In this episode, Mariah and Ryan chat with Andrew Laycock. They dive into the differences between EPCOR water and power distribution/transmission as business units and legal entities: how water is regulated at the municipal level, while electricity is governed by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), how the different divisions are funded, and how Alberta is unique as a deregulated province when it comes to electricity.

Andrew breaks down some myths — like electrical capacity versus proximity, discusses aerial versus underground service, and details how EPCOR is working to reduce barriers, increase safety, and provide better access to resources for infill builders. Andrew also tells listeners about what to expect for the future, with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) — or smart meters, micro-generation, electric vehicles and more.

Andrew Laycock is the Manager, Customer Relations, Customer Connections for EPCOR Distribution and Transmission Inc. — which is the electrical business unit of EPCOR. With 15 years in stakeholder relations for utility companies and 20+ years in professional communication, when Andrew is asked what he does for a living he generally chuckles and says “I get yelled at: I’ve made a living with a short memory and a thick skin.” In his current role, Andrew acts as the bridge between Edmonton’s developer/builder community and EPCOR internal teams that design, manage and build the connections that are needed. When he’s not busy getting yelled at, Andrew enjoys coaching his daughter’s soccer team, cheering on his son’s Ultimate team and tricking his wife into watching VERY bad reality television.