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Canadian utility associations
Hello and thank you for your question about Canadian utility associations. Industry Canada, the federal department responsible for utilities, provides a list of associations on its website, which is the principal source that I have used to collect this information. There are other associations, however these are the ones that clearly have an impact on a national level. I have outlined each of the associations from that list below, to give you an idea of what each one does and what areas they serve. Where possible, I've provided the organization's own descriptions of their work, as well as more general notes.
INDUSTRY CANADA LIST
"The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) is the national forum and voice of the evolving electricity business in Canada."
The CEA is a national alliance whose board is made up of senior members of utility boards throughout Canada. They advise on policy and seek to address industry issues on a provincial, national and international level.
This is an advocacy group for trained and accredited electricians and electrical developers in the province of Quebec.
Their motto is "La compétence au service de la sécurité" (Competence in the service of safety) and they seek to remind and persuade the industry of the importance of using properly licensed contractors.
"APPrO is a non-profit organization representing approximately 100 companies involved in the generation of electricity in Ontario, including generators and suppliers of services, equipment and consulting services. APPrO members produce power from co-generation, hydro-electric, gas, coal, nuclear, wind energy, waste wood and other sources. The organization represents Ontario’s independent power producers and delivers results for its members through purposeful, cost-effective advocacy, high-quality networking, and industry information. Only APPrO focuses 100% on the business issues of power producers in Ontario."
The APPrO gives its mission statement as "To promote the interests of electricity generators within a truly open and competitive power industry in Ontario." They advocate for a good environment for business, security of supply, usage of all power-producing options and increasing transition to renewable resources.
AQME is an independent organization focused on increasing energy efficiency by promoting industry communication and sharing of initiatives that can help promote sustainable practices within the industry in Quebec.
"CANA Utilities is a diversified operation, experienced in managing all aspects of overhead and underground power line design and construction. It also specializes in the installation of fibre optics, traffic signals, streetlights, telecommunications and TV cable."
"CANA Utilities provides design, survey, supply and installation services for most types of utilities. We are experienced in managing all aspects of overhead and underground power lines, natural gas, telecommunications, fiber, street lighting and traffic control systems."
CANA serves as both a contractor and an advisor in Alberta for all areas in the field of diversified powerline work and signalling. They began as ACE Construction in the 1940s, and were acquired by the larger CANA Group in 1987.
"The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association was established in 1986 to represent the common interest of Canada's municipal water and wastewater systems, particularly those related to federal and interprovincial bodies' policies, programs and legislation or to national Codes or Standards."
Founded in 1986 by representatives of municipal water/ wastewater industries and the Federation of Municipalities, the CWWA now acts as an advisor on related legislation on a national and provincial level.
"The Canadian Water Resources Association (CWRA) is a national organization of individuals and organizations from the public, private and academic sectors that are committed to raising awareness of the value of water and to promoting responsible and effective water resource management in Canada. CWRA membership consists of water users and water resource professionals including managers, administrators, scientists, academics, students and young professionals."
The CWRA is a national advocacy organization dedicated to seeing that water resources are used ways that are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable, and to raising awareness about water issues in Canada.
"The Canadian Solar Industries Association is a national organization supported by industry members, the public and government agencies. For more than 25 years, CanSIA members from all segments of the solar industry have joined together to support, promote and advance all forms of solar energy for the benefit of Canadians and the environment."
CanSIA represents manufacturers, installers, project developers, builders, architects, engineers, consultants, and others involved in the solar industry in Canada. It is active in the areas of policy development, regulatory affairs and public relations for its members.
"The Energy Council of Canada is the Canadian Member Committee of the World Energy Council. The Energy Council is a vehicle for strategic thinking and seeks to forge a better understanding of energy issues among the public and private sectors and the country at large, through discussion, fact based studies, and exchange of information on all forms and aspects of energy."
The ECC is made up of business leaders and government experts and seeks to represent Canada's interests on a global stage. It also represents the interests of energy producers within Canada.
ADDITIONAL ORGANIZATIONS NAMED BY INDUSTRY CANADA
"FogQuest is a registered charity that provides clean water from fog and rain to people in developing countries."
Although FogQuest is listed as a utility association on the Industry Canada website, it is actually a charitable organization whose focus is on a very specific sort of global development project.
"A national association created to promote feasible applications of
renewable energy in Canada (green power, green fuel, green heat)."
As of May 2016, this organization is in the process of transitioning to an advocacy group specifically focused on the possibilities of Green Heat.
OTHER ASSOCIATIONS OF INTEREST
"Founded in 1907, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) is the voice of Canada’s natural gas distribution industry. Our members are natural gas distribution companies, transmission companies, equipment manufacturers and other service providers. "
Natural gas continues to be a popular source of energy within Canada. This organization does not represent primary gas suppliers, but distributors, manufacturers and contractors.
"Canada is a global leader in the responsible and sustainable development of wind energy, producing enough clean wind power to meet 20 per cent of Canada’s domestic electricity demand by 2025."
Although they are not listed on the government website, CANWEA serves as an advocacy organization for the wind power industry within the country.
"The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) is a non-profit organization established in 1960 to represent the nuclear industry in Canada and promote the development and growth of nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes."
This organization serves as an advocacy group and dedicates considerable effort to shaping public discussion of nuclear power.
"The North American Association of Utility Distributors (NAAUD) is comprised of select distributors who specialize in supplying products and supply chain services to the electric utility industry. The purpose of NAAUD is to discuss and promote the newest ideas and best concepts for the industry."
Although this organization exists to support utilities throughout the continent, all of the listed members are from the United States. Nonetheless, it may be useful as a secondary resource.
SUMMARY
These are the associations that have the highest profile and which are acknowledged by the Canadian government. They all provide counsel on policy and regulations for their part of the industry on a provincial and a national level (and, in a couple of cases, international).
I hope this list meets your needs and thanks again for using Wonder. Please let us know how we can assist you with future research needs.