History of NAOGUA

The Canadian Off-Grid Utility Association (COGUA) was founded originally as way to discuss technical best practices and operational matters of several Canadian regulated utilities who serve isolated, off-grid communities, primarily by prime power diesel generation.

In 1980, these utilities held the first ever Prime Power Diesel Inter-Utility Conference (PPDIUC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Since then, the PPDIUC conference is held roughly every two years with conference hosts and location on a rotational basis. The PPDUIC brings together utility professionals, key suppliers, developers, regulators, researchers, government and other stakeholders. Collectively, we recognize that serving off-grid communities is often challenging, so sharing knowledge and experience makes us all stronger.

The early years of COGUA and PPDIUC focused heavily on mechanical maintenance, operating practices and procedures. As time and technology began to evolve; computers, automated control systems and remote monitoring later became a focus. In time, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fuel efficiency, and the introduction of renewables became more relevant. PPDIUC events are often very broad based and touch on other industry specific topics, such as load planning, reliability, renewable development, customer programs, maintenance schedules, regulatory models, benchmarking, new technology, design improvements, new product introduction and emergency planning to name a few. More recent conferences have a distinct innovative, integration and renewable attention, as we are all driving toward a more sustainable future.

In 2022, we were officially re-named North American Off-Grid Utility Association (NAOGUA), to reflect the contribution and involvement of similar American off-grid utilities. NAOGUA is officially represented by one director from each member utility and meets regularly to keep abreast of current industry changes and to share best practices. NAOGUA member utilities look forward to seeing you at the next PPDUIC.