E.L.K. Energy and Entegrus have held public meetings in Kingsville and Essex to explain plans for the future. Now, it's Lakeshore residents' turn.
The utilities are holding a public meeting at the St. Simon and St. Jude Parish on St. Charles Street in Belle River on February 22. It starts at 6 p.m.
Entegrus President and CEO, Jim Hogan will be there to hear feedback from residents about the overall quality of service to E.L.K. customers in Lakeshore.
Entegrus has an agreement with E.L.K. Energy to provide management services.
"Collaborating as a community is an important step in ensuring we build a resilient and sustainable energy future," said Hogan.
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, chair of E.L.K's board, is not shy about past challenges faced by the utility and hopes to turn over a new leaf.
"Since becoming chair of the board, we have worked diligently to regain lost ground after two decades of underinvestment in the utility," she said. "We have been making steady progress and look forward to sustaining this positive momentum by incorporating invaluable community feedback."
Dogged by frequent power outages for years, the utility faced demands for a review by members of previous Kingsville, Essex, and Lakeshore councils.
Lakeshore Ward 4 Councillor John Kerr, a board member, is eager to share more details about that progress.
"E.L.K. customers in the community of Lakeshore are asking for a thorough exploration of service improvements and potential enhancements. Open communication is critical," he said.
E.L.K. Energy is a local distribution company supplying energy to over 12,600 customers in Belle River, Comber, Cottam, Essex, Harrow, and Kingsville.
