2008 Ontario Energy Association (OEA) Conference-'Leadership and Innovation'

"The theme of this year's conference is leadership and innovation," said OEA President and CEO Shane Pospisil. "Clearly, the linkages between energy, the environment and the economy will increasingly challenge Ontario to both lead and innovate - a role embodied by each of the speakers and panelists who will be participating in the conference."

In addition to Minister Smitherman, confirmed speakers, panelists and moderators include:

Colin Andersen, CEO, Ontario Power Authority
Brian Bentz, President and CEO, PowerStream
Max Cananzi, President and CEO, Horizon Utilities Corporation
Adam Chamberlain, Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Julie Dill, President, Union Gas Limited
Mark Finley, Head, Global Energy Markets and Economics, BP Energy America
Harry Goldgut, Chairman and Co-CEO, Brookfield Power
Ken Hartwick, President and Co-CEO, Energy Savings Group
David Heacock, President, Dominion Virginia Power
Janet Holder, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution
Armand Laferrere, President, AREVA Canada Inc.
Hugh MacDiarmid, President and CEO, Atomic Energy of Canada
David McFadden, Chair, National Energy and Infrastructure
Industry Group, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Paul McMillan, Senior Vice President, Ontario, EPCOR and OEA Chair
Paul Murphy, President and CEO, Independent Electricity
System Operator
Dr. Johannes Viereck, President, Siemens Energy IT Solutions
Howard Wetston, Chair and CEO, Ontario Energy Board

In addition to the great line-up of speakers from across Ontario's electricity and natural gas sectors, the OEA is certainly pleased that Mr. David Heacock, President, Dominion Virginia Power (Richmond, Virginia); Dr. Johannes Viereck, President, Siemens Energy IT Solutions (Munich, Germany); and Mr. Mark Finley, Head, Global Energy Markets and Economics for BP Energy America (New York) will also be participating and offering some global perspectives on these important issues.

"Good constructive dialogue, excellent and thought-provoking speakers, and a sharing of ideas and perspectives is what this conference is all about," Pospisil added. "As with the 2007 Conference, which drew over 450 registered participants, this year's event is again expected to be a sell-out."

The 200-member Ontario Energy Association (OEA) is Ontario's premier energy trade organization, representing firms and organizations involved in the transmission, distribution and marketing of natural gas; and the generation, transmission, distribution and marketing of electricity across the province. OEA members together employ about 32,000 Ontarians and last year accounted for almost $35 billion in market revenues.

For more information on the OEA's 2008 Annual Conference (which is open to both members and non-members), or to register, please visit www.energyontario.ca , or call Marg Taggart at 416-961-2339 ext. 221.

Website: www.energyontario.ca