ELK Energy Update 2024

As Chair of ELK, I wish to bring you some updates on what the new board has been working on during the last year.

New skills based Board took office in January 2023

E.L.K. has underinvested in the distribution system by $20 million dollars compared to other utilities in the region which has lead to the power quality issues.

In 2023 E.L.K. had the lowest residential service charge in the Province of Ontario therefore they have very limited financial resources to solve the power quality issue quickly

The skills based Board has made the following investments in the staff, service and distribution system

1. Hired additional line staff, locator staff  and customer service staff
2. Expanded phone lines and installed automated out bound calling system to improve customer communication
3. Significant increase in social media presence
4. Completing tree trimming on three year rotation for the first time.  Has increased the tree trimming investments.
   1. Tree trimming expense 2018 – 2021 $302,200
   2. Tree trimming expense under new Board 2022 – 2023 $517,200
5. Completing visual distribution system inspections on three year cycle for the first time, which is OEB requirement
6. As a result of visual distribution system inspections more poles are being replaced / refurbished and more transformers are being replaced
   1. Poles 2022 14 replaced, 2023 40 replaced and refurbished
   2. Transformers 2022 8 replaced, 2023 10 replaced
7. Commissioned and approved E.L.K.’s first smart grid / modernization plan
   1. Investments made as a result of the plan
   2. SCADA system has been implemented – monitors the distribution system which assists in power quality, investment decisions and restoration of power
   3. Fault indicators are being rolled out – helps pinpoint location of concern during an outage
   4. Smart switches will be invested in – helps to reroute power automatically to reduce number of customers impacted and length of outage
   5. Replaced insulators in Belle River – proactively replacing old insulators will reduce the number of  emergency outages that would occur
   6. Scheduled to replace insulators in Kingsville in 2025
8. Working with Hydro One – which will reduce the number and duration of outages. Future projects include-
   1. Install smart switches in Essex and Harrow
   2. Construct a second feeder into Kingsville and Belle River and then install smart switches.

Read the Public Board Minutes Here-

https://www.elkenergy.com/about-us/elk-energy-inc-board-directors