Hamilton Community Enterprises (HCE) is the commercial operating entity of Hamilton Enterprise Holding Corporation (HEHCo), providing integrated utility solutions across the Energy sector since the deregulation of Ontario’s electricity market in 2000.
Wholly-owned by the City of Hamilton, HCE is dedicated to delivering transformative community-based energy solutions throughout the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, with capabilities extending beyond its facilities-based footprint.
With expertise spanning thermal, electrical, and data infrastructures, HCE is uniquely positioned to design and operate innovative services that enhance broadband and energy efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability. Our goal is to empower communities and businesses to achieve optimal performance.
HCE District Energy
Sustainable, Efficient, and Reliable
Since 2002 HCE has operated a district energy system in downtown Hamilton, delivering sustainable, efficient and reliable heating and cooling to our community. Our district energy system provides energy to a diverse range of buildings in downtown Hamilton, leveraging innovative technologies and advanced operational procedures to provide cost effective energy.
Where We Work
System Footprint
HCE’s district energy system spans two square kilometers in downtown Hamilton, and serves a variety of institutional, commercial and residential clients located within the downtown core.
Institutional
Includes buildings like the David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton City Hall and Hamilton Police ISF, which serve educational, governmental, and public safety purposes.
Commercial
Key entertainment facilities such Hamilton Convention Centre, FirstOntario Concert Hall, and Art Gallery of Hamilton as well as a variety of office buildings.
Residential
Includes over 250 multi-unit residential suites across three buildings.
Get in Touch
Why Connect with HCE Energy?
Hamilton Community Enterprises (HCE) offers significant value creation through its district energy system. By connecting with HCE, you benefit from substantial energy savings, with heating and cooling costs reduced by up to 20% when compared to traditional systems.
Additionally, HCE’s turnkey delivery model eliminates the high upfront capital costs associated with the installation of traditional HVAC systems, with the potential to reduce the lifetime ownership costs by up to 40%. This reduced cost of ownership also translates to significantly lower operational and maintenance and costs, as clients no longer need to maintain their own HVAC systems or invest in reserve funds for end-of- life replacements.
Throughout the integration process, HCE handles all aspects of the district energy system, from design and construction to ongoing maintenance and utility metering, ensuring seamless integration and reliable service. Connecting with Hamilton Community Enterprises means partnering with a leader in innovative energy solutions, committed to enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the community.
HCE senior leadership
- Breadth of experience in marrying technology with business, spanning across private to public sectors
- Passion for galvanizing better outcomes for communities
- Challenges the status quo
Executes HCE’s strategic vision, galvanizes the operational approach, and transforms business outcomes. Results-oriented leader, focused on optimization and communication.
- Accomplished energy systems architect and executive leader with a focus on product development and IT strategies
- Deeply passionate about advancing sustainable energy solutions and climate resilience
- Extensive research and industry expertise through influential consulting roles across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area
Focused on providing strategic guidance and implementing innovative solutions that empower communities in Hamilton and beyond.
- Progressive positions within the manufacturing and software industries
- Strategic, analytical, and results-oriented financial professional
- Delivering results in a fast-paced and continuously changing environment
Directly responsible to the Board of Directors for the financial planning and analysis (FP&A), including forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management.
- Global industrial experience
- Methodical approach
- Unusually customer-centric for an operations guy
Leads the operational readiness, maintenance, and success of the energy network infrastructure.
Trusted by municipalities and businesses around the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area
Our History
100 Years of Empowering Hamilton’s Future
Since 1912, Hamilton Community Enterprises has remained locally owned and continues to be a driving force in creating a modern industrial city. It has established corporate values and a tradition of service that are as valid in today’s high-tech world as they were in the era of the horse and buggy.
The Royal Electric Company introduced a system of arc street lighting in downtown Hamilton as the new Hamilton Electric Light and Power Company.
The Cataract Power Company bought the Hamilton Electric Light and Power Company, later becoming the Hamilton Electrical Light and Cataract Power Company in 1903. It eventually became part of the Dominion Power and Transmission Company, incorporated in 1907.
Supported by local ratepayers, a publicly owned system began operations, becoming Hamilton Hydro.
The Hamilton Hydro-Electric Commission took over from the City of Hamilton’s Board of Control.
The Ontario Hydro Commission stated that “Hamilton now enjoys the distinction of having the cheapest lighting and power rates of any city on the continent, or for that matter, the world.”
Hamilton Hydro had 25,000 customers.
The generating company was purchased by Ontario Hydro, and its distribution system in Hamilton was taken over by the Hamilton Hydro-Electric System.
The current headquarters of Hamilton Hydro and its parent Hamilton Utilities Corporation opened at the corner of John and Rebecca in downtown Hamilton.
The Nebo Road Service Centre opened on Hamilton Mountain to centralize Hydro’s work crews and equipment storage facilities.
The Hamilton Hydro Electric Commission was transformed into Hamilton Utilities Corporation (HUC). At the same time, the Hydro Commissions in Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, and Stoney Creek were amalgamated into the new corporation. The previous commissions were replaced by an independent Board of Directors, reporting to the Corporation’s Shareholder—the City of Hamilton.
Hamilton Community Energy (HCE), a subsidiary of Hamilton Utilities Corporation, officially opened its Energy Centre on May 26, 2002. This marked the launch of the City’s first district heating system, supplying heat and electricity to large customers in the downtown core.
HCE Telecom is established to deliver municipally owned telecommunications products and services to the greater Toronto Hamilton area.
Following the merger of Horizon Utilities (HUC’s regulated division) with PowerStream to form Alectra, a new holding company—Hamilton Community Enterprises (HCE)—is created. It operates independently from Hamilton Utilities Corporation and oversees both HCE Energy and HCE Telecom.
HCE Energy expands its district energy distribution system from James Street North to Catherine Street North, adding four new clients to its heating and cooling network.