which covers everything from procurement to energy distribution. Then there’s the advocacy side, which is all about informing consumers and providing education about the energy market.” As the company approaches its tenth anniversary this November, Mark reflects on the challenges that have shaped its history.The organization’s trajectory is not just one of growth but of resilience in the face of considerable adversity. Mark recounts that this resilience has been central to its success and longevity in a highly competitive and regulated industry. “When I look at the history of the organization, it’s all about overcoming adversity,” he says. “Adversity has been our strength.” From the beginning, the company faced significant hurdles; the first was a massive regulatory shift that hit just as they got their operating license. “We were pushing for that change but didn’t expect it to completely upend how we do business.” The first few years saw constant regulatory changes, which led to many of their competitors exiting the Ontario market. But instead of backing down, Mark and his team dug in. “We had to forge our way through and create something new right from the start,” he says. He considers this determination to stay the course despite the obstacles to be one of the company’s most significant milestones. A STRATEGIC SHIFT TOWARD COMMERCIAL CLIENTS Canadian Energy Protection was primarily recognized as a residential energy supplier in its early years.The company built its reputation by catering to individual households, offering natural gas and electricity with various options, including renewable energy. Today, the bulk of its new business comes from supplying natural gas and electricity to companies, particularly those facing punitive utility rates due to complex billing structures. “Our main focus now is on businesses that have no option but to be in a commodity rate category through the utility that is meant to encourage residential consumers to conserve energy during peak times.” Mark says. These businesses, often multilocation enterprises that don’t meet the threshold for the large volume rate category, can be hit with high costs simply because of when and how they consume energy.“They’re getting charged at different times of the day based on when they use energy, and sometimes these businesses are just 61 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 10 CANADIAN ENERGY PROTECTION
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