Veridian CEO donates plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to UOIT

University program to conduct vehicle-to-grid communications testing

Oshawa, ON - Veridian President and CEO Michael Angemeer handed over today the keys to his modified Toyota Prius - Canada's first plug-in hybrid solar electric vehicle - to Dr. Greg Rohrauer, assistant professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). The vehicle will be used as part of the Automotive Engineering program's participation in AUTO21 - Canada's national automotive research program - and vehicle-to-grid communications testing. Dr. Rohrauer is also the lead for the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) at UOIT which will host research and development from worldwide automotive companies when it opens later this year.

"This donation is another example of the strong, committed partnership between Veridian and UOIT to continue its research and development of electric vehicles, renewable energy and smart grid technologies," says Angemeer who is also a member of the university's Board of Governors. "It will also help the program move vehicle electrification technology forward, engage and develop student talent in electric vehicle technology, and provide a platform for vehicle-to-grid communications testing which is the thrust of the work performed under AUTO21."

"Today marks another exciting milestone for the university as we gratefully accept a major donation to our Automotive Engineering program and welcome the latest addition to Canada's largest electric vehicle fleet on a university campus," said Dr. Ronald Bordessa, president, UOIT. "This donation supports UOIT's ongoing commitment to delivering a leading-edge, technology-rich learning environment that provides hands-on experience for students while also promoting the highest quality of innovative research."

Veridian is a growing leader in smart grid technologies that will help with the successful deployment of electric vehicles. Nearly all of Veridian's customers have smart meters, and time-of-use rates are being implemented with a targeted completion of April 2011. The ability to use off-peak electricity for more inexpensive vehicle charging, combined with smart technologies to optimize the use of the grid, will make Veridian's service territory an ideal place for electric vehicle deployment.

"Electric vehicles will be an integral component of the Region of Durham's future with planned charging demonstration projects, vehicle purchases and battery research sponsored by General Motors, explains Angemeer. "In fact, GM has announced that the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle will be sold in Oshawa later this year. It's only a matter of time until the Region is known as Ontario's Electric Avenue and hopefully an electric vehicle will be manufactured here soon."

Driven by Angemeer since 2007, the modified Prius was the first of its kind in Canada - using both grid electricity and electricity generated by solar panels on its roof which significantly reduces the car's fuel requirements. The vehicle has a larger nanophosphate lithium ion battery capable of storing an electric charge that allows it to run off the grid-generated electricity and solar-generated electricity, in addition to gasoline. For short distances, the car can run solely on electricity. Angemeer currently drives a 4-cylinder Chevrolet Equinox but will be at the helm of a new Chevrolet Volt in the coming months.

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About UOIT

As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT's more than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario's first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; Science; and Social Science and Humanities. UOIT's commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including seven Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

About Veridian Corporation

Veridian Corporation, the seventh largest municipal electricity company in Ontario, owns and operates two subsidiary companies that distribute electricity and provide energy services to more than 113,000 customers located in nine municipalities in east central Ontario. Together, our employees focus on providing reliable, efficient, sustainable energy solutions and services, and equally share the job of making employee and public health and safety our number one priority. We are an important fixture in the communities that we serve. In addition to providing reasonable electricity rates, we promote economic growth, community building and sustainable living. Veridian Corporation is committed to providing value and healthy financial returns to our shareholders - the City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville. For more information, visit www.veridiancorporation.ca.

For more information, contact:

Chris Mace
Sales & PR Representative - Corporate Communications
Veridian Connections Inc.
cmace@veridian.on.ca
905.427.9870 ext. 2218

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 2209
289.928.0268
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca