In 2023, Fortis utilities delivered electricity and gas service safely and reliably to 3.5 million customers while progressing towards our emissions reduction targets. As we manage the cleaner energy transition and continue to invest in our energy systems, customer affordability and system reliability will remain front and centre.
Our teams are embracing innovation to help control costs. With a strong focus on making process improvements and getting the most out of our existing infrastructure, our teams successfully managed average annual increases in controllable operating costs per customer to 2.5% over the past five years. We’re also helping customers manage energy costs through energy efficiency and bill assistance programs.
Despite new peaks for energy usage due to extreme cold and hot temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, we continued to deliver electricity and gas service reliably to our customers. Fortis continues to outperform industry averages for reliability performance.
FortisAlberta received the 2023 Emergency Response Award from Edison Electric Institute, recognizing its outstanding restoration efforts following several significant wildfires. Between May 4 and 26, more than 200 FortisAlberta employees from across the province replaced over 800 poles and 67 kilometres of line, restoring power to thousands of customers.
In November, UniSource Energy Services (UNS) filed its Integrated Resource Plan outlining plans to more than double electric energy resources over the next 15 years with new wind, solar, natural gas, and storage systems. “This balanced, flexible plan will help us preserve reliability and affordability in the face of increasing usage and extreme weather while reducing carbon dioxide emissions and mitigating risk,” said Susan Gray, President and CEO at UNS.
Fortis invests in research and development to advance the cleaner energy transition and keep energy reliable and affordable for customers. Through partnerships with industry organizations and collaboration efforts across the company, we are embracing innovations in renewable technology, grid efficiency, and sustainable energy production.
We strengthen our communities by nurturing local partnerships and giving back to the places we proudly serve. Our companies contributed approximately $11 million and countless volunteer hours through community partnerships in 2023.
Fortis Inc. developed a new partnership with the 2025 Canada Summer Games, scheduled to take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The $1 million sponsorship will support the development of a new flagship athletic facility that will be named the Fortis Canada Games Complex. “The Fortis Canada Games Complex will bring our community, province, and country together in the spirit of excellence and will have a lasting impact well beyond the 2025 Games,” said David Hutchens, President and CEO, Fortis Inc.
We build authentic and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities while partnering for progress.
The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project will connect 17 remote First Nations communities to the Ontario power grid. In 2023, Wunnumin Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Wawakapewin, Bearskin Lake, Sachigo Lake, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug and Wapekeka turned off diesel generators and connected to the grid - accessing cleaner, more reliable energy. Construction of the 1,800-kilometre Wataynikaneyap Power transmission line is 98% complete and scheduled to finish in 2024. This project will reduce carbon emissions by 6.6 million tonnes over a 40-year timeframe.
FortisBC was awarded silver-level designation in Progressive Aboriginal Relations™ (PAR) from the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business. PAR is an internationally recognized, Indigenous-led program that confirms corporate performance in Indigenous relations. “FortisBC takes the time to know and understand our community, our people and our vision for the future. It's by developing a true relationship that we've built the trust needed to undertake important economic initiatives together,” said Chief Willie Sellars, Williams Lake First Nation.