County of Brant councillors voted to enter into a contract with GrandBridge Energy Inc. for a number of water services at the Admin and Operations meeting on Tuesday, September 20.
Historically, Energy+ provided the services of water meter reading, water & wastewater billing, collections, and customer service to the County’s approximately 8,600 water and wastewater customers.
Last year, Energy+ and Brantford Power Inc. amalgamated forming GrandBridge Energy Inc.
The work Energy+ has performed in the past has been highly regarded by County of Brant staff and council members.
“Over the years Energy+ has provided a high level of service to the County at a reasonable cost,” the report said. “While most of the work is either automated or follows specific protocols, the nature of the work requires significant interaction between the County and GBE for customer sensitive matters. Staff at both entities understand their roles and carry them out in a high level of cooperation which results in efficiencies and good customer service to both the County and the customers.”
Staff recommended that the County enter into an agreement with GrandBridge Energy Inc. for the same terms of the former agreement with Energy+ for a term to December 31, 2024 with an optional one year extension to December 31, 2025.
“There is no reason to consider changing service providers at this time,” the staff report said. “The County and its customers are enjoying a high level of service at a reasonable cost. Changing service providers has a high cost of tendering, transferring data and technology to the new provider, steep learning curve for staff at the new service provider, and the hiccups of change that will adversely affect service to the County and its water and wastewater customers.”
Members of council voted in support of the recommendation and the decision will be finalized at the council meeting on Tuesday, September 27.
