PowerStream Recognized as a Leader in Promoting Electric Vehicles

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - September 27, 2016) - The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) has named PowerStream as a 'Canadian Electric Vehicle Leader' by bestowing the utility with the inaugural Tom Mitchell Electric Vehicle Leadership Award, presented at the organization's annual Canadian Electric Vehicle Dealership Awards event held Monday evening at Queen's Park.

The award, which was presented as part of Electric Vehicle Day Toronto event, recognized the electric utility for exemplifying outstanding leadership in the education and promotion of electric vehicles. This event celebrates and promotes the latest electric vehicles on the market, as well as educating the public on the cost and environmental benefits of driving electric.

PowerStream has been a significant contributor in developing EV charging infrastructure. Most recently, the company partnered with the City of Markham to install the first municipally-owned Level 3 DC fast charger for electric vehicles, which allows the vehicle to charge while the driver waits, as opposed to having to remain at the charging station for several hours. With this, an EV owner could get an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes. The Level 3 charger was installed at the Markham Civic Centre and is open to the public 24 hours a day.

In 2014, PowerStream installed a Level 3 charger, available for public use at no charge, at its head office in Vaughan. Across the utilities various work locations there are a total of eight Level 2 chargers, which support a number of employees who commute every day to work driving EVs.

QUOTES

• "The electric vehicle is here to stay and we are proud of our contributions to further promote their use," said Maurizio Bevilacqua, PowerStream Board Chair and Mayor of Vaughan. "Earning the Tom Mitchell Electric Vehicle Award is a testament to our commitment and success in furthering the development, installation and use of electric vehicle charging technology."
• "Our use of electric vehicles, along with the research and testing we do with respect to electric vehicle charging station technologies is critical to how we build a more modern and responsive grid," said Brian Bentz, President and CEO of PowerStream. "We have an obligation to our customers and the public to take a leadership role when it comes to supporting the development and growth of EVs and charging station technologies."

BACKGROUND

• In July 2011, PowerStream first began its commitment to promoting electric mobility with the purchase of two Nissan LEAFs in 2011, making it the first organization in Canada to include electric vehicles in its fleet.
• The utility partnered with Nissan Canada in 2012 to demonstrate Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) technology at the Georgian College Auto Show.
• In 2013, PowerStream partnered with Georgian College and Ford Motor Company to install a solar-powered EV charger on the College's campus, analyzing the capabilities and benefits of electric vehicle technology.
• In addition to Level 2 and 3 EV charging stations, PowerStream also has a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) charging station as part of a microgrid the company operates at its head office in Vaughan.

ABOUT POWERSTREAM

PowerStream is a community-owned energy company that provides power and related services to more than 380,000 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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