Session 5: Role of Gas & Electric Utilities in TENs

Andreea Toma is a Professional Engineer and Senior Key Accounts Manager at BC Hydro, where she leads strategic partnerships with municipal governments, developers, and industry to advance energy efficiency, electrification, and infrastructure projects. She is recognized for her ability to build consensus, manage cross-functional teams, and deliver innovative solutions in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. She works closely with public and private sector partners to accelerate the delivery of energy infrastructure, optimize processes, and support capacity and decarbonization initiatives, including those related to district energy systems. Her recent achievements include establishing a joint executive collaboration model with the City of Vancouver, leading integrated account strategies with the District of North Vancouver, and advancing public realm electrification initiatives. She also contributed to BC Hydro’s electric vehicle infrastructure expansion by advancing site acquisition and strategic partnerships across the province. Prior to BC Hydro, Andreea spent nearly 15 years in local government in senior strategic and operational roles spanning engineering, public policy, bylaw enforcement, real estate, facilities, and capital programs, providing her with a strong foundation in regulatory frameworks and infrastructure delivery. Andreea is passionate about enabling low-carbon, resilient communities and helping organizations achieve their long-term sustainability and growth objectives.

Laurie Heuff is a dynamic leader with over 15 years of progressive leadership experience, including 8 in the utility industry. As Vice President of Distribution System Planning and Asset Management at Hydro Ottawa, she is responsible for the strategic direction and operational excellence of the company's electricity distribution network. She champions the integration of innovative technologies and sustainable practices to enhance the system's resilience and efficiency, preparing it for broad electrification. Her expertise is critical in areas such as grid modernization, asset management, engineering, and district energy systems. She drives innovation to enhance reliability, resiliency, and integrate renewable energy sources.

Patrick Tawagi, Director of Development for District Energy Systems at Énergir, is a mechanical engineer by training with specializations in fluid mechanics and aerospace engineering. He brings broad experience across energy innovation, industrial technologies, and commercial strategy, having held leadership roles in engineering, sales, and venture development within high-growth organizations. He leads the development of district energy projects and industrial waste heat recovery, while playing a key role in structuring and scaling the business unit. His work focuses on advancing commercially viable, low-carbon energy infrastructure for urban and industrial applications.

Sonja Wilson is a Principal with Reshape Strategies, a Vancouver-based consulting firm that specializes in low-carbon energy system development and low-carbon energy transition strategies. Sonja is a Professional Mechanical Engineer with a Master’s in Resource Management and Environmental Studies, and over thirteen years of experience in the field of district energy (DE). Her DE experience ranges from planning and feasibility studies through to detailed design and construction projects. Sonja’s practice at Reshape includes the development of regional/city-wide DE plans as well as supporting DE project implementation from the feasibility study phase into internal business case development, ownership/business strategies and commercial agreement negotiation.