FortisAlberta 2015 Annual Report

CREATING CONNECTIONS

2015 Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTSCorporate Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Letter to Stakeholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

FortisAlberta Recognized for Employee Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Relocating an Entire Power Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Shorter Outage Times Through Automation Technology . . . 12

FortisAlberta .com New Look and Online Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

FortisAlberta Named One of Alberta’s Top Employers . . . . . . . 18

Protecting Whitebark Pine on Sulphur Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Leadership Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

2015 Annual Report | 1

Calgary

Edmonton

High RiverOkotoks

Brooks

Strathmore

AirdrieCochrane

Canmore

Red Deer

OldsSundre

Drayton Valley

Spruce GroveHinton

Athabasca

Barrhead Westlock

Leduc

Wetaskiwin

PonokaLacombe

Sherwood Park

St. AlbertMorinville

Whitecourt

Drumheller

Stettler

Provost

Lloydminster

Wainwright

Camrose

Fort Saskatchewan

Lac La Biche

Christina Lake

Fort McMurray

Grande Prairie

Rocky MountainHouse

CrowsnestPass

Pincher Creek

LethbridgeTaber

Fort MacLeod

Claresholm

Medicine Hat

CORPORATE PROFILEFortisAlberta is an electricity distribution utility dedicated to delivering safe and reliable electricity to more than half a million homes and businesses in Alberta. Our Company has more than 1,200 employees who work and live in many of the 200 communities we serve across the province.

FortisAlberta is a wholly-owned subsiduary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American electricity and gas utility business, with total assets of approximately $29 billion and fiscal 2015 revenue of $6.7 billion. Its regulated utilities serve more than three million customers across Canada and in the United States and the Caribbean.

FortisAlberta Service Area

X

Net Capital Expenditures (after contributions)

Rate Base

Revenue

Net Income

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(thousands of Canadian dollars)

2014

2014

2014

2014

2015

2015

2015

2015

563,000518,000

137,500102,400

403,400

304,600

2,700,0002,500,000

2 | 2015 Annual Report

Over the last year, the Alberta economy has undergone significant change as a result

of the downturn in the energy sector. Despite the changes to the economic environment, FortisAlberta remained focused on providing excellent results for its customers and stakeholders in 2015. An unwavering focus on meeting our customers’ needs, along with a flexible and adaptable approach to our changing operating environment, were instrumental to achieving positive results in light of unstable economic conditions.

The safety of our employees and the public remains at the core of all that we do at FortisAlberta and I am proud to say that this

relentless focus has helped build our strong safety record and culture. In 2015, we continued to make progress towards our Mission ZERO goal to eliminate all injuries in the workplace. This past year, 31 out of 38 of our Operations groups experienced no injury incidents. We were also honoured to receive an Award of Safety Excellence from the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) – a reflection of the commitment of our employees and leadership team to safety.

Next to safety, the reliability of our system is of highest priority. We had an exceptionally strong year in relation to reliability and the satisfaction of our customers – reaching record performance in each of these areas in 2015. Investments in

LETTER TO STAKEHOLDERS


distribution system maintenance and our drive to modernize the grid have significantly improved the experience for customers.

In addition to investing in grid modernization technologies, we took steps to improve our communications with customers and provide them with easier access to information. In 2015, the launch of a new and improved website helped us build a foundation for more effective communication tools for customers. This included the development of a new service connection tool that allows customers to track the steps and progress of their project online.

To further enhance the online experience, a new mobile application (app) now offers customers important information at their fingertips. The app’s outage maps and reporting tools provide customers real-time information about outages and the ability to report an outage or request a streetlight repair on their mobile device. With these enhancements and the ongoing commitment of our employees to strong customer service, in 2015, we achieved a record result in customer satisfaction, returning an overall rating of 88.6 per cent.

With a presence in more than 200 Alberta communities, participation in community investment initiatives is important to us. As a long-time sponsor of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), we help to fund emergency response training for medical professionals in our service areas. Our community investment reflects the dedication

and commitment of our employees to causes and interests shared by our customers. We are proud to participate with our employees to help raise more than $200,000 for causes such as the United Way, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure and the Prostrate Cancer Centre. Moreover, I am proud of the many employees who volunteer their time and effort to programs such the recently launched Rocky View Reads initiative, which supports the literacy of children in local schools.

Our ability to deliver exceptional results for our customers in 2015 is directly linked to the dedication and commitment of our 1,200 employees who live and work in the communities we serve across the province. As we reflect upon the past year, I want to express my appreciation for their exceptional service to our customers and stakeholders.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank our Board of Directors for their expertise and guidance to help FortisAlberta deliver on its business priorities. In 2015, we saw Mary Cameron, William Daley and John Walker retire as Directors of FortisAlberta and welcomed new Directors, Michael Mulcahy and Shelley Ralston.

Overall, FortisAlberta had a strong year in a challenging environment. I invite you to review this report that highlights how our company values translate into the electricity service our customers receive and how we are dedicated to turn the lights on and keep the lights on every day.

Phonse DelaneyPresident and Chief Executive Officer


SAFETY

Since introducing our Mission ZERO program three years ago, we have made steady progress

towards building a strong safety culture and achieving our goal of eliminating injuries on the job. Through 2014 and into 2015, we worked nine straight months without a single preventable injury. In our operational areas, 31 out of 38 groups had no injuries in 2015, and many areas have established outstanding safety performance records that span more than 15 years. In 2015, we were recognized for our efforts in safety performance through the CEA who honoured us with a Vice President’s Award of Safety Excellence.

Injury prevention in the electricity industry begins and ends on the front line. Ensuring our Power Line Technicians (PLTs) have the skills and training to do their jobs safely is a core component of our culture. In 2015, we introduced a program that involves the demonstration and evaluation of essential skills and knowledge necessary for all senior Apprentices and Journeyman PLTs. Our safety leaders, together with employees and safety experts have worked to develop and implement new protective equipment and work method initiatives.

In keeping with continuous improvement by learning from our experiences, we added a new safety measure to track and investigate all incidents that pose a risk for a serious injury or fatality. At FortisAlberta, we understand that a commitment to safety requires us to embrace learnings from all incidents, regardless of whether or not they result in an injury.

We understand that complacency has no place in a strong safety culture. This is why we regularly undertake detailed audits of our safety program. In 2015, we underwent a comprehensive safety review conducted by an external auditor. The review involved a detailed examination of the Company’s safety standards, training programs and included onsite observations and interviews with frontline employees. Overall, we received a 92 per cent compliance rating that demonstrated we have built a strong foundation for safe work practices.Power line safety extends beyond FortisAlberta employees to first responders and the employees of our contracted services. In 2015, our safety team delivered more than 150 electricity safety awareness presentations to more than 4,700 emergency responders, firefighters, oil and

Our goal for safety is very clear. It is Mission ZERO. That means we will not be satisfied until we achieve zero preventable injuries on the job. We will be relentless in the pursuit of this goal.


gas, construction and municipal workers. We also hosted our third annual Contractor Safety Summit with more than 70 representatives from 35 suppliers. At the Summit, we shared our expectations for safe work practices and shared learnings.

Public safety goes hand in hand with our commitment to safety on the job. This is why our efforts to educate the public about power line hazards is unrelenting. Essential to public safety are our programs to inspect, monitor and maintain our network of more than 120,000 kilometres of distribution power lines. Another key component is our public education program to raise awareness about power line safety. Through a partnership with the Government of Alberta and other provincial utilities, FortisAlberta continues to support the “Where’s the Line?” safety awareness campaign with communications about the hazards of electricity to high-risk workers.

In addition, each year, we deliver presentations about electricity safety to more than 4,500 grade- five students through our ZAP program. This interactive presentation includes a game that teaches students the hazards associated with electricity and shows them why it is important to be safe at home and at play where overhead and underground power lines exist.

31 OUT OF 38 GROUPS INJURY-FREE IN 2015

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AWARENESS PRESENTATIONS DELIVERED

GRADE-FIVE STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN ZAP SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM

1504,500

SAFETY (injury frequency rate)

2015 1.15

2014

2013

2012

2011

0.78

1.41

1.81

2.02


RELIABILITYWe provide our customers with safe and reliable electricity through investments in the system and technology to continuously improve how we keep the lights on.

Reliable power is the main priority for our customers and this helps shape FortisAlberta’s

operational and capital investment priorities. Investments in the electricity system have allowed FortisAlberta to achieve record performance in system reliability. In the last year, customers experienced an average of only 1.71 cumulative hours of outage time, placing us in the top quartile of similar Canadian utilities.

The key to delivering strong system reliability is FortisAlberta’s commitment to build and sustain a robust grid by leveraging advancements in distribution technology. Our Control Centre and outage management systems are central features of our ability to limit the impacts of outages and improve response times during weather-related events. In many cases, these technologies allow us to remotely restore power or to effectively

deploy Power Line Technicians who work closely with centralized System Operators to enhance the quality of service provided to our customers.

The installation of distribution automation technology has also helped to reduce the duration and scope of outages. In 2015, we commissioned automated systems in Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Balzac and Okotoks, which has significantly improved reliability in these areas.

Our proactive maintenance and repair program is critical to ensure strong system reliability. To minimize the need for planned outages for customers, we maximize the use of hotline techniques and load transfers. We also manage reliability improvements through targeted capital investment and the use of effective system maintenance practices. In 2015, we invested


RELIABILITY

$400 million to connect more than 9,700 new customers, construct more than 1,000 kilometres of power lines and enhance the system’s reliability.

In 2015, we made a number of upgrades to our distribution system, including the addition of new mainlines out of substations such as Vauxhall to improve reliability; rejuvenating almost 100 kilometres of underground cables in areas such as Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park and Brooks to extend the life of these assets and improve reliability; and replacing more than 12,000 aging poles.

The intensity and unpredictable nature of Alberta’s weather means that we need to be both proactive and responsive in addressing significant weather events and their impact on the distribution system.

Proactively, we target areas of high-storm activity to ensure that the system is hardened against these weather events. In the Lethbridge area for example, we replaced 1,400 vintage poles and shortened line spans. Thanks to visibility of system performance through our Control Centre, we were also able to identify and improve reliability in Priddis, Black Diamond and Okotoks. This included enhancements to existing facilities such as the addition of new cross arms, lightning arrestors and automated devices that allow the system to recover quickly from momentary power outages. Responsively, our detailed electronic mapping systems overseen by our Control Centre System Operators have helped ensure that we can better pinpoint trouble and efficiently coordinate our response to storms.

45,000

CUSTOMERS

INVESTED IN ELECTRICITY SYSTEM IN 2015

AGING POLES REPLACED OVER FIVE YEARS

530,000

$400 MILLION

8 | 2015 Annual Report8 | 2015 Annual Report

FORTISALBERTA RECOGNIZED FOR EMPLOYEE SAFETYIn October 2015, FortisAlberta received a CEA Vice President’s Award of Safety Excellence. The award recognizes FortisAlberta’s outstanding safety performance, which exceeded the CEA’s

requirements for this recognition. The award is based on the performance ranking of the CEA’s corporate utility members.

Did you know? We train our Power Line Technicians in a state-of-the-art, award-winning facility. Our Employee Development Centre (EDC) is one of the only training schools in Canada with a working substation. Through the EDC, we deliver more than 40,000 hours of safety and technical skills training to more than 500 employees each year.



For the greater sage-grouse, power lines pose a grave threat. They provide perches for predatory raptors, which drive the grouse out of its natural habitat. To support grouse conservation and recovery efforts, when individual poles near the hamlet of Manyberries needed replacement,

FortisAlberta took an extra step to completely relocate and rebuild the entire power line, which included 118 poles and 15.4 kilometres of line, out of the grouse’s critical habitat to the nearby roadside.

BY MOVING AN ENTIRE POWER LINE

By burying the power lines and removing the power poles, FortisAlberta has enhanced the habitat in that area.”

Daily Oil Bulletin and New Technology Magazine


PROTECTING GREATER

SAGE-GROUSE


CUSTOMERSERVICE

Being responsive to our customers, striving to improve our service and building upon

the relationships we have established is what motivates our employees and supports our business goals. One of the ways we measure our level of service is through customer satisfaction surveys. In 2015, our customers awarded us with a satisfaction rating of 88.6 per cent, a record achievement. Customers have awarded us with year-over-year improvements in these results over the past several years.

Customers’ expectations are changing, as they move to the Internet and social media for alternative ways to interact with us. In 2015, FortisAlberta launched a new website to improve our customers’ online experience. We used customer feedback, analytics and best practices to build the new website and have streamlined content by more than 60 per cent.

One of the cornerstones of this project was to improve the experience for customers who are connecting a new service with us. In 2015, we received more than 9,700 requests to connect new services. Through our improved website, customers are now able to look up the status of a project, gain a better understanding of what is involved in this process and learn about what information is required from them to help keep their project moving along. Connecting with our customers to enhance their experience and improve the timeliness and quality of our communications also includes mobile technology. In 2015, we launched a mobile app with an outage map to provide real-time

We strive to improve the overall customer service experience for our customers in our daily interactions and our online presence.


information about planned and unplanned outages and a streetlight reporting tool to improve reporting capabilities on streetlight outages. Customers can now report an outage electronically or request a streetlight repair.

Our Customer Contact Centre plays an essential role in providing customers with the quality of service they have come to expect from us. From inquiries about power outages and meter readings to requests for new service connections, our Customer Service Representatives handle more than 400 calls per day or approximately 150,000 calls throughout the year.

We understand that FortisAlberta’s large customers and project developers may require special attention to help manage their more complex needs. As a result, in 2015, our Major Accounts team built specific account plans designed to respond to these customers’ particular needs. This included the use of a simplified estimating tool for on-site pricing alternatives. This tool allows customers to run multiple scenarios and assess their economics before proceeding with a request.

Our municipal franchisees are also critical in the delivery of effective service to customers in towns and cities throughout our service territory. FortisAlberta is proud to be the exclusive distribution service provider in more than 140 municipalities across Alberta. In 2015, we transitioned 35 of these municipalities within our service territory to new franchise agreements,

strengthening our commitment as the electricity distribution service provider in those communities.

In 2015, we also welcomed 850 new customers following the acquisition of the distribution facilities from Kingman and VNM Rural Electrification Associations (REAs). After providing 65 years of operating service to these REAs, FortisAlberta was proud to support these REA Boards and their membership in the decision to sell their assets to the Company.

2014

2015

2014

2015

88.6 PER CENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RATING

150,000 CALLS ANSWERED PER YEAR BY CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES

87.9

17,372

88.6

17,132

CUSTOMER SATISFACTIONRATING (per cent)

ENERGY DELIVERIES (gigawatt hours)


AUTOMATIONTECHNOLOGY

Did you know? Distributed automation technology helps to reduce the number of customers impacted by outages from thousands down to hundreds. Outages that at one time would have taken 30 minutes or more to resolve can, in some cases, be restored in less than one minute.

The FortisAlberta Control Centre (FCC) allows our Power Line Technicians (PLTs) across the province to work collaboratively with centrally located System Operators to enhance the quality of service provided to customers.

In addition to constructing this state-of-the-art facility, this project also involved the implementation of distribution automation technology featuring devices that can be operated remotely by FCC

System Operators to isolate customer outages. This reduces the duration of outages and the number of customers impacted.

Additional distribution automation systems will be installed over a number of years. In 2015, we commissioned these systems in Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Balzac and Okotoks, which has significantly improved reliability in these areas.


SHORTER OUTAGE TIMESTHROUGH


13 | Report to Customers 2015

Did you know? You can now report an outage or find out more details about an outage with the FortisAlberta app? To download the app, search for “FortisAlberta” in the app store on your mobile device.

During the past year, we’ve been working to bring you a new website and mobile app to improve your online experience.

Visit the new site to learn about electricity-related topics including safety around power lines, how we restore power and how to conserve energy. Connecting a new service with us? We’ve added a new section to help you better understand our connection process and see the real-time status of your project as it is underway. In 2015, we also launched a streetlight reporting map where you can easily find streetlights in your area and submit a request for repair.

FORTISALBERTA.COMNEW LOOK AND ONLINE TOOLS



PEOPLEOur people are the driving force behind FortisAlberta’s ability to address its customers’ needs.

An engaged workforce is essential to delivering strong customer service. Fostering a

connection between employees’ individual contributions and the organization as a whole creates a healthy work environment and supports improved customer satisfaction and operational excellence. Reflecting our commitment to building a strong workplace culture, we were honoured to be named as one of Alberta’s Top 70 Employers in 2015.

Understanding our business priorities and the needs of our customers is a key part of employee engagement and this continued to be a focus in 2015. Members of the Executive Leadership Team participated in the VP-Adopt-An-Area Program,

regularly visiting different areas of our service territory to better understand issues affecting our customers and to hear from employees. FortisAlberta’s CEO also hosted regular sessions with an Engineering Advisory Group to solicit feedback and advice from these professionals about new technologies and engineering methods.

Creating opportunities for employees to provide meaningful feedback is another important aspect of fostering an engaged workforce. To achieve this, we undertook a comprehensive employee engagement survey in 2015. Results were very strong and placed us in the top ten per cent of organizations similar to us.


PEOPLE

Providing leaders and employees with practical tools for career development is an important part of building strong connections between employees and their work. We continue to provide employees with the development opportunities they need to excel in their roles and build their careers. In 2015, we delivered leadership training to more than 130 Supervisors and Managers. In addition, more than 100 employees participated in the Company’s mentoring program to provide them with personal development and business acumen to enhance their careers at FortisAlberta.

On-the-job and technical training for our Power Line Technicians (PLTs) and apprentices are managed through our award-winning, state-of-the-art Employee Development Centre in Red Deer. As one of the only training schools in Canada with an actual working substation, we deliver more

than 40,000 hours of safety and technical skills training to more than 380 PLTs annually. Through our annual Journeyman Upgrade program, we provide the latest tools and hands-on skills training for PLTs.

Participation in educational partnerships helps our employees build knowledge about the utility industry and offers exposure to other professionals in their respective field. The Company provides guidance to the Electrical Engineering Technology Advisory Board at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and to the University of Alberta. Employees take part in industry-related committees such as Alberta One-Call, Alberta Reliability Council, Canadian Electricity Association, Joint Utility Safety Team and the Western Energy Institute.


COMMUNITYInvesting in the communities where we live and work allows us to connect with our customers in a meaningful way.

At FortisAlberta, being active in the communities where we operate is an integral part of our

business, which demonstrates our commitment to creating positive change where our employees and customers live and work. We continue to build and enhance strategic community partnerships that align with our business priorities, government relations and customer service initiatives, and these investments are both meaningful to employees and our customers. This is achieved through practical community investments that support high-profile sponsorships and local, grassroots opportunities in safety, education, wellness and the environment. In 2015, we continued our partnership with organizations such as STARS air ambulance through their Human Patient Simulator program, and responded to local needs such as Rocky View Reads, an early reader program in schools in Airdrie, Chestermere and Cochrane.

We also recognize the positive impact that employee volunteers have in their communities. In 2015, we engaged employees in initiatives such as Communities in Action grants, where successful applicants put the funds and their own manpower towards the construction of an outdoor ice rink in Drayton Valley and the launch of a Family Curling program. Employees also participated in monthly Days of Caring events where they installed recycled power poles to light outdoor rinks in Strathmore and Drayton Valley and strung holiday lighting in the communities of Banff, High River and Lacombe. Employees volunteered their time to complete an 18-week mentorship program for Airdrie high school students through the Junior Achievement Company program. Through this program, our employees helped students set up their own company and market their product.


COMMUNITY

In 2015, our employees also initiated a campaign to support prostate health. The campaign called “Man Up Month,” included a series of internal events that helped raise more than $19,000 for Alberta’s Prostate Cancer Centre (PCC). Part of the funds raised were used to bring the PCC’s mobile testing clinic to FortisAlberta service points, where male employees and community members over 40 could receive a free PSA blood test, which helps screen for signs of prostate cancer. The Company’s 2015 United Way campaign raised $180,000 to support individuals and families through eight local chapters in our service territory. Employees also participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure where we raised more than $8,000 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

We continue to support the outstanding work of the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in their efforts to rehabilitate birds. The venue is home to owls, hawks, eagles and other raptors and provides the opportunity for visitors and students to interact one-on-one with the birds. We build relationships with the communities where we work, including 20 individual First Nations and two Metis settlements. In 2015, we pledged $50,000 over the next five years to the sponsorship of a financial assistance program for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students attending Lethbridge College.

$50,000in scholarships over five years to Lethbridge College First Nations, Metis and Inuit students

150organizations and initiatives supported through FortisAlberta’s Empowering Communities program

$180,000raised for eight United Way chapters in our service area


We were honoured to be named as one of Alberta’s Top Employers of 2015. The award recognizes employers who create exceptional places to work by offering the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

This award reflects our commitment to foster a work environment that allows us to provide our customers with the safe and reliable electricity service they expect and the customer service experience they deserve.

FORTISALBERTA NAMED ONE OF ALBERTA’S TOP EMPLOYERS

Did you know? FortisAlberta gave $20,000 in 2015 to support employee-driven volunteer efforts including the installation of poles for lighting at local skating rinks and rebuilding playgrounds.



Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park is well known for its gondola, which takes visitors up to a tea house and interpretive centre. When it came time to work with Parks Canada on the plan to upgrade the existing electricity distribution line to ensure the safety and reliability of service to the area, there were a number of challenges to overcome including how to best work on a steep mountainside in an area that is popular with hikers and other visitors.

In addition, there are roughly 190 whitebark pine along this section of line, which is on the Federal Government’s protected species list and required mitigation for the upgrade project to proceed.

FortisAlberta contracted the use of specialized equipment that can navigate steep terrain with minimal impact to the ground to dig the necessary holes for the new power line.

PROTECTING WHITEBARK PINE ON SULPHUR MOUNTAIN

As part of our Environmental Impact Assessment, we identified and flagged each protected tree and built a plan to avoid, relocate or work around them. In some cases we transplanted seedlings away from areas where a disturbance could not be avoided, to give the tree a chance of survival.”

Denis Andre, Environmental Coordinator, FortisAlberta



ENVIRONMENTOur commitment to the environment reaches beyond legislative requirements. Our goal is to exceed industry standards to minimize our environmental impact.

FortisAlberta’s Environmental Management System (EMS) provides the framework for

programs designed to support our commitment to environmental sustainability and risk management. Our environmental programs continue to target the prevention and reduction of wildfires and fluid spills, the management of waste and minimization of the impact our operations on the environment.

In 2015, an external auditor completed a review of our EMS to ensure our policies, programs, and operations practices are aligned with the internationally recognized standard ISO 14001. The auditor identified no major findings and confirmed that our EMS conforms to the ISO 14001 standard.

2015 marked the fifth year of implementation of our Avian Protection Plan designed to assess and reduce the risk that our operations pose

to birds of prey and other migratory birds. To reduce interference with birds, we built nesting platforms, reduced work near nests during sensitive breeding seasons, redesigned power poles and provided support for our partners in education and conservation. When individual poles near the hamlet of Manyberries needed replacement, we supported grouse conservation and recovery efforts by taking an extra step to completely relocate the entire power line; 118 poles and 15.4 kilometres of line, out of the sage-grouse’s critical habitat.

We continue to support the Alberta government’s direction for environmental initiatives including connecting customers who have requested the connection of alternative energy sources for distributed generation and micro-generation. In 2015, we connected more than 100 micro-generation projects to our system for a total of 2.42 megawatts.


COMMUNITIES PARTICIPATED IN EARTH HOUR CHALLENGE

MICRO-GENERATION PROJECTS CONNECTED

LED LIGHT BULBS GIVEN AWAY AT HOME HARDWARE EVENT

As part of our energy efficiency program, we teamed up with more than 60 Home Hardware stores in our service area to provide our customers with 17,000 free energy-saving LED light bulbs to help our customers reduce their electricity consumption at home. We also held our second annual Earth Hour Challenge where communities

throughout our service territory were eligible to win one of three prizes totalling $5,000. Of the 25 communities that participated, Alix, Glenwood and Lamont were the successful recipients of the grants for the highest decrease in electricity consumption during Earth Hour.

25

108

17,000

Nesting platforms are part of FortisAlberta’s commitment to its bird protection efforts. We actively discourage nest building on energized power poles with deterrent devices, and we relocate osprey from live poles to pre-constructed nesting platforms on poles installed nearby. Our success with this best practice has seen more than 35 poles installed throughout our service territory. In 2015, customers got a close-up view of the birds through a live web-cam on one of our platforms near Exshaw.

Did you know?


LEADERSHIP TEAM

Pictured from left to right: Mike Pashak, Vice President, Customer Service; Rob Tisdale, Vice President, Customer and Information Services; Curtis Eck, Vice President, Engineering; Phonse Delaney, President and Chief Executive Officer; Cam Aplin, Vice President, Operations; Janine Sullivan, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer; and Karl Bomhof, Vice President, Corporate Services

Diverse backgrounds, a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence: this is what our Executive Leadership Team brings to the table. Our team is made up of leaders who live by our mandate to provide safe and reliable electricity service.


BOARD OF DIRECTORSDouglas Haughey (Chair) Corporate DirectorCalgary, Alberta

Bill GiebelhausChief Operating OfficerClark Builders Edmonton, Alberta

Donald (Jim) Turner RancherCochrane, Alberta

Phonse DelaneyPresident and Chief Executive Officer, FortisAlberta Inc.Calgary, Alberta

Susan MacKenzieCorporate DirectorCalgary, Alberta

Tracey BallCorporate DirectorEdmonton, Alberta

Barry PerryPresident, Fortis Inc.St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Roger ThomasCorporate DirectorCalgary, Alberta

Michael MulcahyPresident and CEO, FortisBC Kelowna, British Columbia

Shelley RalstonDirector, Talent and Culture Xerox Canada Red Deer, Alberta

310-WIRE (9473)FortisAlberta.com

Photo Credits:Sergei Belski

Christopher Ignacio

Printer:McAra Printing

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FortisAlberta 2015 Annual Report

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Transcript of FortisAlberta 2015 Annual Report