AJAX, ON, Aug. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - Veridian Connections ("Veridian") is proud to recognize some of its business customers for achieving outstanding electricity conservation results in 2015. These "Conservation Champions" were leading participants in the utility's energy efficiency and demand management programs that provide valuable financial incentives and reduce operating costs.

Veridian's 2015 Conservation Champions are:

• Amica Mature Lifestyles, Belleville
• Autosystems, a Division of Magna, Belleville
• Cameco Corporation, Port Hope Conversion Facility
• City of Pickering
• Hanon Systems Canada Inc., Belleville
• Home Depot, Belleville
• Loblaw Companies Ltd. – Distribution Centres, Ajax and Pickering
• Long & McQuade Limited, Pickering
• The Regional Municipality of Durham

"Each year, Veridian pays tribute to our business customers who make reducing energy consumption an integral part of their business," said Melanie Walls, Conservation Specialist. "The Independent Electricity System Operator's Save on Energy programs – delivered throughout Ontario by the province's electric utilities – are good for our communities, the environment and a businesses' bottom line. There are energy efficient programs to assist companies from the smallest of retail stores to the largest industrial complexes."

The Save on Energy programs are helping businesses across Ontario realize a wide array of benefits, from increased competitiveness to improved operations and a healthier bottom line. Incentives through Save on Energy help businesses act on their energy efficiency goals and achieve faster returns on their investment. Interested businesses can learn more by visiting veridian.saveonenergy.ca.

In addition to announcing the award through advertisements published in local newspapers, recipients will receive a commemorative plaque.

Veridian Connections, serving more than 119,000 residential and business customers, is about to become the fifth largest municipally owned electric utility in Ontario after the merger of large utilities west of Toronto is completed. The City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville jointly own Veridian Corporation, the parent company to Veridian Connections. The utility has a successful history of effective growth through two mergers and five acquisitions, and now serves nine communities east and north of Toronto more efficiently than any other large non-contiguous utility in Ontario. Veridian has a keen focus on reliability, customer communication and helping to lower customers' electricity bills through the delivery of innovative conservation programs and reasonable rates. Veridian not only contributes to local communities through industry leading financial returns, but also helps build stronger communities through the support of youth, health, education, the arts, the environment and many charitable organizations. Industry leading employee programs, public safety and a focus on employee engagement has created an environment that has attracted seven consecutive Canada's Greenest Employer awards and one Top GTA Employer award. Veridian has now diversified into renewable energy, and will be establishing other value added offerings for its customers.

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SOURCE Veridian

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