online services easier for customers to access. By bringing electronic service request forms into the new portal, customers can complete common requests THE DISTRIBUTOR

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through a more streamlined, mobile-friendly experience. The portal also provides a more intuitive way to access account information, outage tools, and chatbot support from a smartphone or tablet, making it easier for customers to connect with Entegrus wherever they are. While improving the customer experience was the primary driver, the project also delivered important operational benefits for Entegrus. The platform gives staff greater flexibility to manage portal content, online forms, customer communications, and notification templates without relying on software developers or third-party support for routine updates. Staff can also view the portal from the customer’s perspective when providing support, helping them quickly troubleshoot questions and guide customers through the online experience. Configurable homepage banners also provide an effective way to share important customer information, including planned outages, energy efficiency and financial assistance programs, and seasonal reminders. Recognizing that implementing a new digital platform requires more than technology, Entegrus placed significant emphasis on supporting customers throughout the transition. A comprehensive multi-channel communications plan included advance notifications, website updates, email communications, and easy-to-follow tutorial videos that helped existing users reset their passwords and guided new customers through the registration process. By proactively answering common questions and providing clear guidance, Entegrus helped customers transition to the new portal with confidence. The results were evident almost immediately. During the first three months following the March launch, there have been nearly 19,000 portal registrations. Customers submitted more than 1700 online forms, including Move In, Move Out, and pre-authorized payment (PAP) enrolment requests. The portal also EDA-ON.CA

generated more than 900 new e-Billing enrolments, supporting Entegrus’ paperless initiatives while encouraging greater adoption of digital self-service. “We wanted to make it easier for customers to access the services they need while giving our team the flexibility to continuously improve the online experience. Engage360 provided a strong foundation to support those goals, and our partnership with ERTH has allowed us to continue refining the platform based on customer feedback and evolving business needs,” said Margaret Rodd, Vice President, Customer Service, Communications and Enterprise Transformation, Entegrus. Like any major technology initiative, the implementation also provided valuable learning opportunities. Following go-live, Entegrus and ERTH worked together to gather customer feedback, refine portal configurations, and make ongoing enhancements that continue to improve both the customer and employee experience. That collaborative approach has ensured the platform continues to evolve as customer expectations and business needs change. For utilities considering their own digital transformation, Entegrus’ experience reinforces an important lesson, implementing a customer portal is about much more than introducing new technology. Success depends on understanding customer needs, supporting users through change, and selecting a flexible platform that can adapt as those needs grow. By bringing together account management, online forms, outage information, customer communications, chatbot functionality, and self-service tools within a single platform, Engage360 has helped Entegrus deliver a convenient digital experience for its customers while providing a strong foundation for future enhancements.

Hydro Ottawa transforms to a lower-carbon future By Hydro Ottawa

At Hydro Ottawa Limited, we believe that delivering power is only half the story; the true impact is found in the moments that energy empowers across the communities we serve. Whether it is a family sharing dinner, a local high-tech firm scaling up operations, or a zero-emission bus quietly navigating downtown streetscapes, utility infrastructure serves as the silent backbone of daily civic life. As the National Capital Region grows outward and upward, the pace at which new electrical capacity is required has shifted dramatically. Until recently, local utilities built a new substation every five to seven

Piperville MTS, Hydro Ottawa’s first substation built with lowercarbon design

years. Today, Hydro Ottawa is on track to energize one or two major station projects annually through 2030. To support this unprecedented transition toward an electrified way of life, we are fundamentally reframing how we build: shifting public perception away from viewing substations as technical, impersonal utility projects to recognizing them as shared, vital civic assets.

PIPERVILLE: A NEW STANDARD Guided by the sustainability and innovation priorities at the heart of our parent company, Hydro Ottawa Group’s 2026 Strategic Direction, Hydro Ottawa Limited is the local distribution company turning high-level strategy into tangible local action - and nowhere is this commitment more evident than in the development of our Piperville municipal transformer station. Located in the fastgrowing southeast end of Ottawa, Piperville represents a historic THE DISTRIBUTOR

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landmark achievement as Hydro Ottawa’s very first lower-carbon designed substation and flagship proof of concept. Recognizing the urgent need to mitigate environmental impact at every stage of operations, Hydro Ottawa undertook a comprehensive lifecycle review for this project. Lower-carbon design focuses directly on reducing embodied carbon emissions - the greenhouse gas footprint generated from the materials construction processes of the substation before it is even turned on. The last station Hydro Ottawa built using its previous processes was Cambrian in 2022. Given its identical 27.6 kV capacity, Cambrian was selected as the carbon dioxide equivalent baseline to measure the lower-carbon performance of all future stations. For Piperville, energized on July 4, 2026. Hydro Ottawa aimed to reduce embodied carbon emissions through progressive design, procurement, and construction techniques: • Construction building emissions: The emissions generated from manufacturing the materials, like steel and concrete, and constructing the main physical structures. • Yard emissions: The carbon footprint resulting from the construction of the massive exterior foundations required to safely support the heavy outdoor electrical equipment • Power equipment emissions: The embodied carbon associated with manufacturing and procuring the heavy, high-capacity transformers and switchgear needed to safely process community energy demands. Altogether, Piperville has established a repeatable, lower-carbon design

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benchmark for Hydro Ottawa’s future substation fleet.

CONNECTING PEOPLE, PLACES AND COMMUNITY Piperville is much more than a milestone in green engineering; it is a critical community asset. Developed in response to a 20-year Integrated Regional Resource Plan for the greater Ottawa area and municipality of Casselman, this station delivers the massive electrical capacity required to support local economic development, major transit electrification, and rapid housing growth, including future residential expansion in southeast Ottawa. Furthermore, as extreme weather events become more frequent, the station introduces vital network redundancy, safeguarding the local grid against severe weather disruptions and protecting local homes and businesses. To ensure these assets integrate thoughtfully into the community, projects prioritize consultation and neighbourhood sensitivity, incorporating remedies like tree screening buffers, pollinator meadows, or complementary architectural facades where possible. At Hydro Ottawa, our investments extend far beyond wires and transformers. They are direct investments in the longevity, resilience, and well-being of the communities we serve. By building modern, lower-carbon infrastructure with the community, for the community, we are connecting people and places, empowering local momentum, and sustainably powering a future we all own. For more information, visit hydroottawa.com/community.

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Inside IHSA’s powerline technician apprenticeship program

Hands-on training with expert instructors prepares young workers to safely build and maintain Ontario’s electrical grid. Powerline technicians play a major role in Ontario’s electrical utilities sector. Whether they’re repairing downed cables after a storm or building distribution systems to service new homes and businesses, their work helps keep communities connected and the economy growing. But that work comes with risk. Powerline technicians perform complex tasks on and around energized equipment, often while working at heights. Proper training, balancing technical skill-building and safe-work knowledge, is essential. As one of a few designated providers of all four levels of the powerline technician (PLTN) apprenticeship program in Ontario, Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA) helps the next generation of electrical utilities workers thrive—through classroombased and hands-on training delivered by experienced instructors in a safety-first setting. “We’re a proud partner of the electrical utilities industry,” said Enzo Garritano, IHSA President and CEO. “The powerline apprenticeship program creates that strong foundation for workers who are going to be needed not only today, but in the future.”

FROM FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING TO SPECIALIZED TASKS The four levels of IHSA’s PLTN apprenticeship—each taken over two weeks—prepare participants for real-world work in the electrical utilities industry. The first stages introduce fundamentals such as safe job planning and the procedures that help workers protect themselves and the public from electrical hazards. Later levels see apprentices work on more specialized tasks. At every stage, participants are taught to adhere to the highest standards of health and safety.

Training takes place at IHSA’s Mississauga Skills Development Centre, which features multiple classrooms and a large outdoor training yard. The site is outfitted with a variety of infrastructure and equipment, ensuring apprentices gain experience on everything from pole climbing to working on three-phase systems. PLTN training is also offered by IHSA’s partners at Cambrian College in Sudbury and St. Clair College in Chatham.

A SAFE SPACE FOR SKILL BUILDING The program’s small class sizes, limited to eight participants, mean apprentices can learn at their own pace and receive one-on-one support from IHSA’s expert trainers. It’s easier for apprentices to ask questions, refine their techniques, and gain confidence to work safely and effectively in the field. As PLTN apprentices move through the program (and gain experience with their respective employers), they develop a deeper understanding of electrical systems, protective equipment, and safe work practices. These lessons translate directly to real-world tasks.

GUIDANCE FROM THE ELECTRICAL UTILITIES EXPERTS Another key to IHSA’s PLTN apprenticeship is its roster of highly qualified full-time instructors. Each one spent a minimum of 15 years working in the electrical utilities industry before transitioning to training. That jobsite experience enables IHSA’s instructors to teach not only the steps to perform a task, but also the reasons for them—whether that’s to boost efficiency, improve effectiveness, or ensure the work is done as safely as possible. Instructors guide apprentices using the same types of equipment and scenarios they will encounter at work. Upon graduation, apprentices are confident and competent, with the skills to build and maintain Ontario’s electrical infrastructure under varied conditions and with the best techniques for the job. THE DISTRIBUTOR

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SUPPORT FOR POWERLINE WORKERS THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREERS

ONGOING SUPPORT FOR POWERLINE WORKERS

While the PLTN apprenticeship is the foundation of a powerline technician’s training, the learning doesn’t end there. Work practices, technology, and equipment in the electrical utilities sector are always evolving. IHSA offers a range of specialized courses, covering topics such as electricity-specific protective equipment, working on underground distribution systems, grounding and bonding techniques, and advanced cable practices. Electrical utilities workers and employers can also access numerous safety resources—including safety guidelines and bulletins, as well as the must-have Electrical Utility Safety Rules and Utility Work Protection Code Manual—developed by IHSA with input from industry partners. By supporting workers at every stage of their careers, IHSA helps ensure that Ontario’s electrical utilities sector continues to be powered by skilled professionals who understand the importance of working safely.

Here are some of IHSA’s other expert-led training programs for the electrical utilities industry. Bare Hand Techniques – The safe practices, procedures, and basic philosophy involved with using the bare-hand method for specific tasks. Cable Splicing and Terminating - High Voltage – Participants develop the knowledge and precision skills needed to splice and terminate electrical cables for high-voltage systems. Conductor Stringing – Safe work practices—including the use of pullers and tensioners, grounding techniques, and more—for personnel involved in stringing operations. Confined Space Entry – Covers air quality monitoring, ventilation, PPE selection, and rescue planning for high-risk work in confined spaces. Electrical and Utility Safety Rules Training – Examines the intent and application of the Electrical Utility Safety Rules, which guide safe work around energized systems. Live Line Tool Techniques – Introduces the safe use, selection, and handling of live line tools as well as techniques for working safely from pole and aerial devices. Rubber Glove Techniques to 36 kV – Highlights the selection, maintenance, testing, and safe use of rubber protective equipment and includes field practice of rubber glove techniques. Underground Proficiency – An in-depth look at job planning, confined space entry, cable and fault locating, and other topics related to underground electrical distribution systems. Utility Work Protection Code – This certification training looks at the Code’s system of permits and tags, with information on application procedures, preparing work protection forms, tagging procedures, and more. For more information visit: ihsa.ca/training/services.aspx

THE FOUR LEVELS OF THE PLTN APPRENTICESHIP Powerline technician apprentices complete four levels of skills-based safety training with IHSA: LEVEL 1 covers basic electrical theory, job planning and emergency preparedness, work area protection, material handling, and much more. LEVEL 2 introduces the Utility Work Protection Code, cable theory, installation and removal of in-line switches, single-phase transformer operation, basic hydraulics, and ergonomics. LEVEL 3 sees apprentices practice a variety of specific tasks (e.g., insulator changes, ties using live line tools) and use different types of rubber gloves and protective equipment. LEVEL 4 comprises a knowledge review, advanced electrical and cable theory, and a range of complex work practices—from underground splices to rescue techniques.

Reprinted with permission from the IHSA and in IHSA Health and Safety Magazine, volume 26, issue 1.

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Upcoming EDA Events A SNEAK PEEK AT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS AND KEYNOTE SPEAKERS People Connected Will FutureProof Your Workforce People Connected, our one-day symposium at the Toronto Airport Marriott is shaping up to be a must-attend event for leaders looking to strengthen their workforce. Sponsored by MNP, the program will explore practical strategies to support employee well-being, leadership and organization resilience. Our keynote speaker Dr. Ellen Choi, Associate Professor from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is a nationally recognized wellness ambassador and researcher. As founder of TMU Wellness Labs, she will share the latest research on mindfulness, selfcompassion, and authenticity in the workplace, along with practical insights organizations can apply to support their teams in today’s rapidly changing environment. Employee development is critical to the electricity sector’s future success. Debbie Lowe, Vice-President of People & Talent Management at GrandBridge Energy, will share strategies that have helped strengthen, employee development, foster inclusion and build organization resilience.

Prepare for Liftoff: Meet our EDIST Keynote Speaker, Artemis II Astronaut Jeremy Hansen Who would have thought that less than a year after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, Artemis II Astronaut Jeremy Hansen would be headlining EDIST at the Westin Harbour Castle in January 2027. Along with Hansen going from the moon to EDIST’s centre stage, the annual conference brings together utility leaders, technical experts and industry partners for Canada’s largest conference dedicated to the electricity distribution sector.

EDIST Early-Bird Deadline for EDA Members EDA members can take advantage of EDIST early bird registration rates until September 15. This year, we have refreshed our conference program to better reflect on the issues shaping Ontario’s LDCs. Our five content streams have been refined based on member feedback, including the introduction of a new Utility Economics & Strategy stream focused on financial, commercial, and strategic decision-making. We have also combined our Regulatory, Policy & Sustainability content into a single stream, making it easier to stay informed on evolving policy, compliance, and utility regulation. From inspiring keynote speakers and practical technical sessions to an expansive trade show featuring more than 110 exhibitors, EDIST 2027 offers unmatched opportunities to learn, connect and explore the latest products, services and innovations supporting Ontario’s electricity sector. Register early to secure the best rate—we look forward to seeing you in January. Bob Rae is ENERCOM 2027’s Keynote Speaker We are pleased to announce Bob Rae as our keynote speaker for ENERCOM 2027. As Canada’s 25th Ambassador to the United Nations, former Premier of Ontario, and interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Rae has spent more than five decades shaping public policy, advancing international diplomacy and leading through periods of significant change. Drawing on his firsthand experience negotiating with world leaders and responding to global humanitarian and geopolitical challenges, he will offer unique insights into leadership, resilience and navigating an increasingly complex world. A compelling and engaging storyteller, Rae’s keynote promises to be a conference highlight. Visit our events page on EDA.ca for more details on EDA’s upcoming events.

District Meetings

District meetings offer an opportunity to regionally network with LDCs. Western District Annual General Meeting (AGM)

September 2 | FireRock Golf & Country Club, Komoka

Northwestern/Northeastern Districts Conference and Annual Meeting September 15 to 17 | Delta Hotels Waterfront, Sault Ste. Marie

Western/Niagara Grand Districts Metering Exhibition Show

September 22 to 24 | Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre, London

Upper Canada/Georgian Bay Districts AGM

September 30 to October 2 | JW Marriott, Minnett

Niagara Grand District AGM

October 8 | Hampton Inn & Suites by Waterloo, St. Jacobs

Save the Date EDIST 2027

January 18-21, 2027 | Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

ENERCOM 2027

March 21-22, 2027 | Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Awards Gala 2027

March 22, 2027 | Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

EDIST 2028

January 18-20, 2028 | Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

ENERCOM 2028

March 19-20, 2028 | Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Awards Gala 2028

March 20, 2028 | Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

EDIST 2029

January 16-18, 2029 | Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

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ADVOCACY IN ACTION ADVANCING LDC PRIORITIES BEFORE THE FEDERAL BUDGET

UPDATE ON PULSE Local distribution companies (LDCs) await government decisions on the recommendations advanced through the PULSE report. In the meantime, the EDA has maintained a sustained advocacy effort with senior political leaders and public servants across the Ministries of Energy and Mines, Finance, and Municipal Affairs and Housing to reinforce the sector’s recommendations and assess emerging government priorities. As part of this work, the EDA has requested a meeting with Minister Stephen Lecce to follow up on his commitment at ENERCOM to engage with the sector on the report’s recommendations. While government deliberations continue, the EDA remains focused on ensuring LDC perspectives are well understood and reflected in policy discussions that will shape the sector’s future. Members will be kept informed as developments unfold.

EDA SECURES IMPROVEMENTS TO DER INFORMATION-SHARING REQUIREMENTS

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has finalized amendments to the Distribution System Code (DSC) establishing new information-sharing requirements between electricity distributors and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) regarding distributed energy resources (DERs), as of August 1. The EDA supports the objective of improving coordination between distributors and the IESO. Several of the EDA’s recommendations were reflected in the final OEB decision, resulting in a more balanced and workable framework for distributors. Key improvements include: • A more balanced information-request process • Greater clarity around reporting expectations • Explicit recognition of privacy and cybersecurity considerations • Increased reporting flexibility • Ongoing implementation oversight The next phase of implementation will focus on the operational details, including reporting templates, data requirements, timelines, formats, and reciprocal information-sharing arrangements, through the IESO’s ERP DER Integration initiative. The EDA will continue to actively represent members throughout this process to help ensure regulatory requirements remain practical, proportionate, and aligned with utility operations. EDA-ON.CA

The EDA has submitted recommendations to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance as part of the federal 2026 pre-budget consultation. It supports measures for continued investment in Ontario’s electricity distribution system while helping maintain affordability for customers. Key recommendations include: • Expanding eligibility under the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits. • Directing additional existing funding toward grid modernization and demand-side management initiatives. These recommendations reflect the growing need to invest in grid renewal, resilience, and electrification while balancing affordability and reliability objectives.

GREATER CLARITY IN IESO DER INTEGRATION PLANNING The EDA recently submitted feedback to the IESO following its DER Integration technical session on May 1. This second submission reflects efforts to ensure the design of future DER frameworks is both operationally practical and aligned with existing regulatory processes. Recommendations include: • Clearer articulation of the operational challenges the IESO is seeking to address. • Greater clarity regarding the types of DERs that will be incorporated into the integration framework. • Direct coordination between the IESO and the OEB to leverage existing reporting requirements rather than duplicating data collection processes. The EDA has also encouraged the IESO to provide end-to-end operational examples during future technical sessions to improve stakeholder understanding of how proposed data-sharing arrangements would function in practice.

EDA SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CANADA’S NATIONAL ELECTRICITY STRATEGY

On July 17, the EDA submitted its response to Natural Resources Canada’s Powering Canada Strong consultation ensuring the perspectives of Ontario’s local electricity distributors are reflected in the development of Canada’s National Electricity Strategy. The submission highlights the essential role of the distribution sector in delivering a reliable, resilient and affordable electricity system capable of meeting Canada’s growing energy needs. Among its recommendations, the EDA called on the federal government to expand the Clean Economic Investment Tax Credits to include electricity distribution equipment, increase funding for grid modernization and demand-side management initiatives, and establish a dedicated fund to support distribution system modernization and resilience. These measures would help ensure LDCs have the resources needed to modernize the grid, strengthen system reliability, and support Canada’s electrification goals. Members are encouraged to read the full submission on eda-on.ca.

OMERS GOVERNANCE CHANGES AWAIT PROVINCIAL APPROVAL The EDA and other OMERS sponsors await provincial approval of bylaw changes proposed by the OMERS Administration Corporation (AC). The proposed reforms are expected to be accompanied by regulatory changes related to AC Board appointments, veto authorities, and compensation, as well as governance matters affecting the newly established Sponsors Council. Through the AC, sponsors have also requested that the government revisit insurance and indemnification provisions affecting the Sponsors Council. The EDA expects activity on this file to resume later this summer. As governance reforms advance, the EDA remains focused on ensuring the interests of Ontario’s electricity distributors continue to be represented within the OMERS governance structure.

STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC DIALOGUE BETWEEN LDCS AND THE IESO In June, about 30 LDCs participated in an executive engagement session hosted by the IESO in Toronto. The meeting provided an opportunity for distributors and IESO leadership to discuss evolving system needs, operational challenges, and opportunities for greater collaboration across the sector. EDA has long advocated for more direct and structured engagement between the IESO and Ontario’s electricity distributors. The session represents a positive step toward a more collaborative relationship. The IESO has committed to providing a summary of the discussion, identifying near-term actions, and pursuing future engagement opportunities. The EDA will continue working with members to build on this momentum and ensure distributor perspectives remain part of IESO planning and policy discussions.

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Thank You to Our 2026 Corporate Sponsors PLATINUM

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