Six Large Electricity Utilities Working Together to Deliver Smart Metering

TORONTO, ONTARIO - In support of the Ontario Government's Smart Metering initiative, six of the province's largest local distribution companies are working together to implement the delivery of smart meters to the electricity marketplace, ensuring a uniform, cost effective approach for their customers.

The Government of Ontario has established targets for the installation of 800,000 smart electricity meters by December 31, 2007 and installation of smart meters for all Ontario consumers by December 31, 2010.

Representing over 40% of the electricity customers in the province, the coalition is well positioned to deliver this new technology. The alliance includes Enersource Corporation, Hamilton Utilities Corporation, Hydro Ottawa Limited, PowerStream Incorporated, Toronto Hydro Corporation and Veridian Corporation.

The coalition supports the Ontario Government's Smart Meter deployment goals and is developing strategies for the installation of the smart meters and data management within their service areas. Collectively the coalition represents 1.65 million customers.

As stated in their collective Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Plans approved in December, this group will deliver over $70 million in comprehensive electricity conservation programs. Smart meters represent another opportunity to help the customer manage their electricity usage and therefore the cost.

The announcement represents a further commitment by these large distributors to combine their expertise and apply resources to ensure that the government's demand management goals are achieved in a timely and efficient manner.