May 9, 2008 - Edmonton, Alberta - EPCOR is refining its organization structure to efficiently capitalize on future growth opportunities in the Capital Region. The Capital Region Essential Services Utility will enable the company to clearly focus on providing cleaner power and water technologies, enhancing environmental stewardship, and providing seamless customer service.
The new entity will be headed by EPCOR Utilities President & CEO Don Lowry. This will bring the company’s regulated power and water businesses together to ensure that services can be provided in the most efficient and effective manner. These operations currently include water and wastewater services to Edmonton and 45 surrounding communities, electrical distribution, transmission, landfill gas and transportation services within the city.
“Our focus on the Capital Region is a logical one. It makes business sense given the $100 billion in planned investment for the Industrial Heartland, and corresponding growth in the region’s population and economy,” said Don Lowry, President and CEO of EPCOR Utilities Inc. “There will be a tremendous need for power and water infrastructure - services we have been providing in the region for over a hundred years.”
This new structure will provide a platform for growth that contemplates sharing infrastructure to achieve minimal environmental impact at least cost. An example of these efficiencies is the water treatment plants at E.L. Smith and Rossdale. They have reduced environmental impacts on the North Saskatchewan River and reduced costs for the 45 communities we serve by supplying the region’s treated drinking water needs with just two water intakes - instead of one intake for each community and dozens of treatment plants.
“The Capital Region is our home, our backyard and we have a duty to protect water and air quality and manage our resources in a responsible and sustainable manner” said Lowry. “That’s why we will continue to promote water conservation, explore more opportunities for water reclamation and pursue new technologies that may see electricity produced from coal with near zero emissions.”
EPCOR’s water conservation measures in Edmonton have resulted in residents using 50% less water than those in cities without water meters and investments in water distribution maintenance have reduced water loss rates to 70% less than the national average
In 1996 EPCOR operated five power and water plants, today it operates more than 50 facilities across North America. Over the next five years the company plans to invest approximately $4 billion in new power generation, infrastructure, water and wastewater facilities.
EPCOR Utilities Inc. builds, owns and operates power plants, electrical transmission and distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure in Canada and the United States. EPCOR has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for eight consecutive years, is one of only 10 companies to be selected as one of Canada’s Most Earth-Friendly Employers. EPCOR is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta.
For more information, please contact:
Mike Long
(780) 969-8246