Horizon Utilities first company to achieve Sustainable Electricity designation

HAMILTON/ST. CATHARINES, ON, April 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Horizon Utilities Corporation is the first company in Canada to earn the Sustainable Electricity Company^TM designation from the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA).

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

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

"I am impressed with the level of commitment the sector has dedicated to sustainability over the last few years, and I particularly congratulate Horizon Utilities for the leadership it has shown," said David Morrison, President and CEO of Yukon Energy Corporation and Executive Chair of the CEA Sustainability Committee.

Horizon Utilities is the current recipient the CEA's Sustainability Company of the Year Award, having won in both 2011 and 2012. The company's business practices are governed by its Sustainability Policy and it evaluates its sustainability performance using the Global Reporting Initiative^TM (GRI) framework. The organization also publishes a 'sustainability-based' annual report, documenting the social, environmental and economic dimensions of its business in equal measure. Horizon Utilities adopted its sustainability strategy in 2008.

"This is a historic day for the Canadian electricity sector," said Jim Burpee, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association. "I congratulate Horizon Utilities for attaining this brand designation based on internationally recognized standards."

About Horizon Utilities Corporation
Horizon Utilities Corporation, one of the largest municipally owned electricity distribution companies in Ontario, is the first company in Canada to earn the Canadian Electricity Association's Sustainable Electricity Company^TM designation. It is a two-time winner of the CEA's Sustainability Company of the Year award (2011 and 2012) and a repeat Top 10 Employer in Hamilton-Niagara (2012 and 2013). It is the 2013 winner of the electricity sector's Environmental Excellence Award. The company provides electricity and related utility services to 239,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Hamilton and St. Catharines.  Horizon Utilities' employees are committed to delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, providing unparalleled customer value, and helping to create a culture of energy conservation in Ontario.

SOURCE: Horizon Utilities

Tony Iavarone
Director, Corporate Communications
Horizon Utilities Corporation
Tel: [phone] • Cell: 905-308-1473
Email: [email protected]
Website: horizonutilities.com