There are a lot of players in the electrical industry. We’ve compiled some links to the major players in Ontario as well as the Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) servicing Niagara.
Industry Associations
Ontario Ministry of Energy
The Ministry of Energy works with many partners inside and outside of government to develop the electricity generation, transmission and other energy-related facilities that help power our economy—and to ensure that Ontario remains one of the best places in the world in which to live, work, invest and raise a family.
Ontario Energy Board
Ontario’s independent energy regulator. Their goal is to ensure Ontario’s energy system remains sustainable, today and tomorrow, and that your energy rights are protected. They’ve been regulating the natural gas sector since 1960 and the electricity sector since 1999.
Independent Electricity System Operator
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the heart of Ontario’s power system. The IESO delivers key services across the electricity sector including: managing the power system in real-time, planning for the province’s future energy needs, enabling conservation and designing a more efficient electricity marketplace to support sector evolution.
Hydro One
Hydro One has two components; transmission and distribution. They are the primary transmission provider for Ontario’s generated power.
Electrical Safety Authority
ESA’s primary activities are: identifying and targeting leading causes of electrical safety risk; ensuring compliance with regulations; promoting awareness, education and training; and collaborating with stakeholders to improve the state of electrical safety in Ontario. ESA is a private, not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with staff deployed across the province.
Niagara Utilities (LDCs)
| City/Town | LDC Service Provider |
| Fort Erie | Canadian Niagara Power |
| Grimsby | Grimsby Power |
| Lincoln/West Lincoln | Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc |
| Niagara Falls | Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc |
| Niagara-on-the-Lake | Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro |
| Pelham | Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc |
| Port Colborne | Canadian Niagara Power |
| Thorold | Hydro One |
| St. Catharines | Alectra Utilities |
| Welland | Welland Hydro |
| Natural Gas Provider | Enbridge |
Other Industry Associations
Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts Inc
The Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts Association (CHEC) developed out of the Organized Power Group that was formed as de-regulation came to the province of Ontario. CHEC, an association of 15 local distribution companies (LDCs) is modeled after a cooperative to combine resources and competencies to best meet the requirements of the changing electrical industry and provide a high standard of locally supplied customer service.
Utility Collaborative Services Inc.
Utility Collaborative Services Inc. (UCS) is an Ontario based organization of provincial Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) created to provide members with reliable cost-competitive long term software and service solutions in an increasingly complex and resource intensive marketplace. The members support and work co-operatively on standardization of their systems leading to major cost savings for each other. Beginning with 3 LDCs in 2005, UCS has grown by over 150% in the past 5 years as other like-thinking LDCs recognized that by working together they can negotiate preferential agreements with vendors and can see cost savings through shared resources.
UTILITIES STANDARDS FORUM
USF was formed by many of Ontario’s small to medium sized electricity distribution companies (LDC’s) in 2005, in direct response to the passing of Ontario Regulation 22/04. Engineering teams volunteered their time and seed documents, to prepare a shared set of design standards to meet the requirements of this legislation, and promote distribution system safety.
Electrical Distributors Association
The Electricity Distributors Association is unique among energy-related associations in that it focuses exclusively on the issues and needs of the local electricity utilities – the consumer-facing companies responsible for the actual delivery of electricity to homes, businesses and public institutions. Please note that Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro is not currently a member of this association.