3 Ontario Utilities Approach Municipalities for Merger Approval

Golden Horseshoe

Over the next few weeks, the proposed merger of three Greater Golden Horseshoe Area electric utilities and joint purchase of a fourth will be presented to municipal shareholders for approval.

The proposed merger of Enersource, Horizon Utilities and PowerStream, and acquisition of the shares of Hydro One Brampton, would create a single new publicly owned company that would serve over 900,000 customers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area. The business plan that will be presented to municipal councils prioritizes benefits for customers, shareholders and communities.

Benefits include:
• 5.9% lower average annual customer distribution rates than with maintaining separate utilities, due to costs savings
• $355 million (15%) in operating savings over the first 10 years
• 24% increase in company earnings relative to the status quo, including improved returns for all municipal shareholders which will provide increased revenue for use in their communities
• no single controlling interest. Shareholders of the existing utilities will be the shareholders of the new company
• a stronger platform for growth and the ability to implement new programs for customers resulting from a larger geographical footprint, more diversification, and greater capital resources.

The proposal being presented to municipal councils describes a utility with three head offices in existing locations, each with a strong, local presence. The corporate head office would be located in Mississauga; the utility head office, in Hamilton; and the sustainability and innovation head office, in Vaughan. Six service centres would serve the communities of Barrie, Brampton, Hamilton, Mississauga, Markham, and St. Catharines.

Further details will be released after the proposal has gone before the shareholders of all merger participant companies. Given the multiple municipal shareholders and timing of their respective council meetings, voting by municipal councils is expected to conclude by early October.

 

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    November 4, 2024 The total value of building permits in Canada decreased by $858.1 million (-7.0%) to $11.5 billion in August, following a strong July during which construction intentions rose sharply (+20.8%). The residential and non-residential sectors contributed to the decrease in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits decreased 7.6% in… Read More…

  • A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    November 4, 2024 Investment in building construction edged up 0.2% to $21.0 billion in August, after a 1.6% decrease in July. The residential sector edged down (-0.1%) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0% to $6.4 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 7.2% in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction was… Read More…

  • When a Familiar Door Closes

    When a Familiar Door Closes

    November 4, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive Most of the articles I’ve written have been based on personal experiences, many of them occurring decades ago, which eventually translate into helpful life lessons. The years allow the events to marinate in a savoury stew of time and reflection, clarity never coming immediately, or even… Read More…

  • Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    November 4, 2024 Effective October 30, 2024, Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system will undergo regulatory changes. These changes aim to enhance responsiveness to industry needs, align with Red Seal standards, and improve the quality of apprentice training and safety. Go HERE for more information Source Read More…


Changing Scene