Don Lowry – President and CEO, EPCOR Utilities Inc.
In his eight years at the helm, Don Lowry has turned city-owned EPCOR Utilities Inc. into a continental player in power generation with more than $4 billion in assets, $2.7 billion in annual revenues and 2,300 employees.
In May, EPCOR acquired TransCanada Power LP from TransCanada Corporation in a $529-million deal. Rechristened EPCOR Power, it will operate 11 power plants across North America and be free to raise equity capital as a public company listed on the TSX. In addition to completing the G3 megaproject in March 2005 within its $695-million budget and on schedule, EPCOR also invested in wind power through an agreement to develop 270 megawatts on 12,000 acres in Ontario. On the cultural scene, EPCOR gained national attention as the title patron of Alberta Scene, a series of artistic exhibits and performances held in May at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre to commemorate the province’s centennial. The Manitoba native has also earned the respect of his peers, who named him as one of Alberta’s three Most Respected Corporate Leaders in Alberta Venture’s 2005 survey of business executives and managers. – WG
What’s the payback for an investment such as EPCOR’s sponsorship of Alberta Scene?
As a corporate citizen, EPCOR has a role to play in helping to sustain our communities and make them better places for the future. To do this, we seek to ignite imaginations, encouraging people to achieve excellence so they can grow into critical thinkers, problem solvers, team players and leaders. These are qualities that benefit each one of us in our personal life and career. At EPCOR, we view the arts as one avenue through which these essential life lessons are imparted. And, thus, this was the basic logic behind our involvement with Alberta Scene.
Who do you think is the greatest Albertan ever?
The late Lois Hole was an inspiration to us all. She embodied the warmth and spirit of Alberta, working tirelessly on behalf of our community and causes that are intricately woven into our social fabric. Lois was a highly principled individual, who always stood up for what she believed in. She also possessed an extraordinary entrepreneurial flair, backed by a shrewd business mind.
In 100 years, will you warrant your own chapter in the history books, a footnote to great events or a single Google hit?
Fame is fleeting. At EPCOR, our success is not measured by minutes in the spotlight, but by how we conduct our business, and whether our customers are satisfied. Our accomplishments, today, contribute to the overall sustainability of our company. For us, the more telling question is how strong are the building blocks we’re putting in place for the future? We are building EPCOR to last. EPCOR was here more than 100 years ago, and my hope is that 100 years from now the company will be bigger, stronger, employ more people, and lead in the provision of power and water.
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