Tillsonburg Town Council voted on April 21, 2026, to approve a partnership between Tillsonburg Hydro Incorporated and ERTH Power Corporation. The move is designed to stabilize electricity rates and support necessary upgrades to local infrastructure by joining a larger network of utility providers.
The decision follows a period of public consultation, including two community information sessions held in late 2025 and an online feedback survey. According to the Town of Tillsonburg, the collaboration became necessary due to rising costs for required electrical improvements. Upgrading the local transformer station and other infrastructure is estimated to cost at least $29 million. With only 8,600 customers in the town, local officials noted that the fixed distribution portion of monthly electricity bills could have more than doubled without the partnership.
Under the new agreement, Tillsonburg will become the second-largest of 10 municipal shareholders in the corporation. Tillsonburg Hydro will operate under the ERTH Power brand, serving a combined 33,000 customers across 16 communities. Current employees are guaranteed to keep their jobs, maintaining their existing union status and pension plans.
Mayor Deb Gilvesy addressed concerns raised by residents regarding potential changes to service response times. She confirmed that the partner utility will use on-call staff equipped with service vehicles to provide more efficient and reliable service for the community. The town currently operates with five powerline technicians, while the partner organization maintains 14 technicians and a larger fleet of 30 vehicles.
The agreement is now pending final review by the Ontario Energy Board. The board will conduct a no harm test to ensure that the transition protects the interests of customers and provides clear long-term benefits.
