EDA Annual Report 2025

Trusted to Deliver

2025 Annual Report

Setting The Scene

Ontario’s local distribution companies (LDCs) continue to be the trusted partners not only in electrification, but also, as the face of the electricity system. In 2025, we celebrated the recognition of utilities as leaders in the province’s long-term energy planning and secured energy efficiency funding commitments that will empower communities for years to come.

Janice McMichael-Dennis Chair Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation

President and CEO Electricity Distributors Association

From electricity demand side management (eDSM) funding allocations that allow LDCs to take on a marking role in providing eDSM programs, to our central role in the cost of capital decision, our advocacy delivered tangible results. And when extreme weather struck again in the form of an ice storm to hit much of the province at the end of March when winter would normally be winding down, our LDCs quickly went into full force supporting each other. The ice storm caused devastation across the province and our powerline workers and arborists assisted in restoration of power in hard-hit communities through the Mutual Assistance program. These workers travelled to other communities and worked day and night, in many cases for more than a week, to get customers’ power back on. It was an outstanding collaborative effort from our energy workers who demonstrated their resilience and dedication as they worked in tough weather conditions and in remote areas to repair severely damaged hydro lines. This effort reinforced the essential role of LDCs.

The Province of Ontario released its first Integrated Energy Plan (IEP), Energy for Generations in June that brings together all energy sources with a plan until 2050. Within this plan, there are mandates that will support our LDCs to modernize the grid with new technology and support distributed energy resources. We have lot of work ahead to fulfill these mandates, but also tremendous opportunities for our members to become digital utilities of the future.

The successful launch of the IESO’s Market Renewal Program (MRP) program was partly due to the involvement of and LDCs over the past four years with a working group that also included the OEB. This ongoing working relationship allowed LDCs to help shape the program and develop

communications for customers to enable a successful rollout in May.

In June the EDA found that Ontarians share the same concerns as their local utilities when it comes to resilience and modernization of the system. Findings from a poll found that 77 per cent of Ontarians worry about extreme weather. The poll helped the EDA understand public sentiment. And the sentiment was positive because they have trust in their local utility and are very satisfied with their service. This reassures the sector that we are on the right track and need to continue providing exceptional customer service and reliable electricity.

In another key development, the OEB issued its final decision on its Cost of Capital proceeding. This was significant as it had been 15 years since the last review. While the decision did not improve the Return on Equity (ROE) for the industry, EDA was successful in mitigating the reduction and managed to secure partial funding for transaction costs. The decision affirmed that the OEB will review the (ROE) at least every five years.

The OMERS Governance Review is complete, and government has taken to replace the current Sponsors Corporation with a new Sponsors Council. Extensive work will continue into 2026 to ensure that the plan continues to be best in class for our members.

Probably the most significant file of the year was the Minister of Energy and Mines announcement of a review of the distribution sector. It’s the first review of our sector since the Sector Review Panel in 2012. We submitted a strong set of recommendations based on consensus of EDA members. We await next steps from the province on improving access to capital for LDCs.

Our board recognizes our departing board member, Scott Mudie from Oakville Hydro. Thank you, Scott for your dedication and strong leadership as you guided the association.

As we look ahead, the EDA will continue to champion innovation, affordability, and reliability for all Ontarians.

Leadership that Powers Progress

Janice McMichael-Dennis Chair Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation

Bryce Conrad Past Chair

Hydro Ottawa Limited President & CEO

Joerg Ruppenstein Director Fort Frances Power Corporation President & CEO

John Avdoulos Vice Chair Essex Power Corporation President & CEO

Sarah Hughes Director GrandBridge Energy Inc. President & CEO

Ysni Semsedini Director

London Hydro Inc. President & CEO

Daniel Arbour Director Oshawa Power President & CEO

Charlie Macaluso Director The MEARIE Group President & CEO

Megan Telford Director

Hydro One Networks Inc. Chief Operating Officer

Robert Brewer Director PUC Services Inc President & CEO

Vinay Mehta Director Alectra Utilities Corporation EVP, Legal, Strategy and Corporate Secretary

Chris W White Director ERTH Corporation President & CEO

Greig Cameron Director Enova Power President & CEO

Danny Persaud Director InnPower Corporation President & CEO

Simon Wu Director

Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc. President & CEO

The Power of Our Influence

Our multi-year Strategic Plan & Action Plan was approved by the EDA’s Board of Directors. This three-year plan (2025-2028) has an overall vision to ‘shape the future for LDCs to be the premier service providers to Ontarians in the evolving energy sector.’ It has three pillars that are aligned with provincial and federal goals and priorities. This alignment helps the EDA advance LDC priorities outlined in Solving Grid-Lock: Our Vision for a CustomerCentric Energy Transition. In particular, the focus on seeking out alternative forms of funding to attract more capital investments in expanding and upgrading the distribution grid.

The three pillars and actions include:

1. Secure LDC Role in the Energy Transition as a Driver of Economic Growth

2. Promote Association Value to Members

3. Ensure Financial & Corporate Sustainability

Enduring Energy Efficiency Programs Announced

In January 2025, the Ontario government confirmed $10.9 billion in energy efficiency funding over

12 years, with $360 – $600 million earmarked for LDCs. This enduring framework ensures utilities can continue delivering trusted conservation programs to be administered by the IESO in four three-year increments.

The EDA began advocating for LDCs to be provided funding for CDM activities in 2022 and has been working closely to support the IESO-LDC Demand Side Management Working Groups to develop an enduring approach to electricity energy efficiency that harnesses LDCs’ longstanding and trusted relationships with Ontario’s electricity customers.

Alectra Utilities shared how eDSM funding allows them to expand customer-facing programs, from smart thermostats to EV charging incentives:

“Customers trust their local utility to help them save energy — this framework makes that possible.”

- Brian Bentz, President and CEO, Alectra Utilities

EDA Vice Chair

John Avdoulos, Chair Janice

McMichael-Dennis, Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce, EDA President & CEO Teresa Sarkesian

The EDA was pleased with the announcement and Ministerial Directive to the IESO to recognize the knowledge and value that LDCs bring to eDSM, in the form of $90 to $150 million for each three-year period of the 12year framework earmarked for LDCs. eDSM includes peak load management, energy efficiency incentives, installation of distributed energy resources to optimize energy use and support the reliability of the electricity grid.

The programs are being rolled out in two streams. Stream 1 started in May and will see up to $30 million per year of provincial funding rolled out to LDCs beginning in 2025. Stream 2 will focus on LDC/regional programs ranging from the design, development and rollout with a focus on addressing distribution needs.

Tariffs and Trade

With the new United States presidential administration came change that impacted Canadian tariffs and trade. The topic was front

and centre for much of 2025. Mid-year the federal government removed most counter tariffs but tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and autos remained in place, with some of these tariffs potentially impacting the supply chain for distribution sector equipment.

In response to tariffs imposed by the United States, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines wrote to Ontario’s energy sector in April asking for our support in procuring Canadian goods and services to support the energy sector. The Minister went a step further to ask our sector to restrict U.S. suppliers from accessing new procurements and encouraged utilities to seek alternative suppliers where it is reasonable and where ratepayers are not adversely impacted. EDA continues to engage the Minister’s Office on this evolving issue.

Market Renewal Update

In May 2025, a major sector milestone was achieved with the launch of the IESO’s Market Renewal Program (MRP). This marked the culmination of a multi-year, industry-wide partnership led by the EDA, the IESO, and the OEB.

This collaborative effort was focused on delivering a more efficient wholesale electricity market, one that strengthens system reliability, manages costs, price signals, and enhances transparency for Ontarians. Throughout the development and implementation of the MRP, the EDA played a central convening and coordination role, working with Power Advisory to develop regular risk assessments, circulating clear and timely market change summaries, supporting LDC readiness, and helping members anticipate downstream impacts on operations and our customers.

The EDA also provided timely regulatory and market updates and co-hosted readiness webinars with the IESO to ensure LDCs were well positioned ahead of launch. The successful rollout of MRP is a shared achievement, reflecting the results of sustained collaboration, technical expertise, and commitment of professionals across

Ontario’s distribution and regulatory sectors. As a result of this collective effort, LDCs effectively supported the implementation of MRP and enabled a seamless transition to the renewed market without service disruption.

Integrated Energy Plan

The Ontario government released the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP), Energy for Generations, in June. This plan aims to bring electricity, natural gas, hydrogen and other energy sources under a single coordinated strategy and document. The IEP highlights initiatives aimed at building a modern and resilient grid that unlocks the potential of distributed energy resources (DERs) and streamlines the connections process. While the IEP addresses customer impacts, it goes further. It clearly positions LDCs as drivers of Ontario’s ambitions to become a global energy superpower. It assigns new mandates to both the OEB and the IESO, with important implications for LDCs.

President & CEO Teresa Sarkesian participated in a Women in Energy Roundtable with other EDA members to explore how barriers for women in the sector can be broken.

Other 2025 EDA Submissions

Visit eda-on.ca/Advocacy/ Submissions to download EDA’s policy submissions or for more information.

EDA Recommendations on Review of Ontario's Electricity Distribution Sector - December 15

ERO 025-1241– Interruptible Rate Program (IRP)December 4

Enabling Resources Program (ERP) – Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration Project - December 3

OEB's Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) Framework Review - November 24

Ministry of Economic Development Consultation on Proposed Special Economic Zones CriteriaNovember 18

EDA Comments on eDSM Commercial HVAC DR Program: Design Updates & Next Steps - November 5

Distribution System Operator Capabilities RoadmapOctober 24

Proposed Regulations to Limit Foreign Participation in Ontario’s Energy Sector - October 26

Proposed Amendments to the Electricity Act, OEB Act, and the Municipal Franchises Act - October 4

Enabling Resources Program (ERP) - Storage and Colocated Hybrid Integration Project – August 21

EDA Federal Pre-Budget Consultation - August 1

EDA Recommendations for OEB's Distribution System Operator Capabilities Review - July 23

EDA Comments on IESO's eDSM Commercial HVAC DR Program – July 22

EDA Submission to the OMERS Governance Review Panel - July 16

EDA Comments on OEB's Incremental Capital Module Policy - July 2

Key Directive Priorities Affecting LDCs:

• Integrated Planning Framework and Scenario Development

• DERs and Local Energy Systems

• Regional and Bulk System Planning Modernization

• Define a roadmap for the potential development and implementation of DSO capabilities

• Procurement Reform and Connection Modernization

• The IEP embeds economic development into energy policy and could help enable LDCs to invest more in new infrastructure.

These priorities reflect the province’s commitment to placing energy infrastructure at the centre of economic growth, job creation and community development. For LDCs, this means new responsibilities in grid connection, DER integration, and shaping how supply choices influence

economic outcomes. The IEP establishes a definition of grid modernization, and this was a key win for the EDA because it addresses a key recommendation from our 2024 Solving Grid-Lock paper.

Government Review of Electricity Distribution Sector

In December, the EDA submitted recommendations in response to the Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE) in addition to a supplementary submission in January 2026. This review of the electricity distribution sector was announced in October by the Ministry of Energy and Mines to gather strategic advice and recommendations on how to ensure that local utilities are ready to meet increasing demand while maintaining high standards of safety, reliability, and costeffectiveness.

This review is the first sector-wide review since the 2012 Ontario Distribution Sector Review panel. The EDA held member meetings and received feedback and expert advice to feed into its submission. In addition to member input from small, medium and large utilities, the association received support from the Ad Hoc Committee on PULSE.

Of the eight principles recommended in the EDA’s submission here are a few:

• Evidence-based policy: policy should be based on first analyzing clear and cogent data, followed by measured implementation.

• Differentiation, not uniformity: policies must account for the diverse capital needs, pacing of capital needs, geographies, customer bases, and asset conditions of LDCs.

• Flexibility in pathways: enable multiple pathways so each LDC can pursue the model that best fits its local context. Recognize different needs and different capabilities.

In 2026, the EDA will continue to engage with PULSE and the Ministry as the consultation winds down and the government considers recommendations from the Panel.

OMERS Review

In November 2025, Robert Poirier, the Special Advisor appointed by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to review the OMERS governance model, delivered his report and recommendations.

The EDA participated in official consultations and made 13 comprehensive recommendations to the Special Advisor that included responses from the Board Ad Hoc committee with a goal to enhance the effectiveness and governance of the OMERS pension plan. The OMERS report proposes 33 key recommendations. The most notable change to LDCs abolishes the OMERS Sponsors Corporation to be replaced with a new Sponsors Council. Other recommendations include regular, legislated governance reviews and maintaining current sponsor representation and statutory powers (appointments, benefits and contributions).

In response to Robert Poirier’s recommendations, the Ontario Government introduced and passed legislation through the Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025 (Bill 68). Heading into 2026, EDA will continue to maintain dialogue with the Ministers of

Other 2025 EDA Submissions

EDA Comments on OEB's Performance Incentive Mechanisms Policy - June 27

OEB's Total Cost Benchmarking - June 20

EDA Comments on IESO's Industrial eDSM Program Evolution - June 19

EDA Recommendations on Bill 17: Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act - June 11

EDA Recommendations on Proposed Amendments to the Mining Act, Electricity Act, and OEB Act - May 16

EDA Comments on OEB's Notice of Proposal to Amend the DSC to Establish a Capacity Allocation Model - May 16

EDA Comments on OEB 10 - Point Action Plan: Implementation Update - May 15

EDA Submission on Impact of U.S. Tariffs - May 10

EDA & OEA Joint Submission on IESO's Local Generation Program - May 9

EDA Comments on IESO's eDSM Engagement Session – May 8

Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Practice and Procedure Relating to the Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems - May 2

EDA Letter of Support on Proposed Amendments to Retail Settlement Code and Standard Supply Service Code to Support IESO Market Renewal– March 21

Federal 2025 Pre-Budget Submission: Recommendations to Induce Investment in Electricity Distribution Infrastructure - March 10

Revised Proposal: Electric Vehicle Charging Rate (EVC Rate) - February 5

2025 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission - January 31

Ontario Energy Board’s Advancing Performance-Based Regulation Consultation – January 8

Finance and Municipal Affairs and Housing and OMERS to discuss governance and appointments to the new Sponsors Council and other collective employer concerns related to the proposed changes around the framework for the establishment of the Sponsors Council.

Cost of Capital Decision and Order Complete

This year we saw the completion of an extensive review of cost of capital in March. It was the first time since 2009 that the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) had reviewed this formula that calculates the earnings that electricity utilities are allowed to earn. The outcome determined the Return on Equity (ROE) at nine per cent (including 25 basis points for flotation costs) applicable to all electricity transmitters and distributors, natural gas utilities, and rate-regulated electricity generators. The capital structure remains unchanged, but the OEB set a five-year new cost of capital framework.

EDA’s advocacy on this file was extensive and included support from a third-party consultant. The outcome wasn’t ideal, but more positive than the range of possible outcomes based on the political and regulatory environment assessed during our advocacy. The Board of Directors decided not to pursue a legal appeal or judicial review of the OEB decision, as we determined that potential adverse impacts to LDCs were mitigated. We opted to send communication to the Ministry of Energy and Mines requesting that the government partner with the electricity sector to support OEB regulatory reform to create certainty related to grid modernization. We also requested alternative funding models to support modernization and further regulatory reform.

IESO’s Small Generation Procurement Initiative

The government directed the IESO to develop a Small Generation Procurement strategy that will launch a competitive program for Ontario’s existing 2,000 megawatts of heat and power facilities as well as biogas, wind and solar facilities (between 100kw and 10MW). The IESO consulted with industry in advance of submitting a file to the government in April.

The EDA participated in consultations and opportunities to ensure LDCs play a key role in procurement. EDA feedback included but is not exclusive to these recommendations:

• LDCs should lead re-contracting and new contracting

• One size does not fit all sizes and technologies

• Unlock value from existing facilities

EDA Shapes OEB Vulnerability Assessment Report

The OEB released a draft Vulnerability Assessment (VA) Report as part of its Vulnerability Assessment and System Hardening (VASH) initiative. They also provided a VA Toolkit to help distributors prepare their VA analyses. The EDA submitted feedback on both the VA Report and the VA Toolkit in early January following recommendations submitted in the fall of 2024.

Communication Speaks Volumes

We’ve highlighted the power of our advocacy in shaping policy and regulatory changes but our role in updating our members on sector news, the latest industry trends and public sentiment in addition to providing high-value learning experiences is key to our association’s role. We share with our members and they in-turn share insights and valuable advice on items that will contribute to the modernization of our sector. This exchange takes place through many communication channels including webinars, district meetings, conferences, symposiums and so much more.

This year our communications were recognized with a gold Hermes Creative Award for our Annual Report Power for the Future 2024. We embarked on a more engaged style of social media using video. When our LDCs were hit with a March ice storm and collaborated to get the power back on we responded with a video showcasing the people on the front lines to gain more understanding and gratitude from the public.

Our use of video accelerated this year with the addition of three seasonal videos showcasing the daily work performed by powerline workers in communities across the province. Their value speaks volumes as they inform and educate Ontarians about infrastructure updates in their community that give them the power to light their homes and power their appliances and enable them to power up their computers.

In the summer, the EDA completed a research poll of more than 2,000 voting-age Ontarians from regions across the province to garner public perceptions of LDCs and relevant issues. Results showed that trust is rising - 89 per cent of Ontarians trust their local electricity utility. That trust is now well ahead of gas and telecommunication companies and ahead of essential public services like police.

When it comes to the current state of electricity service from their local utility, 82 per cent of respondents were satisfied. Strong ratings were reported on safety, reliability, billing accuracy and outage response.

A key finding was around investment in the electricity grid - 85 per cent of Ontarians support funding local grid upgrades to meet future demand and this is aligned with the sector’s priorities. Support is also strong for investments to enable EV adoption, heat pumps, and resilience against extreme weather.

The EDA used member relations, media relations, a comprehensive social media campaign and meetings with policymakers, government, regulators, stakeholders and a targeted public campaign to reinforce the essential role of LDCs and the critical need for funding to modernize Ontario’s grid based on the polling results.

Keeping our members up to date continues to be upfront and centre. The EDA provides daily wire scans, a weekly digital newsletter, rapid source news when policy submissions or sector news takes place and monthly commercial insights. Our quarterly magazine The Distributor, continues to grow in readership and it is available in print and digital versions. Our members are key to delivering a value-added magazine as they regularly populate our pages with articles and images that show their modernization, news and events while reinforcing the sector’s role in their local communities. Showcasing innovation is another corporate goal we achieved by writing 28 stories that showcase how our province’s utilities are researching and launching new technologies and improving their customer experiences. We also worked closely with our members to share their stories via blogs on our website. These stories were rolled into a magazine format, Local Hydro, Provincial Impact, to inform and educate stakeholders, government and the public on innovation, sustainability and modernization.

Where Visionaries Lead: A Directors Summit to Remember

This year’s Directors Summit in May was outstanding. Aird & Berlis hosted the event that is co-developed with the EDA. The program had a full slate of speakers who offered valuable insights into geopolitics, trade and board governance – arming LDC leaders with practical guidance during turbulent times such as trade wars with the United States.

A Year of Learning, Leadership Recognition and Connection

District Meetings: Fostering Regional Collaboration

Ontario’s electricity distribution sector continues to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and shared leadership, principles that were front and centre at the EDA’s 2025 District Conferences and Annual General Meetings. Held across the Western, Northeastern/Northwestern, Upper Canada/Georgian Bay and Niagara Grand Districts, these gatherings brought together LDCs, industry leaders, and Commercial Members for a dynamic exchange of ideas, insights, and strategic direction. Attendees gained not only technical knowledge but also strategic foresight and leadership inspiration.

These district meetings continue to serve as vital platforms for LDCs to align on shared challenges, celebrate successes, and shape the future of energy distribution in Ontario. With robust participation, engaging content, and meaningful networking opportunities, the 2025 conferences reaffirmed the EDA’s role as a catalyst for progress and unity in the sector.

There were some significant events that the EDA participated in throughout the year where we celebrated our utilities milestones and achievements that move us one step closer to modernizing our electricity grid. Alectra Utilities and Enova Power both received federal funding in August that was part of a larger $13 million federal announcement of five clean energy projects to promote modernization. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources awarded Alectra $6 million for a project that would allow customer-owned devices such as solar panels and batteries to access and benefit from electricity markets and another $149K to share information from their project and collaborate with international partners. Enova received $750K to operate a distribution-level electricity market using artificial intelligencebased load forecasting and network constrained optimization.

In the fall, the EDA joined Utilities Kingston as the company celebrated 25 years of reliability and innovation as a multi-utility provider. This anniversary as a trusted electricity distributor was a feather in the cap for this utility who delivers safe power to more than 28,000 customers on behalf of Kingston Hydro. It’s these successes that drive our industry forward to be leaders and innovators.

EDIST 2025 Celebrated 20 Years in One Location

EDIST 2025 was sold-out with 1,080 attendees as we said goodbye to the beloved Markham Hilton Suites and Conference Centre in January. This annual three-day event is an industry leader and the largest in Canada. In 2026, the conference relocated to a larger, more functional venue that accommodates for growth. The conference is an opportunity for operational staff to learn, browse a stacked trade show with 99 exhibitors and learn from top-notch speakers. Participants took part in plenary discussions, sessions on cybersecurity, customer engagement, learned how utilities are piloting new technologies to support electrification and the future of our sector.

People Connected

Our annual one-day event in November was redesigned this year to focus on supporting our members in strengthening corporate culture, enhancing workplace resilience, and delivering measurable value in today’s competitive environment. EDA will be hosting this highly valued event again in 2026.

People Connected 2025: FutureProofing Your Workforce: Strategies for Retention, Resilience & Results was a one-day symposium that brought speakers together to address workplace culture and innovation. Avery Swartz, CEO of Tech Camp, was the keynote speaker sharing tips on integrating artificial intelligence.

AGM, ENERCOM25 and Award’s Gala

Our AGM, ENERCOM and Award’s Gala had an incredible turnout in March. It was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic EDA members attend.

ENERCOM25 was packed with thought-provoking discussions about the future of energy in Ontario. Our speakers shared bold ideas on the changes needed to prepare us for the future and valuable perspectives on the political landscape shaping our industry.

Our annual Awards Gala was inspiring as we celebrated the successes of our members for excellence in innovation, customer service and communications to name a few categories. Our award winners truly raised the bar this year. Keynote speaker, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce shared provincial updates.

Who We Are EDA Policy Councils & Committees

Regulatory Council

Chair: Stephen Vetsis, Elexicon Energy, Inc.

Vice Chair: Mike Packer, London Hydro

Operations and Engineering Council

Chair: Karla Bailey, SYNERGY North

Vice Chair: Rob Koekoek, Orangeville Hydro

Finance and Corporate Affairs Council

Chair: Alyson Conrad, Festival Hydro Inc

Vice Chair: Igor Rusic, Milton Hydro Distribution Inc.

Human Resources Council

Chair: Elizabeth Carswell, London Hydro

Vice Chair: Becky Gillis, Bluewater Power

Scan to see a full list of EDA’s 2025 volunteers.

Communicators Council

Chair: Sara Penny, Milton Hydro

Vice Chair: Kelly McMath, Enova Power

Conservation and Sustainability Issues Council

Chair: Jeff Quint, Enova Power

Vice Chair: Jill Kirwan-Daviau, Greater Sudbury Hydro

Electrification Council

Chair: Luke Seewald, London Hydro

Vice Chair: Bryon Hartung, Festival Hydro

Commercial Member Steering Committee

Chair: Peter Vickery, SEW

Vice Chair: Daryn Thompson, Thompson Project

Management Inc.

EDA Board Representative: John Avdoulos, Essex Power Corporation

LDC Members

• Alectra Utilities Corporation

• Atikokan Hydro Inc.

• Bluewater Power

• Burlington Hydro Inc.

• Canadian Niagara Power Inc.

• Centre Wellington Hydro Ltd.

• Cooperative Hydro Embrun Inc.

• Elexicon Energy Inc

• Enova Power

• Entegrus Powerlines Inc.

• ENWIN Utilities Ltd.

• EPCOR Electricity Distribution Ontario Inc.

• ERTH Power Corporation

• Essex Powerlines Corporation

• Festival Hydro Inc.

• Fort Frances Power Corporation

• GrandBridge Energy Inc.

• Greater Sudbury Hydro Inc.

• Hearst Power Distribution Company Limited

• Hydro 2000 Inc.

• Hydro Hawkesbury Inc.

• Hydro One Networks Inc.

• Hydro Ottawa Limited

• InnPower Corporation

• Kingston Hydro Corporation

• Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd.

• London Hydro Inc.

• Milton Hydro Distribution Inc.

• Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc.

• North Bay Hydro Distribution Limited

• Northern Ontario Wires Inc.

• NT Power

Commercial Members

• 3Dot Technologies Inc.

• ABB Electrification Canada ULC

• AECON Tristar

• Aird & Berlis LLP

• Aladaco Consulting Inc

• Artelia Canada Inc.

• AVERTEX Utility Solutions Inc.

• Bel Volt Sales Ltd.

• Bentley Systems Inc.

• BHC Canada Inc.

• Brass Inc.

• Burns & McDonnell

• Cam Tran Co. Ltd.

• Candura Instruments

• Capgemini

• Chess Electric

• CIET

• CLEAResult Canada Inc.

• Colm Engineering

• Comprehensive Benefit Solutions Limited

• Connect Telecommunications Solutions Inc

• Oakville Hydro

• Orangeville Hydro Limited

• Oshawa Power

• Ottawa River Power Corporation

• PUC Distribution Inc.

• Renfrew Hydro Inc.

• Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc.

• Sioux Lookout Hydro Inc.

• SYNERGY NORTH

• Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.

• Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited

• Wasaga Distribution Inc.

• Welland Hydro Electric System Corporation

• Wellington North Power Inc.

• Westario Power Inc.

• Crosslink Technology Inc.

• Eaton Industries Canada Inc.

• Electromark

• Engineered Intelligence Inc.

• Esri Canada

• Exel International

• Forbes Bros Ltd.

• G&W Electric

• GF tec Controls inc.

• Hammond Power Solutions

• Herc Rentals

• Hubbell Power Systems

• Iconic Power Systems

• JESSTEC INDUSTRIES INC.

• JOMAR Softcorp International Inc.

• KINECTRICS INC.

• K-Line Insulators Limited

• KPC Utility Solutions Group

• Lakeport Power Ltd.

• Langford & Associates Inc.

• Lineman's Testing Laboratories, Div. of Rexel Canada Electrical Inc

• LineStar Utility Supply Ontario Inc.

• MacLean Power Systems

• Mirus International Inc.

• Municipal Property Assessment Corporation

• MWG Apparel

• Nbisiing Power

• Nordmin Engineering Ltd.

• Novanet Communications Limited

• Olameter Inc.

• OSV Advisory Inc.

• Overstory

• Plan Group

• PLP Canada

• POSI+

• Power Source Instruments Inc.

• PowerPlan

• RA Electrical High Voltage Ltd.

• Rainer Cyber and Risk Management Inc.

• Rexel Utility

• RTS Consulting - Automation

• Schneider Electric Canada Inc.

• Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc.

• Senpilot

• SEW

• Shepherds Utility Equip. Sales (1989) Ltd.

• Sieco-Tech Canada Inc.

• Soltex Canada

• Stella-Jones Inc.

• StrategyCorp Inc.

• Super Sucker Hydro Vac Service Inc.

• Sussex Strategy Group Inc.

• Thompson Project Management Inc.

• TOC Logistics Inc.

• Trilliant Networks Canada Inc.

• Util-Assist Inc.

• UTS Consultants Inc.

• Valard Construction LP

• Wesco

• ACUMEN

• Amidyne Solutions Inc.

• BBA Inc.

• Black & McDonald Limited

• CES Transformers

• Composite Power Group Inc.

• Cormorant Utility Services Ltd.

• Doane Services LP

• Domino Highvoltage Supply Inc.

• ECAM

• Goodmans LLP

• Gowling WLG (Canada), LLP

• Hamilton Enterprises Holding Corporation

• Hastings Utilities Contracting Ltd.

• Honeywell Smart Energy

• Hydel Inc.

• ICF Canada Inc.

• Jubb Utility Supply Limited

• KA Factor Group Inc.

• K-Line Maintenance & Construction Ltd.

• KPMG MSLP

• Milwaukee Tool Canada

• MNP LLP

• NBM Engineering Inc.

• NorthStar Utilities Solutions

• Peterborough Utilities Inc.

• Posterity Group Consulting Inc.

• Rodan Energy Solutions

• RR Power Consulting Inc.

• S&C Electric Canada Ltd.

• Siemens Canada Limited

• Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Affiliate Membership

• Utilismart Corporation

Associate Membership

• Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts Association (CHEC)

• Electrical Safety Authority

• GridSmart City Cooperative

• Independent Electricity System Operator

• Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA)

• Ontario Energy Network Inc.

• Utilities Standards Forum

Partnerships That Power Our Work

The Standard for Excellence

The EDA presented ten awards during the Award’s Gala in downtown Toronto on March 17. The bar for excellence in Ontario’s electricity distribution sector has never been higher!

With an unprecedented number of high-calibre nominations, the EDA Awards of Excellence recognize areas such as innovation, customer service, public relations, sustainability, and workplace culture. More than 600 industry professionals gathered to celebrate the achievements of the province’s utilities who deliver power to 5.4 million Ontario customers.

Chair’s Citation Award

Chair’s Citation Award

Mike Matthews (Alectra Utilities)

Honouring outstanding service to the EDA and the electricity industry, Mike Matthews’ 35-year career has been instrumental in Ontario’s largest utility amalgamation. He has also contributed significantly as an EDA board member and conference chair.

Volunteer Excellence Award

Volunteer Excellence Award

Ron Clark (Aird & Berlis LLP)

A steadfast supporter of the EDA’s policy initiatives, Ron Clark has played a key role in shaping major events and contributing to the success of EDA’s annual Director’s Summit.

Public Relations Excellence Award

Hydro Ottawa

Hydro Ottawa captivated audiences with an interactive “eco home” exhibit at Ottawa International Airport, educating visitors on sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels.

Public Relations Excellence Award

Service Excellence Award

Customer Service Excellence Award

Milton Hydro

Milton Hydro revolutionized customer service with a state-ofthe-art hub, offering multi-channel communication via voice, email, chat, automated texts, and a virtual assistant.

People & Culture Excellence Award Sponsored by MNP

Festival Hydro Festival Hydro’s workplace transformation fostered an inclusive and engaging culture, resulting in zero employee turnover within 12 months.

Comms Excellence Award

Communications Excellence Award

GrandBridge Energy

GrandBridge Energy launched an intuitive web selfservice tool, enhancing customer experience with live outage chats and streamlined bill understanding.

LDC Performance Excellence Award Sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton

ENWIN Utilities

ENWIN Utilities excelled in all five categories:

Excellence Award

Public Safety (Sponsored by the Electrical Safety Authority) & Sustainability Excellence Awards

Hydro One

Hydro One received two awards - Public Safety Excellence, sponsored by the Electrical Safety Authority for their campaign called, '10 Metres Away - Your Life Depends on it." It used diverse media channels to enhance public safety awareness and drive behavioural change. Their second award was the Sustainability Excellence Award for setting a new benchmark in sustainability by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Innovation Excellence Award Sponsored by IESO Elexicon Energy

Elexicon Energy’s groundbreaking BESS-STATCOM technology, developed in collaboration with Western University, improves power quality and voltage stability for industries reliant on induction motors. The results have potential to revolutionize power quality management.

Occupational Health and Safety – Enhanced public safety awareness and employee security; Operational Excellence – Implemented a visionary five-year strategic plan; Financial Operations - Internationally recognized for outstanding financial performance; Conservation & Demand Management – Led electrification efforts with a 10 per cent EV fleet and one of Canada’s largest solar rooftop net-metering facilities; Contribution to Community – Donated $150,000 and planted 2,000 trees. In recognition of this award, donations were made to the winner's and nominees selected charities through the generosity of the Doane Grant Thornton Foundation.

Looking Ahead

2026 will bring new opportunities and challenges as Ontario implements its Integrated Energy Plan and announces the path forward once the PULSE panel releases its findings. The EDA will continue to:

• Advocate for regulatory modernization.

• Champion grid innovation and resilience.

• Secure strategic investments to meet growing demand.

• Promote a customer-centric energy transition.

Together, we are powering Ontario’s