At Oshawa Power we remain dedicated to delivering on our promise of providing a safe and reliable supply of electricity to customers across Oshawa.
As we develop our next 5-year plan to upgrade and maintain Oshawa’s local electrical grid, our decisions are based primarily on meeting the evolving needs of our customers. In mid January, we connected with our customer base to better understand the changing priorities of our customers. By marrying the priorities of our customer base with our approach to strategic engineering, we can support our community, maintain equipment and keep our fleet and resources in good working order – for the growth and sustainability of Oshawa.
Our Customer Priority survey was available to all of our more than 63,000 customers, and was sent directly via email to nearly 30,000 customers who have provided email addresses. We received feedback from over 1,600 customers, or approximately 2.5% of our customer base – predominantly from our residential customers and a small number of commercial customers.
2024 Customer Priority Survey Summary
Insights include:
Customers are advocating for fair rates. While we at Oshawa Power are at the end of the line, the bill is shared between several players. Here is a great explainer of how your bill is broken down.
Customers who have an EV are energy smart – charging at home and during off-peak hours.
Some feedback includes advocating for more subsidies for Level-2 home chargers and free installation by Oshawa Power.
Some customers are requesting that Oshawa Power consider text messaging for outages. We can confirm that this is in our work plan and will be introduced in late 2024.
Depending on costs and technology, some customers would consider solar panels in the future.
Some customers cited that the average homeowner does not know when the system needs to be altered. Oshawa Power has created a project page to be able to discuss projects and address questions that may come up from the community.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in this survey. We are committed to listening to our customers, sharing project information about current and future planned projects, why they are important for the system and the community, and being available to answer questions!”
– Jen McHugh, Director, Communications & Customer Success
About Oshawa Power
Oshawa Power is dedicated to the evolving needs of our customers as a leading enabler of integrated critical energy and infrastructure. Oshawa Power is wholly owned by the great City of Oshawa.
Providing a safe and reliable supply of electricity to customers across Oshawa relies on a unique combination of both reactive and predictive maintenance on our existing infrastructure. When a fault occurs and power to our customers is interrupted, you can count on our team to take action and work towards restoration as quickly as possible. But what are we doing to prevent outages from occuring in the first place?
When it comes to prevention of power outages, we have taken many steps to increase the resiliency of our local grid, from installation of critter guards to prevent wildlife contacts to the ongoing replacement of aging equipment. But one of our biggest challenges comes from something we cannot see.
Loosening or deteriorating connections can cause increases in ambient temperature, or ‘hotspots’, throughout our grid that are not visible to the naked eye. If these connections are not up to par, resistance is increased in the affected part of the grid which increases the temperature of the components, causing further deterioration and potential shorts in our grid that may cause power outages to occur.
In order to combat these potential defects, we have implemented our Infrared Scanning Program to monitor the condition and ambient temperature across more than 534km of overhead circuit and approximately 150 underground vaults. This process allows us to pinpoint the exact location of potentially defective connections causing hotspots and prioritize their maintenance or replacement as part of our ongoing maintenance plans.
After imaging of our infrastructure is complete, our team can determine which hotspots present the largest risk to our grid and begin the process of ensuring these defects are dealt with before they can deteriorate further and take out power to customers across our city.
“In recent years we have improved resiliency across our grid and streamlined our power restoration process, allowing our team to shift focus towards prevention strategies. With our philosophy of Strategic Engineering in mind, we are employing new technologies to help us pinpoint defects in our grid and make necessary repairs before our customers experience an outage, ultimately improving the service we provide to local residents.”
– Mike Weatherbee, Managing Director, Oshawa Power
This year’s infrared scanning uncovered more than 100 anomalies across our 145km2 service territory, ranging in severity and risk. Most anomalies fell into the low- to medium-risk category, warranting investigation and further monitoring but highly unlikely to cause an interruption in the near term. Other hotspots were deemed to be much higher priority, including one connection that looked normal to the naked eye but showed an ambient temperature difference of greater than 81℃, warranting immediate action.
A high-risk anomaly was detected and repaired near Ritson Rd. and Darcy St. This connection had an ambient temperature difference of more than 81℃.
Our team will adapt our ongoing maintenance planning to prioritize the maintenance and repair of high-risk anomalies and prevent defects from causing outages for our customers. As we move into an increasingly connected future we understand that, in order to better serve customers across Oshawa, we must not only respond in a timely manner to restore service but also continue seeking new strategies and technologies that allow us to proactively prevent outages from happening.
About Oshawa Power
Oshawa Power is dedicated to the evolving needs of our customers as a leading enabler of integrated critical energy and infrastructure. Oshawa Power is wholly owned by the great City of Oshawa.
Oshawa Power customers experienced 52% less downtime than the average customer in Ontario.
Providing the electricity that powers life across our city requires a carefully coordinated effort. Through rigorous planning, detailed asset management plans, and the maintenance and upgrading of Oshawa’s local power grid, we are dedicated to keeping the lights on and keeping our community connected.
At Oshawa Power, we understand that the service we provide is the backbone of our community and as our city grows at one of the fastest rates in the country, we know that the homes and businesses we serve are relying on us more than ever. In fact, in our recent Customer Priority Survey, you let us know that reliability and reducing both outage frequency and duration are ways we can continue improving our service.
So how did we fare in 2023? Our 2023 Reliability Report let’s you know how Oshawa’s local electric grid performed in the past year:
Reliability Score: 99.99%
Another year, another near perfect score on this important metric measuring our overall uptime. In 2023, we were once again able to achieve our goal of posting a reliability score of ‘four nines’.
Why is near perfect the best we can aim for? Despite our best efforts and investments into maintaining existing infrastructure, upgrading aging infrastructure, and creating one of Ontario’s most reliable SmartGrids, there are still factors outside of our control that cause outages inside our service territory. While we take great pride in mitigating the risk of outages through programs including our critter guard installations and porcelain phaseouts, certain events such as lightning strikes, extreme weather, animal contacts, and motor vehicle accidents mean that we will never be able to completely eliminate power outages.
Average Number of Outages: 1
One year, one outage – that is what the average customer experienced in 2023. We understand that this is not true for all customers, with many experiencing zero and some experience more. Our goal is to reduce this number as much as possible and aim for it to remain steady across all areas of our city.
Average Yearly Downtime: 48 Minutes
With more than 62,000 customers across Oshawa, the amount of downtime experienced by Oshawa Power customers can vary, but last year customers averaged just 48 minutes of total downtime.
How does this compare to past performance? This ranks as our third lowest mark of the last decade and 36% better than average over the same time period. Compared to the industry average of 160 minutes in 2022 (most recent datapoint available).
Oshawa Power Customers Experience Less Downtime Than Average:
Outage Minutes Per Customer
Year
Oshawa Power
Ontario Avg.
2023
48
–
2022
88
160
2021
34
151
2020
88
163
2019
59
158
2018
80
155
2017
44
171
2016
157
167
2015
73
167
2014
80
164
Outage Response Time: 12 Minutes
When an outage happens, it can seem like time stands still while you wait for the lights to come back. One thing we can promise is that our team does not stand still.
In 2023, we were once again able to improve our response time to just 12 minutes. Marking a 14% decrease from last year, crews were able to post our quickest time to dispatch yet.
What does this mean for our customers? It means that when a fault occurs interrupting the electricity flowing through our grid and knocks out power to your home, you don’t have to wonder if our team is on it. Our team is ready to go at a moment’s notice to begin working on restoration efforts and get the power back on for your family.
Unavoidable Outages: 59%+
As mentioned, despite our best efforts some power outages are simply unavoidable or outside of our control. Based on our classification of outage causes, more than half of all outages that occurred in 2023 were unavoidable. This includes outages caused by Adverse Weather, Lightning, Foreign Interference (i.e. Animal Contact, Motor Vehicle Accident), and Loss of Supply.
In 2023, Nearly 60% of Outages Were Outside of Our Control:
2023 Outages by Cause
Outage Cause
% of Total Outages
Loss of Supply
21%
Lightning
19%
Foreign Interference
18%
Adverse Weather
1%
Additionally, Tree Contacts (not included in the above data) are another outage classification that we have minimal control over. Despite the best efforts of our Tree Trimming Program, these accounted for an additional 13% of all outages experienced across Oshawa in 2023.
Monitoring Momentaries: 150 Outages
Have you ever experienced a brief flicker in your electrical service, just enough to upset all your digital clocks? We understand that these brief or ‘momentary’ outages can be inconvenient, but are actually the sign of our SmartGrid working as designed.
As our SmartGrid capabilities continue to expand, grid automation and self healing technologies are becoming more common on infrastructure across our city. When a fault occurs, our grid is designed to isolate the fault, automatically restoring power to as many homes and businesses affected by the ongoing issue, as quickly as possible. This isolation leaves only the most directly affected properties without power until Oshawa Power crews can assess the issue and work towards restoration, whether remotely or by sending out a crew.
Purging Porcelain: Zero Outages
A major part of developing a safe and reliable local power grid involves the constant monitoring of equipment and issues to understand what risks are present and take action to mitigate potential hazards to both our equipment and the public.
Traditionally, porcelain switches and insulators have been used across our industry. However, this material poses a risk of causing pole fires, especially during the winter weather as road salt can evaporate, condense on the porcelain, and ignite due to voltage ‘tracking’. To combat this risk, we have created a Porcelain Changeout Program to replace all porcelain infrastructure with new, modern polymer alternatives. With more than 90% of our porcelain purged from our grid, we were able to completely eliminate pole fires caused by porcelain during 2023.
Avoiding Animal Contacts: 24 Outages
With poles and wires stretching across every area of our city, our infrastructure can often become part of local wildlife ecosystems. Many animals such as birds, raccoons, and squirrels interact with our equipment. This interaction poses both a hazard to local wildlife and creates potential for power outages. We have developed and implemented a Critter Guard Program, deploying animal deterrents across our grid to help reduce these risks and keep our local wildlife safe.
So far, we have installed fencing and additional deterrents at all of our substations and are in process of installing additional critter guards on each new overhead rebuild that we complete. These measures have helped us reduce outages caused by animal contacts, establishing a new yearly baseline of 20 to 30 outages caused by local wildlife.
The Year Ahead
With each new year comes a new opportunity to continue improving our grid and increasing reliability for customers across Oshawa. In 2024, we aim to continue our record of reliability as we prepare for our next 5-year Capital Plan that will determine how we deploy our investments to further develop one of Ontario’s most reliable and technologically advanced power grids.
In order to develop a plan that best serves our customers, we rely on your feedback. To have a voice and contribute to our next Capital Plan, we encourage you to take a moment and let us know what you think about your electrical service by completing our 2024 Customer Priority Survey. The survey will remain open until February 12, 2024.
To compare how we measure up to LDCs across the province and our own previous performance, check out the OEBs Scorecard Comparison Tool.
For more information on how we’re building towards improved reliability, visit our Capital Rebuild page.
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With nine Municipal Substations located across Oshawa, these locations and the critical infrastructure housed within play an integral role in delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity to more than 62,000 customers across our city.
Located near the intersection of Hilcroft St. and Ritson Rd. in the O’Neill neighbourhood of Oshawa, Municipal Substation #2 (MS #2) is one of Oshawa’s longest serving substations, helping to power our city since 1984.
What is a Municipal Substation?
Located strategically throughout our service territory, Municipal Substations enable us to receive high-voltage electricity from the provincial grid and ‘step it down’ for use by our customers.
Each of our substations are fed from the provincial power grid through 44kV feeder wires that allow electricity to flow into our substation transformers. As the electricity flows through our substation, our infrastructure allows us to convert the 44kV electricity into 13.8kV electricity that will flow out of our substations and through the wires that stretch across Oshawa.
As the last piece of the puzzle, our pole top and underground transformers located throughout the city step the electricity down even further for final delivery and end use at your home or business.
On November 21, 2023, a brand new eHouse Solution was delivered and installed at MS #2. The new installation was preceded by important preparation work at the location including the construction of a new foundation and the installation of new 15kV feeder wires and additional wiring required to energize the new unit and increase station capacity to feed growing customer loads in the future. The new, modern infrastructure allows for seamless integration into our existing SmartGrid, allowing us to further our SmartGrid initiatives and help minimize the impact of outages on our customers.
On November 21, 2023, Oshawa Power’s MS #2 received delivery of a new eHouse siwtchgear.
This new eHouse solution replaces a 39 year-old unit and marks the first of four planned replacements at substations across Oshawa. Substation upgrades in older areas of our city are an example of strategic asset management, the guiding principle of our ongoing Capital Rebuild Plan. By planning maintenance and replacements that will create the greatest impact on our grid, we can maximize our Capital Rebuild budget while working to minimize the risk of major equipment failure.
“Upgrades to our long serving Municipal Substations play an important role in maintaining our great record of reliability. Through strategic upgrades in older areas of our city and the development of new infrastructure that enables Oshawa’s record growth, we can ensure that all customers across our city receive equitable service. By maintaining and upgrading our existing grid, we can ensure our grid is ready to accommodate growth and electrification while continuing to deliver the level of service our customers expect.”
– Mike Weatherbee, Managing Director, Oshawa Power
Oshawa Power would like to extend our thanks to our crew members and contractors who braved the elements to ensure the delivery and installation were completed on time.
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Oshawa, Ontario – In advance of this year’s Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony taking place at Oshawa’s Memorial Park, Oshawa Power has raised more than 100 banners honouring and memorializing Oshawa’s veterans.
Each fall since 2017, we have joined together with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 to install these banners recognizing local heroes around the Downtown Core. This year, we had the honour of raising an additional 15 banners, bringing the program’s total count to 101 memorials.
“Oshawa Power is honoured to participate in this initiative with the Royal Canadian Legion recognizing local veterans. We recognize the sacrifices these brave men and women made for our freedom and proudly celebrate them as heroes in our community. Our team takes great pride in helping to grow this program and in ensuring these banners are raised high and treated with great respect each November.”
– Daniel Arbour, President & CEO, Oshawa Power
We offer our sincere gratitude to the brave individuals who fought for our freedoms and for the great nation of Canada. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“Each year since we joined this program in 2017, we have had the pleasure of hearing from families across Oshawa about what these banners mean to their families. For our team, hearing from these families and playing a small part in recognizing the sacrifices of their relatives is a source of enormous pride.”
– Mike Weatherbee, Managing Director, Oshawa Power
To find out how you can honour a veteran, please visit our Community page.
Honoured Veterans
Thomas Bruce Baird
Eleanor Beck
Shawn Bowe
William Ernest Boyce
Eric C. Branton
Winnifred A. Branton
Elam Brinson
S/Sgt. Alfred C. Brisebois
Ed Brisebois
Ken Brisebois
Nancy C.M. Brisebois
George Brocanier
Orval Earl Brock
Gordon James Brown
Harry Arthur Brown
Norman Edward Brown
William Robert Brown
Frank Buller
Earl K. Campbell
Frederick Edmond Carey
WO2 Don Chapman
Leslie W.B. Childerhose
Edward J. Crawford
George Hayward Crawford
James Convery
John Thomas Dalby
Archie S.D. Dean
James Essex
Kevin Ferguson
Harry L. Ferneley
D. Craig Finney
Douglas J. Finney
Roy Foster
Henryk K. Fraczek
William Roy Gillman
John (Jack) F. Goulding
Edward C. Halcomb
Thomas Hopkins Hammond
Francis Charles Hannan
William Thomas Harding
Joseph Hart
Henry J. “Chick” Hewett
John H. Hodgson
Norman Roy Hodgson
Ben Jacklin
Ted Kelly
George W.B. Kingsland
Lt. Alan Edward King
Bernard Kinlin
James Kinlin
Lawrence Kinlin
Thomas Kinlin
William Kinlin
Gordon H.E. Kitchen
Malcolm W. Knocker
Bill Kurelo
Henry Samuel Lee
William James Lee
Elmer Eirra Lewis
Victor P. Lockie
Sgt. John A. Lowry M.M.
Terry Macdonald
William “Sam” Magee
John Manning
Glen Wm. Maunder
Ted McComb
James Claude McPhee
Ronald W. McTague
Daniel D. Normoyle
Gregory Francis Normoyle
Patrick J. Normoyle
Robert D. Normoyle
Robert James Normoyle
Harold H. Nugent
WO1 Fred Palmer
John Edward Parr
Major Zane Piekenbrock
Henry Hatton Price
Harold Power
Maurice Bruce Proctor
Alexander Reid
Calvin Cecil Reid
James Reid
Ronald F. Rice
Allen W. Robinson
James M. Scott
George James Simmons
Cecil Henry Smith
William James Somerville
Gordon Thomas Stacey
Evan Strait
Charles William Taylor
Frederick Charles Taylor
Walter Taylor
Bedford David Thomson
Davey Thompson
Private Nelson Train
Harry A.C. Turner
Charles Alfred Wells
Gren Williams
Fredrick William Willis
Earl “Bus” William Wilson
Robert E. Woodward
Bishop Alfred Woolcock
The Unknown Soldier
Along with the shift to Winter Time-of-Use hours and Tier limits, Oshawa Power customers will see changes to the Electricity portion of their hydro bills starting this November. In line with the Ontario Energy Board’s directive, we are announcing the following changes to electricity rates, effective November 1, 2023.
Time-Of-Use (TOU) Pricing:
New TOU Pricing Effective November 1, 2023.
PRICE PERIOD
PRICE
Off-Peak
¢8.7/kWh (+¢1.3)
Mid-Peak
¢12.2/kWh (+¢2.0)
On-Peak
¢18.2/kWh (+¢2.9)
TOU Pricing usage periods will also shift to winter hours on November 1, aligning with seasonal energy consumption patterns.
Tiered Pricing:
New Tiered Pricing Effective November 1, 2023.
USAGE TIER
PRICE
Tier 1
¢10.3/kWh (+¢2.0)
Tier 2
¢12.5/kWh (+¢2.2)
Residential Tiered Pricing customers will also see a shift to winter tier limits and be charged Tier 1 rates for their first 1,000 kWh of usage, followed by Tier 2 for additional consumption during their billing period. Non-residential Tiered Pricing customers will still have a Tier 1 limit of 750 kWh of consumption.
Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) Pricing:
New ULO Pricing Effective November 1, 2023.
PRICE PERIOD
PRICE
Ultra-Low Overnight
¢2.8/kWh (+¢0.4)
Weekend Off-Peak
¢8.7/kWh (+¢1.3)
Mid-Peak
¢12.2/kWh (+¢2.0)
On-Peak
¢28.6/kWh (+¢4.6)
In addition to electricity rate changes, Oshawa Power customers will see the Ontario Electricity Rebate increase from 11.7% to 19.3%. This rebate is automatically applied to each customer’s bill and is intended to help make electricity bills more manageable.
These adjustments reflect various factors, including market conditions and provincial investments in building a sustainable, and reliable, energy future for Ontario. Customers can expect an impact on their bills; however, the exact effect will vary based on individual usage patterns.
We understand that these changes may pose challenges for some of our customers. Oshawa Power offers Financial Assistance programs designed to help those who may be struggling to manage their bills. More information about available programs can be found at www.oshawapower.ca/assistance.
Winter Energy Savings Tips:
As the temperature drops and winter approaches, here are a few high-impact tips that can help you improve efficiency and save on energy costs:
Prevent Drafts
Check for gaps around your windows and doors, and apply caulking or weather stripping to seal them. This simple step prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.
Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to customize your heating schedule to help you save on heating costs at night or when you are not home.
Let the Sunshine In
Sunlight is a free way to warm your home! During the day, open the blinds and let in the rays. Close your blinds at night to keep the warmth inside.
Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation in your attic and walls can significantly reduce heat loss.
Maintain Your Heating System
Regular maintenance ensures your heating system runs efficiently, reducing energy consumption. A simple seasonal filter replacement can maximize efficiency and keep the air clean in your home.
Unplug Electronics
Even when turned off, electronics can draw power. Unplug chargers and devices not in use to save energy.
Oshawa Power is committed to providing the information customers need to make informed decisions about their energy consumption and pricing plans. For more information on Customer Choice and pricing plans available to our customers, visit www.oshawapower.ca/customer-choice.
Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).
With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.
The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).
Find out if an EV could be right for you!
Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!
We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.
Today’s guest: The Advocate
Name: Derek
EV Owner Since: 2013
EV: Chevrolet Volt
What made you choose an EV?
Partly because I love technology, and partly because I’m a gearhead. I had a Pontiac G8 with the 6.0L V8 and while it was awesome for so many reasons, it was also $700 a month in fuel costs with my job driving around. The appeal of near instant torque in a chassis that has more storage space, excellent winter driving aspects, far lower maintenance, and an overall reduced cost of ownership brought me into the world of EVs. Surprisingly, I don’t miss ICE vehicles as much as I thought I would (although the Blaupunkt stereo in the G8 was pretty darn good).
Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?
I installed a Level-2 charger in my garage, which despite being a century home, had 240v already out there thanks to the previous owner being a welder. Aside from that, plugging in at the end of the day became as commonplace as putting on a seatbelt in the morning. Waking up to a “full tank” was a bit of a switch for me! I did, however, start staying at hotels or shopping at malls that had charging stations set up, since it would make more sense for me to drive there, park, get a charge usually for free, as a way to get me to stay at that place longer.
What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?
The typical reactions are usually just questions… lots and lots of questions, myths to be debunked, and always questions about the winter time driving aspects. Canadians love talking about the weather, so I get it! In the past, when I first got an EV, they weren’t as commonplace or available from every manufacturer as they are today, so the reactions back then were almost of ridicule (“hope you have a long extension cord for when you run out!” Or “hope you enjoy your golf cart!”). There’s definitely been a change in the reactions as costs of living have gone up, gas prices have remained high, so now the reactions are more along the lines of “hey, that holds that much cargo? Is it fast? Where can I get one?”
What is your typical charging routine?
ABC – Always Be Charging. One of the benefits of the car I drive (and many other EVs) is that when it is plugged in, it charges up what is necessary, and also regulates all of the voltage of every cell. Thermal management also happens, so on very cold nights, some coolant can flow through the pack to keep the batteries nice and warm for the next day’s drive, rather than doing so when I start it up and have to sacrifice some range in order to heat up the pack. Plus, I’m a sucker for always having the full range available every time I get in, so I just plug it in whenever I park in my garage.
What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?
It’s improving, it was stagnant for a long while, but I’ve attributed that to the Chicken or the Egg dilemma. Businesses and governments don’t want to pay to install lots of charging stations if there’s not enough cars that will use them, and people don’t want to buy the cars if there’s no where to charge. Lately, however, the amount of chargers I see locally and outside of the area has been growing very fast! That’s great! I hope to see the sudden influx of new charging stations be just the thing to convince someone that now they can finally look at their next vehicle possibly being an EV.
What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?
November of 2020, I had to host a conference in Thunder Bay, but being 2020, I drove instead of a flight that was unavailable at the time. My seats were warm, the steering wheel toasty, and the sights along the upper edges of Lake Superior I highly recommend people do at least once in their life.
Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?
Absolutely! The electric bill did increase, but it was still just a fraction of the cost I was spending in gas per month. Literally a small fraction! To this day, I’d rather spend $40 more in electricity vs the close to $700 I was spending in gas costs. Then you factor in the lack of belts, alternator, starter, a traditional air conditioning unit, brake pad maintenance, the list goes on. Now, it’s not all rosy, there is still one significant change I’ve noticed… it turns out I like the electric torque being nearly instant. And I use it. A lot. Which in turn, means I have to look at tires a little bit more often than I used to, but that’s all on the driver!
Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?
I’ve personally not faced any challenges, at the end of the day, a car is a car. The functions are all the same, “drive and reverse” is still “drive and reverse” on the gearshifter. There are a number of apps available that help locate nearby stations, and vehicles like the ones from GM that were aforementioned can even plan routes along your journey that include stops based on stations. It’s really no different than people knowing instantly where a nearby gas station is, because they’ve seen it before and they’ve used it. It’s part of their memory, now. With an EV, it’s new to you, so you have something new to find, but once you look around, you’ll start to find that in some areas there’s more charging stations than gas stations.
What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?
Near instant heat in the wintertime after starting the vehicle (known as preconditioning) from my watch. Coming out to a clear car that has had the snow melt off and it’s toasty inside? Priceless. The flat cargo space means my car can hold more than some other compact SUVs. The low centre of gravity from the battery pack being down low gives exceptional handling for the type of vehicle it is, with a good balance from front to rear. That really helps for winter driving, where weight balance and a system that can have a more finite control of stability systems comes to life. Beyond that, I just enjoy not thinking about it any more as an EV or something different, and I think that’s the point… it becomes just another car. Hopefully others will get to that point as well, where our transportation isn’t solely defined by the method of fueling it up, be it gasoline or electrons.
What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?
Do research on what your needs are, think about your daily commute, and so on. There are a number of great resources for people starting out on their research, like a great organization called Plug’n Drive. Just don’t get hung up too much on the specifics, because at the end of the day it just seems scary or different because it’s new. No one thinks about what goes on inside a gas engine, or how high the PSI is of a fuel injector for a direct injection system is, they just want to know if it’s got decent performance and fuel efficiency. EVs are no different in that regard. Lots of new tech if you’re interested, but also everything you’re already familiar with. It can be complex, but it’s not complicated, so take your time and definitely drive one!
Still not sure if an EV is right for you?
Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestyle!
Oshawa Power, in collaboration with Scout Environmental, a Canadian not-for-profit organization focused on engaging Canadians in sustainable actions, are excited to announce the launch of a digital electric vehicle (EV) education tool designed to support EV awareness and adoption across Oshawa and the Durham Region. With a $110,790 investment through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, Oshawa Power and Scout Environmental launched an interactive guide and awareness campaign aimed to assess and address gaps in EV knowledge in our local community.
As part of its commitment to a low-carbon energy transition, Oshawa Power is committed to supporting education initiatives that work to support EV adoption and encourage the use of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles locally and across Canada through research, innovation, community engagement, and infrastructure development. Powered by Manyways, the interactive digital guide provides valuable information that will help:
Gather expected power usage information from homeowners to assist in current and future grid planning;
Debunk common myths and promote public confidence in EVs by providing basic education on EV options, andcharging methods.
Currently, Oshawa has surpassed 1,000 registered EVs, with 811 BEV and 300 PHEV drivers – and that number is steadily growing. Learn more about EV ownership from local owners and check out the tool at group.oshawapower.ca/moving-forwards.
Quotes
“Oshawa Power is focused on collaborating with partners to develop innovative solutions, such as this digital experience, that inspire public confidence in the ability of our local power distribution system to support the increased demand that will come with widespread transit electrification — a key enabler for increased EV adoption in our community and across the country.”
– Daniel Arbour, President & CEO, Oshawa Power
“The adoption of electric vehicles is one way that Canadians can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and make the transition to a greener economy. Oshawa Power has shown leadership in its commitment to low-carbon energy future, and Scout and our technology partner Manyways are thrilled to be working with them to help Oshawa Power customers better understand and access EVs in their community.”
– Catherine Wood, Program Director, Scout Environmental
“Our government is committed to creating a cleaner and greener economy. Zero-emission vehicles are critical to our strategy to reach net-zero by 2050, but we know that this is a new reality for many Canadians. That is why we are making this investment today, which will help educate Canadians on the new, greener options available to them. Providing more information on EVs to Canadians is a great step to help with the adoption of low-carbon energy alternatives.”
– The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, Member of Parliament for Ajax
Oshawa Power is currently conducting our Customer Satisfaction Survey to gather feedback on issues ranging from electricity pricing to customer communications, service satisfaction, and more.
Oshawa Power has partnered with UtilityPULSE to conduct its 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey. Beginning in early October, randomly selected customers may receive a telephone call or email invitation from UtilityPULSE requesting participation in the survey.
UtilityPULSE is a reputable opinion research company that has conducted surveys on behalf of utilities across the province, including Oshawa Power, for many years. You can learn more about UtilityPULSE at www.utilitypulse.com.
Our Customer Satisfaction Survey will take approximately 10 minutes of your time, and we would greatly appreciate your participation. This survey is an important tool that helps Oshawa Power gauge the effectiveness of our various services – what we’re doing well and where we might better focus attention to improve our service delivery to customers across Oshawa.
Oshawa Power is excited to announce the introduction of three new initiatives designed to simplify account management, improve data transparency, promote conservation, and help Oshawa residents save on their electricity bills.
To help streamline the customer experience Oshawa Power has launched a new and improved MyOshawaPower customer portal – the next step in simplifying the way customers manage their electricity accounts. This initiative will bring new features to customers enrolled in eBilling and create a ‘one-stop shop’ for all activities related to your electricity account.
The new MyOshawaPower will continue to allow customers to view their electricity consumption, compare usage to past periods, pay bills, receive outage notifications, and much more. These features will be available on a brand new, simplified interface, allowing you to spend less time managing your account whether you are accessing it on the go or from the comfort of your own home.
In addition to providing account-level insights and management, MyOshawaPower will now feature Green Button integration allowing customers instant access and sharing of their personal electricity data, all with the click of a button. Improving the transparency and accessibility of personal data will provide valuable insight into energy habits and encourage the development of conservation and cost-saving strategies for Oshawa Power customers.
“We understand that energy consumption varies drastically between families and businesses and this initiative will help customers further understand how to adjust their individual usage to ultimately increase control over their bills,” said Daniel Arbour, President and CEO of Oshawa Power. “Consumption data can also now be shared third-parties that may help customers develop strategies to reduce energy use or change pricing plans to find savings.”
Along with the implementation of Green Button, the Ontario government’s plan to provide consumers with more ways to keep costs down, save money, and take control of their energy bills includes the introduction of a new Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) pricing plan. The new pricing plan expands on the provincial government’s Customer Choice initiative, allowing customers to choose from three available pricing plans: Time-of-Use pricing, Tiered pricing, and the new ULO pricing. Available to Oshawa Power customers as of October 13, the new pricing plan will encourage consumers to shift their usage to off-peak hours – when provincial demand is at its lowest – by offering the lowest possible price per kWh.
To learn more about eBilling and gain access to MyOshawaPower, click here.
For full Ultra-Low Overnight pricing details, click here.
For more information about the Green Button initiative, click here.
About Oshawa Power
Oshawa Power is dedicated to the evolving needs of our customers as a leading enabler of integrated critical energy and infrastructure. Oshawa Power is wholly owned by the great City of Oshawa.
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Denise Carpenter, ICD.D, GCB.D
Chair, Board of Directors
Denise Carpenter is a highly accomplished Board Chair, Committee Chair, Director, and Executive Coach with extensive expertise in governance, strategy, risk management, acquisitions, and integrations. Denise is adept at leading transformational change initiatives and driving organizational growth in diverse industries including health, financial services, cybersecurity, utilities, and renewable energy and has been recognized for significant contributions in ESG, diversity & inclusion, and sustainability. As a BMO Honouree and member of the Diversity 50 Cohort, Denise is also active in Women Get on Board, the Institute of Corporate Directors, and the International Coach Federation.
Denise’s board experience is both deep and expansive. She has been instrumental in driving growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing stakeholder relations in various industries, including electricity, mining, energy, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital health. She serves as the Independent Board Chair of Oshawa Power, Blue Cross of Canada, Chair for Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, and Director of the Ontario Medical Association and CashCo Financial Inc. Denise’s numerous board appointments mark her authority and expertise in governance and leadership.
Donna Kingelin
Member, Board of Directors
Donna Kingelin is a Senior Executive who has dedicated her career to serving the elderly. She has held the position of Chief Operating Officer of Revera where she provided oversight to 26,000 employees and over 200 seniors’ residences including long-term care homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living residences, independent retirement residences, and was accountable for the home care division. She also served as Managing Director for Holiday Corporation where she was responsible for the Canadian portfolio of independent retirement communities. In these roles, she provided leadership in human resources, operations, financial management, program development, capital investment, and quality improvement. Donna is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and currently holds board positions at Kinark Child and Family Services, Pallium Canada, Extendicare Inc. and Oshawa Power.
Terry Caputo, CPA, CA, C.Dir
Member, Board of Directors
Terry Caputo is an accomplished business executive with a diverse range of experience, including strategy, accounting, finance, debt issuance, infrastructure, information management, human resource matters, government relations, and governance. He has held roles in several not-for-profit and public sector entities, driving and implementing transformational change. Terry is a CPA, CA and holds his Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from The Directors College, which is a joint venture between the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University and The Conference Board of Canada.
Grant Buchanan
Member, Board of Directors
After graduating from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, Grant Buchanan had a career spanning over 30 years with S&C Electric Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of S&C Electric, an employee-owned company based in Chicago, Illinois. S&C Electric manufactures and provides services in the specialty of medium-voltage switching, control, and protection with manufacturing facilities in China, Brazil and Mexico, and an Engineering Services Centre in the UK.
In his tenure with S&C, Grant served in several Executive roles, including President of S&C Electric Canada and Executive Vice-President, International Business. In addition to his business experience, Grant has remained active in the industry serving on Boards and Committees for 30+ years, including appointments with S&C Electric, the Canadian Electricity Association, Electro Federation Canada, the Ontario Energy Network, METSCO Energy Solutions, and Oshawa Power.
Robert Watson
Member, Board of Directors
Robert Watson currently serves as Chairman of Bruce Telecom. He also serves as a board member for the Oshawa Power Group of Companies and NA Helium. Previously Robert held roles as Chief Executive Officer of the Information Technology Association, Chief Executive of the Bermuda Regulatory Authority, CEO of SaskPower, and CEO of SaskTel. Prior to that he held several senior executive positions in the Canadian communications industry. Robert is a graduate in Electrical Technologies from Toronto Metropolitan University. He has attended the International Executive Development Program at the INSEAD Centre in Fontainebleau, France, as well as the Executive Management Program at Ashridge Business School in the United Kingdom. He also holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
In the community, Robert is a recipient of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and the Ryerson Alumni Award of Distinction and has served as the Chairman of Prostate Cancer Canada, and Board Member for One Life Makes a Difference.
Dan Benoit
Member, Board of Directors
Dan Benoit is a corporate director and experienced financial professional. Throughout his 20-year finance career his focus has been on investment and project finance in the regulated utilities, renewable energy, and energy storage sectors. Since 2020, he has operated an independent consultancy serving global infrastructure firms seeking to raise debt capital. In this role, he is engaged by clients to devise and execute debt financing transactions for energy transition projects.
Barbara Boyd, CPA, CA, ICD.D
Member, Board of Directors
Barbara Boyd is an accomplished global finance executive with a breadth of experience in corporate strategy, enterprise risk management, and finance. She is a respected collaborative leader and champion of inclusion and diversity. Passionate about driving sustainable long-term growth, she brings 35+ years of senior leadership experience with CPG companies Diageo Plc, Pepsi Bottling Group, and KPMG. Barbara is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and recently completed the Directors Education Program at the University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management. She currently is an Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee for Steam Whistle Brewing and previously an Independent Director and Chair of the Audit and Governance committees of TSXV listed Lifeist Wellness Inc.
Neel Bungaroo, LLB, MBA
Member, Board of Directors
Neel has extensive experience in corporate, commercial and energy law. Having worked at global law firms, such as Allen & Overy and Mourant, Neel was involved in M&A and corporate financing transactions over US$3 billion. Neel’s expertise also extends to renewable energy. In his current role as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure LLC (GSI), Neel oversees the legal affairs and HR functions for the organization and has been involved in the development and operation of more than 300 MWs of renewable energy projects. Prior to his role at GSI, Neel served as General Counsel for the North American team of a publicly traded renewable energy company. Neel holds degrees in Economics and Law and an Executive MBA from Cornell University and Queen’s University.
John Mauti, CA, CPA
Member, Board of Directors
John Mauti is a CA and CPA professional with extensive experience in the utilities and electricity industry. John spent 30+ years with Ontario Power Generation helping steer the company to financial strength and prosperity through key transformations and evolutions, retiring as their CFO in 2022. He also currently serves on the board of Moltex Energy Canada, a company developing leading edge Small Modular Reactor technology in the nuclear energy generation field. John is an avid golfer and skier, happily married, and the father of 3 young men.
