ERTH Power Hosts Community Open House

ERTH Power opens new 57,000-square-foot Zero Carbon Business and Operations Centre, located at 387 Thomas Street in Ingersoll. (Kyrah Smith Photo)

Kyrah Smith, Echo Correspondent

ERTH Power welcomed customers and residents of Ingersoll to tour its new 57,000-square-foot Zero Carbon Business and Operations Centre at 387 Thomas Street in Ingersoll on July 11.

"We are proud to welcome community members into the new home of ERTH Power," said Chris White, President and CEO of ERTH Corporation. "This facility was purpose-built to support a modern, growing utility and ensure we can continue meeting the evolving energy needs of our customers and communities for years to come."

Following a Friends and Family event earlier in the morning, the Community Open House ran from noon to 2 p.m., allowing visitors to meet members of the ERTH team and learn more about the technology and operations behind the company.

"We're definitely growing, so we have space for growth here," explained Jocelyn Facciotti, Manager of Marketing, Communications and Sustainability.

ERTH Power Corporation is a licensed electricity distribution company providing delivery, billing and maintenance services to more than 25,000 residential and commercial customers. The utility currently serves the communities of Aylmer, Port Stanley, Belmont, Ingersoll, Thamesford, Otterville, Norwich, Burgessville, Beachville, Embro, Tavistock, Clinton, Mitchell, Dublin and Goderich.

"Right now, we serve 15 communities. If all goes as planned, we'll serve 31 communities in total."

Throughout the guided tour, Facciotti highlighted the many design elements incorporated into the new facility, explaining that every detail was thoughtfully considered. From maximizing natural light throughout the building to improve employee wellness, to ensuring accessibility and incorporating subtle tributes to Ingersoll's industrial heritage, the building was designed with both staff and community in mind.

"You'll notice we have some areas with a more industrial theme. They did that strategically as a tribute to the industrial heritage of Ingersoll."

Each employee workstation is equipped with a sit-stand desk, while the building itself operates using a geothermal heating and cooling system.

"Since it's a zero-carbon facility, it operates on geothermal," said Facciotti. "So, all that geothermal comes into this room."

Guests also had the opportunity to step inside the mechanical room to learn how the geothermal system operates before continuing into the control room, where staff monitor the electrical distribution system using significantly upgraded technology.

"We're making advancements all the time on our outage management system. You can imagine if we go from 15 communities to 31, we'll be monitoring all 31 of those communities. In our old building, it was basically two of these top screens, so this will be much easier."

The new facility also features a drying room for line staff, along with men's and women's change rooms complete with showers.

"At Bell Street, we didn't really have those facilities," said Facciotti. "This is really preparing us for the future."

She added that while the company does not currently employ any female line workers, the upgraded facilities ensure the building is ready to support a more diverse workforce in the years ahead.

The Community Open House attracted approximately 150 visitors, including Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie. Following the tour, guests gathered on the outdoor patio for refreshments and an opportunity to speak with ERTH staff.

The open house gave residents a firsthand look at how ERTH Power is preparing for future growth while continuing to invest in the communities it serves.