Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro buys Brant County Power

By Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro


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The sale of Brant County Power Inc. BCP to Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc. CND was approved on October 30th, when the Ontario Energy Board OEB issued its Decision and Order, endorsing the purchase to proceed. The transaction is expected to close on November 28, 2014.

“We are pleased that, after a public and detailed review process, the OEB issued a favorable decision in support of the joining together of the two utilities,” said Ian Miles, President & CEO of Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc. Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc. and Brant County Power jointly filed applications to the OEB in June 2014. “The OEB approval includes the sale of all issued and outstanding shares of BCP to CND. CND will amend its distribution licence to include BCP’s service area and BCP’s distribution licence will be cancelled.”

As the electricity industry’s regulator, the OEB has a mandate to protect the interests of electricity consumers and to be guided by the “no harm” test. The “no harm” test involved careful and thorough consideration of all proposed transactions and the effect on the interests of consumers with respect to prices and the adequacy, reliability and quality of electricity service.

In issuing its decision, the OEB board staff stated that, “Cambridge has provided a well–delineated account of where it expects to achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies through the proposed transaction and an outline of expected capital expenditure savings”. OEB concluded that the “no harm” test had been met and approved the application.

When completed, the purchase of Brant County Power Inc. will add approximately 10,000 customers a 20 percent increase to Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc.Â’s current 52,500 customer base.

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Key Points

Ability to meet demand by combining firm generation and flexible resources, keeping grids stable as renewables grow.

✅ Balances variable renewables with dispatchable generation

✅ Rewards flexibility via capacity markets and ancillary services

✅ Enhances grid stability for critical loads during low demand

 

The huge disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis, and the low-carbon electricity lessons drawn from it, has highlighted how much modern societies rely on electricity and how firm capacity, such as that provided by nuclear power, is a crucial element in ensuring supply, International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol said.

In a commentary posted on LinkedIn, Birol said: "The coronavirus crisis reminds us of electricity's indispensable role in our lives. It's also providing insights into how that role is set to expand and evolve in the years and decades ahead."

Reliable electricity supply is crucial for teleworking, e-commerce, operating ventilators and other medical equipment, among all its other uses, he said, adding that the hundreds of millions of people who live without any access to electricity are far more vulnerable to disease and other dangers.

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An Ohio initiative installing 24 Level 2 stations to boost EV adoption, reduce range anxiety, and expand access in Dayton.

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Funding and Implementation

The project is part of Ohio's broader effort to expand EV infrastructure, reflecting the evolution of U.S. charging infrastructure while utilizing funds from the Volkswagen Clean Air Act settlement. The Ohio EPA awarded approximately $3.25 million statewide for the installation of Level 2 EV chargers, with the Miami Valley receiving a significant portion of this funding, while Michigan utility programs advance additional investments to scale regional infrastructure.

Impact on the Community

The expansion of EV charging infrastructure is expected to have several positive outcomes. It will provide greater convenience for current EV owners and encourage more residents to consider electric vehicles as a viable transportation option, including those in apartments and condos who benefit from expanded access. Additionally, the increased availability of charging stations supports the state's environmental goals by promoting the adoption of cleaner, more sustainable transportation.

Looking Ahead

As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to grow, the Miami Valley's investment in EV infrastructure positions the region as a leader in sustainable transportation as utilities pursue ambitious charging strategies to meet demand. The success of this project may serve as a model for other regions looking to expand their EV charging networks. This initiative reflects a significant step towards a more sustainable and accessible transportation future for the Miami Valley.

 

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Key Points

A statewide call to conserve power during high demand, issued by the grid operator to prevent rolling blackouts.

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KEEPING ONTARIANS AND OUR ELECTRICITY SYSTEM SAFE
We recognize the critical role we play in powering communities across the province and our support for the Province of Ontario during COVID-19. This is a responsibility to employees, customers, businesses and the people of Ontario that we take very seriously.

Since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak began, Hydro One’s Pandemic Team along with our leadership, have been actively monitoring the issues to ensure we can continue to deliver the service Ontarians depend on while keeping our employees, customers and the public safe, even as there has been no cut in peak hydro rates yet for self-isolating customers across Ontario. While the risk in Ontario remains low, we believe we can best protect our people and our operations by taking proactive measures.

As information continues to evolve, our leadership team along with the Pandemic Planning Team and our Emergency Operations Centre are committed to maintaining business continuity while minimizing risk to employees and communities.

Over the days and weeks to come, we will work with the sector and government, which is preparing to extend disconnect moratoriums across the province, to enhance safety protocols and champion the needs of electricity customers in Ontario.
 

 

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