Figures released Friday show Enmax paid its CEO a record amount last year.
Mark Poweska was named CEO in September 2022, so last year was his first full year in the position. His total compensation, which includes salary and bonuses, topped $3.1 million. That compares with $1.7 million in 2022.
The figures were included in the Enmax 2023 annual report, which was released Friday at the utility’s annual general meeting.
The chair of Enmax’s board, Charles Ruigrok, says the city-owned utility does an annual comparison of its executive pay with other companies in the industry.
He says Enmax compensation levels are in line with other companies, but last year, executive pay increased everywhere.
“I think you’re seeing compensation go up across the board, not only in our industry. I think you’re seeing it in every sector in Alberta,” Ruigrok told CBC News.
“So what you’re seeing is very consistent with what’s happening throughout our industry and elsewhere.”
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says she knows an annual analysis is done on executive pay and the city is interested in ensuring it can attract and retain top talent for Enmax, which is the city’s biggest asset.
“Making sure that you’ve got people in place who know what they’re doing is a significant thing when you’re a shareholder, so I trust that the competitive intelligence has been done and the compensation is set accordingly,” Gondek said.
Last year’s compensation report shows four other Enmax senior executives were paid more than $1 million last year.