Ottawa Energy Symposium

Powering Productivity in Canada's Capital

Join us for a dynamic event exploring the future of energy in Ottawa! Hear from industry leaders, government officials, and innovators as they discuss what local customers need, the latest developments in energy infrastructure, and how new technologies like solar, storage, and district energy systems are helping our city power up for tomorrow. Discover how local organizations are adapting to the evolving energy landscape and what it means for Ottawa’s business community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of the National Capital Region’s sustainable energy future.

Agenda:

8:00 AM - Registration and Networking

8:30 AM - Welcome Remarks by Sueling Ching, President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade

8:45 AM - The Energy Surge: How AI, Real Estate, and Electrification Are Reshaping Demand

Examines the rapid growth and complexity of energy demand in Ottawa.

Focuses on how artificial intelligence, smart buildings, electric vehicles, and electrified industries are driving up energy needs.

Speakers:

Adnan Khokhar, Chief Energy and Infrastructure Services Officer, Envari
Andy Thompson, VP Integration & Transformation, Nokia
Terry Young, President, KRP Properties
Moderated by Councillor Cathy Curry, Ward 4 Kanata North

9:30 AM - Breaking Through the Energy Wall: How Infrastructure Investment Unlocks Economic Potential

Addresses the urgent requirement for modernizing Ottawa’s electricity grid.

Discusses the importance of infrastructure investment to support economic growth and prevent constraints caused by outdated energy systems.

Speakers:

Guillaume Paradis, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro Ottawa
Chuck Farmer, Chief Energy Transition Office & VP, Planning, Conservation and Resource Adequacy, IESO- Independent Electricity Systems Operator
Brad Clark, Director of Engineering Systems Planning & Optimization, Enbridge
Moderated by Nichole Hoover-Bienasz, Director, Climate Change and Resiliency, City of Ottawa

10:30 AM - Powering from the Edges: How Distributed Energy is Reshaping Ottawa’s Grid

Explores decentralized and scalable energy solutions such as district energy and incorporating local generation to bolster the grid.

Highlights the role of these solutions in adding flexibility and resilience to Ottawa’s electricity grid.

Speakers:

Scott Demark, Partner, Theia Partners/Dream/Zibi
Laurie Heuff, VP, Distribution System Planning & Asset Management, Hydro Ottawa
Geoff Wright, SVP Development, Brookfield Renewable/Evolugen
Moderated by Tammy Rose, General Manager, Infrastructure & Water Services Department, City of Ottawa

11:15 AM - From Retrofit to Resilience: Tools Driving Ottawa’s Low-Carbon Transition

Focuses on energy efficiency, retrofits, and digital tools that reduce energy load.

Emphasizes how these measures support economic productivity and help achieve climate goals through Ottawa’s transition to a low-carbon future.

Speakers:

Trevor Freeman, Manager of Commercial Accounts & Program Delivery, Hydro Ottawa's ORAI Program
Graeme Cunningham, Building Solutions & Decarbonization Lead, Modern Niagara
Moderated by Jennifer Cross, Director Regional Development, Eastern Ontario, Chandos Construction

12:00 PM - Networking Lunch

Sueling Ching, President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade

Chuck Farmer, VP, Planning, Conservation & Resource Adequacy Independent Electricity Systems Operator

Trevor Freeman, Manager of Commercial Accounts & Program Delivery, Hydro Ottawa

Laurie Heuff, VP, Distribution System Planning & Asset Management, Hydro Ottawa

Adnan Khokhar, Chief Energy & Infrastructure Services Officer, Envari

Guillaume Paradis, COO - Distribution & Generation, Hydro Ottawa

Geoff Wright, Sr VP Development, Brookfield Renewables

Sponsorship Opportunities

Position your organization at the forefront of Ottawa’s energy evolution! As a sponsor of the Ottawa Energy Symposium, you’ll gain exclusive access to industry leaders, government officials, and innovators shaping the future of sustainable energy. Take a leading role in groundbreaking discussions on energy infrastructure, emerging technologies, and business adaptation in the National Capital Region. Reach out to Kara Higdon, Director, Business & Community Partnerships at kara.higdon@ottawabot.ca to learn more.