Guelph Hydro Inc. and Ontario Centres of Excellence Join Forces in Support of the City of Guelph Sustainable Community Energy Plan

Market Wire, February, 2009

Guelph Hydro Inc. and Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. announced today they are joining forces in support of the City of Guelph's Sustainable Community Energy Plan. The two organizations will work together on a number of initiatives to advance the energy efficiency targets set by the City.

Guelph Hydro was one of the key community leaders involved in development of the Sustainable Community Energy Plan. The plan addresses all energy usage, including electricity, gas, water, waste water, waste management and transportation. Guelph is one of the first communities in Ontario to lead in the development and implementation of integrated energy solutions which will result in significant reductions of its per-capita carbon footprint and energy use.

"Guelph Hydro is delighted to have the support of Ontario Centres of Excellence. We believe our joint efforts will result in advancing the targets set by our city in reducing the carbon footprint and energy use per capita as well as improving air quality. Although climate change is a global issue, we believe it requires local engagement and commitment," said Vice Chair, Jasmine Urisk.

"Ontario Centres of Excellence is pleased to support both Guelph Hydro and the City of Guelph in their leadership efforts to reduce Guelph's carbon footprint and create job opportunities in the local community," said Mark Romoff, OCE's President and CEO. "Climate Change is one of the most critical issues facing us today. Guelph's Sustainable Community Energy Plan is a prototype for other Ontario communities and a driver for the development of innovative technologies."

"Implementing our City's Sustainable Energy Plan is one of our strategic priorities. We are pleased that Guelph Hydro and Ontario Centres of Excellence are partnering with us to advance our commitment to creating a healthy, reliable and sustainable energy future for our residents and businesses," said Mayor Karen Farbridge.

Joint efforts will include a number of initiatives and projects to be announced over the next few months related to the city's downtown re-development, the York Lands as well as other areas which will have a major impact on reducing the city's carbon footprint and energy use per capita.

GHI, through its family of companies, is committed to strengthen the communities it serves by investing in sustainable integrated energy solutions that bring value to the communities, its customers, employees and shareholder, the Corporation of the City of Guelph.

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. drives the commercialization of cutting-edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario's global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. OCE's five Centres work in communications and information technology, earth and environmental technologies, energy, materials and manufacturing and photonics. OCE is funded in part by the government of Ontario and is a key partner in delivering Ontario's Innovation Agenda.

Contacts: Media contacts: Guelph Hydro Inc. Ian Miles (519) 837-4707 Ontario Centres of Excellence Dominique LaCasse (613) 726-4320 x 4270