New Chair at the Ontario Power Authority

TORONTO, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - James D. Hinds has been appointed Chair of the Ontario Power Authority.

Mr. Hinds, who has served as Chair of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), replaces John Beck, who is stepping down as OPA Board Chair after more than three years of service. Mr. Beck, who has been a member of the OPA Board for more than five years, will continue to serve as a member through a period of transition.

"We are fortunate to have such a strong, experienced Chair succeeded by someone with comparable skills," said Colin Andersen, OPA Chief Executive Officer. "As Chair, John oversaw the OPA through a period of unprecedented dynamism in Ontario's electricity sector, including the introduction of the Green Energy Act. I have valued his insights and advice, and I know the Board has appreciated his steady hand at the wheel," he added.

"As Ontario continues to make investments to build a clean energy future, we are fortunate to have accomplished and skilled individuals like James Hinds and John Beck lead the way. I am confident that the OPA will continue to be well guided under Mr. Hinds as we were under Mr. Beck," said the Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy.

"It's been an honour and a privilege to serve the ratepayers of Ontario as the Chair of the OPA's Board of Directors," said John Beck. "From long-term planning, to conservation, to procuring new clean sources of electricity, the OPA has made great progress. I'm proud of the results the organization has delivered and am confident that this good work will continue under Mr. Hinds' leadership."

"As Chair of the IESO, I have witnessed the accomplishments of the Ontario Power Authority and the progress made in achieving a reliable and modern electricity system," said James Hinds. "I'm looking forward to the work ahead, starting with the responsibility of updating the province's 20-year energy plan."

Mr. Hinds is a retired investment banker. Starting in 1985 at CIBC Wood Gundy Inc., he joined Newcrest Capital Inc. and then served as a managing director of TD Securities Inc. A native of Sudbury, Ontario, Mr. Hinds received a Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University at University of Toronto, a Master of Business Administration degree from Wharton at University of Pennsylvania, and a law degree from the University of Toronto.

The Ontario Power Authority is responsible for ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply of electricity for Ontario. Its key areas of focus are planning the power system for the long term, leading and coordinating conservation initiatives across the province, and ensuring development of needed generation resources.

For further information: Media Relations Contact: Tim Butters, Ontario Power Authority, 416-969-6307, Toll Free: 1-800-797-9604