E.L.K. Energy and ENWIN Utilities Customer FAQs
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The Town of Essex undertook a comprehensive review of its investment in E.L.K. Energy Inc. and decided to sell the shares to ENWIN Utilities Ltd. Learn more about the transaction below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sale of E.L.K. Energy Inc. Shares to ENWIN
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Why did the Town of Essex decide to sell its shares of E.L.K. Energy Inc.? |
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The Town of Essex undertook a comprehensive review of its investment in E.L.K. Energy Inc. and decided to sell the shares to ENWIN to strengthen the current E.L.K. service areas energy infrastructure and service levels. This sale will improve service reliability, address aging infrastructure, and bring advanced technology to ensure safe, sustainable, and affordable energy for the community now and in the future. |
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How does this sale benefit the Town of Essex and its residents? |
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This transaction helps the Town of Essex achieve its Strategic Priorities by strengthening its energy infrastructure and exploring alternative revenue sources. The sale supports the long-term goal of maintaining affordable property taxes for residents while ensuring reliable and modern energy services. |
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Will my electricity rates increase as a result of this sale? |
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The Town of Essex and ENWIN have committed to a stabilized rate strategy for customers in the upcoming years. Any rate adjustments will follow Ontario Energy Board guidelines. |
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What will happen to my energy service? |
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Both utilities will continue to operate independently during a thoughtful, multi-year integration. This allows for consistent service and support for all customers throughout the transition. Residents and businesses will continue to receive energy bills under the E.L.K. Energy Inc. brand during the transition period. |
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Who do I contact with questions about my energy service? |
| If you are an E.L.K. Energy customer, please continue to contact E.L.K. Energy directly for any questions about your account, billing, or service needs.
E.L.K Energy Contact Information: Phone: 519‑776‑5291 Toll‑Free: 1‑877‑355‑7798 Website: elkenergy.com Email: customer.service@E.L.K.energy.com Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (excluding statutory holidays) |
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Will the staffing or office locations for E.L.K. Energy Inc. change? |
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At this time, there will be no changes to E.L.K. Energy Inc.’s staffing or office locations. Operations will continue as usual, and the transition to ENWIN will not disrupt day-to-day activities. |
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How will this transaction affect my property taxes? |
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This transaction will not lead to an increase in property taxes for residents of the Town of Essex. It supports the Town’s efforts to maintain affordable property taxes while also exploring alternative revenue sources for the future. |
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What improvements can I expect in my energy service from ENWIN? |
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ENWIN plans to bring advanced technology and innovative solutions to improve energy services in the region. This includes upgrading E.L.K. Energy Inc.'s infrastructure, addressing aging systems, and improving service reliability to prevent power disruptions. In addition, customers can expect an enhanced customer service experience with 24/7 local contact centre support. |
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How will I be kept informed about changes during the transition? |
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The Town of Essex is committed to keeping residents within the service area informed throughout the transition. Updates will be provided as progress continues to ensure transparency and clarity for all affected individuals. |
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What will the Town receive in exchange for the shares of E.L.K.? |
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The purchase price that the Town will receive, pending the closure of the transaction, in exchange for the shares will be determined on the date of closing the transaction based on a formula set out in the Share Purchase Agreement between the Town and EnWin. Should the transaction close, in addition to the purchase price, the Share Purchase Agreement sets out that, following the sale, a 5 person volunteer Advisory Committee will be created for a transitional period of up to 5 years, the Town will have the ability to nominate a member of the EnWin Board for a period of 10 years, EnWin will contribute annually for 5 years to help fund local community initiatives within the municipal boundaries of Lakeshore, Essex and Kingsville and EnWin will contribute to a capital project in the Town of Essex with EnWin receiving naming rights in exchange for such contribution. |
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What does the Town plan to do with the funds? |
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The Town intends to develop a long-term investment strategy, which will incorporate this transaction. The strategy would focus on the long-term finances of the Town, ensuring the greatest rate of return possible. It would also focus on dedicating money for the annual replacement of our roads and other Town assets. |
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Why were residents not consulted? |
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With a competitive procurement process such as this, public consultation is not possible or permitted given all bid information must remain confidential, and any breach of that could have a negative consequence on the bidding process. This transaction is being undertaken in the capacity of shareholders, representing an investment decision that is independent of any municipal responsibilities or elected roles. |
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Is this sale the reason why my water charges were taken off the E.L.K. bill? |
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No. The transition of water and wastewater bills was a separate strategic initiative that was completed in 2024. The Town identified that bringing the billing of water and waste water in-house would result in a cost savings, an increased level of service, and other efficiencies. |
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What circumstances led to the decision to sell ELK? |
| The Town conducted a strategic review to ensure it was obtaining a return on its investment, as was intended on the initial purchase of the utility. While this was progressing, significant senior leadership turnover was occurring at ELK. Considering this, the Board contracted with a Management Services Provider to provide senior leadership while the Board and Town evaluated the best path forward. The findings of the strategic review concluded the best path forward was to consider a change in the ownership structure of ELK through either a strategic partnership in the form of a merger or a share sale. This is the point the RFP process commenced. |
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Why did the Board did not issue regular dividends to the Shareholder (being the Town of Essex)? |
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Previous ELK Boards did not have a formal dividend policy in place. Currently, ELK is not in a position to pay dividends. |
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Why did ELK have a loss in some years and a surplus in others? |
| The earnings at ELK have been volatile over the past few years. The main reason for this, is the new Board had strategic priorities which included increased service reliability and ultimately increased their investment into the ELK system. The OEB caps any rate increases in accordance with approved Cost of Service applications and therefore if expenditures are higher than those in the Cost of Service and allowable rates, losses can be incurred. |
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What was the rationale behind choosing ENWIN as the utility provider? |
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A competitive RFP process was conducted by an independent third party who specialized in utility performance. Criteria was set to ensure a fair bidding process, and included categories such as infrastructure plans, rate plans, employee retention, among other important items. ENWIN scored the highest out of all bidders. |
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What stage are we at in the sale process? |
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The share purchase transaction for E.L.K. Energy Inc. (including its subsidiary E.L.K. Solutions Inc.) has officially closed effective November 28, 2025. As a result, ENWIN has assumed full management of E.L.K. Energy Inc. |
Service Map
*Please note, only current E.L.K. Energy Inc. customers will be impacted. Hydro One customers will not be affected by the transition.
Questions?
For additional information or questions regarding the sale and how it may affect you, please contact hydro@essex.ca.
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