BEC Partnering to Advance Ontario’s Innovative Energy Future

PowerShare brings together forward-thinking companies to develop shared solutions for managing Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicles. By being a part of this group, BEC strengthens its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused energy delivery.

Members of this collaboration include:

• Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation
• Burlington Enterprises Corporation
• Essex Powerlines Corporation
• Greater Sudbury Hydro Inc.
• Kingston Hydro Corporation
• Lakefront Utilities Inc.
• London Hydro Inc.
• Milton Hydro Distribution Inc.
• PUC Distribution Inc.
• Welland Hydro Electric System Corp.

‘DSO capabilities are not just a vision of the future – they are a necessary foundation for a smart, flexible, and customer-centric grid,’ said Jayna Sweeney, Chair of the group. ‘By working together through PowerShare, we’re ensuring that Ontario’s LDCs can deliver that future efficiently and effectively.’

‘PowerShare is an extension of our commitment to deliver reliable, efficient, and safe energy solutions while supporting Ontario’s energy transition with innovative and sustainable energy solutions.’ said Gerry Smallegange, President and CEO of BEC. ‘This partnership allows us to collaborate with like-minded organizations and lead the way in building a smarter, more flexible grid.’

The PowerShare Group’s first coordinated initiative will be to actively participate in the Ontario Energy Board’s DSO Capabilities Consultation (EB-2025-0060), where members will help shape the regulatory and technical framework for future electricity distribution in Ontario.

BEC joins other PowerShare members to validate the operational and technical conditions needed to transition DER pilot projects into standard practice. This collaborative effort recognizes that each community has distinct energy needs. Whether it’s supporting electrification in rural areas, enabling smart energy choices for businesses, or expanding access to clean technologies for residents, BEC is committed to building a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready energy system for Burlington and beyond.

Burlington Enterprises Corporation (BEC) is a leading energy services company wholly owned by the City of Burlington. Operating through two affiliate subsidiaries – Burlington Hydro Inc. (BHI), a regulated electricity distributor, and Burlington Electricity Services Inc. (BESI), a provider of innovative energy solutions. BEC is committed to delivering reliable, forward-thinking energy services that drive growth and sustainability.

This collaboration empowers small and mid-sized LDCs in Ontario to lead through shared innovation, coordinated policy development and joint system planning. By combining their expertise and aligning strategic objectives, the group is better positioned to deliver meaningful results for both the electricity sector and the communities they serve. Building on early achievements from DER enablement projects across Ontario, PowerShare applies proven, real-world approaches to strengthen the group’s existing DSO expertise. These pilot projects have demonstrated that LDCs can actively manage DERs to support grid reliability and flexibility.

With this foundation, PowerShare is now focused on validating the operational and technical requirements needed to transition from pilot initiatives to standard practice. This will enable LDCs to take on enhanced roles in DER coordination as part of day-to-day operations. The group is also working to develop common approaches and tools that offer a scalable model that can be replicated across Ontario.