PowerStream Seeking Feedback From Customers on Future Plans

VAUGHAN, ON--(Marketwired - November 20, 2014) - PowerStream is looking for feedback from its customers regarding the company's future distribution system plan and is offering those who complete an online survey a chance to win an Apple iPad tablet.

The survey is part of a consultation process that is providing PowerStream with an opportunity to communicate the challenges facing its electricity distribution system and identifying how it intends to meet those challenges. The utility is expecting ongoing growth within its service territory as well as additional cost pressures to replace aging equipment and to respond to extreme weather such as the 2013 Ice Storm.

PowerStream has created an online document that reviews the company's five-year Distribution System Plan and asks customers survey questions to gauge their understanding and thoughts regarding what the utility is proposing. The goal is to collect feedback from customers to ensure alignment between PowerStream's operational plans and customers' needs and expectations.

The feedback collected will be presented to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) when PowerStream files its rate application for 2016 to 2020 in the spring of 2015. As part of the rate review process, the OEB will be considering how PowerStream acquired and responded to customer feedback on its distribution system plan.

PowerStream customers interested in learning more about the company's future plans for its service territory's electricity distribution system and completing the online survey, can do so by visiting www.PowerStreamCustomerFocus.ca

QUOTES

• "Determining how our customers would like to be served in the future is critical to us continuing to be a responsive and efficient service provider," explained Colin Macdonald, PowerStream SVP Regulatory Affairs & Customer Service. "We are pleased to be providing customers with this opportunity to learn more about the electricity system and engage in a dialogue on our investment plans."

BACKGROUND

• The distribution system consultation process with customers and other key stakeholders is a new OEB requirement for all electricity distributors. PowerStream's results will be included as part of utility's rate application for 2016-2020, which will be submitted in the spring of 2015.

• PowerStream's distribution charges, which are subject to OEB review and approval, comprise approximately 20 percent of the total charges found on customers' electricity bills. PowerStream's distribution rates are among the lowest in Ontario.

ABOUT POWERSTREAM

PowerStream is a community-owned energy company that provides power and related services to more than 370,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. It is jointly owned by the Cities of Barrie, Markham and Vaughan.

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