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.


High Temperature Anomaly

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.

Media Contact

communications@oshawapower.ca


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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:

TOU Pricing Plan - Winter

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:

Tiered Pricing Plan - Winter

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:

ULO Pricing Plan - Winter

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.


Media Contact

communications@oshawapower.ca
905-723-4623

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


Media Contact

communications@oshawapower.ca
905-723-4623

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.

Media Contact

communications@oshawapower.ca

Oshawa Power is proud to announce that we are charging forward with the introduction of four new Ford F150 PowerBoost hybrid trucks to our light duty fleet.

Serving more than 61,000 customers across 145km2, our fleet plays an integral part in the service we provide to the City of Oshawa. Making up the largest portion of our fleet, our light-duty trucks are used on a daily basis for general transportation and lighter duty work. With the introduction of our new hybrid trucks, crew members will traverse our city with the help of an onboard electric battery powered by regenerative braking. This eco-friendly option will contribute to an increase of approximately 35% in fuel economy over previous fleet vehicles.

“As more and more of our customers make the switch to electric vehicles, we want to learn first-hand how we can transition our fleet to lower emissions and support a greener future,” explained Manager of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) & Fleet, Wade Rowland. “Our goal is to eventually adopt a fully electric fleet, starting with our light-duty vehicles, without compromising our ability to safely complete the heavy duty work involved for our crew.”


Oshawa Power Manager of HSSE & Fleet, Wade Rowland, poses with one of the LDC’s newest hybrid pickups.


Accounting for greater than 30% of Ontario’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, transportation currently ranks as our province’s largest contributor to carbon emissions. With technological improvements and increased availability of low-carbon transportation alternatives, there is a substantial opportunity to create a cleaner future for our community through transportation electrification. As part of our responsibility to a low-carbon energy transition, we are committed to transitioning to a fully-electric light-duty fleet by 2030.

With plans to begin introducing fully electric models as current fleet vehicles reach end of useful life, we will also closely track GHG emissions from our overall fleet in order to effectively monitor and assess the impact of the transition on our overall emissions.

Our new hybrid trucks are not just a symbol of change; they are a tangible embodiment of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. In Ontario, switching to an electric vehicle (EV) can lower GHG emissions from personal transportation by up to 95%. By integrating hybrid, and eventually fully electric, trucks into our fleet, we hope to inspire others in the community to embrace sustainable transportation alternatives and contribute to building a cleaner, more sustainable local community.


Interested in learning more about the Oshawa Power fleet? Take a look under the hood!

As part of our mission to maintain a local electricity grid that will reliably support Oshawa’s future, Oshawa Power aims to nearly eliminate the risk of pole fires by 2026 with our Porcelain Changeout Program.

The local utility’s program, which kicked off in 2021, will see crews replace thousands of porcelain switches and insulators across the City of Oshawa with new, modern polymer-based alternatives.

While traditional porcelain materials have been used across the industry for decades due to their insulating properties, they carry an increased risk of pole fires caused by ‘tracking’. This phenomenon occurs when condensation containing airborne debris causes build up on electrical equipment. Generally caused by road salt or other road debris kicked up by motor vehicles, the build up occurring on porcelain equipment allows high voltage electricity to ‘track’ across metal brackets and to the wooden poles causing high impact pole fires.

The resulting fires may cause faults in the local grid, leaving customers in the area without power. Outages caused by pole fires are often longer lasting than other outage types as crews must first extinguish intense electrical fires before performing a pole replacement among other repairs.

“As we look to build Oshawa’s grid of the future, we are extending our focus beyond automation and digital technologies. In our industry reliability is king and sometimes the simplest solutions, such as using higher quality, more resilient materials, can mitigate risks and improve reliability for years to come,” said Mike Weatherbee, Oshawa Power’s Managing Director. “Our strategy of ‘strategic engineering’ is about putting the right technologies in place to ensure Oshawa has one of the strongest local grids in the province.”

To complete this program, Oshawa Power is including porcelain changeouts as a part of all projects under our Capital Rebuild program. So far, through the Porcelain Changeout Program, we have replaced approximately 60% of our existing porcelain infrastructure with polymer-based alternatives. The program is expected to reach completion by 2026.