Kudos for Hydro One, Toronto Hydro performance

Sustainable Electricity Awards 2009 spotlight sustainability leadership across Canada, recognizing biodiversity protection, smart meters, TOU rates, stakeholder engagement, grid modernization, and renewable energy initiatives by Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, and industry partners.

Hydro One Networks Inc. and Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited were recognized for outstanding performance on sustainable development under the Canadian Electricity Association's CEA Sustainable Electricity program.

The 2009 Sustainable Electricity Awards, adjudicated by the program's independent Public Advisory Panel, recognize best sustainability performers in environmental, social, and company of the year categories, reflecting the spirit of the Innovation in Technology award seen elsewhere in the industry.

The Environmental Commitment Award was presented to Hydro One Networks Inc., which was also advancing its smart meter suppliers program at the time, for its biodiversity initiative aimed at minimizing woodland habitat loss due to the construction of a new transmission line between the Bruce Nuclear Complex and the Milton Switching Station. "We were extremely pleased with Hydro One's approach to habitat enhancement in the affected area, and the approach they utilized to develop an ecosystem based valuation methodology in partnership with various local stakeholders," said Mike Harcourt, Chair of the Sustainable Electricity Public Advisory Panel.

As the first North American utility to roll out smart meters such as Energy Axis meters in a major city, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited was presented with the Social Responsibility Award for their Get Smart Toronto communications initiative. The campaign was a highly integrated marketing and communications strategy to prepare its customers for the smart meter rollout. "This is an example of the electricity sector becoming more and more innovative in the delivery of electricity to consumers, while engaging stakeholders in a meaningful manner," noted Will Bridge, Chief Technology Officer at TransAlta, and Executive Chair of Sustainable Electricity.

The Panel also selected Hydro One Networks Inc. as the recipient of the 2009 Sustainability Company of the Year Award for its outstanding performance in all three areas of sustainable development - environment, social, and economic. In 2009, Hydro One Networks Inc. showed a substantial commitment to developing an electricity grid that is modern, flexible and smart, advancing its vision of smart grid initiatives, and one that will contribute to a better environment, and deliver clean renewable power to and from growing communities in the province of Ontario.

"The electricity industry is becoming increasingly sustainable in its activities, and we support the leadership and innovation shown by Hydro One and Toronto Hydro, including efforts like SmartGridCity in Burlington across the province," said Pierre Guimond, President and CEO of CEA.

The Canadian Electricity Association encourages frank and open discussion about some of the options and challenges Canadians must face with respect to the modernization and greening of Canada's electricity system, including policies such as the province's green act that empower local utilities. Tyler Hamilton, representing the Toronto Star, is this year's recipient of the Sustainable Electricity Journalist of the Year Award for his "...high level of enterprise journalism," that was held by our experts to be "comprehensive, informative, and well written in developing a number of themes and stories about sustainable electricity."

Founded in 1891, the CEA is the voice of the Canadian electricity industry, promoting electricity as the critical enabler of the economy and Canadians' expectations for an enhanced quality of life, and engaging with the Ontario Smart Grid Forum to advance innovation. Its members ensure reliable electricity service to Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

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