For Paul Acchione, P.Eng., FCAE, supporting the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) was a natural decision. With decades of experience in the energy sector, Paul recognized early on the critical need for engineers to have a seat at the policy table, especially regarding decisions that directly impact infrastructure, innovation, and Ontarians’ everyday lives.
“I wanted to support an organization that could advocate for engineers with governments. OSPE was the best organization to do that here in Ontario,” said Paul Acchione, member of OSPE’s Energy Task Force.
Paul’s contributions to OSPE have had a profound impact, particularly in energy policy. In 2008, as the province rolled out new energy strategies, Paul grew concerned that the policies being introduced didn’t align with the unique design of Ontario’s electricity system. He feared that these misalignments would lead to rising electricity costs and declining system reliability. These outcomes would negatively affect engineers in the energy sector and energy-intensive industries across the province.
That year, Paul joined OSPE’s Energy Task Force (ETF) and quickly became a driving force behind the organization’s advocacy work. Over the years, he progressed to Chair of the task force, then served three years on the OSPE Board of Directors, one of which was as OSPE President and Chair. Today, he continues to contribute as a subject matter expert with the Energy Task Force.
Under Paul’s leadership, OSPE’s Energy Task Force became a key voice in the province’s energy policy discourse. Over 17 years, the Task Force has produced numerous government policy reports and delivered over 100 energy-related seminars in partnership with PEO Chapters across Ontario, engaging engineers, students, and the general public alike.
Their work gained attention. OSPE was invited to speak on The Agenda with Steve Paikin and featured in prominent media outlets. A turning point came when the Energy Task Force began reporting the growing quantities of surplus clean electricity being discarded or sold below market value. Their policy proposals gained traction and were instrumental in the introduction of Ontario’s Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) electricity rate plan, a new option tailored for electric vehicle owners to take advantage of excess clean power.
The Task Force also played a key role in convincing Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Ministry of Energy to amend dispatch rules for renewable energy producers. These changes eliminated frequent multi-day nuclear plant shutdowns, reducing both carbon emissions and natural gas backup costs.
Today, OSPE and the Energy Task Force continue their advocacy, working with the Boltzmann Institute to promote thermal networks and energy storage in city planning. These systems could significantly reduce the infrastructure needed to meet Ontario’s net-zero goals by 2050.
“My involvement in OSPE’s Energy Task Force enabled me to meet a number of Energy Ministers and understand the complex process behind making and deploying energy policy,” said Paul Acchione.
Beyond the work of the task force, one of the most personally meaningful periods of Paul’s OSPE involvement was his time as President and Board Chair. He valued the friendships built with fellow engineers, the opportunity to influence industry leaders and policymakers, and the role he played in hiring OSPE’s current CEO, Sandro Perruzza.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Paul was awarded the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ontario Professional Engineers Awards in 2024. Surrounded by family and friends, the evening celebrated a career—and a legacy—defined by leadership, advocacy, and impact.
“If I am fortunate to live for another 10 years, I hope to continue contributing to OSPE’s advocacy efforts to press governments for good energy policies. Engineers must be at the table to guide the complex transition to a net-zero economy, affordably and effectively,” said Pauk Acchione.
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