Jan Carr, a widely respected expert and senior executive in the Ontario electricity industry, received the Hedley Palmer Award on November 19, the Ontario power industry’s annual tribute to an individual for outstanding contributions to the development of the sector.
Sam Mantenuto, the Chair of APPrO, made the award at the Canadian Power Banquet, noting that the Board of APPrO attached special significance to this year’s award, considering that it was the 25th anniversary conference. In making the award, Mr. Mantenuto said that the recipient was chosen because he was considered by many to have conducted himself in an exemplary fashion over a period of years. He noted that Mr. Carr was “the ideal recipient of the Hedley Palmer Award” because he has been an integral part of the evolution of the electricity industry in Ontario and he is “not afraid to speak his mind or make his opinion known.” Although this may have made some people uncomfortable at times, Mr. Carr has shown that “he is receptive to discussion and debate in an intellectual and non-personal manner. … He is ethical, honest, intelligent, fair-minded and an expert in his field.”
Mr. Mantenuto further explained the APPrO Board’s choice, saying “Jan has been a tireless advocate of the importance and usefulness of electricity markets both at the OPA and more recently as a public advocate.”
Although formally retired, Mr. Carr continues to serve as a consultant to utilities, governments and other stakeholders on financial, business, strategic and policy aspects of the electric power industry. He was a member of the Advisory Committee on Competition in Ontario’s Electricity System, also known as the Macdonald Committee, was Chairman of the Electricity Task Force of the Toronto Board of Trade, was the Vice Chair of the Ontario Energy Board, and the founding CEO of the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).
He is a board member of the Alberta Electric System Operator, and soon after the APPrO award, Mr. Carr was also acknowledged by the Board of Guelph Hydro, an LDC on which he continues to serve as a director.