Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts
CHEC welcomes Rob Bergeron to the Operations and Health & Safety portfolio
September 16, 2020
September 16, 2020 Barrie, ON – Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts (CHEC) is pleased to announce Rob Bergeron as the newest member of the CHEC team in the Operations and Health & Safety position. Bergeron comes to CHEC from Greater Sudbury Hydro and has over 33 years of experience in the electrical utility industry, most of it in the area of Operations.
“Rob was the top candidate for this position based on his experience in both Operations and Health & Safety,” said CHEC President, John Sherin. “His list of qualifications, background and training is significant and he will be able to provide the kind of experienced, informed support that our members need.”
Bergeron began his career in 1987 with PowerTel Utilities Contractors in powerline construction and quickly moved on to North York Hydro. In his six years at the utility, he worked as a System Control Operator and a Powerline Technician.
“I had someone ask me if I was interested in getting a really good education,” said Bergeron, who is fluent in both English and French. “They gave me a recommendation for North York Hydro and that’s where I completed their in-house line school.”
Bergeron then moved on to Greater Sudbury Hydro, where he worked as a powerline technician, a metering technician, and as the acting project lead on smart metering. His last six years were spent in Risk Management with a focus on Health & Safety.
“Health & Safety is my passion. It can sometimes be a thankless task but it’s about keeping people safe and finding solutions to the problems that come up,” said Bergeron, adding that what he likes about the electrical distribution industry is that even after 33 years there are always things to learn.
Learning has been a centre point in Bergeron’s career where he has accumulated more qualifications than can be listed here but includes Certified Registered Safety Technician, Certified Utility Safety Professional Designation, Meter Technician and Power Line Electrician Journeyman certifications, Working at Heights Instructor Certificate, and an Occupational Health & Safety Certificate.
“I’m looking forward to having open lines of communication with all the CHEC members and having an open door. It’s about meeting the members’ Health & Safety needs and answering their questions.”
He plans to visit all of the member LDCs, whether in-person or virtually.
“I like to go outside and talk with people and see what they’re doing. That’s often where the best ideas come from.”
CHEC is a collaborative association for 19 Local Distribution Companies in Ontario. By sharing experience, knowledge and resources CHEC helps its members remain as active members of their communities; deliver value to their shareholders; provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective electricity distribution to their customers; and prepare for the energy future. The current members of CHEC are Centre Wellington Hydro Ltd., EPCOR Ontario, ERTH Power Corp., Fort Frances Power Corp., Greater Sudbury Hydro, Grimsby Power, InnPower Corp., Lakefront Utilities Inc., Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd., Newmarket-Tay Power, Niagara–on- the-Lake Hydro, Orangeville Hydro Ltd., Orillia Power Corp., Ottawa River Power Corp., Renfrew Hydro Inc., Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc., Tillsonburg Hydro, Wasaga Distribution Inc., and Wellington North Power Inc.