PowerStream Marks 8th Anniversary With yet Another Milestone

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 1, 2012) - PowerStream, an electricity distribution company that has demonstrated leadership in serving its customers, implementing environmental initiatives and introducing new technologies, celebrated its eighth anniversary Friday.

PowerStream was created on June 1, 2004 following the merger of Hydro Vaughan, Markham Hydro and Richmond Hill Hydro. Initially, the company served 192,000 customers in these three municipalities. The company acquired Aurora Hydro in 2005 and merged with Barrie Hydro in 2009.

Today, PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electric utility in Ontario, serving approximately 340,000 customers and a population of one million people in 11 York Region and Simcoe County communities.

PowerStream has won numerous awards and distinctions over the years, including:

• One of 'Ontario's Environmental Leaders' by the Ministry of the Environment (2010)
• 'Environmental Excellence Award' from the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) (2011, 2009)
• 'Smart Commute Employer of the Year' for North Toronto, Vaughan (2011, 2009)
• 'Smart Commute Gold Workplace' by Metrolinx, the Province of Ontario's regional transportation agency for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (2012)
• One of 'Greater Toronto's Top Employers' by Mediacorp (2012)
• 'Company of the Year' from Ontario Energy Association (2010)
• 'Business of the Year' from Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (2010)
• 'Performance Excellence Award' for electricity distribution companies from the EDA(2010)

PowerStream is also the only utility in Ontario to build two LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certified work locations.

"The creation and continued growth of PowerStream is largely due to the vision of the three municipalities, working together to build a publicly-owned utility that has become an industry leader in customer service, innovation and environmental stewardship," said Frank Scarpitti, PowerStream Board Chair and Town of Markham Mayor, in reference to the company's three municipal shareholders; Barrie, Markham and Vaughan. "When you combine this philosophy with a committed and engaged Board of Directors, along with dedicated management and staff, it is a formula for ongoing success."

Recent innovations by PowerStream include implementation of several smart grid technologies to enhance its distribution system and provide better service to its customers.

To celebrate its anniversary today, PowerStream held cake celebration with employees, and co-hosted the first Canadian demonstration of vehicle-to-grid power supply technology, in partnership with Nissan Canada. PowerStream was the first organization in Canada to take delivery of a Nissan LEAF electric vehicle.

About PowerStream

PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to approximately 340,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.