Corporate Social Responsibility Report

2013 Hydro Ottawa 2012–2016 Strategic Direction

ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS FINANCIAL STRENGTH

CUSTOMER VALUE

CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 1 orporate Citizenship is a central is a central Citizenship orporate As one of our four Key Areas of Focus, of Focus, Areas Key of our four As one C preoccupation for Hydro Ottawa. Ottawa. Hydro for preoccupation planning. our strategic guide It helps to And it is decisions. business It influences judge which we by criteria one of the four as a company. or failure our success The importance we assign to Corporate history and Citizenship is linked both to our our vision for the future. roots in our We are a company with deep more than community, established through service 100 years of providing an essential that heritage to homes and businesses. With should be comes an expectation that we responsive, a good neighbour – engaged, steward willing to lend a hand, and a good We are fully of the environment we all share. committed to meeting that expectation. trusted Our Vision is to be a leading and integrated utility services company. state that Similarly, our Guiding Principles Hydro Ottawa is committed to creating long-term value in a manner that will withstand the test of public scrutiny and inspire confidence and trust. We know that trust has to be earned, and our efforts with respect to Corporate Citizenship are an important part of earning and maintaining the trust of our customers and our community. Finally, we are utterly convinced that good Corporate Citizenship enhances business performance. Stakeholder trust creates new opportunities, reassures regulators,

I am pleased to provide this this provide I am pleased to Ottawa’s on Hydro report of in the area performance Citizenship. Corporate

Officer Executive Executive and Chief and Chief President the President Message from from Message 2 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 and conservation. on renewableenergyandefficiency strategies thatplacesignificantemphasis described inthisreport,aswellbusiness Investment Program,bothofwhichare and ourBrighterTomorrowsCommunity Environmental SustainabilityStrategy improvement. Theseincludeour in thisarea,withaviewtocontinuous better assessmentofourperformance to CorporateCitizenship,andallow the impactofoureffortswithrespect has developedstrategiestomaximize Over thepastseveralyears,Hydro Ottawa performance wetakeseriously. stakeholders. Assuch,itisanareaof part offulfillingourcommitmentsto and businessperformance,acrucial is asignificantdriverofbusinessvalue In short,goodCorporateCitizenship our community. in theircontributiontothewell-beingof our employeescancontinuetotakepride skilled employees,wewanttoensurethat importance ofattractingandretaining at HydroOttawa.Giventhecritical one oftheirtopthreereasonsforworking community andcorporatecitizenshipas cited thecompany’scommitmentto approximately 90%ofouremployees recent employeeengagementsurvey, employees. Considerthatinourmost good businesspartnersandtalented increases customerloyalty,andattracts President andChiefExecutiveOfficer Bryce Conrad Sincerely, deserving ofpublicconfidenceandtrust. create long-termvalueinamannerthatis We welcomeyourfeedbackasweworkto area ofouroperations. transparency withrespecttothisimportant our stakeholders,andincreasethelevelof opportunity toshareourprogresswith company – representsanimportant Report – thefirstofitskindfor This CorporateSocialResponsibility greater amountsthaneverbefore. and bygeneratingrenewableenergyin actively promotingenergyconservation, of ouroperations,incommunityby within ourcompanybyreducingtheimpact contributions toasustainableenvironment We areproudtobemakingimportant focus onenvironmentalsustainability. Corporate Citizenshipincludesastrong and theenvironment,ourapproachto Given theinextricablelinkbetweenenergy Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 3 1 7 5 5 8 6 6 9 9 4 11 17 18 18 19 16 10 27 22 25 25 28 24 20 ...... Information Technology Our Customers Our Fleet Our Facilities

Brighter Tomorrows Employee Volunteer Day Brighter Tomorrows Community Partnership Investments Brighter Tomorrows Mandated Investments Reducing our carbon footprint Reducing our carbon Landfill-gas-to-energy Our Commitment to United Way Brighter Tomorrows Fund Greening procurement and the supply chain Greening procurement and the Hydro-electric power Waste management and recycling Solar power Building a culture of environmental sustainability Building a culture of environmental Leadership development

Helping our neighbours Conclusion Increasing the supply of renewable energy the supply of renewable energy Increasing Helping our customers to conserve energy Helping our customers Investing in positive outcomes in our community outcomes in positive Investing Environmental Stewardship Environmental

Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive and the President from Message Contents Environmental Stewardship

As a company that actively promotes environmental sustainability in our community, most notably in relation to energy conservation, we think it’s important to “practice what we preach” by carefully managing our own impacts on the environment. Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 5 in 2009, with the in 2009, hybrid bucket truck and 4 bucket trucks hybrid bucket truck and 4 bucket the need with hybrid technology. To reduce has to run vehicle engines, Hydro Ottawa to operate incorporated hybrid technology and hydraulics for aerial devices (“buckets”) vans of fleet entire our in technology battery and lighting to eliminate idling for heating This while servicing underground cabling. “anti-idling” strengthens the impact of our only policy, which permits vehicle idling where operationally necessary. been Thirteen aerial devices have also Oil, converted to Biopure Biodegradable which is non-toxic, metal-free and inherently biodegradable, with further conversions expected in the future. Environmental Sustainability Strategy Sustainability Environmental Reducing our carbon footprint Reducing As older vehicles are retired through our As older vehicles are retired through normal vehicle replacement schedule, or more they are replaced with hybrid possible. energy-efficient vehicles wherever capital This involves some additional to expenditure up front, but is proven lower fuel reduce operating costs through consumption. Currently, our green fleet consists of 2 electric vehicles, 2 hybrid cars, 7 hybrid pick-up trucks, 50 flex fuel vehicles, 8 vehicles with battery technology, 1 full Our Fleet Hydro Ottawa is gradually greening Hydro Ottawa is gradually greening and our our vehicle fleet, our facilities, to information technology infrastructure, reduce our carbon footprint. Hydro Ottawa developed an developed Ottawa Hydro system has been in place since 2004, and is audited annually. 2004, and is audited since has been in place system impact of our efforts. In addition, our certified ISO 14001 environmental management management environmental 14001 ISO certified our In addition, of our efforts. impact our impacts on water, land and air, and outlines specific priority areas to maximize the to maximize areas and outlines specific priority land and air, on water, our impacts environmental performance. The Strategy is based on a comprehensive analysis of analysis a comprehensive is based on Strategy The performance. environmental aim of reducing the impact of our operations on the environment and improving our our and improving on the environment of our operations the impact aim of reducing 6 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 platforms inanumberofways,including: impact ofourinformationtechnology Finally, wearegraduallyreducingthe Information Technology Sustainability Strategy. beginning ofourEnvironmental worked, havedecreasedsincethe consumption, basedonhours Our GHGemissionsandenergy operations. service throughmoreefficientandeffective is expectedtoreducecostsandimprove located. Atthesametime,thisstrategy modern onesthataremorestrategically replacing threeobsoletefacilitieswithtwo impact ofourofficesandworkcentresby will significantlyreducetheenvironmental Rationalization Strategy,announcedin2012, following energyaudits.OurRealEstate been madetoourofficesandworkcentres replacements. Improvementshavealso and insulationupgrades,window of buildingautomationsystems,lighting more energyefficient,throughtheuse substations havebeenupgradedtobe reducing carbonemissions.All52applicable focus onenvironmentalperformanceand Our facilityplansalsoincludeasignificant Our Facilities ■ ■ ■ ■ sided printing defaultsforalldevices; power managementsettings anddouble- CO servers in2013resulting inenergyand program whichdecommissioned60 a servervirtualizationandconsolidation 2 emissionreductions; ■ ■ ■ ■ 2000 3000 Greenhouse Emissions Gas Energy Consumption 2500 3500 100 150 125 75 one physicalworkstation peruser. users versusthetypical arrangementof the sameservicevirtually formultiple a virtualworkstationpilot thatprovides for thesameamountofinformation;and which meansfewerserversarerequired density ofinformationononeserver has thecapabilitytostoreahigher a StorageAreaNetworkProgramthat Energy Consumption inGJper50,000 hours worked per 50,000 hours worked Greenhouse gasemissions intonnes (Scope 1) 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 7 The greening of our customer service The greening of practices, including more online and services through MyHydroLink the growing number of customers another opting for paperless billing, is our area where we are working with customers to reduce environmental “Go impacts. As part of Hydro Ottawa’s to Paperless” Campaign, we committed who planting a tree for every customer registered for E-billing from September a to December 2013. As a result, total of 14,414 trees will be planted further in the Ottawa area this spring greening our community. To date, over 66,000 customers enjoy the convenience of E-billing and MyHydroLink has over 104,000 subscribers which represents 33% of our customers! Our Customers customers to reduce helping our We’re also to In addition carbon emissions. their own conservation programs, our many energy with the City of Hydro Ottawa partnered to install an electric vehicle Ottawa in 2012 at City Hall. This project charging station to recharge their allows vehicle owners charge, and provides batteries free of that will help the City valuable information to develop strategies for and Hydro Ottawa this important technology. Bryce Conrad, Hydro Ottawa’s President and President Ottawa’s Hydro Conrad, Bryce Mayor Ottawa joins Officer, Chief Executive and Councilor City Ward and River Jim Watson Committee, Environment Chair of the City’s vehicle an electric unveil to Maria McRae, station. charging 8 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 Environmental SustainabilityStrategy. above 90percentsincethebeginningofour waste diversionratehasbeenconsistently for theresultingwaste,ournon-hazardous and theavailabilityofrecyclingoptions of materialsbeingremovedfromservice year, dependingonthetypeandvolume diversion ratevariesslightlyfromyearto was 92percent.Whilethecompany’s hazardous wastediversionratefor2012 maintain ahighdiversionrate.Ournon- and hassystemsinplacetoensurewe wastes, includingoperationalwastestreams, Hydro Ottawatracksallsolidandliquid Strategy. our EnvironmentalSustainability 90 percent sincethebeginningof rate hasbeenconsistentlyabove Our non-hazardouswastediversion 100 from Landfill Non-Hazardous Waste Diverted and recycling Waste management 60 80 (from landfill) Non-Hazardous %Waste Diversion Rate 2009 2010 2011 2012 removed by theendof2014. equipment, withthevast majoritytobe biphenyls (PCBs)from allelectrical in theprocessofremoving polychlorinated with federalregulations, HydroOttawais recycling wheneverpossible.Inaccordance send wasteoilandscraptransformersfor hazardous wastemustbedestroyed,we requirements. Whilethemajorityof in accordancewithspecificregulatory and disposalordestructionofthiswaste coordinate thecollection,transportation transformers, andwearerequiredto transformer oil,paints,solventsandscrap some hazardouswaste,including Hydro Ottawa’soperationsalsogenerate printers, andcellphones)metals. meters, e-waste(laptops,servers,desktops, transformers andelectricalequipment,tires, paper, plastic,wood,treetrimmings, items includingcans,glass,cardboard, at thesource.HydroOttawarecyclesmany employees toseparateandrecyclewaste offices andworkcentresin2012,tohelp New recyclingbinswereintroducedinour Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 9 The Canadian Electricity Association’s The Canadian Electricity Association’s Annual 2013 Sustainable Electricity for Report recognized Hydro Ottawa chain. our work in greening the supply whether through the default settings on their devices, the availability of recycling and waste separation stations in their workplace, mechanisms for electronic collaboration and communication, or the opportunity to participate in specific programs and activities. We purchased 31 percent of our goods and We purchased suppliers within a 100 km services from local Capital Region in radius of the National in terms of dollars spent, 2012, measured increase over the prior year. which is an 11% 35 percent of our In 2013, we purchased locally. goods and services Building a culture of environmental sustainability of environmental Building a culture Greening procurement and the supply chain and the supply procurement Greening As measured through an engagement survey, our employees have told us they have a strong level of awareness of the company’s commitment and actions regarding environmental sustainability, as well as their role in this regard. We work to ensure employees have the tools they need to reduce waste and conserve energy, Another priority area of Hydro Ottawa’s Another priority area of Hydro Environmental Sustainability Strategy is to foster a culture of environmental stewardship within the company. By doing so, employees become champions for the greening of our operations, and a key source of ideas for how we can further reduce our environmental impact. We have also begun tracking the relative We have also begun tracking the placed with proportion of purchase orders Capital National the surrounding and in firms our carbon Region with the aim of reducing services footprint by sourcing goods and to do so. locally where it is cost-effective Buying greener products and services Buying greener opportunity to reduce the presents another impact of Hydro Ottawa’s environmental have developed and operations. We point system for evaluating implemented a that uses environmental supplier proposals practices as a “tie-breaker” designations and close competitive bidders. for differentiating 10 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 graduates toapplytheknowledgetheyhave and ourActionLearningProgramallows environmental sustainabilitycomponent, Schulich SchoolofBusiness,includesan Energy SectorLeadershipdeliveredbythe which involvesaMastersCertificatein Our LeadershipDevelopmentProgram, employer isevaluatedintermsof: awareness intheirorganizations.Each in creatingacultureofenvironmental recognizes employersthatleadthenation 100 Employers.Thisspecialdesignation Canada, thepublisherofCanada’sTop 50 GreenestEmployersbyMediaCorp has beenrecognizedasoneofCanada’s in 2011,2012and2013HydroOttawa in ourEnvironmentalSustainabilityStrategy, innovative andintegratedapproachinherent Furthermore, asrecognitionofthe Leadership development awarded withthisformalrecognition. At HydroOttawaweareproudtohavebeen 4. 3. 2. 1. Practices andEliminatingPaperProcesses. sustainability: GreeningEmployeeWork priority projectsrelatedtoenvironmental Charging Stations.In2013,wehavetwo opportunities relatedtoElectricVehicle projects wasareviewoftechnologiesand at HydroOttawa.In2012,oneofthepriority gained byaddressingrealstrategicpriorities

organization. in theattractionofnewpeopleto public identityandwhethertheyaid have becomelinkedtotheemployer’s the extenttowhichtheseinitiatives they contributeanyuniqueskills;and involved intheseprogramsandwhether the degreetowhichtheiremployeesare own environmentalfootprint; successful inreducingtheorganization’s the extenttowhichtheyhavebeen programs theyhavedeveloped; the uniqueenvironmentalinitiativesand Helping our customers to conserve energy

Hydro Ottawa has been offering programs to help our customers conserve energy since 2005, and 2012 was our most successful year to date – in terms of both reducing peak demand for energy and total kilowatt hours saved. 12 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 households hasdeclinedby approximately 14percent over thepast decade use isatitspeak. slightly adjustairconditioning whenenergy exchange fortheability ofHydroOttawato installed programmable thermostatin provides thebenefitofafreeprofessionally in ourpeaksaverPLUSprogram,which 31,000 householdsarenowparticipating many moreacrosstheprovince.Another inefficient appliancesinOttawaalone,and program, whichhasnowretired29,000old, example istheFridgeandFreezerPickUp thriving province-wideprograms.One developed byHydroOttawaarenow Some home-grownconservationinitiatives efficiently aspossible. tools andincentivestouseenergyas making sureourcustomershavetheright businesses largeandsmall.It’sallabout our community–forresidents,and of conservationprogramsavailablein to increaseboththerangeandvisibility provincial agenciesandlocalpartners challenge, andwecontinuetoworkwith Hydro Ottawahaswelcomedthisnew part ofourelectricitydistributionlicense. conservation targetsthatmustbemetas Hydro Ottawahaveaggressivemandatory energy conservation.Today,utilitiessuchas utilities totakeleadershipinpromoting were inresponsetoaprovincialcallfor Hydro Ottawa’searlyconservationprograms to reduce greenhouse gasesandpollution. energy generation, whilereducing total kilowatt hours usedthroughout theyear helps Reducing peakdemandhelpsreduce theneedfor costly andoften more pollutingpeak greater publicawareness oftheneedto conserve. a range offactors, includingconservation programs, more efficient appliances and The average useofelectricity by Ottawa consumption inmy home! New HomeConstructionProgramthrough to moreenergyefficientmodelsandthe their furnaceandcentralairconditioning taken advantageofincentivestoupgrade program. Morethan12,000customershave throughout theCityasaresultofthis than 15megawattsofelectricitydemand We nowhavetheabilitytocontrolmore can’t wait to monitor theelectricity my #peaksaverPLUSmy installed - Ruth York McCrea Jun 12@hydroottawa Just having @yorkmccrea7 dueto Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 13 In Ottawa’s business community, 1,100 small businesses received lighting upgrades through the saveONenergy Small Business Lighting program in 2012, while our larger commercial customers completed 574 retrofit projects, resulting in a total payment of $4 million in incentives. The business community can save through The business community can save a number of saveONenergy programs Program including the Demand Response for reduced that offers monthly payments of energy consumption upon receipt activation notices and the High Performance New Construction Program provides for assistance design and incentives financial new building or major renovation projects that exceed the electricity efficiency specified in the Ontario Building Code. saveONenergy offers home builders and saveONenergy offers home builders of renovators incentives for the installation home. energy efficient measures in their 14 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 household usage.In2012we areusing700kWh/monthaveragehouseholdusage. need toconserve.Previous years “NumberofHomes”calculationswerebasedon800kWh/month average to arangeoffactorsincluding conservationprograms,moreefficientappliancesand higherawarenessofthe *The averageuseofelectricity byOttawahouseholdshasdeclinedapproximately14% overthelastdecadedue and processes. operational efficiencyprocedures new controlsystemsthatwillimprove efficiency equipmentandforinstalling replacing equipmentwithhigh substantial financialincentivesfor The RETROFITPROGRAMprovides 400 600 Commercial Space Retrofits 200 2009 2006 2008 2007 Total 2010 2012 2011 0 Number ofcompleted retrofits incommerical space 2009 79 Demand Reduced MW ofPeak 2010 390.86 230 77.96 46.5 70.2 55.4 59.5 61.6 19.7 2011 304 Total Kilowatt 788,346,000 106,067,000 Hours Saved 120,586,000 175,556,000 216,591,000 72,657,000 73,578,000 23,301,000 2012 574 savings of$9,816,676 over five years. result, theBoard hasrealized energy cost significant boosttothelocaleconomy. efforts ofourcustomers,whichrepresentsa $38 millioninsupportoftheconservation have beenachievedthroughinvestmentsof homes fromtheelectricitygridforayear– savings –theequivalentofremoving85,342 of morethan390megawatts.Theseenergy hours, alongwithpeakdemandreductions equaling morethan788millionkilowatt with totalsavingsoverthepastsevenyears savings ofover216millionkilowatthours, programs resultedinestimatedenergy In 2012,HydroOttawa’sconservation promoting acultureofconservation. through avarietyofretrofitsandby its electricityconsumptionby27percent Ottawa CatholicSchoolBoardhasreduced working closelywithHydroOttawa,the energy andmoney.Totakeoneexample, programs canseeasignificantsavingsof Customers whoparticipateinthese Dollars Invested $10.8M $9.6 M $4.3 M $4.2 M $2.1 M $38M $4 M $3 M Number ofHomestaken off theGrid for a year 25,785* 85,342 18,288 11,048 12,561 7,665 7,568 2,427 As a Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 15 1,430 visitors toured Hydro Ottawa’s historic historic Ottawa’s Hydro toured visitors 1,430 Since 2005, more than 1,300 presentations than 1,300 presentations more 2005, Since the Ottawa across schools elementary in 197 more training been delivered, have community students. than 161,000 Generating Station No. 2 at Chaudière Falls as Falls Chaudière 2 at No. Station Generating in June 2013. part of Doors Open Ottawa In addition, we’re helping local condominium In addition, we’re helping local green, by and apartment buildings to go from bulk working with them to convert metering to individual suite metering increase technology – a proven way to reduce awareness about energy use and consumption. We are also working to foster a culture foster a culture also working to We are in the community conservation of energy campaigns. a number of education through Team participated in 110 Our Conservation in 2012, and more than community events members visited one of 1,400 community generating stations our Chaudière Falls Ottawa in 2013, where during Doors Open demonstrations were energy conservation electricity safety and provided. In 2012, were provided conservation presentations to over 19,000 students in 53 elementary in-depth schools across the City and a more to conservation curriculum was delivered 28 schools. over 1,500 Grade 5 students in Increasing the supply of renewable energy

When Hydro Ottawa was formed in 2000, the company owned two aging generating stations at Chaudière Falls that were nearing the end of their useful life. Over the next several years, by carefully retrofitting and modernizing those heritage facilities, and by constructing a landfill-gas-to-energy facility at the City’s Trail Road landfill, the company doubled its renewable generation capacity. Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 17 While this is a profitable business While this is a profitable line for Hydro Ottawa, we also view it as line for Hydro Ottawa, we also part of our commitment and contribution of our to the environmental sustainability community. the company’sThe environmental benefits of generation two primary forms of renewable are significant. With the Chaudière acquisition in 2012, Hydro Ottawa’s run-of-the-river generating capacity grew from 17 to 38 megawatts, renewable power generation capacity of capacity generation power renewable per hours megawatt 320,000 than more 38,000 power which is enough to year, homes. Congrats to Hydro Ottawa Ottawa Hydro to Jun 12 Congrats for purchasing more clean hydro clean hydro more purchasing for 13 @JimWatsonOttawa Jim Watson capacity and increasing capacity capacity increasing and capacity Hydro-electric power Hydro-electric from 17 to 38 megawatts of green power power of green 38 megawatts 17 to from #ottcity Run-of-the-river hydroelectric facilities Run-of-the-river hydroelectric which use such as those at Chaudière Falls, the natural flow of the river rather than dams that create reservoirs, have a minimal impact on the environment, and produce no pollution or greenhouse gases. They also generate power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year. The Chaudière plants that were retrofitted by Hydro Ottawa in the early 2000’s are among only a handful to be certified under the federal EcoLogo program, which signifies that they are among the lowest-impact generating stations in the country. In total, Hydro Ottawa now operates a operates now Ottawa Hydro In total, Through this increase of green generation Through this increase of green since capacity by more than 200 percent Ottawa has municipal amalgamation, Hydro municipally quietly emerged as the largest in Ontario. owned producer of green power generation capacity once again. once capacity generation and expanding the Trail Road plant, Hydro Ottawa has more than doubled its green its green than doubled has more Ottawa Hydro plant, Road the Trail and expanding completing the construction of a second landfill-gas-to-energy facility at Moose Creek, at Moose Creek, facility landfill-gas-to-energy of a second construction the completing In 2012, by acquiring three additional hydro-electric facilities at Chaudière Falls, Falls, Chaudière at facilities hydro-electric additional three acquiring by In 2012, 18 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 our Chaudièrefacilities.Thisendangered program toprotecttheAmericaneelnear In 2012,welaunchedthefirstphaseofa 60 megawatts. could seeproductiongrowtoasmuch with opportunitiesforfutureexpansionthat a numberofCityfacilities. Nepean landfillsitesand ontherooftopsof of Ottawa,includingattheTrailRoadand installations incollaborationwiththeCity company hasplanstodeveloplargersolar to andontherooftopsofitsfacilities.The scale solarpowerinstallations,bothadjacent Hydro Ottawaalsooperatesseveralsmall- energy. Becausemethaneisaverypotent use ittogenerateclean,renewable into theatmosphereorflaredoff,and garbage thatwouldotherwisebereleased capture methanefromdecomposing Landfill-gas-to-energy generatingplants Solar power Landfill-gas-to-energy permanent eelladdershouldbeinstalled. migration tohelpdeterminewherea allowing ustomonitorandassessupstream may poseharm.Temporaryeeltrapsare water habitatswherethedamsandturbines species migratesbetweenitsfreshandsalt output capacityof10.2megawatts. gas-to-energy plantshaveacombined for eachfacility.Thecompany’stwolandfill- millions oftonsCO greenhouse gasemissionsisenormous– greenhouse gas,theresultingreductionin 2 equivalentperyear Investing in positive outcomes in our community

A good corporate citizen is a lot like a good neighbour: willing to lend a helping hand, concerned with the well-being of others, and committed to the common good. 20 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 energy costsavingsthatcanberedirected comfortable livingspaceswhileproducing improve theirfacilitiesandprovidemore efficiency. Theseprojectshelpagencies projects thatwillimprovetheirenergy being homeless,tocompletesmallcapital serve peoplewhoarehomeless,oratriskof Fund helpslocalcommunityagenciesthat The HydroOttawaBrighterTomorrows mission asacompany. in waysthatarecloselyalignedwithour corporate matchingdollarstobestuse, community investmentfundtoputthese Way Ottawa,wedevelopedatargeted campaign. InpartnershipwithUnited employees inourannualUnitedWay matching thetotalamountraisedby Since 2003,HydroOttawahasbeen our Hydro Ottawa seeksto contribute to positive outcomes inourcommunity through the maximumimpact. targeted to alignwithourstrategic business objectives, andcarefully chosento have several components, whichare outlinedbelow. Ourinvestments inthecommunity are Brighter Tomorrows Fund Brighter Tomorrows Community Investment Program ‘‘ boiler systems. of high-efficiencyfans, appliancesand window replacements to theinstallation community agencies.Projects rangefrom efficiency projectscompleted by17frontline contributed insupportof35energy in 2011,morethan$359,000hasbeen with UnitedWay.Sinceitsinception The Fundisadministeredinpartnership funds tomakethenecessaryupgrades. organizations thatwouldotherwiselackthe through moresustainableenergyuseby clients win,andtheenvironmentwins, into programming.Agencieswin,their granted.” something that you andItake for comfortable, warm, safe environment, really allow for thehomeless to live ina Tomorrows Fund anditsemployees that they live in.Hydro Ottawa’s Brighter participating ininvesting inacommunity Hydro Ottawa community benefitsfrom investing dollars inthe community. The Ottawa andHydro Ottawa that looksat a partnership between United Way “The Brighter Tomorrows Fund is Carole Vice Gagnon, President, . The program has United Way Ottawa

Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 21

Operation Come Home Come Operation Elspeth McKay, Executive Director, Director, Executive McKay, Elspeth $2,609 to enable St. Joe’s Women’s $2,609 to enable St. Joe’s Women’s efficient Centre to purchase an energy to refrigerator for this shelter dedicated the needs of women; Table $3,000 to enable St. Joe’s Supper washer to purchase an energy efficient and dryer to increase the organization’s meals capacity to provide hot, nutritious to those in need; models, saving low income tenants $60 models, saving per year on their hydro bills. ■ ■ ■ ■ Recipients of the 2013 Brighter Tomorrows Fund celebrate celebrate Fund Tomorrows Brighter of the 2013 Recipients 22. on October Corporation Salus the Ottawa at In 2013, more than $140,000, including In 2013, more than $140,000, including $35,000 from the provincial saveONenergy in incentive program, was contributed support of 11 projects, including: “Operation Come Home has been working with Hydro Ottawa on a number of energy of energy on a number Ottawa with Hydro has been working Home Come “Operation savings grants, volunteering opportunities and events for this past couple of years. In the of years. couple this past for and events opportunities volunteering grants, savings in a treated been so warmly never I have Director, as an Executive worked I have 30+ years of example is an excellent Ottawa Hydro manner. caring and understanding professional, We and vigor. with warmth community the to back and gives social responsibility corporate vulnerable some of the most for passion support and Ottawa’s Hydro for grateful very are of our community.” members $8,500 to enable the Multifaith Housing Initiative to replace 15 old refrigerators with energy efficient ENERGY STAR $13,200 to enable the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA to replace the handles, hinges and weather stripping on all residents’ and tenants’ windows, improving the comfort, safety and energy efficiency of their emergency, transitional and supportive housing facilities; and $13,899 to enable Options Bytown $13,899 to enable Options Bytown to Non Profit Housing Corporation in an install energy-efficient windows facility, eight-room supportive housing helping them to provide community- support based, affordable housing and help to services for people who need live independently due to a history of homelessness, mental illness, concurrent disorders and lack of life skills; $31,200 to enable Ottawa Salus $31,200 to enable Ottawa Salus Corporation to install a high-efficiency them to boiler heating system, helping housing provide affordable, supportive to and community support services are people with mental illness who homeless or at risk of being homeless; ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

In 2012, $85,000 was contributed in In 2012, $85,000 support of seven projects, including: ‘‘ 22 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 ‘‘ Technologies foruseintheUniversity’s Hydro Ottawa LaboratoryforSmart Grid University andHydroOttawa openedthe For example,inNovember 2011,Carleton our ownstrategicobjectives. support positiveoutcomesthatalignwith strong tieswithourcommunity,andto partnerships helpHydroOttawatomaintain efficiency andconservation.These wellness; andrenewableenergy,energy capacity building;health,safetyand or moreofthreefocusareas:education/ as anunderlyingthemeandprioritizeone organizations oreventsthathaveyouth These aresponsorshipsanddonationsto our CommunityPartnershipInvestments. worthwhile communityinitiativesthrough Ottawa alsosupportsalimitednumberof the BrighterTomorrowsFund,Hydro campaign matchingdollarsthrough In additiontotheuseofourUnitedWay ■ ■ Brighter Tomorrows Community Partnership Investments per year; and in potentialsavingsofupto$3,000 to 40%lesswaterandenergy,resulting rated commercialdishwashersuseup Emergency Shelter.TheENERGYSTAR Emergency Shelter,andtheYoungMen’s for twoshelters:theYoungWomen’s washing machinesanddishwashers Bureau ofOttawatopurchaseefficient $10,833 to enable theYouthServices people at United Way, ordinary peopleinthecommunity inyour neighbourhood.” just notgoodenough.Suddenly, you realize that peopledocare –peopleat Hydro Ottawa, “…Many low-income peoplefeel that it’s theirown fault that nomatter what they do, they’re Susan Evans, Executive Director, Multifaith Housing industry leaders onsmartgridtechnologies. Plan, while helping toeducatetomorrow’s our five-yearGridTransformation Action Hydro Ottawaintheimplementation of and controlcapabilities. TheLabwillassist includes real-timemonitoring, analysis intelligent electricityinfrastructure,and devoted toexperimentationwithemerging renewable energyengineering.Thelabis innovative programinsustainableand ■ ■ 3 years. program forchildrenaged2monthsto high qualitylicensedchilddevelopment members ofsociety,whileprovidinga 21 tobecomeself-sufficient,contributing and nurturesyoungmothersaged15to innovative centremotivates,educates and dryersattheYouvilleCentre.This $12,700 toreplacethecurrentwashers Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 23 Social Responsibility (CCSR) conference conference (CCSR) Social Responsibility excellence and showcases which celebrates in the Eco- We also participated in CCSR. at this event where District panel discussion from across North America thought leaders were in attendance. partnered with In 2013, Hydro Ottawa to fund the establishment Christie Lake Kids Sustainable Youth of the “Hydro Ottawa which provides a unique Leadership Centre”, youth to learn experientially opportunity for building about alternative energy, while integral to leadership skills. The facility is Training” Christie Lake Kids’ “Leaders in Program, provided free to economically Ottawa. disadvantaged youth from across our Other initiatives supported through Community Partnership Investments include CHEO’s “Plan-It Safe” injury and Girls prevention initiative, the Boys the Dare Club of Ottawa’s Homework Club, Aid to Dream bursaries of the Children’s Foundation, as well as bursaries of the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation and St. Joe’s Women’s Centre. In 2012, Hydro Ottawa sponsored Canada’s In 2012, Hydro Ottawa sponsored largest annual Corporate and Community In 2012, Hydro Ottawa supported In 2012, Hydro Ottawa supported the University of Ottawa’s “Strat24” competition. Strat24 is a 24-hour multidisciplinary academic competition and for University of Ottawa Management edition Engineering students. The 2012 engaged 32 top business and engineering business students to tackle a sustainability model for challenge: developing a business electric a network of publicly accessible vehicle charging stations in downtown judges Ottawa. Hydro Ottawa provided honour of for this competition and had the recognizing the first place team. 24 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 ‘‘ community. total of402volunteerhoursinvestedinour In 2012,56employeesparticipated,fora or anotherregisteredcharityoftheirchoice. year toparticipateinacorporateinitiative, employees tovolunteeronepaiddayper Ottawa supportstheseeffortsbyallowing volunteers inourcommunity,andHydro Many HydroOttawaemployeesareactive 1,242 volunteer hours. Brighter Tomorrows Employee Volunteer Day What anawesome experience!!!” his eyes. Helefttheridewithasmileandtold mehewas coming back–SUREenough hedid! mentioned to methat hewas scared ofheights... Itold himthat ifhewas too scared to close little better... they were awesome! The little boy turnedto mebefore goingontherideand feet... Butfor thoseseven minutes ontherideIwas fortunate to get to know eachofthema two boys across from uswhy they hadnofeet –they responded we were bornwithout and joiningthemontheride... Aswe were ontheride – thelittle girlnext to measked the “My most memorable moment would have to behelpingthree kidsonto theFerris wheel In2013, 105employees invested 23 employees volunteeredin2013. as partofCommunityActionDaysand talents insupportoffourlocalagencies community. In2012,21employeesusedtheir making aconcretedifferenceinthe organizations, fosteringteamworkand connect workplaceteamswithcommunity Employee VolunteerDayprogram.They United Way,playacentralroleinour by VolunteerOttawaandsponsored Community ActionDays,coordinated access totheGloucesterFair. than 900childrenwithdisabilitiesexclusive Hydro Ottawavolunteershelpprovidemore Special NeedsDay,anannualeventinwhich One oftheyear’shighlightscontinuestobe Hydro Ottawa Employee Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 25 . raised more than $1.5 million more raised In 2012, our employee-driven United WayIn 2012, our employee-driven United andcampaign raised a record $201,950, Ottawawas recognized by United Way with a Community Builder Award for Best Community Campaign. In 2013, Hydro Ottawa raised $228,415, once again establishing a 2001, and has including 625 children. In 2013, $187,912 including 625 children. 540 households assisting was provided to including 695 children. 1,556 individuals, Ottawa’s Home In addition, Hydro mandated by the Assistance Program, Authority, provides free Ontario Power professional installation energy audits and for qualifying of energy efficiency measures this low-income households. In 2012, program helped 505 Ottawa households This has to reduce their energy expenses. in 2013. increased to 1,003 households for United Way Ottawa over that period that over Ottawa Way United for 5 Dec @UnitedWayOttawa & @HydroOttawa to Congrats Ottawa Way United employees for their continued their continued for employees Our Commitment to United Way United to Our Commitment Brighter Tomorrows Mandated Investments Mandated Tomorrows Brighter support raising a record amount for this year’s year’s this for amount a record support raising campaign... #uwott Hydro Ottawa has been conducting a United Way Workplace campaign since The Low-Income Energy Assistance The Low-Income province-wide Program is a year-round, assistance program emergency financial Ontario Energy Board developed by the for low-income electricity customers paying who are experiencing difficulty Ottawa their energy bills. In 2012, Hydro low- contributed $154,232 to help 435 electricity income households to pay their residents, bills, benefitting 1,200 Ottawa Hydro Ottawa is required to fund certain Hydro Ottawa is with provincial programs in accordance regulations. 26 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 during the16-weekcampaign. loaning anemployeetotheUnitedWay Way LoanedRepresentativeProgramby Hydro OttawaalsoparticipatesintheUnited Manufacturing andServicessector. than 100companiesintheConstruction, the largestcontributoramongmore Ottawa hasheldthedistinctionofbeing new record.Forthepasttwoyears,Hydro United Way Contributions 2001–2013 $200,000 $250,000 $100,000 $150,000 $50,000 0 Max Keeping Very caringworkforce. @HydroOttawa for theiroutstanding leadership@UnitedWayOttawa with . 2001 2002 Over @max_keeping22 Jun12Proud to bethankingemployees of $1.5 million 2003 2004 raised since 2001 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Corporate Social Responsibility Report 2013 27 Ottawa was extremely pleased that, without hesitation, a number of our employees volunteered to give up their holidays with family and loved ones to help restore power to residents in the hard hit communities of Picton, Brampton and Toronto. Hydro Ottawa’s culture of helping others in need is particularly in need is particularly of helping others culture Ottawa’s Hydro power restore to assistance require when our neighbours evident events. during devastating

Most recently, in December 2013, the Toronto area and much of Eastern and Central Ontario experienced a significant ice storm where hundreds of thousands of customers lost power. Recognizing the size and scope of the devastation, utilities in these communities reached out to neighbouring utilities, including Hydro Ottawa, to provide assistance. Hydro This past spring of 2013, thousands of This past spring of 2013, thousands the customers in Peterborough and power surrounding area were without downing due to wind and freezing rain power lines, Hydro Ottawa responded immediately to requests for help in restoring power to 30,000 customers and repairing broken poles. Ottawa was spared the full impact of Ottawa was spared 2012 Hurricane Sandy in October of however, the storm had a devastating States. effect in the northeastern United away by Hydro Ottawa responded right and dispatching crews to Connecticut to about New Jersey to help restore power Ottawa half a million residents. Hydro best and was proud to send some of our suffering brightest to help alleviate the and to caused by this devastating storm, quickly as help get life back to normal as possible for our southern neighbours. our neighbours our Helping Conclusion

Hydro Ottawa’s commitment to a sustainable future for our community is front of mind in everything we do – from the assets we purchase to the engagement of our employees, to ensuring brighter tomorrows for the communities we serve.

Moving forward we will continue to cultivate Corporate Citizenship as a key area of focus in our Strategic Direction. Priorities for 2014 include looking for new ways to: reduce our carbon footprint, generate renewable energy, promote conservation among our customers, partner with community organizations, all of which will once again demonstrate our leadership in corporate responsibility.