Peak Demand Record Set Within PowerStream Service Territory

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 21, 2011) - The heat wave that has been scorching southern Ontario this past week, along with today's near record temperature, have increased electricity consumption in PowerStream's service territory resulting in the municipally-owned utility reaching a milestone today for peak demand.

PowerStream's System Control at 2:00 p.m. reported an electricity peak demand level for its service territory of more than 1,900 megawatts (MW), exceeding the previous peak demand record of 1,896 MW set in July of 2010.

"Each year we connect a significant number of new customers to our distribution grid," explained Brian Bentz, PowerStream's President and CEO, in reference to the more than 7,000 customers the utility added in 2010. "When you combine this with the successive days of above 30 degree temperatures we have been experiencing over the past week, it's easy to see why a peak demand record was set today within our service territory."

Bentz also pointed out how the conservation programs PowerStream has offered to their customers over the last few years have played a significant role in preventing consumption levels from being even higher. In 2010 alone, customer adoption of PowerStream conservation programs helped to achieve electricity savings in the utility's service territory of 12,281 MW hours.

"PowerStream customers have been extremely proactive in their adoption of our conservation initiatives," added Frank Scarpitti, PowerStream's Board Chair and Mayor of the Town of Markham. "We commend them for their efforts and encourage them to continue to work with us in making conservation a priority in their households and at their places of business."

Customers wanting to learn more about PowerStream's conservation program offerings through the "saveONenergy" campaign, can visit www.powerstream.saveonenergy.ca.

About PowerStream

PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 330,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is an incorporated entity, jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.