We’re Hiring!
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As a small business living through the global pandemic, we have been fortunate that our business model has allowed us to continue expanding and growing our brand. Unlike the ATCO, Direct Energy, or ENMAX’s of the world, we have continued to invest in local businesses with a focus on Alberta’s economy. Shipping jobs offshore? That’s not part of our business model. We believe in supporting Albertans by hiring Albertans to serve Albertans.
Last week, Spot Power, which is the founding retailing arm within the UTILITYnet Group, ran a blog that highlighted the sale of Direct Energy to NRG Energy Inc., an American company headquartered in New Jersey. We believe that Direct Energy, being a provider of the government’s Regulated Rate Option (RRO), selling its regulated customer base to an American corporation is fundamentally wrong. We asked our political leaders to consider restructuring the government-regulated rate policies, and focus on bringing jobs back to Alberta. Are they listening?
Alberta is a great market to invest in - there are qualified people here in our own province, we do not need to ship jobs out of the province. Want a job? Contact us. Not only are we continuing to invest in Alberta, we are picking up the pace.
The Climb So Far...
Last year, just prior to COVID becoming a household name, we launched Q Wave, our Internet retail business. A year later, we are seeing steady growth and starting to service customers all across the province. If modems flying-off-the-shelves-faster-than-we-can-restock-them is any indication, business must be good.
In addition to our Internet retail arm, next month we will also be launching a new connectivity product through a unique partnership with a leader in worldwide mobile on-demand wireless services. We expect this product line will serve our rural customers who struggle to find reliable Internet services outside of major metropolises. It also makes a great travel companion, providing customers with Internet access in over 130 countries around the world. Stay tuned for more about our upcoming portable wireless services launching soon!
In 2020, we added several new Energy Marketers to the UTILITYnet family, similar to Spot Power. In the Village of Stirling, consumers can now buy direct from Ridge Utilities - a municipally-owned Energy Marketer whose profits will serve the Village of Stirling and surrounding communities. They focus on those that “encourage, initiate and facilitate community and economic development.”
We also launched Alberta Utility Source (AUS), a local Energy Marketer based out of Edmonton. Our most recent addition to the network is Tassa Energy who is dedicated to giving 10% of the profits earned from the sale of “feel good energy and Internet” back to its local community of Cochrane, Alberta.
Our most exciting development last year was the start of a partnership with the AIR MILES® Reward Program, Canada’s most recognized loyalty program! Our partnership with AIR MILES® is our way of saying “thank you” to our customers for supporting local companies like those in our network. Now customers who sign up for a new electricity service with select Energy Marketers get 25 AIR MILES® Reward Miles and all new and existing customers are automatically entered for a chance to win weekly prize draws of 100 Miles and monthly draws of 1,000 Miles.* And this is just the beginning!
* No purchase necessary. 1 winner drawn weekly and 1 winner drawn monthly ending December 31, 2021. Contest rules apply, click here for full contest rules.
The UTILITYnet Group has also grown through the addition of four new staff members, some of whom were laid off by other utilities as they shipped jobs offshore. We recognize the talent that exists here, and want to capitalize on it.
Planning for the Future
2021 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for our Alberta retail energy business as we plan ahead for continued growth. In February, watch for the launch of Acorn Energy opening up for business in Lethbridge. There are 23 local Energy Marketers in Alberta within our network, and during 2021 we will invest in opening new retail operations in Airdrie, Brooks, Stoney Plain, and Grande Prairie.
Hiring locally has always been at the core of our business as we believe our province is full of amazingly talented people. Unfortunately, this has not always been the case in Alberta’s utility market. A concerning trend of large utilities outsourcing customer care, billing, and information technology jobs has become the reality in our industry. We are different.
In today’s challenging economy, it is more important than ever not only for consumers to support local businesses, but for businesses to help keep jobs in the province.
We are currently seeking to fill new positions within the company: a SQL Developer, an in-house Web Developer, a Customer Care agent, a Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Marketing Associates, and new Energy Marketers. If you want to join a dynamic family business, continue reading the available positions below.
SQL Developer
The SQL Developer is an intermediate role, someone who is willing to learn and grow with the business. The successful candidate will primarily focus on the maintenance and development of back-end data processing code using Oracle SQL and PLSQL. Our code creates enrollment, billing, settlement, and support systems for electricity, natural gas, and Internet services. You can find more information about the job posting here.
Web Developer
The Web Developer position is also a junior/intermediate role, we are looking for someone who will design, write, modify, integrate and test front-end code. This full-time position is meant for a motivated developer, who has strong attention to detail and strives for customer satisfaction. For more information, click here.
Customer Care Agent
Our third position is for a Customer Care agent who will be responsible for answering customer inquiries about our Internet services. In this role, you will be one of our retail and service experts, providing recommendations to our customers on Internet services that fit the customer’s needs as well as processing customer applications for Internet services. This position is paid on an hourly basis but will operate outside of traditional business hours. To learn more about this position, click here.
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
The Sales and Marketing Coordinator will assist UTILITYnet’s Manager of Business Development and Operations in the implementation and growth of existing sales programs. This position is intended to complement new and existing marketing initiatives, community engagement, and social media outreach. Interested? Click here.
Marketing Associates
If you are a sales-minded person - this is an excellent opportunity for you. Become a Marketing Associate, participate in the energy industry and earn residual income from customers who sign up with one of our Energy Marketers. Starting February 1st, Marketing Associates will be able to earn residual income on electricity, natural gas, AND Internet services.
Are you searching for a job that aligns with our business? Contact us!
Become an Energy Marketer
There is a chance for communities to create an ongoing and sustainable income stream to help promote and fund the future growth of wish-list projects, or support charitable and non-profit organizations. The opportunity exists for regular Albertans to earn extra income to support their own families; all that is needed is the right kind of partner to guide you through the process. We are excited to extend an invitation to you, and join our culture of sharing!
Visit our website to learn more about the Energy Marketer program and the Community Partners, who are in turn, supported by our network of retailers in Alberta.