Category: News Alerts

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.

With the Memorial Cup handed out and the Canadian junior hockey season in the rearview, we are proud to announce that as presenting sponsor of the Oshawa Generals’ Adopt-a-School program we distributed more than 1,000 pairs of tickets across 26 local elementary schools during the 2022-2023 season.

In collaboration with the Oshawa Generals, this program offers the opportunity to promote electrical safety in schools across our community, while recognizing students excelling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This important, community-focused partnership is a part of a two year agreement intended to encourage students, promote public safety, and help grow the game of hockey in our community.

“As two long standing members of Oshawa’s community, the opportunity to partner with the Generals made a lot of sense as a way to encourage youth in our community to pursue education in STEM fields and learn about electrical safety. In return these students were rewarded with an exciting night watching our city’s beloved hockey team, and for many students this was their first experience at a live hockey game.”

– Mike Weatherbee, Managing Director, Oshawa Power

As a thank you for the tickets, many students, families, and teachers drafted handwritten letters to the Oshawa Power team telling us about their experience. For many students, this was not only a fantastic reward for academic success, but sparked a love of the Generals and the game of hockey.

“My son has never been to a Generals game before. He now wants to play hockey! He hasn’t stopped playing with his mini stick since the game. This is so nice that you do this for the school and children. Thank you!”

– Parent of Program Participant

We look forward to celebrating continued academic success in schools across our city while providing valuable education about electrical safety in our community during the Oshawa Generals 2023-2024 season.

Oshawa, Ontario – Local dignitaries and leaders from within the business community are joining today to celebrate the launch of Durham Broadband, a new kind of high speed internet service that focuses on Durham’s economic development and is owned by Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (a municipal corporation of the City of Oshawa).

Durham Broadband was established in 2002 under the banner Oshawa PUC Services and quickly became the Region’s largest fibre optic infrastructure supplier. The company’s re-launch and updated strategic vision come in recognition of the increasing need for high speed internet to support evolving business practices, innovation and smarter cities. Durham Broadband is being made available to the broader business sector to spur-on socio-economic outcomes across the Region and put its eight local communities at the forefront of Canada’s economic modernization.
To effectively support economic development, Durham Broadband has a mandate to target priority areas and offer highly competitive solutions including:

• Price match guarantees;
• Superior speeds to any other local supplier;
• Flexible service levels and packages;
• No contracts; and,
• A unique dual-homed network that creates 100% system redundancy.

The brand is also pursuing an aggressive 5 year, multi-million dollar expansion plan that will see underserved areas connected. It is projected that this initiative will bring government investment in broadband via shared grant applications at the federal and provincial levels. Securing such grants would mean that Durham Broadband and its collaborative partner, the Regional Municipality of Durham, would be able to stretch high speed internet farther, sooner and for less cost.

“Oshawa has a need for high-speed reliable internet solutions, and with our extensive network of dark fibre this was the logical next step,” stated Matt Strecker, VP of Engineering & Operations, and the Divisional Lead for Durham Broadband. “Local business told us they need better network coverage, reliability, redundancy and capacity, married with excellent customer service. By focusing our attention locally, and building the networks our Region demands, we can provide service that is unmatched,” continued Strecker.

For a limited time only, businesses wishing to sign-on will receive deep discounts and special signing bonuses. Businesses should visit www.durhambroadband.ca for more information today.

Oshawa Power & EnerFORGE join Electricity Human Resources Canada Leadership Accord, commit to building diverse and inclusive workplace

Oshawa, Ontario – Oshawa Power and their affiliated low-carbon energy services provider, EnerFORGE, are proud to announce their signing of the Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) Leadership Accord on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“the Accord”). In signing the Accord, Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE are joining together with a growing number of industry leading companies in making a commitment to help build a strong culture of diversity and inclusion throughout the Canadian electrical industry.

“We’re proud to solidify our commitment together as a team by signing the Leadership Accord. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the foundation to innovation, community leadership, and living our corporate values. We acknowledge the importance of continuous improvement as we work to build a culture of respect and inclusion at Oshawa Power & EnerFORGE.”

– Ivano Labricciosa, President & CEO

Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE have pledged to implement a set of clearly benchmarked initiatives developed by the EHRC and intended to foster an inclusive workplace culture. The commitment includes a two-year review to examine the organizations’ progress and develop a refreshed strategic pathway to meeting the aforementioned benchmarks.

“Our operations extend into growing and diverse communities. We recognize the tremendous opportunity this means for our organization with respect to leveraging a broad base of talent that is both representative of our customers and key to future success.”

– Nancy Brandon, Director, People & Business Services

Operating in the heart of the Durham Region and throughout the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area, Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE are headquartered in one of Canada’s most culturally diverse areas. Building a culture of diversity and inclusion is an important step in the organizations’ approach to better understanding the needs of each customer group in order to deliver exceptional services across their territory.

Media Contact
Josh McCulloch
jmcculloch@opuc.on.ca
905-242-3186

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2020

OSHAWA POWER LAUNCHES NEW STRATEGIC ENERGY BRAND

OSHAWA, Ontario – Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC) is proud to announce the evolution of its non-regulated energy division. As of April 27th, 2020 Oshawa PUC Energy Services (OPUCES) will go by the streamlined name EnerFORGE, EnerFORGE’s mission is strong and clear — to help customers forge a sustainable energy future. The brand infers bold new directions that may not be aligned with the energy status quo, but always lead to improved outcomes for clients. Visually, the logo includes cues that embrace the company’s history as an Oshawa utility affiliate and also reference the team’s acumen in a spectrum of energy technologies. Overall, the look-and-feel will propel the group beyond pre-conceived notions of what OPUCES could do.

In terms of its mandate, EnerFORGE will build on the strong foundational base of 21 projects across nearly 90 sites in the GTHA that were built under the OPUCES brand. This will be done through custom design, build, own, operate and/or finance solutions for low carbon energy initiatives across Canada.

When asked about the re-brand, OPUC’s President and CEO, Ivano Labricciosa noted that “The evolved strategic direction of this division plays an instrumental role in strengthening our market position while also building steady returns for our shareholder”. He also noted that “the old brand left customers confused about our offering and our geographic reach, meaning that our capabilities had outgrown our namesake”.

Scott Barker, VP of Business Development and functional leader for the EnerFORGE division was asked about the timing for this launch. “The team considered delaying the announcement to be sensitive to the challenges everyone is facing during these unprecedented times. As the COVID-19 situation evolved, we’ve witnessed strongly emerging themes of collaboration and innovation, which perfectly align with our new brand. We’ve also seen upticks in our business, as clients require more out of our essential services than ever before. Given this, we’ve decided to launch and modestly celebrate this exciting step with a locally-produced COVID-19 relief package donation to frontline workers at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.”

To achieve its socially-distanced digital launch, EnerFORGE will be posting new content to LinkedIn each day next week and looks forward to celebrating in person with stakeholders someday soon.

About EnerFORGE

EnerFORGE is a leading enabler of critical energy and communications infrastructure. Our mission is to help customers forge their sustainable energy future through flexible, affordable, and innovative approaches. Our available services span the design, build, finance, own, operate and maintain spectrum. EnerFORGE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation.

About Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation

Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC) is a diversified holding company owned by the municipal corporation of the City of Oshawa. With a 130+ year history in Oshawa, OPUC has four divisions, all of which own and operate critical and converging energy and communications infrastructure.

CONTACTS

Janet Taylor
Manager – Sustainability and Business Advocacy, Oshawa Power
100 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa, ON L1H 7M7
(905) 244-6364
JTaylor@opuc.on.ca

Sheila Risorto
Marketing and Communications, Oshawa Power
100 Simcoe St. S., Oshawa, ON L1H 7M7
(905) 439-1930
srisorto@opuc.on.ca

Monday, February 24, 2020

Save on Energy does not solicit participation in their programs. The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has reported they have received numerous calls from consumers contacted by someone claiming to be from Save on Energy and asking to schedule a home audit.

Save on Energy is operated by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and provides information and services to homeowners, tenants and eligible social housing providers on how to improve energy efficiency.

The IESO has confirmed that Save On Energy does not call consumers and ask to schedule a home audit. Instead, interested consumers have to sign up or fill out a contact form before receiving a call back from the program service provider.

Save on Energy is asking customers who receive an unsolicited call or home visit from someone claiming to be from Save on Energy to exercise caution and let the agency know by email: saveonenergy@ieso.ca.

Consumers with questions or concerns about any sales calls or door-to-door experiences are encouraged to contact the OEB at 1-877-632-2727 within the hours of 8:30 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

Consumer Tips

  • Know who you’re dealing with – If someone calls you, ask for the name of the person you are speaking with, the company they represent and their telephone number.
  • Ask for ID – If someone is at your door, ask to see identification, including a business card and ID card with the sales representative’s company information.
  • Protect your personal information – Do not feel compelled to share your personal information. Your utility bill is private. It contains personal information like your account number and energy usage.

Resources

OP EnergyServices

January 23, 2020

Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation Energy Services (O.P.U.C.E.S.) and the City of Oshawa announced today that Delpark Homes Centre will be the future site of a combined heat and power plant.

As part of the Council-approved initiative, a 600 kW combined heat and power system will be installed at Delpark Homes Centre. Anticipated to be operational by end of 2020, the system will be owned, operated and maintained by O.P.U.C.E.S.

The combined heat and power plant will be fueled by natural gas and will generate electricity and useful heat simultaneously. The new system will help the City realize energy efficiencies, save heating and cooling costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also help the recreation facility generate its own back up heat and electricity during a power outage.

This project is aligned with Oshawa’s ongoing energy efficiency initiatives, outlined in the City’s Corporate Facilities Energy Management Plan.

The system will reduce Delpark Home Centre’s draw on the grid by approximately 3,700 MWh each year. Over the lifetime of the project, it will take the equivalent of approximately 4,000 Canadian homes off-grid.

O.P.U.C.E.S. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation. O.P.U.C.E.S. partners with proven solution providers to deliver tailored energy solutions and meet the needs of each individual customer, including low carbon distributed generation technologies such as CHP, wind, solar, and biogas. For more information, visit www.oshawapower.ca.

Quotes:

“Oshawa P.U.C. Energy Services is proud to be investing in our community. Our goal is to create tangible savings for our municipal shareholder and improved amenities for our customers within Canada’s evolving energy landscape,” said Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO of Oshawa P.U.C. Energy Services.

“By investing in a combined heat and power plant that will help provide backup electricity at Delpark Homes Centre that is both clean, cost-effective and good for the environment, O.P.U.C.E.S. is helping strengthen our community resilience,” said Mayor Dan Carter. “This is another innovative approach from the City’s energy partner aimed at reducing demand on our electricity system that will result in bottom line savings for many years to come.”

“A combined heat and power plant at Delpark Homes Centre is one more example of how we are working proactively with O.P.U.C.E.S. to achieve the City of Oshawa’s goals of conserving energy, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and managing the demand for energy at our facilities,” said Councillor Bradley Marks, Chair of the Corporate Services Committee.

“With the help of O.P.U.C.E.S. and the launch of a new combined heat and power plant in Oshawa, the City continues to make strides that demonstrate our commitment to the environment and energy conservation,” said Councillor Jane Hurst, Vice-Chair of the Corporate Services Committee.                                                 

Delpark Group Photo

Members of Council and Oshawa P.U.C. Energy Services join together to announce Delpark Homes Centre as the future site of a combined heat and power plant.

Labricciosa Chapman Handshake

Photo courtesy of Global News

Watch Global News by Brittany Rosen report here

 

 

Oshawa Power has been a member of the Oshawa Community for more that 130 years and is dedicated to the community. This holiday season Oshawa Power employees worked with Simcoe Hall Settlement House to provide gifts for children in the community. Simcoe Hall Settlement House provided the first name, age, and the wish list of 46 children. Employees then chose a child and purchased a gift for them.

The spirit of giving was infectious. The employees talked to each other about what they had picked out for “their child”. Many employees took the opportunity to shop as a family, allowing their own children to pick out the gift and wrap it for another child.

President and CEO, Ivano Labricciosa said, “The employees at Oshawa Power are committed to helping in this community where we live and work. Not only do the staff make donations, they willingly help in the community volunteering their time and making a difference. It’s a great feeling to be a part of this organization and this community.”

The gifts were delivered to Simcoe Hall Settlement House for delivery to children in the community in time for Christmas.

SHSH Gifts Simcoe Hall Snowflake Gifts

There is an aggressive fraudulent company impersonating Oshawa Power calling our customers and demanding  payment in cash and requesting people to meet them in obscure areas.

Customers are also receiving emails with our name, phone # and a link to pay – this is not us.

They have duplicated our IVR phone message and their call display displays Oshawa Power.

Oshawa Power will not ever ask you to meet them at a variety store or anything of the like and we do NOT have self service kiosks to make payments. Oshawa Power also does not have a toll free number.

Their contact phone number is 1-800-799-0318. Today they have requested our customers to meet them at 282 Marland AVE and the Midtown Mall to make payment.

Do not engage with these people and call Durham Regional Police at 905-579-1520.