Ontario Electricity Distributors Welcome Appointment of Electrification and Energy Transition Panel

TORONTO, April 22, 2022 /CNW/ - The Electricity Distributors Association, which represents local hydro utilities across the province, commends today's announcement by the provincial government of the appointment of an Electrification and Energy Transition Panel, and looks forward to engagement in the vital work of this new entity.

"Effective long-term energy planning has never been more important than it is today, with the accelerating pace of change we're all navigating through," says EDA President and CEO Teresa Sarkesian. "This panel is a timely additional means of better positioning Ontario to meet more of its energy needs with electricity and distributed energy resources, and to integrate all of the technologies and innovations that will be needed to make that happen."

Electricity distribution utilities are the point of connection between generation and transmission, on the one hand, and end-use customers on the other. They can provide particularly invaluable insights on – and are the entities that will ultimately be called upon to meet – Ontarians' evolving electricity related needs, expectations and aspirations.

"An enhanced role for local hydro utilities in planning and decision-making is among the recommendations in a white paper we just released on our sector's role in enabling Ontario's net-zero carbon future," notes Sarkesian. "The work of this panel and the accompanying technical pathway study are excellent forums in which to begin actioning that recommendation."

The EDA also welcomes the appointment of David Collie as chair of the panel, and notes his extensive background and depth of expertise in the utility industry and electricity sector. "We look forward to working with Mr. Collie and his co-panelists to advance Ontario towards net zero," says Sarkesian.

Quick Facts

• Earlier this week the EDA released its Power of Sustainability white paper, addressing the key role of local hydro utilities in decarbonization, and setting out recommendations to better leverage their capacities.
• Recent EDA province-wide polling confirms the scope of the intent of Ontarians to further electrify their lives: 30 per cent of respondents foresee an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle in their household within the next five years, with a further 27 per cent seeing it as likely in the next five to 10 years.
• Total electricity demand in Canada has the potential to increase by 44 per cent from 2021 to 2050, or by about 245 terawatt hours, driven by electrification across multiple sectors, electric vehicle adoption and hydrogen production. (Canada Energy Regulator, "Evolving Policies Scenario")

ABOUT THE EDA
The Electricity Distributors Association is the trusted and vital source for advocacy, insight and information for Ontario's local electricity distributors, the municipally and privately owned companies that deliver essential electricity services to millions of homes, businesses and public institutions across the province. Learn more at www.eda-on.ca.

SOURCE Electricity Distributors Association

Kevin Hanson, 416-219-1901, [email protected]