About Us

We are an Ontario-based energy co-operative focused on being the first choice for agricultural producers/processors seeking energy strategies and solutions. We exist as a co-operative to meet the energy needs of our members recognizing that cost is of the utmost importance. We do this by purchasing energy commodity on the wholesale market to pass energy savings on to you. We represent you and liaison with your utility, ensuring seamless energy for your business.

What is a Co-operative?

Under the co-operative business model, members own the organization and vote on how services will be offered. All directors are elected by the membership; ensuring member needs are prominent in the delivery of our mission and vision.

Securing the services of a co-operative does not give you any liability. We are a normal business entity held responsible to the Co-op Act, standard business practices, and FISRA scrutiny.

I’m Not a Member, Why Would I Benefit from Working With a Co-operative?

Co-operatives can offer more stability than some traditional business structures (like sole proprietorship) which are more likely to sell their business or fail. AEC has remained a skilled energy marketer since its founding in 1988, much longer than most energy companies in Ontario. As a part of our bylaws, we regularly conduct external finance and risk audits that go above and beyond industry expectations for a company of our size.

Meet Our Team

 Michelle Vieira
Michelle VieiraCEO & Director of Sales
With approximately 25 years in the North American energy market, Michelle brings strong leadership to the Ag Energy Co-operative Ltd. team. She is motivated to provide customers with value and transparency in all interactions fostering strong relationships. Michelle offers vast experience with a strong background in customer relations and sales, strategic planning, regulatory affairs, and operations oversight. Michelle has deep knowledge regarding counter-party relations and processes, and energy strategy optimization as it pertains to utility efforts.
Robert De Chiara
Robert De ChiaraSales Manager
Rob De Chiara is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of business development and management experience in the energy industry. Rob began his career as a trusted advisor to customers by offering a full suite of energy solutions from natural gas and electricity hedging strategies to HVAC and building automation software customization. Since then, Rob has taken on many leadership roles and has led many sales teams to consistently exceed company targets. Rob brings to AEC, knowledge of commodity, HVAC, and LED solutions.
Thomas Bellissimo
Thomas BellissimoInside Sales
Thomas joined Ag Energy in 2019 and brought with him significant experience in communication and logistical coordination which prepared him to dive into a customer care role. During this time, he has transitioned from a promising rookie to skillfully managing 27.5 million m³ of gas and 127 million kWh of electricity. Thomas provides pricing and market updates daily, weekly, and monthly to over 300 members and customers. While ensuring that these same members and customers have the service support that they require. Over the last year, Thomas has played a role in adding, extending, and renewing 14 million m³ of natural gas and 37.9 million kWh of electricity.
Gabe Peressutti
Gabe PeressuttiInside Sales
Gabe joined in 2023 as Inside Sales. Gabe is an accomplished professional with 25+ years of experience in retail, commercial and industrial natural gas, and power industry. Throughout his career he has held many roles from sales to procurement providing him a great understanding of all facets relating to energy services.
Gabe values strong customer relationships, giving customers “peace of mind” which aligns with AEC’s values and integrity

AEC purchases energy commodity on the wholesale market to pass energy savings on to you. We represent you and liaison with your utility, ensuring seamless energy for your business.

Infographic of Ag Energy Co-operative's Role
Small But Mighty

21 December 2021|

The well-being of our consumers has always motivated us to innovate and advocate for them. AEC was the first enterprise to offer market...

Theo Slaman - Director

Theo Slaman

President

Slaman Greenhouses Ltd.

Joey Groot - Director

Joey Groot

Vice President, CGC Chair

Hensall Co-operative Inc.

Roman Golovchenko - Treasurer

Roman Golovchenko

Secretary/Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, Risk Committee

Aldershot Greenhouses Ltd.

Fred Woodley

Fred Woodley

Risk Chair, Finance Committee

Woodley Farm & Greenhouses

Lindsay Menich

CGC Committee, Risk Committee

Homeland Grain Inc.

Rick Mastronardi

Finance Committee

IPR Farms Ltd.

Stuart Vanderknyff

CGC Committee, Finance Committee

A. Vanderknyff Greenhouses

How We Stand Out

Innovative Solutions
The needs of our consumers have always motivated us to create innovative solutions. We are the only retailer in Ontario to offer natural gas prices for up to 10 years. AEC was also the first to offer a market-rate electricity program to our customers, an innovative option that put our consumers first.

Transparent Pricing
Most retailers quote prices without including all of the necessary fees, like complete transportation costs. We believe in being fully transparent with our customers and our prices reflect that. We promise there are no hidden fees or surprise charges in the prices we give you.

One-Stop for All Energy Services
AEC is also one of the few natural gas retailers in Ontario to also offer electricity services, so you only need one provider for all your energy needs.

Independence
As an independent marketer, AEC is not tied to a single supplier so we can remain flexible and go to the supplier with the best deal.

Contact us for a free energy assessment today!