Utilities Kingston’s president and chief executive officer, Jim Keech, was recognized for outstanding and dedicated service to the electricity industry with the Chair's Citation from the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) on March 26 in Toronto.

As a strong leader in the industry who has advanced his vision of a unique multi-utility model to benefit customers and build better communities, Keech was nominated for the Citation by his industry colleagues and employees of Utilities Kingston.

“The Chair’s Citation Award honours a local hydro utility executive for years of outstanding service to the EDA and the industry,” said Teresa Sarkesian, President and CEO of the EDA. “Besides heading up Utilities Kingston as President and CEO, Jim has shown tremendous dedication by volunteering on our Board as a Director, Vice Chair and Chair, as well as many industry boards and committees. We are very proud to recognize the contributions Jim has made throughout his impressive 35-year career.”

With over 35 years of experience in a multi-utility environment, Keech leads Utilities Kingston and Kingston Hydro, as well as the City of Kingston’s Transportation & Infrastructure Services group.

His career has been highlighted by exceptional strategic and long-term capital planning, and project management. As a result, Utilities Kingston’s unique multi-utility structure and close working relationship with the municipality are recognized for enabling novel approaches to infrastructure planning and revitalization, and programs to enhance safety, reliability, innovation, openness and transparency.

“Anyone who knows Jim knows how passionate he is about the energy sector and the work he does on behalf of customers every day. This award acknowledges an extensive career dedicated to conservation, education and customer service. Congratulations Jim, well deserved,” says Bryan Paterson, Mayor of the City of Kingston.

Keech’s recent career highlights include:

• the implementation of four-year plans for infrastructure improvements
• joint reconstruction projects with the City of Kingston, including three phases of the Princess Street reconstruction
• upgrades to three major water and wastewater treatment plants
• a broadband fibre optic network for Kingston
• award-winning conservation and demand management programs that help customers save water, energy and money
• programs to help customers protect their health and homes, and advance the safety-first culture in Kingston
• an appliance-rental program that reinvests its proceeds in the local community

The EDA’s Chair's Citation is presented in memory of Dr. Robert H. Hay who, through over 30 years of service, showed tireless dedication, leadership, and an outstanding commitment to this association and the electricity industry at large. Hay was once on the public utilities commission in Kingston.

Keech also serves on the board of directors for Utilities Kingston, Kingston Hydro, Ontario Municipal Water Association and Plug’n Drive. He is a past chair on the board of directors for the EDA, and is a past member on the board of directors of the Municipal Electric Association Reciprocal Insurance Exchange, as well as the Utilities Standards Forum. 

Congratulations, Jim!