Ontario Waterpower Association

What Ontario Waterpower Association does

The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) is a private, nonprofit industry association founded in 2001 that represents the common and collective interests of Ontario's waterpower sector. OWA operates as the unified voice for the 224 operating hydroelectric facilities in Ontario that collectively deliver 9,000 MW of installed capacity, supply approximately 25% of the province's electricity, and face an identified 4,000-5,000 MW of untapped development potential. The association sustains its existing asset base and advances new development through government advocacy across political parties, Indigenous and municipal engagement, policy development, and the publication of technical resources including the Indigenous Community Guide, Beyond LCOE Report, Class EA guidance, and an annual Year in Review.

OWA's go-to-market is community-led and membership-driven, charging recurring membership dues to facility operators, developers, and related industry stakeholders. Member benefits include advocacy representation, the weekly Waterpower Weekly newsletter, access to publications and resources, and participation in the flagship Power of Water Canada Technical Conference and Trade Show, which drew 450+ delegates and 70+ vendors in 2023. The Waterpower Champions initiative extends OWA's coalition to 18 municipalities plus three municipal associations (NOMA, FONOM, ROMA), and partnerships with Indigenous & Community Engagement Inc. (ICE), the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Ontario Power Generation, and WaterPower Canada anchor its position in regulatory procurement and Indigenous equity participation. Headquartered in Peterborough, Ontario, OWA is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Stephen Somerville with President Paul Norris leading operations.

Name

Ontario Waterpower Association

Legal name

Ontario Waterpower Association

Website

https://owa.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Ontario Waterpower Association is a nonprofit industry association founded in 2001 that represents Ontario's 224 hydroelectric facilities, which supply 25% of provincial electricity. It drives advocacy, regulatory engagement, Indigenous and municipal partnerships, and the annual Power of Water Canada conference on behalf of operators and developers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industry Association / Trade Association Services

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392), Hydroelectric Power Generation (221111), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991)

akta.pro primary industry

Hydropower Operations, Maintenance & Asset Management (O&M, Spares, Performance) (EUAMADAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Hydropower Plant Development & Permitting (Greenfield/Brownfield) (EUACAEAE)

Keywords

• Waterpower industry advocacy
• Hydroelectric industry association
• Renewable energy representation
• Industry membership services
• Waterpower policy advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Peterborough

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: OWA generates revenue through membership fees from waterpower facility operators, developers, and related industry stakeholders. Members gain access to advocacy services, industry publications, networking events, and representation with government bodies across political parties.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Ontario Waterpower Association is a non-profit industry association founded in 2001 that represents the common and collective interests of Ontario's waterpower sector. Its core offerings include industry advocacy and government relations, an annual Power of Water Canada technical conference and trade show, a Knowledge Centre of publications and reports, the Waterpower Champions municipal engagement program, and Waterpower Day awareness events.

Product overview

The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) operates as a single unified industry association rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture. Its core offerings include industry advocacy and representation, knowledge dissemination through publications and resources, annual conference hosting (Power of Water Canada), the Waterpower Champions municipal engagement program, and Waterpower Day awareness events. The association does not offer a commercial product or software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Power of Water Canada (POWC): Annual technical conference and trade show for the Canadian hydroelectric industry

Products and services

• Power of Water Canada Technical Conference and Trade Show Annual flagship event (Hosted on https://powc26.vfairs.com/en/ for 2026) bringing together industry experts, thought leaders, and hydropower professionals from across Canada, the United States and internationally to explore cutting-edge solutions and drive sustainable waterpower development. Includes a technical conference and trade show with 70+ vendors.
• Waterpower Champions Program Initiative launched in 2019 to build support from local municipalities for new waterpower projects and existing facilities in Ontario. Currently 18 municipalities and 3 associations (NOMA, FONOM, ROMA) have signed on as Waterpower Champions.
• Waterpower Day Celebrated annually on June 20th to recognize the history and importance of waterpower in Ontario, marking the birthday of Sir Adam Beck who founded the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario.

Quantifiable outcome

• 224 waterpower facilities supply one-quarter of Ontario's electricity
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• WaterPower CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2026WaterPower Canada is a national organization that hosts the annual Canadian Waterpower Week conference and trade show. OWA promotes this event to its members and participates in the broader Canadian waterpower industry events. The partnership enables connection with the largest electricity generation, transmission, and storage companies in Canada.
• Indigenous & Community Engagement Inc. (ICE)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 10 April 2026ICE partners with OWA to deliver member-only workshops on building partnerships with Indigenous communities for waterpower development. The collaboration provides capacity building for OWA members on Indigenous equity partnership models, engagement practices, and alignment with procurement expectations.
• Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAMO represents Ontario municipalities and is a key stakeholder in waterpower development. Through the Waterpower Champions initiative, OWA works with AMO to build municipal support for waterpower projects across the province.
• Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFONOM is one of three municipal associations that have signed on as Waterpower Champions. OWA collaborates with FONOM on conferences and initiatives supporting waterpower development in northern Ontario.
• Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOMA is one of three municipal associations that have signed on as Waterpower Champions. OWA collaborates with NOMA on conferences and initiatives supporting waterpower development in northwestern Ontario.
• Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerROMA is one of three municipal associations that have signed on as Waterpower Champions. OWA works with ROMA to support rural municipal engagement in waterpower development initiatives.
• Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIESO is Ontario's electricity system operator responsible for planning and procurement. OWA works with IESO on re-contracting programs for existing facilities and new hydro-specific competitive procurements targeting up to 1 TWh (~200+ MW) of new generation.
• Ontario Power Generation (OPG)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOPG is Ontario's largest electricity generator and a key OWA member. OPG operates 224 waterpower facilities and has announced major refurbishment plans for eastern Ontario hydroelectric facilities, representing significant investment in sustaining the waterpower fleet.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Clean Energy Council (Australia): Australian peak industry body for clean energy, hosting major events and producing policy research. Comparable membership-association model with event, advocacy, and certification functions, but operating in a different geography.

Broad incumbents

• Canadian Electricity Association (CEA): National association representing the full electricity value chain including generators, transmitters, and distributors. Broader and more established than OWA, with overlapping utility members and policy advocacy on generation, grid, and electrification.
• American Clean Power Association (ACP): US-based clean energy industry association representing wind, solar, storage, and transmission. Comparable association model and advocacy on permitting, federal policy, and electrification, though focused on a different geography.
• International Hydropower Association (IHA): Global hydropower industry association with sustainability tools, standards, and advocacy. Operates a much larger international scope but a directly comparable membership-based advocacy model for the hydropower sector.

Emerging players

• Energy Storage Canada: Canadian industry association for the energy storage sector. Adjacent membership-based advocacy model targeting Ontario and federal grid policy, with overlapping utility members and electrification goals.
• Marine Renewables Canada: Canadian industry association for tidal, wave, and riverine hydrokinetic energy. Niche peer in representing water-based renewable generation with a similar small-staff, membership-driven advocacy model focused on Canadian policy.

Others

• Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO): Ontario's electricity system operator responsible for planning, real-time operation, and procurement. Partner, counterpart, and stakeholder rather than competitor, but highly relevant as the demand-side counterpart whose procurement decisions drive OWA member outcomes.
• Canadian Energy Council (CEC): Canadian energy sector advocacy and convening organization. Related membership-based association model focused on energy policy, with overlapping stakeholder engagement and government relations work.

Direct peers

• Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA): Canada's largest renewable energy industry body representing wind, solar, and energy storage. Mirrors OWA's industry-association model and advocacy posture, and is a natural counterpart in shaping Ontario and federal renewable policy alongside OWA.
• WaterPower Canada: National industry association for Canada's hydroelectric sector and host of Canadian Waterpower Week. OWA has a stated strategic partnership with WaterPower Canada and overlaps in advocacy, events, and member services for hydro producers across Canada.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ONWaterpower
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ontario-waterpower-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/onwaterpower?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Xx.com/onwaterpower

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Ontario Waterpower Association