Milton Hydro is pleased to share that our organization has received the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) Innovation Excellence Award, recognizing a modernized approach to utility scheduling that is improving how we work together and how we serve our customers.
The award highlights an operations‑led digital transformation that replaced manual, disconnected scheduling processes with a centralized, automated platform. What began as a practical solution to improve daily planning for frontline crews has grown into an organization‑wide system that strengthens coordination, communication, and long‑term planning across Milton Hydro.
Better communication and coordination for our teams
At the heart of this initiative is a focus on supporting staff with clearer information and stronger collaboration. The modernized platform centralizes scheduling and communication, giving teams real‑time visibility into priorities, timelines, and resource needs.
Departments that once worked independently now share a common view of work plans, which helps reduce duplication, eliminate information silos, and improve coordination. For field crews, easier access to schedules and forward planning tools supports more efficient deployment of staff, vehicles, and specialized equipment, while enhancing safety and day‑to‑day work planning.
“This initiative reflects our belief that better customer service starts with strong internal foundations,” said Troy Hare, President and CEO, Milton Hydro. “By modernizing how we plan and coordinate work, we’re equipping our teams to serve our community with greater consistency, efficiency, and care.”
The system also provides leadership with improved operational visibility, supporting data‑informed decision‑making and proactive planning.
Operational efficiencies that benefit customers
These internal improvements translate directly into better service for customers. More efficient scheduling and coordination help ensure work is completed on time, resources are used effectively, and maintenance can be planned proactively. Enhanced tracking supports timely equipment upkeep, helping reduce downtime and extend the life of critical assets.
Automation built into the platform has reduced manual administrative work, generating meaningful time and cost savings. By freeing up staff to focus on higher‑value tasks, the organization is better positioned to respond to customer needs and deliver reliable service as Milton continues to grow.
Built to grow with the organization
Designed with flexibility in mind, the platform has expanded beyond core operations to support engineering, stores, administration, and leadership functions. This scalability ensures the system can continue evolving alongside Milton Hydro’s operational and organizational needs, strengthening resilience and service delivery over the long term.
The initiative has also attracted industry interest. Milton Hydro recently shared insights from the project at the 2026 EDIST Conference, demonstrating how practical, operations‑driven digital change can deliver measurable results while supporting the people who keep the lights on every day.
The EDA Innovation Excellence Award recognizes not just a new system, but a collaborative effort focused on working smarter, communicating better, and delivering dependable service for the Milton community - today and into the future.