.jpg)
5 hours ago
1
Article content
MILTON, Ontario, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A group of forward-looking Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) in Ontario are pleased to announce a new strategic collaboration called PowerShare, aimed at supporting Ontario’s evolving electricity system through the development of Distribution System Operator (DSO) capabilities, including local energy markets.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
- Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.
- Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.
- Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
DSO capabilities reflect a modern role for LDCs, allowing them to move beyond traditional electricity delivery to actively managing distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles. This approach supports the integration of local energy markets and other innovative tools, enabling a more flexible, efficient, and customer-focused grid that aligns with Ontario’s goals for electrification, decarbonization, and long-term reliability.
Article content
Article content
Article content
The founding members of this collaboration include:
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
- Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation
- Essex Powerlines Corporation
- Greater Sudbury Hydro Inc.
- Kingston Hydro Corporation
- Lakefront Utilities Inc.
- London Hydro Inc.
- Milton Hydro Distribution Inc.
- PUC Distribution Inc.
- Welland Hydro Electric System Corp.
Article content
This coalition of LDCs recognizes the pivotal role DERs will play in supporting Ontario’s energy transition. By working together, the group is advancing shared solutions and practical tools that will help utilities operate more effectively in this evolving role.
Article content
First Step: Participation in OEB DSO Capabilities Consultation
Article content
The group’s first coordinated initiative will be active participation in the Ontario Energy Board’s DSO capabilities (EB-2025-0060) consultation. This participation reflects the group’s commitment to playing an active and informed role in the regulatory and technical discussions shaping the future of electricity distribution in Ontario.
Article content
“DSO capabilities are not just a vision of the future – they are a necessary foundation for a smart, flexible, and customer-centric grid,” said Jayna Sweeney, Chair of the group. “By working together through PowerShare, we’re ensuring that Ontario’s LDCs can deliver that future efficiently and effectively.”
Article content
Article content
“The OEB’s DSO Consultation is a critical first step in shaping how Ontario’s electricity grid will evolve to meet the needs of a decarbonized, electrified future,” said Troy Hare, President and CEO of Milton Hydro. “Through PowerShare, small and mid-sized LDCs like ours, are ensuring that our customers benefit from collaborative expertise, coordinated innovation, and a unified voice. This collaboration empowers us to advocate for practical, cost-effective, and strategic approaches to integrating DERs—approaches that reflect the realities of our communities and the future of energy in Ontario.”
Article content
About the PowerShare Group
Article content
This collaboration empowers small and mid-sized LDCs in Ontario to lead through shared innovation, coordinated policy development, and joint system planning. By combining their expertise and aligning strategic objectives, the group is better positioned to deliver meaningful results for both the electricity sector and the communities they serve. Building on early achievements from DER enablement projects across Ontario, PowerShare applies proven, real-world approaches to strengthen the group’s existing DSO expertise. These pilot projects have demonstrated that LDCs can actively manage DERs to support grid reliability and flexibility.
English (US)