EDA Northwestern/Northeastern District Conference & Annual General Meeting
About this Event
This year proudly hosted in Sault Ste. Marie, ON by PUC Services Inc. and Algoma Power Inc.
Centred on the theme Moving Forward with Resilience and Agility, this year’s conference brings together utility industry professionals to explore practical strategies, share insights, and navigate today’s evolving landscape.
Join us for engaging sessions, meaningful connections, and fresh ideas to help move your business forward.
Agenda
The Agenda Will Continue To Be Updated
DAY 1 - Tuesday, September 15
18 Holes of Golf at Crimson Ridge Golf Club (Optional)
Mix & Mingle at Taproom Rooftop Patio
DAY 2 - Wednesday, September 16 at The Machine Shop
Keynote Speaker George Stroumboulopoulos
Info: Moving Forward with Resilience and Agility
A Cooperative AI Customer Service Model
Host: Todd Ross
Info: Ontario utilities face a common customer service challenge: demand is highly variable, while the cost and complexity of maintaining capacity to meet peak demand continues to increase. Periods such as month-end, disconnection season, outages and the shoulder months—when customers experience higher-than-expected bills—can create significant spikes in inquiries, complaints, call volumes and service pressure.
This presentation explores a different approach: what if utilities worked together to create a cooperative, AI-powered customer service capability?
Electrical Distributor’s Association (EDA) Update and Q&A
Host: Teresa Sarkesian
The Workforce of the Future in the Eyes of the Contractor
Host: Nick Gatien
Info: Addressing the gap in qualified workers, leadership with a young workforce and attracting new talent.
Cyber Resilience in Utilities: From Risk to Readiness
Host: Mike Torresan
Info: rom Risk to Readiness explores the evolving cybersecurity threats facing today’s utility sector and the practical steps organizations can take to strengthen resilience and protect critical infrastructure. The presentation will show how utilities can move beyond identifying risk to building a proactive, prepared, and resilient cybersecurity program that can respond to today’s rapidly changing threat landscape.
Dinner and Evening Program at The Loft
Forging the Future: Algoma Steel’s Transformation Through Electrification
Host: Rajat Marwah
Info: Following Algoma Steel’s transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking in 2026, the company is entering a new era of modern, lower-carbon steel production. The transformation is reducing Algoma’s carbon emissions by approximately 70%, or up to 3 million tonnes annually, representing one of the largest industrial decarbonization initiatives in Canada.
The presentation will explore Algoma Steel’s transformation, the opportunities and challenges associated with large-scale industrial electrification, and the importance of reliable energy infrastructure in supporting the future of Canadian manufacturing.
DAY 3 -Thursday, September 17 at The Delta Hotel Conference Room
Building Resilient Distribution Systems: A Strategic Approach to Wood Pole Ass
Host: Mehak Sajjad
Info: How advanced asset management strategies are helping utilities extend pole life, reduce risk, improve reliability, and optimize capital investment
Bringing Capital into the Energy Industry
Host: Cyrille Vittecoq
Incentives to Use Third-Party DERs as Non-Wires Solutions
Host: Mima Micic
Turning Disruption into Opportunity: Innovating for a Resilient Energy Future
Host: Beiping Zhang
Info: Exploring how power utilities can leverage innovative strategies to successfully navigate the challenges of electrification, climate change, and affordability while maintaining reliable service.
Supporting MEARIE Members: Risk Programs, Trends & Takeaways
Host: Sanjeev Motwani
Info: This presentation explores how MEARIE’s member-focused insurance model supports Ontario utilities in managing an evolving and increasingly complex risk environment. It highlights emerging risks, common claims trends, and key insurance considerations to help members better understand and manage their exposures.
Closing Remarks & Raffle Draw
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 125.00 to CAD 900.00
