Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) Announces Electricity Utility
Award Recipients

Power Industry Awards Presented at EDA Annual Meeting, Including Performance Excellence Award Sponsored by Ontario Power Generation

TORONTO, March 30 /CNW/ - The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual industry awards which were presented last night, March 29th, at the EDA's Annual General Meeting in Toronto.

"There is a long tradition of excellence and achievement in Ontario's electricity utility industry," said Charlie Macaluso, EDA President and CEO. "The annual presentation of the EDA Awards ensures that excellence is not only being recognized, but celebrated as it so richly deserves - whether that is the outstanding contribution of an individual or the significant accomplishment of a local electricity distribution company."

The EDA's Local Distribution Company (LDC) Performance Excellence Award, sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), was presented to Enersource Hydro Mississauga Inc.

Enersource Hydro Mississauga distinguished itself among its peers by performance excellence in 2009 in the following areas: occupational health and safety, operational excellence, financial operations, retail strategies for conservation and demand management, and, for contribution to the community.

"To be excellent is to deliver outstanding performance over and over again. As the sponsor of the 2009 LDC Performance Excellence Award, Ontario Power Generation is pleased to congratulate this year's winner, Enersource Hydro Mississauga," said Tom Mitchell, OPG's President and CEO. "Their achievements demonstrate how all levels of the electricity industry - from generators, to transmission companies to distributors - contribute to a productive and sustainable Ontario."

Other distinguished EDA award recipients included:

EDA Innovation Award, Public Relations: Brantford Power Inc. - The Greening the Village initiative brought elementary age and post-secondary students together in a unique project that tied together two major public education initiatives - safety and energy conservation. In 2009, Brantford Power donated a solar powered vehicle, the 'Sun Buggy,' to the Children's Safety Village of Brant and in collaboration with Mohawk College's Department of Electro-Technology built a solar-powered charging system, capable of charging and powering all of the 30-plus miniature electric vehicles in use at the village.

EDA Innovation Award, Customer Service: Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited - Toronto Hydro launched Time-of-Use (TOU) rates in June 2009 and are the first utility in North America to transition a major urban city to the new pricing structure. 'Get Smart Toronto' is a multi-year, integrated marketing and communications strategy that is preparing Toronto Hydro customers for TOU billing under smart metering. The campaign has exceeded expectations and has helped to educate over 550,000 customers about the new pricing regime. A variety of tactics and tools were used to help customers, including, among others: the creation of a TOU web portal; 'grassroots' community outreach initiatives; and the wide distribution of customer tool kits (including information on conservation programs and energy efficiency).

EDA Environmental Excellence Award: PowerStream Inc. - In 2009, PowerStream 'raised the bar' on environmental leadership by undertaking innovative initiatives and environmental programs designed to protect the environment for the benefit of their community, customers, and employees. From vehicle emission and waste diversion initiatives, to the construction of LEED standard buildings and innovative employee programs to promote environmental stewardship, the utility demonstrated their commitment to excellence and their philosophy of "Go Green with PowerStream."

Earlier in the day, the EDA presented its inaugural Foreign Study Tour Award to Tim Wilson, Vice President of Customer Service and Conservation, Thunder Bay Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc. In recognition of his efforts, contributions and volunteer commitment to the Association, Mr. Wilson will have the opportunity to tour an international destination/event relevant to the electricity industry, funded by the EDA.

The Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) is the voice of Ontario's local electricity distributors, the publicly and privately owned companies that safely and reliably deliver electricity to over 4.5 million Ontario homes, businesses and public institutions.

For further information: on the EDA Awards, contact the EDA's Manager of Communications and Media Relations, Christine Hallas at [phone]