Town of Essex to sell electricity utility E.L.K. Energy to Enwin
The Town of Essex has announced it is selling its stake in E.L.K. Energy to the Enwin group of companies.
The move is about enhancing the reliability of energy services in Essex, Lakeshore and Kingsville after years of customer complaints, the town said. The town is the sole shareholder of the electrical utility.
"We are confident that this transaction will not only strengthen the infrastructure that E.L.K. Energy Inc. needs to provide affordable, reliable energy, but will also ensure that those needs are met for generations to come," said Town of Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy in a news release issued Friday.
"Enwin Utilities Ltd. is well-equipped to enhance E.L.K.'s existing operations and infrastructure across its service area."
E.L.K. customers have complained for years about electrical flickers and full-on power outages resulting in numerous blown appliances and a frequent need to reset clocks.
One mother complained to CBC that children doing online schooling during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic would lose their internet connections during the flickers.
The Ontario Electricity Board fined E.L.K. $5,000 in 2022 for not keeping records of its inspections.
No immediate changes to billing or staffing, town says
The town engaged in a competitive process to find the right buyer for the utility, it said in the release.
Enwin will enhance E.L.K.'s infrastructure and bring advanced technology and innovative solutions to improving energy service, it added.
In terms of what the transaction means for E.L.K. customers, the town said:
Customers will continue to receive bills under the E.L.K. name for the foreseeable future.
Enwin and E.L.K. will create a stabilized rate strategy for users for the upcoming years.
E.L.K.'s staffing and office locations will stay the same for the foreseeable future.
The move will not impact property taxes in the Town of Essex.
Enwin President Garry Rossi said that Enwin is dedicated to building a strong local presence in its new service communities.
"This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Enwin's commitment to providing reliable, efficient and innovative energy solutions to our expanding service territory," Rossi said.
"By joining forces with E.L.K. Energy, we're strengthening our ability to meet the evolving needs of all our customers across Windsor-Essex."
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