PowerStream Contest Educates Consumers About Benefits of Smart Grid

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 15, 2012) - Ontario consumers who take the time to learn about the benefits of Smart Grid will be eligible to win one of five Apple iPad 3s through a contest being launched today by PowerStream, a municipally-owned electric utility recognized for its leadership in the implementation of smart grid technologies.

To be eligible, interested consumers must first register their intention to play at 'FollowtheSmartGridtoWin.com' during the contest period from October 15 - November 9, 2012. Then, by following PowerStream's regular Tweets on Smart Grid benefits @PowerStreamNews, participants can gain extra chances to win each time they promote the contest through Re-Tweets to their personal Twitter network!

The launch of the 'FollowtheSmartGridtoWin.com' contest by PowerStream coincides with the opening of a two- day SmartGrid Canada Conference on 'Engaging the Consumer", which got underway today at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. The event, being held in partnership with Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), is featuring addresses from several well-known energy industry leaders including Chris Bentley, Ontario's Energy Minister, and Brian Bentz, PowerStream's President and CEO.

In attendance at the SmartGrid Canada Conference are delegates from around the world including a sizeable delegation from the electricity industry in Brazil who were officially welcomed to Canada in the morning at a special event held at PowerStream's head office in Vaughan.

QUOTES

• "The adoption of Smart Grid technologies by utilities across Ontario for the benefit of their customers is revolutionizing the electricity industry not unlike how the introduction of the smart phone revolutionized the telecommunications industry," explained Frank Scarpitti, PowerStream Board Chair and Mayor of the City of Markham. "Smart Grid technologies are helping us to build a social energy network in this province, so it is somewhat fitting that we are using a contest, in combination with the power of social media, to communicate this to consumers."

• "The human equation will ultimately shape the Canadian Smart Grid landscape and drive its growth," said Alex Bettencourt. Managing Director, SmartGrid Canada. "This initiative by PowerStream demonstrates how we can build awareness and engage the consumer in the transformation of the electricity grid."

BACKGROUND

• In addition to making its electricity distribution system more reliable and responsive to customer needs, PowerStream's implementation of smart grid technologies is facilitating the utility's development of new operational areas to further enhance the consumer experience.

• PowerStream's Twitter site @PowerStreamNews, was launched in June 2012 as part of the company's social blog and news network initiative featuring an innovative blog website called 'eStream' as well as a YouTube channel, 'PowerStreamTV' and a page on Linkedin.

ABOUT POWERSTREAM

PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to approximately 355,000 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.

ABOUT SMARTGRID CANADA

SmartGrid Canada is the only national organization dedicated to promoting a more modern and efficient electricity grid for the benefit of all Canadians. More information available at sgcanada.org.

LET'S CONNECT!

eStream - Blog.PowerStream.ca

Twitter - @PowerStreamNews

YouTube - PowerStreamTV

LinkedIn - PowerStream