Ontario’s Top Utilities Honoured for Outstanding Service by Electricity Distributors Association
March 25, 2026
Excellence in Ontario’s electricity distribution sector took centre stage on March 23 as the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) honoured 14 individuals and utilities for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
The annual awards celebration brought together 650 industry professionals to recognize exceptional leadership, innovation and service across the province. The awards highlight achievements of utilities and industry leaders who are delivering measurable results for customers and communities.
Utilities across Ontario work on the front lines of delivering, repairing and modernizing infrastructure in their local communities where they provide reliable, safe and efficient electricity to millions of customers every day, explained Teresa Sarkesian, President and CEO of the EDA.
“Our nominees this year truly impressed me,” said Sarkesian. “From innovative campaigns to operational improvements that strengthened customer relationships and delivered measurable results, the quality of the submissions reflects the dedication and innovation across Ontario’s electricity distribution sector.”
While emceeing the event, newly appointed EDA Board Chair John Avdoulos recognized both the winners and nominees.
“These awards reflect the achievements, dedication and strong work ethic that define our industry,” said Avdoulos. “Despite challenges ranging from extreme weather to evolving regulations and market pressures, our members continue to find new ways to improve service, strengthen communications and better support the communities they serve.”
2025 EDA Award Winners:
Individual awards
Chair’s Citation Award — Brian Wilkie
Recognizing a 40-year career in the distribution sector, Brian Wilkie served as CEO of Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. for 28 years and seven years on the EDA Board of Directors.
Chair’s Citation Award — Jim Hogan
Jim Hogan spent 25-years in senior leadership roles in the sector. He led mergers and acquisitions involving four utilities and guided Entegrus through much growth and transformation.
Volunteer Excellence Award — Jeff Quint, Enova, Kaleb Ruch, of Sussex Strategy,
formally Hydro One, and Michael Lister of Alectra
This year’s Volunteer Excellence Award recognized three individuals who co-chaired a joint working group with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and local distribution companies. Their expertise supported the role of LDCs in Ontario’s new energy demand-side management programs.
Honorary Member Award – Geraldine Guthrie
Geraldine Guthrie demonstrated unwavering commitment to the distribution sector. She has served more than a decade on the Festival Hydro Board, including as Chair, and delivered 38 years of senior financial and regulatory experience to the industry. This includes 14 years at Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro, where she served as CFO and Vice-President of Finance, while also serving on EDA’s Finance and Corporate Issues Council.
Corporate Awards
Public Safety Excellence Award Sponsored by the Electrical Safety Authority — Kingston Hydro
Its “Safety Days” initiative engaged more than 500 participants with hands-on safety education designed to drive meaningful behavioural and cultural change.
Public Relations Excellence Award — NT Power
They developed a targeted public relations strategy to support customers struggling to pay their bills. It increased participation in financial assistance programs by 14 per cent while strengthening partnerships with community organizations.
Customer Service Excellence Award — Hydro Ottawa
They launched a successful e-billing campaign that increased customer enrolment from 70 per cent to more than 83 per cent within nine months.
People and Culture Excellence Award Sponsored by MNP — GrandBridge Energy
Through enhanced staff training, professional development and improving internal career opportunities, they implemented innovative initiatives that delivered 80 to 90 per cent efficiency gains.
Communications Excellence Award — London Hydro
In response to customer satisfaction survey feedback, this utility launched a targeted campaign to raise awareness of financial assistance programs, resulting in a 29 per cent increase in registrations.
Innovation Excellence Award Sponsored by IESO – Milton Hydro
This utility digitized its scheduling system enabling smarter planning, improved customer service and automation of 10,000 monthly processes, reducing errors and improving communication.
Sustainability Excellence Award Sponsored by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) – Hydro One
A 49-kilometre Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line was completed ahead of schedule and under budget through a sustainable partnership with First Nations partners that included ownership and economic benefits.
Hydro One First Nations partners:
• Aamjiwnaang First Nation
• Walpole Island First Nation
• Caldwell First Nation
• Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
• Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
LDC Performance Excellence Award Sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton – Enova Power
Enova Power excelled in all five categories:
- Occupational Health and Safety – Enhanced safety procedures, expanded safety outreach to 12,000 students and supported employee wellness.
- Operational Excellence – Achieved OEB’s 1.10 reliability standard for power interruption and supported other utilities during March 2025 ice storm.
- Financial Operations – Maintains the third-lowest OM&A cost per customer among the ten largest LDCs and holds an A credit rating.
- Conservation & Demand Management – Led the delivery of Save on Energy programs to help customers reduce electricity use
- Contribution to Community – Contributed $445,000 to community organizations
The Doane Grant Thornton Foundation is generously providing donations on behalf of the winner and nominees of the EDA LDC Performance Excellence Award to a charity of their choice.
The EDA’s annual awards recognize dedication, innovation and strong work ethic that define Ontario’s distribution sector.
