APPrO's Committee Structure
as of August 2005

Each of the new Committees and working groups has been given a mandate by the Board of Directors. However, these mandates are considered provisional, until such time as the Chair and members of the group are able to work out a more specific set of goals and working objectives. One specific change of interest is that the functions previously performed by the Environment and Green Power Committee have now been divided amongst two other committees: the Renewable Generation Committee and the Regulatory and Public Policy Committee, which may establish working groups to deal with specific issues relating to environmental regulation.

Based on the initial planning, following is a list of the mandates proposed for each of the new Committees and Working Groups. APPrO members are encouraged to review these mandates and bring forward any concerns or suggestions they may have. And of course, APPrO is always looking for volunteers to join as members in any part of the new committee structure.

The Communications Committee mandate focuses on communications strategies (including government relations) in support of regulatory matters, public policy advocacy, conferences and seminars, and issues and crisis management. A primary vehicle is IPPSO FACTO, whose Editorial Board is a standing sub-committee.

The mandate of the Conference Committee is to assist in developing the overall direction for the Canadian Power Conference and Trade Show in support of APPrO’s mission, objectives and strategies (or other conferences as may from time to time be appropriate) by providing advice and comment on the proposed conference program and assisting where possible in the conference’s execution (e.g., in helping to secure speakers, acting as panel moderators, etc.).

The Day Ahead Working Group develops recommended actions focusing primarily on a day ahead mechanism as part of an IESO market evolution to meet the expected requirements of gas-fired power generators, and natural gas/electricity interfaces. May work with other committees or working groups where regulatory of policy issues are involved.

The Executive Committee provides a degree of flexibility and ability to respond to time-sensitive business, policy, regulatory, communications, legal or other matters where it is impractical to call a meeting of the full Board

The Finance Committee reviews APPrO financial statements on a regular basis and monitors adherence to approved budget in relation to revenue and expenses. Presents to the Board the annual budget for approval. Provides advice on financial matters as required by the board of Directors; examines financial implications of planned initiatives and recommend action.

The Fossil Generation Committee focuses its attention on fossil generation specific issues either in support of overall APPrO strategic plan, priorities and mission, or provides technical and other advice to other Committees when necessary.

The Gas – Electricity Working Group deals with all natural gas issues including tariffs, services, etc.

The Human Resources Committee develops, monitors, reviews, recommends for approval by the Board a position description for the CEO, and reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to CEO, Executive Director and staff compensation; makes recommendations to the Board with respect to APPrO’s compensation and benefits programs for its executive officers generally. Reviews and monitors the overall employment environment of APPrO and management structure; and may consider any other human resources issues as may be referred to it by the Board.

The Nuclear Generation Committee focuses its attention on nuclear specific issues either in support of overall APPrO strategic plan, priorities and mission, or provides technical and other advice to other Committees when necessary

The Procurement Policy Working Group develops APPrO principles, standards, policies and range of options for consideration by the OPA and other policy makers including the OEB related to OPA procurement policies and processes.

The Regulatory and Public Policy Committee develops in cooperation with other Committees as appropriate, authoritative APPrO positions on important regulatory and policy issues and recommends to the Board specific action plans to achieve APPrO regulatory and public policy goals (e.g. OEB’s Natural Gas Forum). May commission papers or hire outside experts on the approval of the Board or Executive Committee to assist it in its work.

The Renewable Generation Committee focuses its attention on renewable specific issues either in support of overall APPrO strategic plan, priorities and mission, or provides technical and other advice to other Committees when necessary

The Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee is primarily concerned with forward planning and thought leadership: focuses on longer-range direction of APPrO and establishes priorities; anticipates upcoming issues; selects key issues to pursue in light of organization’s mandate; ensures Board allocates time for discussing anticipating the future and associated issues at Board meetings on a quarterly basis (at minimum)

The Supply Mix Working Group is responsible for assembling APPrO’s input to the provincial government, and the OPA in particular, on the recommended supply mix for Ontario’s power system.

The System Operations Committee deals with IESO, Hydro One and other system participants as required on operational issues as directed by the Board or in support of Management and/or other Committees or Working Groups of the Board.  There is a subcommittee of this group that monitors and comments on the work of the IESO Technical Panel (The IESO TP Subcommittee). This subcommittee is a continuation of what has previously been known as APPrO’s IESO committee.

All of the above mandates are subject to review and change by APPrO.

            On July 27, 2005 APPrO’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a wide-ranging overhaul of the committee structure which oversees the development of APPrO policies and the implementation of its advocacy program. “This is the first major reworking of our committee structure in almost ten years,” said APPrO President David Butters. “The new structure follows directly from the governance changes we instituted last year, and the incorporation of additional representation on our Board of Directors.”

            “We encourage all members of APPrO to have a close look at the new system and to let us know how we can make sure the new system meets your needs,” Butters stressed. The Board of APPrO conducted a strategic planning review during the spring of this year, which produced a number of recommendations on how the committees should be mandated and organized. “This new structure should permit us to focus more effectively on the key priorities for our members,” he said.

            One key change is the creation of a new high-level committee of the Board known as the “Strategic Planning and Priorities Committee.” This group will be responsible for being proactive, anticipating issues that the organization will need to address in the coming months and years. Other key committees will be the Regulatory and Public Policy Committee and the Communications Committee. In addition, the new system includes a set of Working Groups to focus on current issues of concern. Two key working groups have already been set up and begun operating: The Procurement Policy Working Group and the Gas-Electricity Working Group.

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Last update: October 1, 2005
URL:http://www.appro.org/APPrO_Committee_Structure_August_2005.html