Ottawa (November 25, 2021) – Members of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) continue to excel in sustainability performance to achieve the distinguished Sustainable Electricity designation. Today, CEA honours Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) for its achievements in sustainability. Hydro Ottawa becomes the 11th electricity company in Canada to achieve this designation and the third company in Ontario.
“We are proud that our National Offices in downtown Ottawa are powered by a Sustainable Electricity company. From an innovation side, Hydro Ottawa has worked hard to ensure electric infrastructure is in place for growing demand and has invested in sustainable microgrid technologies,” noted Francis Bradley, President and Chief Executive Officer of CEA.
As an electricity distributor, renewable energy generator, and provider of energy solutions and utility services, Hydro Ottawa takes a comprehensive approach to sustainability that encompasses all areas of their business. Hydro Ottawa’s path forward includes steps to further reduce their own impact on the environment as well as their environmental footprint, while contributing to the wider transition to a greener economy and lifestyles of our nation’s capital and province. Not only do they have an environmental management system and corporate social responsibility program in place, they are also a customer-centric organization that actively connects with stakeholders, supports community initiatives and conducts grass-roots outreach programs aimed at engaging youth and offering energy-efficiency solutions to its customers.
“We are honoured to receive this sustainability designation from the Canadian Electricity Association at this critical time in our world’s climate history,” stated Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro Ottawa. “This is a testament to our employees’ dedication and our organizational commitment to deliver electricity in a safe and sustainable manner. Over the coming years, we will be placing an even greater focus on environmental stewardship, rising to new challenges while ensuring a clean energy future for our city.”
“It is inspiring to see the supplier of power to our Nations’ Capital achieve the Sustainable Electricity Designation on the heels of COP 26 where Canada’s Parliamentarians emphasized the importance of decarbonization and electrification efforts,” said Michael Powell, Vice President of Government Relations, “With a sector already 80 percent non-emitting, Hydro Ottawa and electricity companies across the country will be imperative to a Net Zero by 2050 future.”
The Sustainable Electricity Company™ designation was established by CEA for Canadian utilities from coast-to-coast-to-coast to further advance the integration of sustainability considerations in company decision-making processes. The designation requires utilities to conform to the internationally recognized ISO 14001 standard on Environmental Management Systems and ISO 26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility. Together, they provide a platform for identifying and addressing key strategic sustainability risks and opportunities related to environmental, social and economic issues. In addition, companies must pass an independent external verification.
Visit CEA’s website for more information about achieving Sustainable Electricity Company™ designation and on CEA’s mandatory Sustainable Electricity program.
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About the Canadian Electricity Association
Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) members generate, transmit and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential and institutional customers across Canada every day. From vertically integrated electric utilities, independent power producers, transmission and distribution companies, to power marketers, to the manufacturers and suppliers of materials, technology and services that keep the industry running smoothly -all are represented by this national industry association.
About Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.
Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) is a private company 100 per cent owned by the City of Ottawa and whose core businesses are electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, and energy and utility services. Hydro Ottawa owns and operates three primary subsidiary companies: Hydro Ottawa Limited – delivering electricity to more than 346,000 customers in the City of Ottawa and the Village of Casselman; Portage Power – the largest Ontario-based municipally-owned producer of green power that has over 128 megawatts of installed green generation capacity – enough to power 107,000 homes; and Envari – an energy solutions company offering products and services that help reduce energy consumption and costs for municipalities, industrial and commercial clients, and various local distribution companies.
For additional information:
Julia Muggeridge
Vice-president, Communications and Marketing
613.719.9323
Hydro Ottawa media contact:
Josee Larocque
Manager, Media and Public Affairs
613.738. 5499 ext. 2345