Community Report - Shareholder Municipalities Q3-2022

Town of Ajax

We proudly serve 39,000 residential and business customers in the Town of Ajax with reliable and affordable energy services.

The Community Reports support our commitment to transparency and keeping our shareholder communities up to date on our activities more frequently. The reports include information on Customer Service, System Reliability, Operations and Asset Improvements, Communications and Thought Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability, Industry News and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Have a question or require more information? communications@elexiconenergy.com

The Ontario Energy Board’s residential Winter Disconnection Ban ended on April 30th. Elexicon Energy is continuing regular business practices of disconnecting customers (all customer classes) for non-payment with a focus on those customers who have the highest arrears. We have also resumed disconnections for customers who have not contracted for service (non-sign-up).
Residential and small business customers can choose their price plan, either TOU or Tiered pricing. Customers are not required to select a price plan but if they wish to switch, they must notify Elexicon by completing and submitting an election form. As of September 30th, 6,204 customers (or 3.6 per cent) have changed their pricing structure or are in the process of doing so.
There are financial assistance programs in place to support customers, including the Ontario Electricity Support Programand the Low-income Energy Assistance Program. Elexicon continues to encourage customers experiencing difficulty paying their bill to contact us to discuss bill payment options.
Elexicon values its customers, and our Customer Experience team strives to provide customers with assistance in a timely and respectful manner. Provided below are the number of calls and written enquires our Customer Experience team received and responded to in Q3 2022.

Phone Calls

July: 7,530

August: 8,047

September: 7,864

TOTAL: 23,441

Written Enquiries

July: 1,397

August: 1,199

September: 1,110

TOTAL: 3,706

More than 39,000 homes and businesses in the Town of Ajax depend on a steady supply of electricity to power their lives. Elexicon Energy takes service reliability very seriously and continues to monitor and mitigate any trends to ensure system reliability.

The average number of hours that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.25 compared to 0.20 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Unknown/Other*:
6,113 hrs compared to 1,164 hrs in Q3 2021

Tree Contacts:
1,804 hrs compared to 734 hrs in Q3 2021

Foreign Interference**:
987 hrs compared to 421 hrs in Q3 2021

TOTAL OUTAGE DURATION IN CUSTOMER HOURS:

9,823 hrs in Q3 2022 compared to 7,745 hrs in Q3 2021

The average number of times that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.35 compared to 0.12 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Unknown/Other
10 outages compared to 6 outages in Q3 2021

Foreign Interference**:
8 outages compared to 14 outages in Q3 2021

Tree Contacts:
6 outages compared to 3 outages in Q3 2021

TOTAL NUMBER OF OUTAGES:

32 in Q3 2022 compared to 38 in Q3 2021

* A single outage on Cherrywood M7 44kV feeder lasted for over an hour and caused a loss of 5,023 hours.

**The Ontario Energy Board describes Foreign Interference as interruptions beyond the control of the distributor such as those caused by animals, vehicles, dig-ins, vandalism, sabotage and other foreign interference.

Completed: Montgomery Park Road pole line expansion, from Sandy Beach Road to Brock Road.
Completed: Concession Road 5 pole line expansion, from Brock Street to Sideline 16.
Completed: Thirteen (13) fault current indicator (FCI) replacements. FCIs are installed to quickly identify where a fault occurred during an unexpected outage.
Completed: : Insulator washing on Elexicon Energy’s high voltage poles to remove salt and other particulates from the insulators that hold the wires. The washing helps prevent tracking, which can cause power outages and cause damage to infrastructure.

More than 270 golfers gathered at Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility on August 18th for Elexicon Energy’s Charity Golf Classic Tournament. A record-breaking $144,000 was raised for these six vital community agencies: Feed the Need in Durham, Gleaners Food Bank (Quinte), Gravenhurst Against Poverty, Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health, Frontenac Youth Services and Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre.
On August 30th, Elexicon launched its new website. The primary goal of the redesign process was to create an interactive and engaging website that improves the customer experience and is responsive across all platforms and devices. The site design is mobile-first and reflects the ongoing trend of providing energy customers with easy-to-use resources from the palm of their hand.
In early September, Elexicon’s semi-annual customer newsletter, the illuminator, started mailing to residential and small business customers. The newsletter opens with a message from President and CEO, Indrani Butany-DeSouza, describing the May 21 powerful derecho storm and the storm that hit Belleville a few weeks later, on June 16. Ms. Butany-DeSouza goes on to say how incredibly proud she is of how Elexicon’s crews, system controllers, and support teams came together following both storms to restore power as quickly and as safe as possible.
The newest issue of the Electricity Distributor Association’s The Distributor magazine focuses in part on the May long weekend derecho storm and on the response on the part of some of Ontario's most heavily impacted hydro utilities, including Elexicon Energy. The article, Storm Response: Stopping Only to Eat and Sleep, provides readers with a glimpse into the impact the powerful storm had in Elexicon’s service territory, and the organization’s efforts to restore power quickly and safely.
Construction on Elexicon’s Seaton Municipal Transformer Station (MTS) in north Pickering is about 80 per cent complete. This major project is several years in the making and will be the first time Elexicon will own a MTS. Ownership will decrease the organization’s reliance on Hydro One and provide connection capacity for renewable energy resources to a community of over 20,000 new homes. The station is on track to be operational by late 2022.
The Ministry of Energy's LDC Outreach team met with Elexicon’s Government Relations team to provide updates on a number of topics of interest including Green Button and the proposed Ultra Low Overnight Electricity Rate. The Outreach team was particularly interested to hear about trends with disconnections and arrears, and the effectiveness of the Low-income Energy Assistance Program and the Ontario Electricity Support Program.
On September 28, Elexicon’s Line Operations, Metering, and Stations and P&C Automation teams gathered at its Clarington office for Rescue Day. The event provides an opportunity for valuable refresher training on safe work practices, planning and execution of rescues in emergency conditions.

On September 23rd, more than 50 Electric Vehicle (EV) enthusiasts gathered in Ajax for Electric Vehicles: The Time is Now. This event was held in partnership with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and Plug ’N Drive. Attendees heard from EV and industry experts on what’s being done locally, regionally, and across Canada and North America to support EVs; the benefits of owning an EV; how to properly install an EV charging station; and what’s required from a grid perspective to support their growing numbers. There was also a large fleet of EVs that were available for free test drives.
EV drivers can now charge at 16 ONroute locations along Highways 400 and 401. The new charging stations are part of an agreement announced last year between Ivy Charging Network and ONroute and its partners, Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), the Ministry of Transportation and Natural Resources Canada. A news release on the additional charging stations can be read here.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) is working with the Independent Electricity System Operator to develop a plan to design and implement a dynamic electricity pricing pilot to assess the benefits for Class B consumers that don’t pay Regulated Price Plan (“RPP”) prices. Such non-RPP Class B consumers include mid-size commercial and light industrial consumers. Staff from Elexicon Energy attended a webinar on July 28 to receive a briefing on work on the pilot to date. Following the webinar, Elexicon submitted a number of questions for the OEB to address as they work on the pilot.
On July 6th the OEB Framework for Energy Innovation Working Group (“FEIWG”) issued its Report to the OEB. The FEIWG was tasked with “identifying options, developing proposals, and preparing written recommendations” for the OEB to consider with respect to Distributed Energy Resource (“DER”) usage and integration. The working group also established three subgroups (Benefit Cost Analysis, Utility Incentives and DER Integration), each of whom filed its own report as an appendix to the FEIWG report.
Enbridge has released a thought leadership paper called “Pathways to Net Zero Emissions”. The paper discusses the current state of our energy systems and two different options for reaching net zero. The first option is to use only electrification and the second option is to have a more mixed energy supply including a lower carbon gas option (i.e. hydrogen and natural gas). The modelling shows that the first option is expected to cost about $946 billion and a mixed option, the second option, would cost just shy of $200 billion less. The paper does highlight carbon capture and storage as playing a significant role in the second option. A summary of the paper is available here.
Natural Resources Canada commissioned a study to update the federal government’s understanding of Canada’s overall charging infrastructure needs and how these are likely to evolve as the national EV fleet continues to grow. On August 26th, the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, released that report, entitled “Canada’s Public Charging Needs – Updated Projections.” The analysis outlined five key findings:
1. There is a need for a significant acceleration in charging infrastructure deployment over the next five to ten years.
2. Adequate deployment of charging infrastructure will require $20 billion of total investment over the next three decades.
3. The primary driver for the number of charging ports is capacity requirements within community clusters.
4. Improving home charging access will help Canada achieve its EV adoption and infrastructure targets.
5. For households that do not have access to charging at home, public charging infrastructure can potentially serve as a substitute.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) has released their Q2 Reliability Outlook. The quarterly report presents Ontario’s demand forecast and associated drivers, resource adequacy projections and the assumptions that inform them, as well as an assessment of operability and the province’s transmission assets.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) has posted the updated electricity supply mix data information for 2021. As per Ontario Regulation 416/99 made under the OEB Act, and the OEB’s Directive, this information is required to be disclosed to Ontario consumers. Here was the supply mix for 2021.
The Ministry of Energy conducted a consultation on the proposed Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Rate which LDCs are being requested to offer to non-Regulated Price Plan customers beginning between May 1st and November 1st, 2023 (depending on when the LDC is ready to implement). Elexicon Energy submitted a number of comments to the Ministry as part of the consultation. The comments submitted can be read here.
The Ontario government announced plans to extend the operating life of the Pickering nuclear facility until September 2026. The extension will be subject to approval from the OEB and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Further operation of the facility beyond September 2026 would require a complete refurbishment. The last feasibility study on the facility was conducted between 2006 and 2009. With significant economic growth and increasing electrification of industry and transportation, Ontario has asked Ontario Power Generation to update its feasibility assessment as a prudent, due diligence measure to support future electricity planning decisions. Refurbishment of the Pickering nuclear facility could result in an additional 30 years of electricity from the facility.
On August 23rd the IESO posted a Resource Adequacy Update. The update reiterated that Ontario’s electricity system is undergoing a significant transformation, as strong economic development and electrification of transportation are driving up demand and increasing regional needs. At the same time, upcoming retirements and refurbishments in nuclear supply, along with many expiring generation contracts, are contributing to growing electricity requirements emerging later this decade and continuing into the 2030s. The IESO will be completing a Long Term RFP for generation.
After reviewing the IESO's Resource Adequacy Update, The Ministry of Energy sent a directive to the IESO on August 23rd on their analysis of a natural gas moratorium. Previously, the Minister asked the IESO to evaluate a moratorium on the procurement of new natural gas fired generation and create an achievable pathway for phasing out natural gas generating stations in Ontario. The Minister requested to receive this report by November 2022. In light of the IESO’s new Resource Adequacy Update, the Minister is requesting an interim report on this subject by October 7th. The interim report will inform the government’s policy on the eligibility of natural gas-fired resources and dual fuel (e.g., natural gas and hydrogen) resources to compete in the upcoming IESO procurements (the Long Term RFP, the Expedited Procurement and Same Technology Expansions Procurement).
On August 26th, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks began a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program regulations. The EPS program regulates GHGs from large industrial facilities by setting emissions limits that are the basis for the compliance obligations of those facilities. The EPS program came into full effect on January 1st, 2022. The EPS program applies to a number of facilities in primary and manufacturing industries (such as iron and steel, cement, auto manufacturing, etc.) and fossil fuel electricity generators. This amendment would also add new sectors to be required to follow the compliance standards. These new sectors include meat product manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, plastic product manufacturing and others. The program sets the price of credits for facilities called Emissions Performance Units and Excess Emissions Units.
On July 26th the Government of Canada released a discussion paper on the Clean Electricity Regulation (CER), formerly known as the Clean Electricity Standard. The discussion paper, Proposed Frame for the Clean Electricity Regulations, outlines the conceptual framework for the CER regulatory mechanism which will drive Canada towards a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The government is seeking input on the proposed regulatory framework by August 17th. Key issues still under consideration include flexibilities to allow natural gas-fired generators to continue to run past 2035 under specific circumstances, fleet averaging compliance pathways, and the stringency of the emission standard for facilities.

CORPORATE GIVING PROGRAM UPDATE:

2022 Budget: $80,119
Amount spent to date: $74,369

RECENT CORPORATE GIVING RECIPIENTS:

Central Lake Ontario Conservation
Cultivate Community Non-Profit
Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre
Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Foundation
Lakeridge Health Foundation
Town of Ajax – Canada Day

"DCAF was very happy to have Elexicon Energy’s support for our second annual Rings of Hope event, raising over $10,000. This event celebrates and raises funds for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. Collectively, 500 children and youth are positively impacted from these essential programs; including Youth Pride, Black History Month events, support Mental Health requests for marginalized communities and Bursary needs. Thank you so much Elexicon for your generosity and support.”

– Amanda Nagy, Co-ordinator Special Events and Communications

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

“Caring for our community is a shared value of both Elexicon Energy and Lakeridge Health. Thanks to support from Elexicon in 2022, Lakeridge Health Foundation has been able to fund critical cancer care priorities through Our Cancer Campaign such as capital projects and equipment that will advance cancer services throughout Durham Region and beyond. With 1 in 2 community members being diagnosed with cancer, community partnerships like this help bring in new technology that improves care options and changes the course of this disease for our loved ones.”

– Steve MacDonald, Director, Development & Campaigns

Lakeridge Health Foundation

“We cannot express how thankful we are for Elexicon Energy’s support! As a partner, Elexicon is a champion of our mission to remove barriers and empower Durham District School Board students to achieve academic and personal success. Through Elexicon’s Corporate Giving Program, we can provide resources to assist students with their needs including clothing, school supplies, food, health and transportation. Together we are making tomorrows brighter!”

– Emily Collins, Fundraising Development Coordinator

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

“With the generous support from Elexicon Energy, we are looking forward to returning to an in-person experience in the spring of 2023 at the Durham Children’s Watershed Festival. The Festival is a week-long event providing experiential education to grade 4 students from across the Region of Durham. Like a giant outdoor science centre, the 35 interactive learning centres are all designed to complement the Ontario curriculum expectations and support in-class activities. Activity centres are staffed by trained high school students, community volunteers and professionals. Topics range from water conservation to water protection and science. The goal is to increase participant awareness concerning healthy watersheds and motivate them to become water stewards in their home, classroom and community.”

– Yvonne Storm, Special Events Coordinator

Central Lake Ontario Conservation

City of Belleville

We proudly serve 18,000 residential and business customers in the City of Belleville with reliable and affordable energy services.

The Community Reports support our commitment to transparency and keeping our shareholder communities up to date on our activities more frequently. The reports include information on Customer Service, System Reliability, Operations and Asset Improvements, Communications and Thought Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability, Industry News and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Have a question or require more information? communications@elexiconenergy.com

The Ontario Energy Board’s residential Winter Disconnection Ban ended on April 30th. Elexicon Energy is continuing regular business practices of disconnecting customers (all customer classes) for non-payment with a focus on those customers who have the highest arrears. We have also resumed disconnections for customers who have not contracted for service (non-sign-up).
Residential and small business customers can choose their price plan, either TOU or Tiered pricing. Customers are not required to select a price plan but if they wish to switch, they must notify Elexicon by completing and submitting an election form. As of September 30th, 6,204 customers (or 3.6 per cent) have changed their pricing structure or are in the process of doing so.
There are financial assistance programs in place to support customers, including the Ontario Electricity Support Programand the Low-income Energy Assistance Program. Elexicon continues to encourage customers experiencing difficulty paying their bill to contact us to discuss bill payment options.
Elexicon values its customers, and our Customer Experience team strives to provide customers with assistance in a timely and respectful manner. Provided below are the number of calls and written enquires our Customer Experience team received and responded to in Q3 2022.

Phone Calls

July: 7,530

August: 8,047

September: 7,864

TOTAL: 23,441

Written Enquiries

July: 1,397

August: 1,199

September: 1,110

TOTAL: 3,706

More than 18,000 homes and businesses in the City of Belleville depend on a steady supply of electricity to power their lives. Elexicon Energy takes service reliability very seriously and continues to monitor and mitigate any trends to ensure system reliability.

The average number of hours that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.10 compared to 0.13 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Defective Equipment:
728 hrs compared to 224 hrs in Q3 2021

Scheduled Outage*:
446 hrs compared to 398 hrs in Q3 2021

Foreign Interference**:
322 hrs compared to 282 hrs in Q3 2021

TOTAL OUTAGE DURATION IN CUSTOMER HOURS:

1,725 hrs in Q3 2022 compared to 2,612 hrs in Q3 2021

The average number of times that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.12 compared to 0.17 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Foreign Interference:
9 outages outages compared to 8 outages in Q3 2021

Defective Equipment:
7 outages compared to 9 outages in Q3 2021

Scheduled Outage:
5 outages compared to 9 outages in Q3 2021

TOTAL NUMBER OF OUTAGES:

26 in Q3 2022 compared to 38 in Q3 2021

*To ensure that our electricity distribution network operates in peak condition, Elexicon conducts important maintenance and construction work that sometimes requires planned power interruptions.

**The Ontario Energy Board describes Foreign Interference as interruptions beyond the control of the distributor such as those caused by animals, vehicles, dig-ins, vandalism, sabotage and other foreign interference.

Completed: Switch gear replaced on North Front Street.
Completed: Load interrupter switch installed at Procter & Gamble as part of Battery Energy Storage System project.
Completed: Insulator washing on Elexicon’s high voltage poles to remove salt and other particulates from the insulators that hold the wires. The washing helps prevent tracking, which can cause power outages and cause damage to infrastructure.

More than 270 golfers gathered at Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility on August 18th for Elexicon Energy’s Charity Golf Classic Tournament. A record-breaking $144,000 was raised for these six vital community agencies: Feed the Need in Durham, Gleaners Food Bank (Quinte), Gravenhurst Against Poverty, Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health, Frontenac Youth Services and Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre.
On August 30th, Elexicon launched its new website. The primary goal of the redesign process was to create an interactive and engaging website that improves the customer experience and is responsive across all platforms and devices. The site design is mobile-first and reflects the ongoing trend of providing energy customers with easy-to-use resources from the palm of their hand.
In early September, Elexicon’s semi-annual customer newsletter, the illuminator, started mailing to residential and small business customers. The newsletter opens with a message from President and CEO, Indrani Butany-DeSouza, describing the May 21 powerful derecho storm and the storm that hit Belleville a few weeks later, on June 16. Ms. Butany-DeSouza goes on to say how incredibly proud she is of how Elexicon’s crews, system controllers, and support teams came together following both storms to restore power as quickly and as safe as possible.
The newest issue of the Electricity Distributor Association’s The Distributor magazine focuses in part on the May long weekend derecho storm and on the response on the part of some of Ontario's most heavily impacted hydro utilities, including Elexicon Energy. The article, Storm Response: Stopping Only to Eat and Sleep, provides readers with a glimpse into the impact the powerful storm had in Elexicon’s service territory, and the organization’s efforts to restore power quickly and safely.
Construction on Elexicon’s Seaton Municipal Transformer Station (MTS) in north Pickering is about 80 per cent complete. This major project is several years in the making and will be the first time Elexicon will own a MTS. Ownership will decrease the organization’s reliance on Hydro One and provide connection capacity for renewable energy resources to a community of over 20,000 new homes. The station is on track to be operational by late 2022.
The Ministry of Energy's LDC Outreach team met with Elexicon’s Government Relations team to provide updates on a number of topics of interest including Green Button and the proposed Ultra Low Overnight Electricity Rate. The Outreach team was particularly interested to hear about trends with disconnections and arrears, and the effectiveness of the Low-income Energy Assistance Program and the Ontario Electricity Support Program.
On September 28, Elexicon’s Line Operations, Metering, and Stations and P&C Automation teams gathered at its Clarington office for Rescue Day. The event provides an opportunity for valuable refresher training on safe work practices, planning and execution of rescues in emergency conditions.

On September 23rd, more than 50 Electric Vehicle (EV) enthusiasts gathered in Ajax for Electric Vehicles: The Time is Now. This event was held in partnership with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and Plug ’N Drive. Attendees heard from EV and industry experts on what’s being done locally, regionally, and across Canada and North America to support EVs; the benefits of owning an EV; how to properly install an EV charging station; and what’s required from a grid perspective to support their growing numbers. There was also a large fleet of EVs that were available for free test drives.
EV drivers can now charge at 16 ONroute locations along Highways 400 and 401. The new charging stations are part of an agreement announced last year between Ivy Charging Network and ONroute and its partners, Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), the Ministry of Transportation and Natural Resources Canada. A news release on the additional charging stations can be read here.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) is working with the Independent Electricity System Operator to develop a plan to design and implement a dynamic electricity pricing pilot to assess the benefits for Class B consumers that don’t pay Regulated Price Plan (“RPP”) prices. Such non-RPP Class B consumers include mid-size commercial and light industrial consumers. Staff from Elexicon Energy attended a webinar on July 28 to receive a briefing on work on the pilot to date. Following the webinar, Elexicon submitted a number of questions for the OEB to address as they work on the pilot.
On July 6th the OEB Framework for Energy Innovation Working Group (“FEIWG”) issued its Report to the OEB. The FEIWG was tasked with “identifying options, developing proposals, and preparing written recommendations” for the OEB to consider with respect to Distributed Energy Resource (“DER”) usage and integration. The working group also established three subgroups (Benefit Cost Analysis, Utility Incentives and DER Integration), each of whom filed its own report as an appendix to the FEIWG report.
Enbridge has released a thought leadership paper called “Pathways to Net Zero Emissions”. The paper discusses the current state of our energy systems and two different options for reaching net zero. The first option is to use only electrification and the second option is to have a more mixed energy supply including a lower carbon gas option (i.e. hydrogen and natural gas). The modelling shows that the first option is expected to cost about $946 billion and a mixed option, the second option, would cost just shy of $200 billion less. The paper does highlight carbon capture and storage as playing a significant role in the second option. A summary of the paper is available here.
Natural Resources Canada commissioned a study to update the federal government’s understanding of Canada’s overall charging infrastructure needs and how these are likely to evolve as the national EV fleet continues to grow. On August 26th, the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, released that report, entitled “Canada’s Public Charging Needs – Updated Projections.” The analysis outlined five key findings:
1. There is a need for a significant acceleration in charging infrastructure deployment over the next five to ten years.
2. Adequate deployment of charging infrastructure will require $20 billion of total investment over the next three decades.
3. The primary driver for the number of charging ports is capacity requirements within community clusters.
4. Improving home charging access will help Canada achieve its EV adoption and infrastructure targets.
5. For households that do not have access to charging at home, public charging infrastructure can potentially serve as a substitute.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) has released their Q2 Reliability Outlook. The quarterly report presents Ontario’s demand forecast and associated drivers, resource adequacy projections and the assumptions that inform them, as well as an assessment of operability and the province’s transmission assets.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) has posted the updated electricity supply mix data information for 2021. As per Ontario Regulation 416/99 made under the OEB Act, and the OEB’s Directive, this information is required to be disclosed to Ontario consumers. Here was the supply mix for 2021.
The Ministry of Energy conducted a consultation on the proposed Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Rate which LDCs are being requested to offer to non-Regulated Price Plan customers beginning between May 1st and November 1st, 2023 (depending on when the LDC is ready to implement). Elexicon Energy submitted a number of comments to the Ministry as part of the consultation. The comments submitted can be read here.
The Ontario government announced plans to extend the operating life of the Pickering nuclear facility until September 2026. The extension will be subject to approval from the OEB and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Further operation of the facility beyond September 2026 would require a complete refurbishment. The last feasibility study on the facility was conducted between 2006 and 2009. With significant economic growth and increasing electrification of industry and transportation, Ontario has asked Ontario Power Generation to update its feasibility assessment as a prudent, due diligence measure to support future electricity planning decisions. Refurbishment of the Pickering nuclear facility could result in an additional 30 years of electricity from the facility.
On August 23rd the IESO posted a Resource Adequacy Update. The update reiterated that Ontario’s electricity system is undergoing a significant transformation, as strong economic development and electrification of transportation are driving up demand and increasing regional needs. At the same time, upcoming retirements and refurbishments in nuclear supply, along with many expiring generation contracts, are contributing to growing electricity requirements emerging later this decade and continuing into the 2030s. The IESO will be completing a Long Term RFP for generation.
After reviewing the IESO's Resource Adequacy Update, The Ministry of Energy sent a directive to the IESO on August 23rd on their analysis of a natural gas moratorium. Previously, the Minister asked the IESO to evaluate a moratorium on the procurement of new natural gas fired generation and create an achievable pathway for phasing out natural gas generating stations in Ontario. The Minister requested to receive this report by November 2022. In light of the IESO’s new Resource Adequacy Update, the Minister is requesting an interim report on this subject by October 7th. The interim report will inform the government’s policy on the eligibility of natural gas-fired resources and dual fuel (e.g., natural gas and hydrogen) resources to compete in the upcoming IESO procurements (the Long Term RFP, the Expedited Procurement and Same Technology Expansions Procurement).
On August 26th, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks began a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program regulations. The EPS program regulates GHGs from large industrial facilities by setting emissions limits that are the basis for the compliance obligations of those facilities. The EPS program came into full effect on January 1st, 2022. The EPS program applies to a number of facilities in primary and manufacturing industries (such as iron and steel, cement, auto manufacturing, etc.) and fossil fuel electricity generators. This amendment would also add new sectors to be required to follow the compliance standards. These new sectors include meat product manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, plastic product manufacturing and others. The program sets the price of credits for facilities called Emissions Performance Units and Excess Emissions Units.
On July 26th the Government of Canada released a discussion paper on the Clean Electricity Regulation (CER), formerly known as the Clean Electricity Standard. The discussion paper, Proposed Frame for the Clean Electricity Regulations, outlines the conceptual framework for the CER regulatory mechanism which will drive Canada towards a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The government is seeking input on the proposed regulatory framework by August 17th. Key issues still under consideration include flexibilities to allow natural gas-fired generators to continue to run past 2035 under specific circumstances, fleet averaging compliance pathways, and the stringency of the emission standard for facilities.

CORPORATE GIVING PROGRAM UPDATE:

2022 Budget: $37,215
Amount spent to date: $23,606

RECENT CORPORATE GIVING RECIPIENTS:

Artists and Artisans Development Network
Belleville Chamber of Commerce – Canada Day Celebrations & Waterfront and Multicultural Festival
Belleville General Hospital Foundation
Belleville Lions Club
Community Living Belleville
Rotary Club of Belleville
Skills Ontario

Municipality of Clarington

We proudly serve 16,000 residential and business customers in the Municipality of Clarington with reliable and affordable energy services.

The Community Reports support our commitment to transparency and keeping our shareholder communities up to date on our activities more frequently. The reports include information on Customer Service, System Reliability, Operations and Asset Improvements, Communications and Thought Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability, Industry News and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Have a question or require more information? communications@elexiconenergy.com

The Ontario Energy Board’s residential Winter Disconnection Ban ended on April 30th. Elexicon Energy is continuing regular business practices of disconnecting customers (all customer classes) for non-payment with a focus on those customers who have the highest arrears. We have also resumed disconnections for customers who have not contracted for service (non-sign-up).
Residential and small business customers can choose their price plan, either TOU or Tiered pricing. Customers are not required to select a price plan but if they wish to switch, they must notify Elexicon by completing and submitting an election form. As of September 30th, 6,204 customers (or 3.6 per cent) have changed their pricing structure or are in the process of doing so.
There are financial assistance programs in place to support customers, including the Ontario Electricity Support Programand the Low-income Energy Assistance Program. Elexicon continues to encourage customers experiencing difficulty paying their bill to contact us to discuss bill payment options.
Elexicon values its customers, and our Customer Experience team strives to provide customers with assistance in a timely and respectful manner. Provided below are the number of calls and written enquires our Customer Experience team received and responded to in Q3 2022.

Phone Calls

July: 7,530

August: 8,047

September: 7,864

TOTAL: 23,441

Written Enquiries

July: 1,397

August: 1,199

September: 1,110

TOTAL: 3,706

More than 16,000 homes and businesses in the Municipality of Clarington depend on a steady supply of electricity to power their lives. Elexicon Energy takes service reliability very seriously, and continues to monitor and mitigate any trends to ensure system reliability.

The average number of hours that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.11 compared to 0.18 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Foreign Interference*:
1,237 hrs compared to 1,607 hrs in Q3 2021

Loss of Supply:
914 hrs compared to 0 hrs in Q3 2021

Defective Equipment:
295 hrs compared to 125 hrs in Q3 2021

TOTAL OUTAGE DURATION IN CUSTOMER HOURS:

2,763 hrs in Q3 2022 compared to 2,920 hrs in Q3 2021

The average number of times that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.07 compared to 0.99 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Foreign Interference:
12 outages compared to 8 outages in Q3 2021

Scheduled Outage**:
7 outages compared to 1 outage in Q3 2021

Defective Equipment:
4 outages compared to 10 outages in Q3 2021

TOTAL NUMBER OF OUTAGES:

28 in Q3 2022 compared to 29 in Q3 2021

*The Ontario Energy Board describes Foreign Interference as interruptions beyond the control of the distributor such as those caused by animals, vehicles, dig-ins, vandalism, sabotage and other foreign interference.

**To ensure that our electricity distribution network operates in peak condition, Elexicon conducts important maintenance and construction work that sometimes requires planned power interruptions.

Completed: Pole-mounted transformer replacement on Saunders Street.
Completed: Insulator washing on Elexicon Energy’s high voltage poles to remove salt and other particulates from the insulators that hold the wires. The washing helps prevent tracking, which can cause power outages and cause damage to infrastructure.

More than 270 golfers gathered at Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility on August 18th for Elexicon Energy’s Charity Golf Classic Tournament. A record-breaking $144,000 was raised for these six vital community agencies: Feed the Need in Durham, Gleaners Food Bank (Quinte), Gravenhurst Against Poverty, Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health, Frontenac Youth Services and Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre.
On August 30th, Elexicon launched its new website. The primary goal of the redesign process was to create an interactive and engaging website that improves the customer experience and is responsive across all platforms and devices. The site design is mobile-first and reflects the ongoing trend of providing energy customers with easy-to-use resources from the palm of their hand.
In early September, Elexicon’s semi-annual customer newsletter, the illuminator, started mailing to residential and small business customers. The newsletter opens with a message from President and CEO, Indrani Butany-DeSouza, describing the May 21 powerful derecho storm and the storm that hit Belleville a few weeks later, on June 16. Ms. Butany-DeSouza goes on to say how incredibly proud she is of how Elexicon’s crews, system controllers, and support teams came together following both storms to restore power as quickly and as safe as possible.
The newest issue of the Electricity Distributor Association’s The Distributor magazine focuses in part on the May long weekend derecho storm and on the response on the part of some of Ontario's most heavily impacted hydro utilities, including Elexicon Energy. The article, Storm Response: Stopping Only to Eat and Sleep, provides readers with a glimpse into the impact the powerful storm had in Elexicon’s service territory, and the organization’s efforts to restore power quickly and safely.
Construction on Elexicon’s Seaton Municipal Transformer Station (MTS) in north Pickering is about 80 per cent complete. This major project is several years in the making and will be the first time Elexicon will own a MTS. Ownership will decrease the organization’s reliance on Hydro One and provide connection capacity for renewable energy resources to a community of over 20,000 new homes. The station is on track to be operational by late 2022.
The Ministry of Energy's LDC Outreach team met with Elexicon’s Government Relations team to provide updates on a number of topics of interest including Green Button and the proposed Ultra Low Overnight Electricity Rate. The Outreach team was particularly interested to hear about trends with disconnections and arrears, and the effectiveness of the Low-income Energy Assistance Program and the Ontario Electricity Support Program.
On September 28, Elexicon’s Line Operations, Metering, and Stations and P&C Automation teams gathered at its Clarington office for Rescue Day. The event provides an opportunity for valuable refresher training on safe work practices, planning and execution of rescues in emergency conditions.

On September 23rd, more than 50 Electric Vehicle (EV) enthusiasts gathered in Ajax for Electric Vehicles: The Time is Now. This event was held in partnership with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and Plug ’N Drive. Attendees heard from EV and industry experts on what’s being done locally, regionally, and across Canada and North America to support EVs; the benefits of owning an EV; how to properly install an EV charging station; and what’s required from a grid perspective to support their growing numbers. There was also a large fleet of EVs that were available for free test drives.
EV drivers can now charge at 16 ONroute locations along Highways 400 and 401. The new charging stations are part of an agreement announced last year between Ivy Charging Network and ONroute and its partners, Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), the Ministry of Transportation and Natural Resources Canada. A news release on the additional charging stations can be read here.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) is working with the Independent Electricity System Operator to develop a plan to design and implement a dynamic electricity pricing pilot to assess the benefits for Class B consumers that don’t pay Regulated Price Plan (“RPP”) prices. Such non-RPP Class B consumers include mid-size commercial and light industrial consumers. Staff from Elexicon Energy attended a webinar on July 28 to receive a briefing on work on the pilot to date. Following the webinar, Elexicon submitted a number of questions for the OEB to address as they work on the pilot.
On July 6th the OEB Framework for Energy Innovation Working Group (“FEIWG”) issued its Report to the OEB. The FEIWG was tasked with “identifying options, developing proposals, and preparing written recommendations” for the OEB to consider with respect to Distributed Energy Resource (“DER”) usage and integration. The working group also established three subgroups (Benefit Cost Analysis, Utility Incentives and DER Integration), each of whom filed its own report as an appendix to the FEIWG report.
Enbridge has released a thought leadership paper called “Pathways to Net Zero Emissions”. The paper discusses the current state of our energy systems and two different options for reaching net zero. The first option is to use only electrification and the second option is to have a more mixed energy supply including a lower carbon gas option (i.e. hydrogen and natural gas). The modelling shows that the first option is expected to cost about $946 billion and a mixed option, the second option, would cost just shy of $200 billion less. The paper does highlight carbon capture and storage as playing a significant role in the second option. A summary of the paper is available here.
Natural Resources Canada commissioned a study to update the federal government’s understanding of Canada’s overall charging infrastructure needs and how these are likely to evolve as the national EV fleet continues to grow. On August 26th, the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, released that report, entitled “Canada’s Public Charging Needs – Updated Projections.” The analysis outlined five key findings:
1. There is a need for a significant acceleration in charging infrastructure deployment over the next five to ten years.
2. Adequate deployment of charging infrastructure will require $20 billion of total investment over the next three decades.
3. The primary driver for the number of charging ports is capacity requirements within community clusters.
4. Improving home charging access will help Canada achieve its EV adoption and infrastructure targets.
5. For households that do not have access to charging at home, public charging infrastructure can potentially serve as a substitute.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) has released their Q2 Reliability Outlook. The quarterly report presents Ontario’s demand forecast and associated drivers, resource adequacy projections and the assumptions that inform them, as well as an assessment of operability and the province’s transmission assets.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) has posted the updated electricity supply mix data information for 2021. As per Ontario Regulation 416/99 made under the OEB Act, and the OEB’s Directive, this information is required to be disclosed to Ontario consumers. Here was the supply mix for 2021.
The Ministry of Energy conducted a consultation on the proposed Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Rate which LDCs are being requested to offer to non-Regulated Price Plan customers beginning between May 1st and November 1st, 2023 (depending on when the LDC is ready to implement). Elexicon Energy submitted a number of comments to the Ministry as part of the consultation. The comments submitted can be read here.
The Ontario government announced plans to extend the operating life of the Pickering nuclear facility until September 2026. The extension will be subject to approval from the OEB and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Further operation of the facility beyond September 2026 would require a complete refurbishment. The last feasibility study on the facility was conducted between 2006 and 2009. With significant economic growth and increasing electrification of industry and transportation, Ontario has asked Ontario Power Generation to update its feasibility assessment as a prudent, due diligence measure to support future electricity planning decisions. Refurbishment of the Pickering nuclear facility could result in an additional 30 years of electricity from the facility.
On August 23rd the IESO posted a Resource Adequacy Update. The update reiterated that Ontario’s electricity system is undergoing a significant transformation, as strong economic development and electrification of transportation are driving up demand and increasing regional needs. At the same time, upcoming retirements and refurbishments in nuclear supply, along with many expiring generation contracts, are contributing to growing electricity requirements emerging later this decade and continuing into the 2030s. The IESO will be completing a Long Term RFP for generation.
After reviewing the IESO's Resource Adequacy Update, The Ministry of Energy sent a directive to the IESO on August 23rd on their analysis of a natural gas moratorium. Previously, the Minister asked the IESO to evaluate a moratorium on the procurement of new natural gas fired generation and create an achievable pathway for phasing out natural gas generating stations in Ontario. The Minister requested to receive this report by November 2022. In light of the IESO’s new Resource Adequacy Update, the Minister is requesting an interim report on this subject by October 7th. The interim report will inform the government’s policy on the eligibility of natural gas-fired resources and dual fuel (e.g., natural gas and hydrogen) resources to compete in the upcoming IESO procurements (the Long Term RFP, the Expedited Procurement and Same Technology Expansions Procurement).
On August 26th, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks began a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program regulations. The EPS program regulates GHGs from large industrial facilities by setting emissions limits that are the basis for the compliance obligations of those facilities. The EPS program came into full effect on January 1st, 2022. The EPS program applies to a number of facilities in primary and manufacturing industries (such as iron and steel, cement, auto manufacturing, etc.) and fossil fuel electricity generators. This amendment would also add new sectors to be required to follow the compliance standards. These new sectors include meat product manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, plastic product manufacturing and others. The program sets the price of credits for facilities called Emissions Performance Units and Excess Emissions Units.
On July 26th the Government of Canada released a discussion paper on the Clean Electricity Regulation (CER), formerly known as the Clean Electricity Standard. The discussion paper, Proposed Frame for the Clean Electricity Regulations, outlines the conceptual framework for the CER regulatory mechanism which will drive Canada towards a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The government is seeking input on the proposed regulatory framework by August 17th. Key issues still under consideration include flexibilities to allow natural gas-fired generators to continue to run past 2035 under specific circumstances, fleet averaging compliance pathways, and the stringency of the emission standard for facilities.

CORPORATE GIVING PROGRAM UPDATE:

2022 Budget: $32,968
Amount spent to date: $23,035

RECENT CORPORATE GIVING RECIPIENTS:

Central Lake Ontario Conservation
Concerts in the Park Bowmanville
Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre
Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Foundation
Lakeridge Health Foundation
Municipality of Clarington – Annual Golf Classic
Ontario Shores for Mental Health
Station Gallery
United Way Durham Region

City of Pickering

We proudly serve 34,000 residential and business customers in the City of Pickering with reliable and affordable energy services.

The Community Reports support our commitment to transparency and keeping our shareholder communities up to date on our activities more frequently. The reports include information on Customer Service, System Reliability, Operations and Asset Improvements, Communications and Thought Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability, Industry News and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Have a question or require more information? communications@elexiconenergy.com

The Ontario Energy Board’s residential Winter Disconnection Ban ended on April 30th. Elexicon Energy is continuing regular business practices of disconnecting customers (all customer classes) for non-payment with a focus on those customers who have the highest arrears. We have also resumed disconnections for customers who have not contracted for service (non-sign-up).
Residential and small business customers can choose their price plan, either TOU or Tiered pricing. Customers are not required to select a price plan but if they wish to switch, they must notify Elexicon by completing and submitting an election form. As of September 30th, 6,204 customers (or 3.6 per cent) have changed their pricing structure or are in the process of doing so.
There are financial assistance programs in place to support customers, including the Ontario Electricity Support Programand the Low-income Energy Assistance Program. Elexicon continues to encourage customers experiencing difficulty paying their bill to contact us to discuss bill payment options.
Elexicon values its customers, and our Customer Experience team strives to provide customers with assistance in a timely and respectful manner. Provided below are the number of calls and written enquires our Customer Experience team received and responded to in Q3 2022.

Phone Calls

July: 7,530

August: 8,047

September: 7,864

TOTAL: 23,441

Written Enquiries

July: 1,397

August: 1,199

September: 1,110

TOTAL: 3,706

More than 34,000 homes and businesses in the City of Pickering depend on a steady supply of electricity to power their lives. Elexicon Energy takes service reliability very seriously and continues to monitor and mitigate any trends to ensure system reliability.

The average number of hours that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 1.13 compared to 0.30 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Defective Equipment:
10,077 hrs compared to 3,036 hrs in Q3 2021

Scheduled Outage*:
8,597 hrs compared to 1,169 hrs in Q3 2021

Unknown/Other:
6,082 hrs** compared to 570 hrs in Q3 2021

TOTAL OUTAGE DURATION IN CUSTOMER HOURS:

39,383 hrs in Q3 2022 compared to 10,550 hrs in Q3 2021

The average number of times that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.81 compared to 0.25 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Defective Equipment:
16 outages compared to 15 outages in Q3 2021

Unknown/Other:
16 outages compared to 9 outages in Q3 2021

Foreign Interference**:
16 outages compared to 18 outages in Q3 2021

TOTAL NUMBER OF OUTAGES:

78 in Q3 2022 compared to 71 in Q3 2021

*To ensure that our electricity distribution network operates in peak condition, Elexicon conducts important maintenance and construction work that sometimes requires planned power interruptions.

**The Ontario Energy Board describes Foreign Interference as interruptions beyond the control of the distributor such as those caused by animals, vehicles, dig-ins, vandalism, sabotage and other foreign interference.

Completed: Ten (10) pad-mount transformer replacements to improve system reliability.
Completed: Twelve (12) pole replacements to replace aging infrastructure and increase system reliability.
Underway: Insulator washing on Elexicon Energy’s high voltage poles to remove salt and other particulates from the insulators that hold the wires. The washing helps prevent tracking, which can cause power outages and cause damage to infrastructure.

More than 270 golfers gathered at Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility on August 18th for Elexicon Energy’s Charity Golf Classic Tournament. A record-breaking $144,000 was raised for these six vital community agencies: Feed the Need in Durham, Gleaners Food Bank (Quinte), Gravenhurst Against Poverty, Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health, Frontenac Youth Services and Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre.
On August 30th, Elexicon launched its new website. The primary goal of the redesign process was to create an interactive and engaging website that improves the customer experience and is responsive across all platforms and devices. The site design is mobile-first and reflects the ongoing trend of providing energy customers with easy-to-use resources from the palm of their hand.
In early September, Elexicon’s semi-annual customer newsletter, the illuminator, started mailing to residential and small business customers. The newsletter opens with a message from President and CEO, Indrani Butany-DeSouza, describing the May 21 powerful derecho storm and the storm that hit Belleville a few weeks later, on June 16. Ms. Butany-DeSouza goes on to say how incredibly proud she is of how Elexicon’s crews, system controllers, and support teams came together following both storms to restore power as quickly and as safe as possible.
The newest issue of the Electricity Distributor Association’s The Distributor magazine focuses in part on the May long weekend derecho storm and on the response on the part of some of Ontario's most heavily impacted hydro utilities, including Elexicon Energy. The article, Storm Response: Stopping Only to Eat and Sleep, provides readers with a glimpse into the impact the powerful storm had in Elexicon’s service territory, and the organization’s efforts to restore power quickly and safely.
Construction on Elexicon’s Seaton Municipal Transformer Station (MTS) in north Pickering is about 80 per cent complete. This major project is several years in the making and will be the first time Elexicon will own a MTS. Ownership will decrease the organization’s reliance on Hydro One and provide connection capacity for renewable energy resources to a community of over 20,000 new homes. The station is on track to be operational by late 2022.
The Ministry of Energy's LDC Outreach team met with Elexicon’s Government Relations team to provide updates on a number of topics of interest including Green Button and the proposed Ultra Low Overnight Electricity Rate. The Outreach team was particularly interested to hear about trends with disconnections and arrears, and the effectiveness of the Low-income Energy Assistance Program and the Ontario Electricity Support Program.
On September 28, Elexicon’s Line Operations, Metering, and Stations and P&C Automation teams gathered at its Clarington office for Rescue Day. The event provides an opportunity for valuable refresher training on safe work practices, planning and execution of rescues in emergency conditions.

On September 23rd, more than 50 Electric Vehicle (EV) enthusiasts gathered in Ajax for Electric Vehicles: The Time is Now. This event was held in partnership with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and Plug ’N Drive. Attendees heard from EV and industry experts on what’s being done locally, regionally, and across Canada and North America to support EVs; the benefits of owning an EV; how to properly install an EV charging station; and what’s required from a grid perspective to support their growing numbers. There was also a large fleet of EVs that were available for free test drives.
EV drivers can now charge at 16 ONroute locations along Highways 400 and 401. The new charging stations are part of an agreement announced last year between Ivy Charging Network and ONroute and its partners, Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), the Ministry of Transportation and Natural Resources Canada. A news release on the additional charging stations can be read here.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) is working with the Independent Electricity System Operator to develop a plan to design and implement a dynamic electricity pricing pilot to assess the benefits for Class B consumers that don’t pay Regulated Price Plan (“RPP”) prices. Such non-RPP Class B consumers include mid-size commercial and light industrial consumers. Staff from Elexicon Energy attended a webinar on July 28 to receive a briefing on work on the pilot to date. Following the webinar, Elexicon submitted a number of questions for the OEB to address as they work on the pilot.
On July 6th the OEB Framework for Energy Innovation Working Group (“FEIWG”) issued its Report to the OEB. The FEIWG was tasked with “identifying options, developing proposals, and preparing written recommendations” for the OEB to consider with respect to Distributed Energy Resource (“DER”) usage and integration. The working group also established three subgroups (Benefit Cost Analysis, Utility Incentives and DER Integration), each of whom filed its own report as an appendix to the FEIWG report.
Enbridge has released a thought leadership paper called “Pathways to Net Zero Emissions”. The paper discusses the current state of our energy systems and two different options for reaching net zero. The first option is to use only electrification and the second option is to have a more mixed energy supply including a lower carbon gas option (i.e. hydrogen and natural gas). The modelling shows that the first option is expected to cost about $946 billion and a mixed option, the second option, would cost just shy of $200 billion less. The paper does highlight carbon capture and storage as playing a significant role in the second option. A summary of the paper is available here.
Natural Resources Canada commissioned a study to update the federal government’s understanding of Canada’s overall charging infrastructure needs and how these are likely to evolve as the national EV fleet continues to grow. On August 26th, the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, released that report, entitled “Canada’s Public Charging Needs – Updated Projections.” The analysis outlined five key findings:
1. There is a need for a significant acceleration in charging infrastructure deployment over the next five to ten years.
2. Adequate deployment of charging infrastructure will require $20 billion of total investment over the next three decades.
3. The primary driver for the number of charging ports is capacity requirements within community clusters.
4. Improving home charging access will help Canada achieve its EV adoption and infrastructure targets.
5. For households that do not have access to charging at home, public charging infrastructure can potentially serve as a substitute.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) has released their Q2 Reliability Outlook. The quarterly report presents Ontario’s demand forecast and associated drivers, resource adequacy projections and the assumptions that inform them, as well as an assessment of operability and the province’s transmission assets.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) has posted the updated electricity supply mix data information for 2021. As per Ontario Regulation 416/99 made under the OEB Act, and the OEB’s Directive, this information is required to be disclosed to Ontario consumers. Here was the supply mix for 2021.
The Ministry of Energy conducted a consultation on the proposed Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Rate which LDCs are being requested to offer to non-Regulated Price Plan customers beginning between May 1st and November 1st, 2023 (depending on when the LDC is ready to implement). Elexicon Energy submitted a number of comments to the Ministry as part of the consultation. The comments submitted can be read here.
The Ontario government announced plans to extend the operating life of the Pickering nuclear facility until September 2026. The extension will be subject to approval from the OEB and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Further operation of the facility beyond September 2026 would require a complete refurbishment. The last feasibility study on the facility was conducted between 2006 and 2009. With significant economic growth and increasing electrification of industry and transportation, Ontario has asked Ontario Power Generation to update its feasibility assessment as a prudent, due diligence measure to support future electricity planning decisions. Refurbishment of the Pickering nuclear facility could result in an additional 30 years of electricity from the facility.
On August 23rd the IESO posted a Resource Adequacy Update. The update reiterated that Ontario’s electricity system is undergoing a significant transformation, as strong economic development and electrification of transportation are driving up demand and increasing regional needs. At the same time, upcoming retirements and refurbishments in nuclear supply, along with many expiring generation contracts, are contributing to growing electricity requirements emerging later this decade and continuing into the 2030s. The IESO will be completing a Long Term RFP for generation.
After reviewing the IESO's Resource Adequacy Update, The Ministry of Energy sent a directive to the IESO on August 23rd on their analysis of a natural gas moratorium. Previously, the Minister asked the IESO to evaluate a moratorium on the procurement of new natural gas fired generation and create an achievable pathway for phasing out natural gas generating stations in Ontario. The Minister requested to receive this report by November 2022. In light of the IESO’s new Resource Adequacy Update, the Minister is requesting an interim report on this subject by October 7th. The interim report will inform the government’s policy on the eligibility of natural gas-fired resources and dual fuel (e.g., natural gas and hydrogen) resources to compete in the upcoming IESO procurements (the Long Term RFP, the Expedited Procurement and Same Technology Expansions Procurement).
On August 26th, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks began a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program regulations. The EPS program regulates GHGs from large industrial facilities by setting emissions limits that are the basis for the compliance obligations of those facilities. The EPS program came into full effect on January 1st, 2022. The EPS program applies to a number of facilities in primary and manufacturing industries (such as iron and steel, cement, auto manufacturing, etc.) and fossil fuel electricity generators. This amendment would also add new sectors to be required to follow the compliance standards. These new sectors include meat product manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, plastic product manufacturing and others. The program sets the price of credits for facilities called Emissions Performance Units and Excess Emissions Units.
On July 26th the Government of Canada released a discussion paper on the Clean Electricity Regulation (CER), formerly known as the Clean Electricity Standard. The discussion paper, Proposed Frame for the Clean Electricity Regulations, outlines the conceptual framework for the CER regulatory mechanism which will drive Canada towards a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The government is seeking input on the proposed regulatory framework by August 17th. Key issues still under consideration include flexibilities to allow natural gas-fired generators to continue to run past 2035 under specific circumstances, fleet averaging compliance pathways, and the stringency of the emission standard for facilities.

CORPORATE GIVING PROGRAM UPDATE:

2022 Budget: $68,982
Amount spent to date: $43,555

RECENT CORPORATE GIVING RECIPIENTS:

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority
Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre
Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Foundation
Lakeridge Health Foundation

Town of Whitby

We proudly serve 46,500 residential and business customers in the Town of Whitby with reliable and affordable energy services.

The Community Reports support our commitment to transparency and keeping our shareholder communities up to date on our activities more frequently. The reports include information on Customer Service, System Reliability, Operations and Asset Improvements, Communications and Thought Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability, Industry News and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Have a question or require more information? communications@elexiconenergy.com

The Ontario Energy Board’s residential Winter Disconnection Ban ended on April 30th. Elexicon Energy is continuing regular business practices of disconnecting customers (all customer classes) for non-payment with a focus on those customers who have the highest arrears. We have also resumed disconnections for customers who have not contracted for service (non-sign-up).
Residential and small business customers can choose their price plan, either TOU or Tiered pricing. Customers are not required to select a price plan but if they wish to switch, they must notify Elexicon by completing and submitting an election form. As of September 30th, 6,204 customers (or 3.6 per cent) have changed their pricing structure or are in the process of doing so.
There are financial assistance programs in place to support customers, including the Ontario Electricity Support Programand the Low-income Energy Assistance Program. Elexicon continues to encourage customers experiencing difficulty paying their bill to contact us to discuss bill payment options.
Elexicon values its customers, and our Customer Experience team strives to provide customers with assistance in a timely and respectful manner. Provided below are the number of calls and written enquires our Customer Experience team received and responded to in Q3 2022.

Phone Calls

July: 7,530

August: 8,047

September: 7,864

TOTAL: 23,441

Written Enquiries

July: 1,397

August: 1,199

September: 1,110

TOTAL: 3,706

More than 45,000 homes and businesses in the Town of Whitby depend on a steady supply of electricity to power their lives. Elexicon Energy takes service reliability very seriously and continues to monitor and mitigate any trends to ensure system reliability.

The average number of hours that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.43 compared to 0.40 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Defective Equipment:
10,057 hrs compared to 14,965 hrs in Q3 2021

Foreign Interference*:
8,987 hrs compared to 403 hrs in Q3 2021

Tree Contacts:
509 hrs compared to 2,142 hrs in Q3 2021

TOTAL OUTAGE DURATION IN CUSTOMER HOURS:

20,247 hrs in Q3 2022 compared to 18,914 hrs in Q3 2021

The average number of times that power to a customer was interrupted in Q3 2022 was 0.26 compared to 0.63 in Q3 2021.

TOP THREE REASONS FOR OUTAGE DURATION IN Q3 2022:

Foreign Interference*:
18 outages compared to 13 outages in Q3 2021

Unknown/Other:
10 outages compared to 8 outages in Q3 2021

Defective Equipment:
7 outages compared to 19 outages in Q3 2021

TOTAL NUMBER OF OUTAGES:

44 in Q3 2022 compared to 71 in Q3 2021

*The Ontario Energy Board describes foreign interference as interruptions beyond the control of the distributor such as those caused by animals, vehicles, dig-ins, vandalism, sabotage and other foreign interference.

Completed: Garrard pole line relocations at Taunton Road and Conlin Road as well as north and east of Conlin for a new Amazon sorting facility and two new industrial facilities developed by Panattoni Development Company.
Completed: Pole line re-build on Burns Street East near Garden Street and Stanley Court.
Completed: Pole line relocation due to road relocation on Victoria Street East and South Blair Street.
Underway: Insulator washing on Elexicon Energy’s high voltage poles to remove salt and other particulates from the insulators that hold the wires. The washing helps prevent tracking, which can cause power outages and cause damage to infrastructure.

More than 270 golfers gathered at Deer Creek Golf & Banquet Facility on August 18th for Elexicon Energy’s Charity Golf Classic Tournament. A record-breaking $144,000 was raised for these six vital community agencies: Feed the Need in Durham, Gleaners Food Bank (Quinte), Gravenhurst Against Poverty, Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health, Frontenac Youth Services and Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre.
On August 30th, Elexicon launched its new website. The primary goal of the redesign process was to create an interactive and engaging website that improves the customer experience and is responsive across all platforms and devices. The site design is mobile-first and reflects the ongoing trend of providing energy customers with easy-to-use resources from the palm of their hand.
In early September, Elexicon’s semi-annual customer newsletter, the illuminator, started mailing to residential and small business customers. The newsletter opens with a message from President and CEO, Indrani Butany-DeSouza, describing the May 21 powerful derecho storm and the storm that hit Belleville a few weeks later, on June 16. Ms. Butany-DeSouza goes on to say how incredibly proud she is of how Elexicon’s crews, system controllers, and support teams came together following both storms to restore power as quickly and as safe as possible.
The newest issue of the Electricity Distributor Association’s The Distributor magazine focuses in part on the May long weekend derecho storm and on the response on the part of some of Ontario's most heavily impacted hydro utilities, including Elexicon Energy. The article, Storm Response: Stopping Only to Eat and Sleep, provides readers with a glimpse into the impact the powerful storm had in Elexicon’s service territory, and the organization’s efforts to restore power quickly and safely.
Construction on Elexicon’s Seaton Municipal Transformer Station (MTS) in north Pickering is about 80 per cent complete. This major project is several years in the making and will be the first time Elexicon will own a MTS. Ownership will decrease the organization’s reliance on Hydro One and provide connection capacity for renewable energy resources to a community of over 20,000 new homes. The station is on track to be operational by late 2022.
The Ministry of Energy's LDC Outreach team met with Elexicon’s Government Relations team to provide updates on a number of topics of interest including Green Button and the proposed Ultra Low Overnight Electricity Rate. The Outreach team was particularly interested to hear about trends with disconnections and arrears, and the effectiveness of the Low-income Energy Assistance Program and the Ontario Electricity Support Program.
On September 28, Elexicon’s Line Operations, Metering, and Stations and P&C Automation teams gathered at its Clarington office for Rescue Day. The event provides an opportunity for valuable refresher training on safe work practices, planning and execution of rescues in emergency conditions.

On September 23rd, more than 50 Electric Vehicle (EV) enthusiasts gathered in Ajax for Electric Vehicles: The Time is Now. This event was held in partnership with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade and Plug ’N Drive. Attendees heard from EV and industry experts on what’s being done locally, regionally, and across Canada and North America to support EVs; the benefits of owning an EV; how to properly install an EV charging station; and what’s required from a grid perspective to support their growing numbers. There was also a large fleet of EVs that were available for free test drives.
EV drivers can now charge at 16 ONroute locations along Highways 400 and 401. The new charging stations are part of an agreement announced last year between Ivy Charging Network and ONroute and its partners, Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), the Ministry of Transportation and Natural Resources Canada. A news release on the additional charging stations can be read here.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) is working with the Independent Electricity System Operator to develop a plan to design and implement a dynamic electricity pricing pilot to assess the benefits for Class B consumers that don’t pay Regulated Price Plan (“RPP”) prices. Such non-RPP Class B consumers include mid-size commercial and light industrial consumers. Staff from Elexicon Energy attended a webinar on July 28 to receive a briefing on work on the pilot to date. Following the webinar, Elexicon submitted a number of questions for the OEB to address as they work on the pilot.
On July 6th the OEB Framework for Energy Innovation Working Group (“FEIWG”) issued its Report to the OEB. The FEIWG was tasked with “identifying options, developing proposals, and preparing written recommendations” for the OEB to consider with respect to Distributed Energy Resource (“DER”) usage and integration. The working group also established three subgroups (Benefit Cost Analysis, Utility Incentives and DER Integration), each of whom filed its own report as an appendix to the FEIWG report.
Enbridge has released a thought leadership paper called “Pathways to Net Zero Emissions”. The paper discusses the current state of our energy systems and two different options for reaching net zero. The first option is to use only electrification and the second option is to have a more mixed energy supply including a lower carbon gas option (i.e. hydrogen and natural gas). The modelling shows that the first option is expected to cost about $946 billion and a mixed option, the second option, would cost just shy of $200 billion less. The paper does highlight carbon capture and storage as playing a significant role in the second option. A summary of the paper is available here.
Natural Resources Canada commissioned a study to update the federal government’s understanding of Canada’s overall charging infrastructure needs and how these are likely to evolve as the national EV fleet continues to grow. On August 26th, the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, released that report, entitled “Canada’s Public Charging Needs – Updated Projections.” The analysis outlined five key findings:
1. There is a need for a significant acceleration in charging infrastructure deployment over the next five to ten years.
2. Adequate deployment of charging infrastructure will require $20 billion of total investment over the next three decades.
3. The primary driver for the number of charging ports is capacity requirements within community clusters.
4. Improving home charging access will help Canada achieve its EV adoption and infrastructure targets.
5. For households that do not have access to charging at home, public charging infrastructure can potentially serve as a substitute.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (“IESO”) has released their Q2 Reliability Outlook. The quarterly report presents Ontario’s demand forecast and associated drivers, resource adequacy projections and the assumptions that inform them, as well as an assessment of operability and the province’s transmission assets.
The Ontario Energy Board (“OEB”) has posted the updated electricity supply mix data information for 2021. As per Ontario Regulation 416/99 made under the OEB Act, and the OEB’s Directive, this information is required to be disclosed to Ontario consumers. Here was the supply mix for 2021.
The Ministry of Energy conducted a consultation on the proposed Ultra-Low Overnight Electricity Rate which LDCs are being requested to offer to non-Regulated Price Plan customers beginning between May 1st and November 1st, 2023 (depending on when the LDC is ready to implement). Elexicon Energy submitted a number of comments to the Ministry as part of the consultation. The comments submitted can be read here.
The Ontario government announced plans to extend the operating life of the Pickering nuclear facility until September 2026. The extension will be subject to approval from the OEB and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Further operation of the facility beyond September 2026 would require a complete refurbishment. The last feasibility study on the facility was conducted between 2006 and 2009. With significant economic growth and increasing electrification of industry and transportation, Ontario has asked Ontario Power Generation to update its feasibility assessment as a prudent, due diligence measure to support future electricity planning decisions. Refurbishment of the Pickering nuclear facility could result in an additional 30 years of electricity from the facility.
On August 23rd the IESO posted a Resource Adequacy Update. The update reiterated that Ontario’s electricity system is undergoing a significant transformation, as strong economic development and electrification of transportation are driving up demand and increasing regional needs. At the same time, upcoming retirements and refurbishments in nuclear supply, along with many expiring generation contracts, are contributing to growing electricity requirements emerging later this decade and continuing into the 2030s. The IESO will be completing a Long Term RFP for generation.
After reviewing the IESO's Resource Adequacy Update, The Ministry of Energy sent a directive to the IESO on August 23rd on their analysis of a natural gas moratorium. Previously, the Minister asked the IESO to evaluate a moratorium on the procurement of new natural gas fired generation and create an achievable pathway for phasing out natural gas generating stations in Ontario. The Minister requested to receive this report by November 2022. In light of the IESO’s new Resource Adequacy Update, the Minister is requesting an interim report on this subject by October 7th. The interim report will inform the government’s policy on the eligibility of natural gas-fired resources and dual fuel (e.g., natural gas and hydrogen) resources to compete in the upcoming IESO procurements (the Long Term RFP, the Expedited Procurement and Same Technology Expansions Procurement).
On August 26th, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks began a public consultation on proposed amendments to the Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) program regulations. The EPS program regulates GHGs from large industrial facilities by setting emissions limits that are the basis for the compliance obligations of those facilities. The EPS program came into full effect on January 1st, 2022. The EPS program applies to a number of facilities in primary and manufacturing industries (such as iron and steel, cement, auto manufacturing, etc.) and fossil fuel electricity generators. This amendment would also add new sectors to be required to follow the compliance standards. These new sectors include meat product manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, plastic product manufacturing and others. The program sets the price of credits for facilities called Emissions Performance Units and Excess Emissions Units.
On July 26th the Government of Canada released a discussion paper on the Clean Electricity Regulation (CER), formerly known as the Clean Electricity Standard. The discussion paper, Proposed Frame for the Clean Electricity Regulations, outlines the conceptual framework for the CER regulatory mechanism which will drive Canada towards a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The government is seeking input on the proposed regulatory framework by August 17th. Key issues still under consideration include flexibilities to allow natural gas-fired generators to continue to run past 2035 under specific circumstances, fleet averaging compliance pathways, and the stringency of the emission standard for facilities.

CORPORATE GIVING PROGRAM UPDATE:

2022 Budget: $91,503
Amount spent to date: $69,769

RECENT CORPORATE GIVING RECIPIENTS:

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
Central Lake Ontario Conservation
Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre
Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
Jennifer Ashleigh Children’s Foundation
Lakeridge Health Foundation
Skills Ontario
Station Gallery
Town of Whitby: Mayor’s Gala Fundraiser, LEAF Backyard Tree Planting Program
United Way Durham Region

"DCAF was very happy to have Elexicon Energy’s support for our second annual Rings of Hope event, raising over $10,000. This event celebrates and raises funds for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. Collectively, 500 children and youth are positively impacted from these essential programs; including Youth Pride, Black History Month events, support Mental Health requests for marginalized communities and Bursary needs. Thank you so much Elexicon for your generosity and support.”

– Amanda Nagy, Co-ordinator Special Events and Communications

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

“We cannot express how thankful we are for Elexicon Energy’s support! As a partner, Elexicon Energy is a champion of our mission to remove barriers and empower Durham District School Board students to achieve academic and personal success. Through Elexicon’s Corporate Giving Program, we can provide resources to assist students with their needs including clothing, school supplies, food, health, and transportation. Together we are making tomorrows brighter!”

– Emily Collins, Fundraising Development Coordinator

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

“Caring for our community is a shared value of both Elexicon Energy and Lakeridge Health. Thanks to support from Elexicon in 2022, Lakeridge Health Foundation has been able to fund critical cancer care priorities through Our Cancer Campaign such as capital projects and equipment that will advance cancer services throughout Durham Region and beyond. With 1 in 2 community members being diagnosed with cancer, community partnerships like this help bring in new technology that improves care options and changes the course of this disease for our loved ones.”

– Steve MacDonald, Director, Development & Campaigns

Lakeridge Health Foundation

“With the generous support from Elexicon Energy, we are looking forward to returning to an in-person experience in the spring of 2023 at the Durham Children’s Watershed Festival . The Festival is a week-long event providing experiential education to grade 4 students from across the Region of Durham. Like a giant outdoor science centre, the 35 interactive learning centres are all designed to complement the Ontario curriculum expectations and support in-class activities. Activity centres are staffed by trained high school students, community volunteers and professionals. Topics range from water conservation to water protection and science. The goal is to increase participant awareness concerning healthy watersheds and motivate them to become water stewards in their home, classroom and community.”

– Yvonne Storm, Special Events Coordinator

Central Lake Ontario Conservation

Community Report : Shareholder Municipalities

Community Report - Q3 2022

Shareholder Municipalities

Town of Ajax

Customer Experience

System Reliability

Operations and Asset Improvements

Communications and Thought Leadership

Innovation and Sustainability

Industry News

Corporate Social Responsibility

City of Belleville

Customer Experience

System Reliability

Operations and Asset Improvements

Communications and Thought Leadership

Innovation and Sustainability

Industry News

Corporate Social Responsibility

Municipality of Clarington

Customer Experience

System Reliability

Operations and Asset Improvements

Communications and Thought Leadership

Innovation and Sustainability

Industry News

Corporate Social Responsibility

City of Pickering

Customer Experience

System Reliability

Operations and Asset Improvements

Communications and Thought Leadership

Innovation and Sustainability

Industry News

Corporate Social Responsibility

Town of Whitby

Customer Experience

System Reliability

Operations and Asset Improvements

Communications and Thought Leadership

Innovation and Sustainability

Industry News

Corporate Social Responsibility