PowerStream Adds Instagram to Social Media Roster

VAUGHAN, ON--(Marketwired - June 29, 2015) - Marking its 3^rd anniversary on social media, PowerStream announced today the launch of its official corporate account on Instagram, a popular photo-sharing mobile app, which the utility will use to further enhance its communications reach and customer engagement.

The launch of its Instagram page positions PowerStream at the front line of the social media playing field as the first Canadian utility to have an active presence on seven social media sites. The company encourages its customers and industry partners to connect with them by following @PowerStreamGram, to learn about PowerStream's company operations, power outages, community initiatives, and customer-focused opportunities through the use of story-telling images.

By hash-tagging #powergram, PowerStream invites others in the industry to join in on the conversation, exploring topics related to corporate social responsibility, smart grid technologies, the environment, and energy conservation and management. In addition, the utility will introduce the hashtag #TransformerTuesday, which will feature photos and information related to PowerStream assets.

QUOTES

• "Everyone at PowerStream is thrilled to introduce our Instagram page to customers," said Maurizio Bevilacqua, PowerStream Board Chair and City of Vaughan Mayor. "In an era where creativity and communicating visually is becoming increasingly impactful, we hope to use this photo-sharing tool to help us continue to build meaningful relationships with our customers and stakeholders."

• "One of the ways in which PowerStream honours its commitment to providing exceptional customer-focused communications is by actively seeking new ways to stay at the forefront of communications and social media trends," said Brian Bentz, PowerStream President & CEO. "Continuously expanding our use of social platforms enhances our ability to engage customers and offers us greater accessibility to them."

BACKGROUND

• In June 2012, PowerStream was the first electric utility in Canada to launch a Social Blog and News Network, named eStream, which serves as an information hub for the company's news releases, blog posts and videos. The blog includes informational posts crafted by PowerStream employees who specialize in areas such as smart grid, environment, corporate social responsibility and conservation and demand management.

• Along with its launch of eStream, PowerStream also introduced its Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn sites, which it uses to keep customers informed about company news such as power outage notifications, community initiatives, conservation programs and other industry-related information.

• In 2013, the utility expanded its social media roster by adding Facebook and Google+, where customers can find more information about PowerStream's corporate identity and operations.

ABOUT POWERSTREAM

PowerStream is a community-owned energy company that provides power and related services to more than 375,000 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.

LET'S CONNECT!

eStream - Blog.PowerStream.ca
Twitter - @PowerStreamNews
Facebook - PowerStreamPage
Instagram - @PowerStreamGram
YouTube - PowerStreamTV
LinkedIn - PowerStreamInc
Google+ - +PowerStream

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