Author: theboss

Empowering the engineers of the future: Hydro Ottawa named one of National Capital Region’s Top Employers

Posted on by theboss

OTTAWA – By investing in the specialized skills and career trajectories of its engineering and technical teams, Hydro Ottawa Group (Hydro Ottawa) has once again been recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers.

As the electricity sector undergoes an unprecedented expansion to support population growth and community-wide electrification, Hydro Ottawa is distinguishing itself through a dedicated focus on ‘upskilling’ opportunities and versatile career development for its employees. This year’s recognition highlights the company’s commitment to providing engineers and technical professionals with the freedom to work across disciplines – from solar installations and hydroelectric maintenance to dam safety and grid operations.

To meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape, Hydro Ottawa has launched new programs and enhanced existing ones aimed at internal mobility. This includes a specialized development program for engineering interns and new graduates to help them meet the knowledge and experience requirements of the licensing process, alongside a new technical career path that allows engineers to advance into intermediate, senior and lead engineering roles without being limited to a traditional management pipeline.

Quick Facts

Hydro Ottawa invests heavily in a culture of continuous learning, offering role-specific training that allows employees to use the full breadth of their technical knowledge. Across its companies, Hydro Ottawa invests close to 40 hours per employee annually on training in trades and safe work practices, business skills, management and leadership development.

The company supports its employees’ holistic well-being with an $1,800 mental health practitioner benefit and access to virtual health and wellbeing resources and services.

Hydro Ottawa fosters a strong sense of community and purpose, with employees contributing 538 volunteer hours to local causes last year.

With nearly 17,000 job applications received last year, the utility remains a destination of choice for talent in the National Capital Region.

The National Capital Region’s Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the employers in the Ottawa-Gatineau area that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.

Quote

“As we transition to a smarter, decarbonized power grid, our work is no longer just about maintaining infrastructure; it’s about pioneering the digital nervous system of our city. Our engineers are architecting solutions for a net-zero future, effectively redefining the role of the modern engineer. As one of the top employers in the electricity sector, we’re counting on them to help us solve the greatest energy challenges of our generation.”

– Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer

Media contact:
Susan Fekete
Manager, External and Corporate Affairs
Hydro Ottawa Group
(613) 738-5499 x2345
[email protected]
www.hydroottawagroup.com

Mentorship and innovative training drive Hydro Ottawa’s recognition as a Top Employer for Young People

Posted on by theboss

OTTAWA – Today, Hydro Ottawa Group (Hydro Ottawa) was recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People. This award highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a new generation of talent through cutting-edge technology, robust apprenticeship programs, and a culture of continuous learning.

Hydro Ottawa is in the midst of an organization-wide knowledge transfer. About 35 per cent of the company’s employees are under the age of 35 — a figure that continues to rise as the company recruits the next generation of talent to help meet growing energy demands while its long-term employees prepare for retirement.

To support the expanding demographic of young employees, Hydro Ottawa is leveraging innovative technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), to provide immersive technical and safety training. These tools allow apprentices and students to get “hands-on” experience working through complex scenarios in a controlled, safe environment before heading into the field.

Hydro Ottawa offers exciting careers and programs designed to ensure young workers can make meaningful contributions to the organization and community early in their careers.

Quick Facts

  • Approximately 35 per cent of Hydro Ottawa’s workforce is under the age of 35, with many long-term employees getting ready to retire.
  • The company is bringing back recent retirees as instructors for its powerline technician program delivered in conjunction with Algonquin College, and as mentors for its apprenticeship programs, to make sure younger employees can take advantage of their decades of knowledge and experience.
  • The company has partnerships with Algonquin College and Carleton University to promote careers in the energy sector and encourage women to enter skilled trades, technical and engineering roles.
  • Hydro Ottawa is leveraging VR and video-based training to help employees master complex technical tasks in a risk-free environment before performing them in the field.
  • This is the 11th time Hydro Ottawa has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.


Quotes

“I’m always proud when I hear we’ve won this award. As the energy sector undergoes its most significant transformation, we’re looking to the next generation to help us lead the way as our business continues to grow. By empowering young talent with the latest technologies and interactive training, we’re helping to ignite the passion and innovative thinking needed to build a smarter, more sustainable future for our community.”

– Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer

Media contact:

Susan Fekete
Manager, External and Corporate Affairs
Hydro Ottawa Group
(613) 738-5499 x2345
[email protected]
www.hydroottawagroup.com


About Hydro Ottawa Group

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. [operating under the brand ‘Hydro Ottawa Group’] is a private company 100 per cent owned by the City of Ottawa and whose strategic business lines include electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, energy solutions, telecommunications and utility services. As a future-powered energy provider and partner in key green energy projects, the Hydro Ottawa Group is committed to innovation, community and sustainability. It owns and operates four primary subsidiary companies that drive its vision for a dynamic energy future: Hydro Ottawa Limited – a local distribution company that delivers electricity to approximately 372,000 customers in Ottawa and Casselman; Portage Power – the largest municipally-owned producer of renewable energy in the province of Ontario with 131 megawatts of installed green generation capacity (enough to power 110,000 homes); Envari – an innovative energy solutions company offering products and services designed to improve energy efficiency and drive cost savings for municipalities, industrial and business clients, governments and utilities; and hiboo networks – a high-speed fibre optic network solutions and internet services company focused on powering a strong digital future by providing secure and scalable connectivity for customers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Learn more: hydroottawagroup.com

Hydro Ottawa presents 2024 Annual Report to City Council

Posted on by theboss

OTTAWA – Today, Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (‘Hydro Ottawa’) presented its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting successes in maintaining a safe and reliable supply of electricity, enabling sustainable energy solutions for customers and achieving milestones across its diverse lines of business.

Board Chair, Bernie Ashe, and President and Chief Executive Officer, Bryce Conrad, presented the company’s 2024 financial results during the Annual General Meeting before Ottawa City Council. They also provided an update on local clean energy project partnerships, the recently completed financial restructuring of the company and plans for investing in distribution system infrastructure over the coming years to support the city’s growth and increased electrification.

As part of the presentation, the company introduced its refreshed brand identity—Hydro Ottawa Group. This change reflects a more comprehensive identity focused on empowering customers through the delivery of sustainable energy solutions and reflects the promise to enable a smarter energy future by leading innovation, fostering community and embracing sustainability.

Quick Facts

  • In accordance with the City Council-approved dividend policy, Hydro Ottawa’s dividend payment to the City will be $22.3 million this year, which will be used by the City to fund municipal programs and services. 
  • In 2024, Hydro Ottawa maintained best-in-class reliability and achieved its best-ever outage frequency result. On average, customers had power 99.98 per cent of the time.
  • As part of its ongoing focus on improving emergency preparedness and response, the company introduced two-way outage communications, enabling customers to report outages and register for outage alerts via text message.
  • Hydro Ottawa undertook a corporate restructuring to better position the company for long-term financial success. This provided an immediate benefit to its credit rating, creating a stronger posture for executing on major investment plans and increasing capacity for growth and diversification.
  • Significant milestones were achieved in support of the City of Ottawa’s Zero Emission Bus project, including completion of the first tranche of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure installation and the initiation of a new electrical substation project providing dedicated capacity for bus charging.
  • Planning and design advanced for two major local sustainability partnerships: the energy-efficient central utility plant for The Ottawa Hospital’s new Civic campus and a wastewater heat recovery pilot project for a residential development in downtown Ottawa. 
  • Portage Power, the company’s renewable energy subsidiary, produced a record-high volume of clean electricity across its 36 stations as a result of hydroelectric plant upgrades and water flow optimization.
  • Envari, the company’s energy solutions provider, continued to support key partners like the Ottawa International Airport Authority, Ottawa Community Housing and Renfrew County school boards in reducing their energy consumption and carbon emissions through sustainable energy initiatives.
  • Hiboo networks, the company’s telecommunications subsidiary, completed its first full year of operations. It continued to focus on acquiring customers, expanding its network and building internal capacity for long-term value creation. It was also a founding partner in CommuniFi, a pilot project offering free Wi-Fi for Ottawa Community Housing tenants.
  • As part of its commitment to achieving net-zero operations, Hydro Ottawa expanded its corporate EV fleet, installed additional EV chargers at its work centres and broke ground on the Piperville Municipal Transformer Station, its first substation being designed and constructed using low-carbon techniques. As noted in the Annual Report, there was a 24 per cent year-over-year reduction in corporate emissions within the company’s control (known as Scope 1 emissions) relative to the prior reporting year.
  • Hydro Ottawa is dedicated to making the communities it serves better places to live, work and play. In 2024, its employee-driven charitable campaign raised approximately $142,000 for United Way East Ontario and $151,000 for The Royal Ottawa Prompt Care Clinic. The company also contributed $76,000 through its Community Investment Program to sponsor local organizations seeking to build stronger and healthier communities and support vulnerable groups.

 

 

Quotes

“2024 marked a year of strong financial and operational performance across our core business lines. With a new organizational structure in place, Hydro Ottawa is well-positioned to build on this momentum as we prepare to embark on the largest grid investment program in our history. We look forward to elevating our engagement and partnerships with customers and stakeholders as we help deliver the energy transition and lead the way to a smarter energy future.”
– Bernie Ashe, Chair, Board of Directors

“Everywhere you look in the nation’s capital, Hydro Ottawa is at the forefront of transforming how we use and think about energy—whether it’s meeting the demand for more clean electricity or deploying customized solutions for high-rises, hospitals, homeowners and everyone in between. We will remain relentless in our quest to be the trusted energy advisor and partner for our customers, and to unlock new value for our community through sustainability and innovation.”

– Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Media contact:

Susan Fekete
Manager, Media and Public Affairs
Hydro Ottawa Group
[email protected]
613-738-5499, ext. 2345

About Hydro Ottawa Group

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. [operating under the brand ‘Hydro Ottawa Group’] is a private company 100 per cent owned by the City of Ottawa and whose strategic business lines include electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, energy solutions, telecommunications and utility services. As a future-powered energy provider and partner in key green energy projects, the Hydro Ottawa Group is committed to innovation, community and sustainability. It owns and operates four primary subsidiary companies that drive its vision for a dynamic energy future: Hydro Ottawa Limited – a local distribution company that delivers electricity to approximately 372,000 customers in Ottawa and Casselman; Portage Power – the largest municipally-owned producer of renewable energy in the province of Ontario with 131 megawatts of installed green generation capacity (enough to power 110,000 homes); Envari – an innovative energy solutions company offering products and services designed to improve energy efficiency and drive cost savings for municipalities, industrial and business clients, governments and utilities; and hiboo networks – a high-speed fibre optic network solutions and internet services company focused on powering a strong digital future by providing secure and scalable connectivity for customers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.

Learn more: hydroottawagroup.com

Powering Ottawa’s future with district energy systems

Posted on by theboss

Ottawa’s rapid growth and commitment to sustainability are increasing demands on the city’s energy infrastructure. To meet these challenges, innovative solutions are needed to enhance capacity while minimizing environmental impact. District energy systems (DES) efficiently distribute heating and cooling through interconnected networks, leveraging waste heat and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Hydro Ottawa Group plans to use this solution to improve access to clean energy and build a more resilient and sustainable city.

“A district energy system is multiple heating and cooling plants that you can connect together,” says Laurie Heuff, vice-president, system planning and asset management at Hydro Ottawa Limited, a Hydro Ottawa Group subsidiary. “Essentially it’s transferring excess energy to balance demand elsewhere, reducing the need for additional generation and reducing overall system strain.” 

She explains that wasted heat from large buildings can heat water for developments nearby. “By connecting different areas using water pipes, we capture and redistribute heat,” Heuff explains. “Reusing existing energy instead of wasting it maximizes energy efficiency and avoids the need for additional heating fuel.”

Ottawa has a few district energy systems, including one at the Zibi community utility near LeBreton Flats. 

“In that community, we have a heating and cooling system that heats both the Quebec and the Ontario side of the Ottawa River,” Heuff says. “It also leverages waste heat from the Kruger paper mill. There’s piping that connects Kruger to the Zibi central utility plant. Using heat-exchangers and water to carry the thermal energy to Zibi, there is sufficient heat for all of Zibi’s space and water heating. In summer, chillers are coupled to the Ottawa river to provide highly efficient cooling to the community. The central utility plant is a net-zero carbon utility because it leverages very clean electricity from the Quebec grid to do the majority of the energy production.” 

In addition to Zibi being the region’s first zero carbon-emission community, this innovative system is the first in North America to use post-industrial waste heat recovery in a master-planned community.

“A lot of cleaner technologies need an economy of scale to make them work, so they’re too expensive for a one-building solution, but if you group 10 buildings together, the capital cost for the creative solution makes more sense and Zibi is a great example of that,” says Scott Demark, a partner with Theia Partners Inc., which helped co-ordinate the district energy system at Zibi. “We capture enough waste heat from Kruger to heat four million square feet of residential and office space there.” 

Kruger receives payment from the Zibi community and fulfills its sustainability commitments through this arrangement. 

“For this project, Hydro Ottawa Group connected with the developer to collaborate,” Demark says. “Hydro Ottawa brings a good honest brand to it and a lot of credibility to the offering since DES aren’t that common in Canada.”

Heuff sees the potential for expansion of these systems as “abundant”. 

She notes that Hydro Ottawa Limited is “very good at managing energy infrastructure” and boasts one of the highest reliability levels of service in all of Ontario. 

An upcoming project is at The Ottawa Hospital’s new Civic campus. The hospital’s central utility plant is the heart of the hospital’s heating and cooling equipment. 

“We’re building it for the first phase of the hospital and we’re able to expand the actual equipment that’s in the building to handle the expansions that the hospital will go through over the coming years,” Heuff says. “We also have plans to then expand pipes off of the campus and to other areas that will be serviced by more commercial-style development. We’ve been speaking with developers on the Carling Avenue corridor where there’s a lot of high-rise development that’s going on as a result of the intensification from the light-rail train that’s going by there.” 

As such, those buildings will be able to take advantage of some of the waste heat from the hospital’s central utility plant. The hospital’s system itself aims to be the most sustainable hospital energy system in Canada when it’s built.      

For more than a century, Hydro Ottawa Group has built a foundation of expertise in energy distribution. They are now poised to leverage that deep-rooted knowledge to pioneer district energy solutions, which will bring unparalleled resilience and redundancy to Ottawa, extending benefits to commercial partners and ensuring maximum energy use. The utility is committed to applying its proven skills to create efficient, interconnected networks that eliminate waste and enhance reliability. This approach will bring robust, multi-sourced heating solutions to Ottawa’s critical infrastructure and beyond, demonstrating their dedication to maximizing energy potential for a sustainable future.

Partnering with Ottawa Community Housing to cut emissions and foster connection

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Hydro Ottawa Group and Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) are increasing their efforts to build a greener, more sustainable future for Ottawa. Through an expanded partnership and the support of the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator (ORA) program, the two organizations are collaborating to significantly reduce carbon emissions and foster connection across OCH’s extensive housing portfolio, demonstrating that community-focused climate action can deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits.

As Ottawa’s largest provider of community and affordable housing, OCH is committed to aligning with the City of Ottawa’s Climate Change Master Plan to reduce emissions by 96 per cent by 2040. To help achieve this goal, OCH is leveraging Hydro Ottawa Group’s expertise in energy efficiency and clean energy innovation.

A strategic and impactful partnership

Hydro Ottawa Group and OCH have partnered on energy efficiency initiatives for more than a decade. This relationship grew significantly in July 2024, with the announcement of an expanded collaboration focused on deploying a series of forward-looking, energy-saving technologies. These include:

  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support a growing EV car-share program, which has already seen 255 users travel more than 34,000 kilometres;
  • Installation of heat pumps for individual townhomes, with plans for 260 units to be upgraded over time;
  • Deployment of solar panels, with 37 arrays generating 500,000 kWh of clean electricity; and
  • Building automation systems (BAS), active in 18 buildings, with another 27 in the design phase, optimizing energy usage across OCH communities.

 

In December 2024, OCH also launched CommuniFi, a free community Wi-Fi project at two of its buildings in Ottawa. Designed to improve digital access for residents, the initiative is powered by hiboo networks, a Hydro Ottawa Group subsidiary, which provides the essential fibre-optic infrastructure and technical expertise behind the reliable, high-speed connectivity. This service helps residents access vital online resources. 

Together, these initiatives lower emissions, reduce operating costs, improve indoor comfort, and help maintain housing affordability for low-income residents. They also foster stronger, more connected, and inclusive communities. Since 2011, OCH has saved $64.1 million, reinvested to enhance housing operations and sustainability.

The power of the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator

A key driver of OCH’s decarbonization plan is its participation in the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator (ORA) program, a $10 million initiative funded by Natural Resources Canada and delivered by Hydro Ottawa Limited. In consultation with Envari Energy Solutions, one of the five approved energy consulting firms for the program, ORA provides commercial, institutional, and residential high-rise buildings with expert guidance, financial support, and a streamlined pathway to deep retrofits.

As part of the program, OCH has enlisted Envari Energy Solutions, a Hydro Ottawa Group subsidiary, to conduct a carbon pathway study for 38 high-rise buildings. This analysis will create a customized roadmap for maximizing energy efficiency and aligning capital planning with long-term climate goals.

“Reviewing our eco performance is crucial for integrating our climate goals into our long-term capital planning,” said Stéphane Giguère, CEO of Ottawa Community Housing. “By understanding the decarbonization pathways for each of our buildings, we can make informed decisions on infrastructure upgrades, ensuring both sustainability and affordability for our residents.”

This support from Envari builds on their earlier work with OCH, including the successful implementation of building automation systems and EV charging infrastructure.

A model for climate leadership

“This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling climate change and the energy transition,” said Bryce Conrad, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa Group. “By investing in energy efficiency and embracing innovative solutions, we can help OCH achieve its ambitious carbon reduction goals while making their buildings more comfortable and affordable for residents.”

Both organizations consider this partnership as a model for how local collaboration can accelerate the clean energy transition, particularly in sectors like affordable housing, where energy savings directly benefit residents.

“Together, we will implement innovative energy-saving technologies that reduce our carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and provide advanced energy solutions to residents,” added Giguère. “Our combined efforts underscore our shared commitment to building stronger and greener communities.”

Looking ahead

With projects underway and a clear roadmap, the OCH-Hydro Ottawa Group partnership is set to make an even greater impact. Future plans include expanding the EV car-share program to new communities, further scaling heat pump installations, and continuing to develop carbon-reduction strategies for OCH’s 15,000+ homes across the city.

This collaboration is an example of what’s possible when public utilities and housing providers work together to serve people and the planet.

Energizing Ottawa’s transformational transit future

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Hydro Ottawa Group is powering the city of Ottawa’s transition to a 100 per cent electric bus fleet, demonstrating our commitment to a smarter energy future. At Hydro Ottawa Group, innovation drives us toward a cleaner, smarter, and more electrified city. We’re proud to play a key role in Ottawa’s energy evolution.

In recent years, we have been pivotal in enabling Ottawa’s transportation transformation, delivering projects that advance sustainability and improve urban infrastructure.

In 2024, we completed the first phase of EV charging infrastructure for 30 electric buses, laying the groundwork for a transit system that will eventually include more than 300 battery electric buses by 2028. This transformation rethinks how transit connects with energy. To meet this demand, Envari Energy Solutions, a Hydro Ottawa Group subsidiary, has installed initial charging systems and is moving forward with the Hydro Road municipal transformer station project.

The Hydro Road municipal transformer station, set for completion in 2027, will supply the increased power needed to charge the city’s expanding electric bus fleet. Aligned with our sustainability commitments, subsidiary Hydro Ottawa Limited, is developing Hydro Road as a low-carbon substation. We are undertaking a full project review, using innovative design, procurement and construction techniques that include using lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) materials, and equipment to address embodied carbon.

The project includes:

  • Strengthening the electricity system to support Ottawa’s growing electrical needs.
  • Installing new steel towers and two overhead 230 kilovolt (kV) power lines connecting to Hydro One’s existing transmission network.
  • Conducting a comprehensive environmental assessment under Ontario’s Class EA for Transmission Facilities, ensuring responsible development with environmental safeguards.

This transformer station will provide the backbone for the Zero-Emission Buses (ZEB) project, approved by Ottawa City Council in 2021.

A multi-modal commitment to electrification

Hydro Ottawa’s commitment to innovative transportation extends beyond buses. In 2023, we invested $3.2 million to support Stage 2 of Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) program, further supporting the city’s clean mobility future. By supporting both road-based and rail-based electric transportation, Hydro Ottawa Group is helping to create an integrated and low-carbon transit network for the National Capital Region.

Innovation in action

These initiatives represent how Hydro Ottawa Group enables city-wide innovation. From installing smart infrastructure for public transit to building resilient transformer stations and investing in clean power for rail systems, Hydro Ottawa Group is defining what it means to be a 21st-century energy utility.

Ottawa’s electrified future is already being built, with Hydro Ottawa Group energizing innovation one project at a time.

Innovative sewage energy project underway at LeBreton Flats

Posted on by theboss

Ottawa – A new era of sustainable energy is dawning in Ottawa with the formation of the LeBreton Community Utility Partnership, a joint venture between Envari Holding Inc. (a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.) and Theia Partners. Together with the City of Ottawa, the partners have formalized a landmark agreement to implement an advanced Sewage Energy Exchange System (SEES) at the LeBreton Flats redevelopment.

This groundbreaking energy project will harness the untapped thermal potential of wastewater to provide sustainable and efficient building heating and cooling to DREAM’s Odenak development at 665 Albert Street, the inaugural customer for LeBreton Community Utility’s SEES.

Odenak is a 600-unit, two-tower project adjacent to the Pimisi light rail transit (LRT) station. It features a mix of market-rate and affordable residential units as well as retail spaces. In a first for Ottawa, it will be sustainably powered by the SEES, which leverages advanced Canadian technology from SHARC Energy Systems. The SEES utilizes highly efficient heat pumps and operates entirely without fossil fuel, marking a significant step towards a cleaner energy future for the city.

Construction to connect to the City’s sewer infrastructure is slated to begin later this year, following a collaborative design phase between the City of Ottawa and the LeBreton Community Utility partners.

The LeBreton Community Utility Partnership is also engaged in discussions with the National Capital Commission (NCC) to explore the potential for the SEES network to serve additional land parcels at the LeBreton Flats redevelopment, to take advantage of economies of scale. This forward-thinking approach positions the site as a model for sustainable community energy infrastructure in Canada.

Quick facts:

  • This project advances Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.’s goal of enabling sustainable energy solutions and of its strategic pillar of being the partner of first choice for signature green energy and carbon reduction projects in the community
  • This project advances the City of Ottawa’s goal of reducing community greenhouse gas emissions by 96 per cent by 2040, as outlined in its Climate Change Master Plan and Energy Evolution.
  • The project will use a Sewage Energy Exchange System (SEES) to transfer thermal energy to/from wastewater for heating and cooling buildings at LeBreton Flats, the first of its kind in Ottawa.
  • The type of SEES proposed for the pilot connection will divert sewage from the City’s collection system into an external well, then filter it to remove large solids and pump it through a heat exchanger to draw energy for either heating or cooling. After, the pumped sewage will be discharged back into the municipal sewer.
  • Once completed, the SEES will provide more than 9 MW of heating and cooling capacity for approximately 2.4 million sq ft of development.
  • By utilizing this system, the LeBreton Community Utility estimates a reduction of approximately 5,066 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually compared to traditional buildings relying on boilers and chillers. To visualize 5,066 tonnes, it is the equivalent of the electricity used by 3,387 homes for a full year (as calculated by the Natural Resources Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator).
  • The system will use patented and Canadian-built SHARC Energy technology for efficient heat exchange.
  • There are SEES projects operating in Europe, the United States, Toronto and Vancouver, with other Canadian ones planned. There is growing interest in this technology. City of Ottawa staff are part of a working group with other municipalities to share and exchange ideas as they collectively start using these systems.
  • DREAM’s Odenak development is anticipated to welcome its first residents in early 2027 and will utilize approximately one-third of the SEES system’s total capacity.
  • 31% of Odenak’s residential units (133) will be affordable and prioritize Algonquin and other Indigenous peoples, veterans, recent immigrants, women and children and adults with cognitive disabilities. The City of Ottawa contributed $15,000,000 to support the project’s affordable housing.
  • SEES may be suitable for connection with other large collector sewers elsewhere in the city.

 

Quotes

“This partnership demonstrates how we can use existing infrastructure in new and innovative ways to reduce emissions and support sustainable growth in our communities of the future. By turning wastewater into clean, efficient energy, we’re taking a practical step that shows what’s possible when innovation meets sustainability in city building. This is great for the environment and for a clean future in Ottawa.”

  • Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, City of Ottawa

“This is more than just a project; it’s a testament to Ottawa’s dedication to leading the way in sustainable energy solutions. Hydro Ottawa is proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, demonstrating the power of collaboration and forward-thinking technology, including the highly efficient and Canadian-made SHARC Energy systems, in building a sustainable future for the community we serve. We are especially pleased that this project supports vital affordable housing and aligns with our commitment to ensuring all customers can participate in a smart and equitable energy future.”

  • Bryce Conrad, President and CEO, Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

“The formation of the LeBreton Community Utility partnership marks a significant step in realizing a truly sustainable energy model for urban development. Our SEES technology, powered by SHARC’s Canadian innovation, will provide reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible thermal energy to the LeBreton community, starting with DREAM’s Odenak development.”

  • Scott Demark, Partner at Theia Partners

 

About Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. 

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) is a private company 100 per cent owned by the City of Ottawa and whose core businesses are electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, and energy and utility services. As a leading partner in a smart energy future, Hydro Ottawa is committed to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment in all aspects of its operations. It owns and operates three primary subsidiary companies: Hydro Ottawa Limited – a local distribution company that delivers electricity to more than 364,000 customers in the city of Ottawa and the village of Casselman; Portage Power – the largest Ontario-based municipally-owned producer of green power with 131 megawatts of installed green generation capacity (enough to power 110,000 homes); and Envari Holding Inc. – an energy solutions company offering products and services that help reduce energy consumption and costs for municipalities, industrial and commercial clients, and various local distribution companies. For more information visit: hydroottawaholding.com

About the City of Ottawa

The City of Ottawa is the civic level of government that provides a wide range of municipal services and emergency responses to residents and businesses in Ottawa. For information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Bluesky, X and Instagram.

About Theia Partners

Theia Partners is a values-based real estate and green energy development company that harnesses the speed and size of the market to create effective, lasting solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time. Theia has deep experience creating societal and financial value in overlooked places like contaminated and complicated sites, workforce housing apartments, and waste-heat energy systems.  www.theiapartners.com

 About DREAM

Dream (TSX:DRM) is one of Canada’s leading real estate companies with approximately $8 billion of assets under management in North America and Europe. The scope of the business includes residential land development, housing and condominium development, retail and commercial development, asset management for three TSX-listed trusts; including Dream Hard Asset Alternatives Trust (TSX:DRA.UN) and commercial property ownership. Dream has an established track record for being innovative and for its ability to source, structure and execute on compelling investment opportunities. For more information please visit: www.dream.ca.

 

For more information:

Hydro Ottawa Media Relations
[email protected]
613-738-5499 ext. 2345

City of Ottawa Media Relations:
Phone: 613-580-2450
E-mail: [email protected]

Sustainability initiatives help Hydro Ottawa secure another top spot on Canada’s Greenest Employers list

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OTTAWA – Today, Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) celebrates its inclusion as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This accolade highlights Hydro Ottawa’s deeply rooted commitment to achieving net-zero operations by 2030 and its comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility.

Sustainability is a core value deeply integrated into all aspects of the organization. This commitment is evident in its ambitious goal to electrify its fleet, encompassing light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks with electric and hybrid technologies.

Beyond its fleet, Hydro Ottawa has implemented a four-stream waste collection system, utilizes geothermal heating and cooling in its buildings, employs water conservation systems, and adheres to a comprehensive green procurement strategy. Its subsidiary, Envari Energy Solutions, further contributes by providing sustainable energy solutions and innovative lighting design.

The utility integrates climate change considerations into its infrastructure planning by incorporating low-carbon techniques in its substation designs and, where feasible, creating pollinator meadows around new facilities to enhance biodiversity.

Quick Facts

  • Hydro Ottawa is hyper-focused on making it easier for organizations in its community to participate in a sustainable energy future. In 2024, Hydro Ottawa was selected by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to deliver the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator program (ORA), a $10 million program running until March 31, 2027, to help commercial, institutional, mid-rise and high-rise residential buildings receive expert guidance to implement deep retrofits that significantly reduce their emissions.
  • Hydro Ottawa partnered with Ottawa Community Housing to reduce its carbon footprint across its portfolio of properties through the Ottawa Retrofit Accelerator (ORA) program, and expanding on its existing partnership to take advantage of future energy-saving projects like EV charging infrastructure, solar panels, building automation systems, and the installation of heat pumps for efficient heating and cooling.
  • Hydro Ottawa is the first Canadian municipally-owned utility to issue a Green Bond, which supported the refurbishment of hydro assets and construction of its LEED Gold campuses. Additionally, Hydro Ottawa is the first Canadian utility to earn ISO 55001 certification for asset management. These initiatives align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, building a more peaceful and prosperous world.
  • Portage Power, Hydro Ottawa’s renewable generation subsidiary, is Ontario’s largest municipally-owned producer of green power, with hydroelectric, solar and landfill gas-to-energy facilities generating 131 megawatts of renewable electricity (enough to power 110,000 homes annually). In total, Portage Power’s renewable generation capacity has increased six-fold in just 13 years.
  • Hydro Ottawa’s two operations centres and main office are LEED Gold Buildings certified, a globally recognized benchmark of sustainability achievement for green buildings.
  • Solar energy generation at Hydro Ottawa’s new facilities offsets approximately 18 per cent of the energy demand at its East Campus and 100 per cent at its South Campus.
  • Hydro Ottawa diverts more than 90 per cent of its waste from landfill, and works with scrap metal companies to perform metal reclamation of copper wire, steel and aluminum from its small transformers and meters.
  • Envari Energy Solutions, Hydro Ottawa’s energy management subsidiary, continues to upgrade a City of Ottawa wastewater treatment plant by replacing the plant’s three cogeneration engines, and adding a fourth, which will eliminate 1,565 tonnes of CO2 per year and reduce utility costs by $80M over 25 years.

 

Quotes

“At Hydro Ottawa, sustainability isn’t just a corporate objective; it’s a shared passion that resonates wholeheartedly with our employees. Their commitment to prioritizing sustainability in every aspect of their work, coupled with their willingness to adopt new technologies, practices, and green solutions, gives me great confidence in our ability to build a dynamic energy future for our customers and our city.”

– Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Media Contact

Susan Fekete
Manager, Media and Public Affairs
Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.
[email protected]

www.hydroottawa.com

 

About Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) is a private company 100 per cent owned by the city of Ottawa and whose core businesses are electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, energy solutions, telecommunications and utility services. As a leading partner in a smart energy future, Hydro Ottawa is committed to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment in all aspects of its operations. It owns and operates four primary subsidiary companies: Hydro Ottawa Limited – a local distribution company that delivers electricity to more than 364,000 customers in the city of Ottawa and the village of Casselman; Portage Power – the largest Ontario-based municipally-owned producer of green power with 131 megawatts of installed green generation capacity (enough to power 110,000 homes); Envari Energy Solutions offers products and services that help reduce energy consumption and costs for municipalities, industrial and commercial clients, and various local distribution companies; and Hiboo Networks – a high-speed fiber optic network solutions and internet service company providing customers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region with secure and scalable connectivity to enable a strong digital future.

Hydro Ottawa’s evolution to a technology-driven organization places it among the National Capital Region’s Top Employers

Posted on by theboss

OTTAWA – Today Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) won a spot among the National Capital Region’s Top Employers. 

As the energy sector enters the fourth industrial revolution, it’s more apparent than ever that automation, cyber-physical systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, cognitive computing, and artificial intelligence, are all playing a part in how Hydro Ottawa has evolved into a technology-driven organization.

Hydro Ottawa is a private company 100 per cent owned by the city of Ottawa and whose core businesses include electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, energy solutions, telecommunications and utility services. 

The company operates four primary subsidiary companies, and offers exciting careers for employees with expertise in emerging technology fields like data analytics, sustainability, and cybersecurity. This shift is driven by evolving industry demands in the energy sector and a rising need for electricity due to electrification, clean energy, data centre growth, and Ottawa’s expansion.

Quick Facts

  • Across its companies, Hydro Ottawa invests close to 40 hours per employee annually on training in trades and safe work practices, business skills, management and leadership development. The company continues to modernize its training and development programs, enabling employees to access micro learning anytime and anywhere on any device. A constantly growing eLearning library of courses, videos and ebooks for professional and skill development keeps employees learning, when it works for them. For field employees, new virtual reality training modules are changing the way they learn and practice their trade. Leaders benefit from a Conversation AI Simulator, an innovative generative AI based tool for simulating business and leadership conversational skills.
  • Hydro Ottawa places an emphasis on the health and wellbeing of its employees through its healthcare benefits, fitness and wellness programs, paid volunteer day, and employee assistance programs. The company has a fully digital, therapist-led, cognitive behavioural therapy program designed to help employees and their families struggling with mental health challenges.
  • The company raised more than $151,000 for the Royal Ottawa Prompt Care Clinic, made $158,000 in sponsorships and donations to local organizations supporting vulnerable groups, and raised nearly $142,000 through its annual employee fundraising campaign (vis-à-vis with corporate matching) for the United Way of East Ontario.
  • Hydro Ottawa fosters a safe and inclusive culture that enhances employee engagement and innovation, and strengthens partnerships in the community. In addition to its own gender equity commitment goals, Hydro Ottawa has established external partnerships with Algonquin College’s We Saved You as Seat Program and Carleton University’s Women in Engineering and IT Program to increase gender equity in trades, technical, engineering and leadership roles.
  • Hydro Ottawa supports employees through key stages in their lives, and also invests in their families through programs like mental health support extended to family members.
  • Hydro Ottawa’s talent attraction strategy has succeeded in recruiting young talent, with nearly 40 per cent of employees aged 35 and under. Further, employees are supported by tuition subsidies, a comprehensive digital learning platform, and programs designed to enhance their professional growth.

 

Quotes

“Employees are inspired by our vision of a sustainable, more connected future, and are eager to play an active role in the larger global energy transformation. As the demand for electricity grows exponentially in our community, we are attracting a workforce of the future that is passionate about developing innovative solutions for an increasingly electrified world  – one that is rooted in data and technology, but unlimited by their imagination. We foster a culture where work is meaningful, and every individual is empowered to contribute.”

-Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Media contact:

Susan Fekete
Manager, Media and Public Affairs
Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.
[email protected]

www.hydroottawa.com

 

About Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) is a private company 100 per cent owned by the city of Ottawa and whose core businesses are electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, energy solutions, telecommunications and utility services. As a leading partner in a smart energy future, Hydro Ottawa is committed to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment in all aspects of its operations. It owns and operates four primary subsidiary companies: Hydro Ottawa Limited – a local distribution company that delivers electricity to more than 364,000 customers in the city of Ottawa and the village of Casselman; Portage Power – the largest Ontario-based municipally-owned producer of green power with 131 megawatts of installed green generation capacity (enough to power 110,000 homes); Envari – an energy solutions company offering products and services that help reduce energy consumption and costs for municipalities, industrial and commercial clients, and various local distribution companies; and Hiboo Networks – a high-speed fiber optic network solutions and internet service company providing customers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region with secure and scalable connectivity to enable a strong digital future.

Investing in young talent and future leaders, Hydro Ottawa earns ‘Top Employer’ recognition

Posted on by theboss

OTTAWA – Today, in recognition of the importance Hydro Ottawa places on skill development and education for its young workforce, the company earned a spot on Canada’s Top Employers for Young People list for the 10th time.

With the transition to electrification, digitization and its ambitious goal to achieve net-zero operations by 2030, the company is embracing new technologies and innovation, and is attracting young professionals excited about the electricity industry, renewable energy, sustainability and the environment.

In addition to scholarships and tuition subsidies for professional accreditations, the company offers a large digital learning platform for all employees and virtual reality training scenarios for its trades and apprentices. Mentoring on the job is another important value the company encourages.

The utility offers exciting careers and programs designed to ensure young workers can make meaningful contributions to the organization and community early in their careers. 

Quick Facts

  • Hydro Ottawa’s talent attraction strategy has succeeded in attracting young talent, with nearly 40 per cent of employees aged 35 and under. 
  • Apprentices represent nearly 24 per cent of Hydro Ottawa’s trades workforce. 
  • The company offers paid in-house apprenticeship and engineering intern programs, and provides employment opportunities for post-secondary summer students as well as internships and co-op placements.
  • The company’s jointly delivered Powerline Technician Diploma Program was recently included in Algonquin College’s We Saved You a Seat program to encourage more female students to join careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
  • In 2018, Hydro Ottawa established the Hydro Ottawa Award, which is a $2,500 scholarship given to a first-year female student in the Powerline Technician Diploma Program at Algonquin College. 
  • Hydro Ottawa established an external partnership with Carleton University’s Women in Engineering and IT Program to increase gender equity in trades, technical, engineering and leadership roles.

 

Quotes

“At Hydro Ottawa, we’re empowering a young and talented workforce ready to build and lead the future of energy. We offer exciting careers and the opportunity to tackle big challenges to spearhead innovative, sustainable solutions for our industry, our environment, and our planet.”

-Bryce Conrad, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Media contact:

Susan Fekete
Manager, Media and Public Affairs
Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.
[email protected]

www.hydroottawa.com

 

About Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) is a private company 100 per cent owned by the City of Ottawa and whose core businesses are electricity distribution, renewable energy generation, energy solutions, telecommunications and utility services. As a leading partner in a smart energy future, Hydro Ottawa is committed to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment in all aspects of its operations. It owns and operates four primary subsidiary companies: Hydro Ottawa Limited – a local distribution company that delivers electricity to more than 364,000 customers in the city of Ottawa and the village of Casselman; Portage Power – the largest Ontario-based municipally-owned producer of green power with 131 megawatts of installed green generation capacity (enough to power 110,000 homes); Envari – an energy solutions company offering products and services that help reduce energy consumption and costs for municipalities, industrial and commercial clients, and various local distribution companies; and Hiboo Networks – a high-speed fiber optic network solutions and internet service company providing customers in the Ottawa-Gatineau region with secure and scalable connectivity to enable a strong digital future.