To provide a method for individuals to invest in renewable energy projects through effective partnerships between communities and individuals.
To bring together citizens and organizations to create a prosperous energy industry in Ontario that benefits everyone – through education, empowerment and participation.
As a co-operative, CED Co-op is guided by the 7 Co-operative Principles, and as a renewable energy developer, the principles of socially responsible investment.
CED Co-op is championing the acceleration of renewable energy development in Ontario. We are a community of like-minded individuals working together to build meaningful and impactful projects that improve the lives of everyone.
The CED co-op is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2022. Over the past 10 years the Co-operative has focused on solar energy development in Ontario. Over the next decade we will be concentrating on additional initiatives such as the carbon credit market, electrification of vehicles, energy-efficient fleets, green buildings, and virtual/community net-metering energy markets.
The CED Co-op began as a team of visionaries and renewable energy experts who wanted to provide friends and family with an environmentally-friendly way to invest. Inspired by renewable energy and how it can make our world a better place, we started our story with a small handful of solar projects in our hometown of Kitchener-Waterloo. Since then, the CED Co-op has grown to host over 100 projects Ontario-wide. Our membership has grown too! We now have over 800 members supporting our renewable energy developments.
Community Energy Development Co-operative was incorporated in the Province of Ontario under the Co-op Act on October 31, 2012, as a for-profit co-operative with share capital. CED Co-op was formed in response to several market factors:
The Ontario FIT Program
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) developed the Feed-in-tariff (FIT) Program for the Province of Ontario to encourage and promote greater use of Renewable Energy in Ontario. The fundamental objective of the FIT Program, in conjunction with the Green Energy and Green Economy Act and Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan, was to facilitate the increased development of renewable energy generating facilities of varying sizes, technologies and configurations via a standardized, open, and fair process.
FIT Program Focus on Community Ownership
Through the various versions of the FIT Program, there were several successive sets of rule changes, rate changes, and changes in the mechanisms and processes for the awarding of contracts. Many of the changes in the rules and the contract process increased the likelihood of receiving contracts for community projects structured through co-operatives.
Economic Development Model
With changing rates and rule sets, evolving technologies, and increased pressure on project economics it was, and remains, difficult for an individual Project owner to fully inform themselves of the rules and technology in order to design and construct an optimized, contracted, Renewable Energy Facility. Taking a portfolio approach to project development gives CED Co-op access to higher levels of expertise and reduced risk.
Challenging the Economics for Small Projects
Modern, free-market energy generation projects come at steep upfront costs. Residential solar projects cost anywhere between $25,000 and $40,000 depending on their location, material selection, installation method and electrical design. Federal Grants are relied upon to make them prosperous, while provincial energy subsidies (Ontario Electricity Rebate) challenge the payback. Navigating this as a homeowner can feel burdensome over the investment horizon when they just want to make a difference. The CED Coop is focused on projects at scale. Through larger projects our members and investors accelerate change.
The Co-operative is investigating new, alternative ways that green technology, such as heat pumps, can simplify and improve the economics of electrification for individuals. Projects such as solar, energy storage and electric vehicle chargers all function better with scale and create better opportunities for investing with impact.
Changing the Landscape for Energy
From the latest IESO planning report (Annual Planning Outlook 2024) all sectors including mining, transit, buildings, agriculture, etc will continue to drive heavier demand on our electricity system. For example, the advent of electric vehicles (passenger, public buses, school buses and heavy equipment) will add up to 20% demand year over year for the next decade. This is an unprecedented increase in our planned consumption of power. The CED Co-op is positioning itself to focus on technologies that support the increasingly evident challenges our province faces. We will support organizations most impacted by these systemic shifts through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or equipment leases.
We want to build on our success. In order to continue to expand our impact, we are focusing on growing our membership. The Co-operative is investing in improving our online presence to make it easier to become a member and engage. Currently in development, our modernized member services portal is designed to simplify the process of joining and investing with the Co-operative. This new securities platform will enable the Co-operative to verify and trade carbon credits, while providing streamlined self-serve investment functionality for our members.
CED Co-op is governed by our Board of Directors, comprised of industry insiders, consisting of up to 11 directors elected by the membership. The current board members are:
John Brubacher has extensive business operations experience from roles with Martin Mills Inc. and the pet food divisions of HJ Heinz and Del Monte, covering purchasing, operations, logistics, sales, and budgeting. He has completed risk reduction management training with the Chicago Board of Trade and now works as a real estate agent while serving on boards, including CED Co-op. John is an active investor in solar, wind, and other renewable energy companies.
Brody Rebelo is an experienced financial professional with expertise in reporting, analysis, and forecasting. Formerly Director of Finance at VCT Group, he prepared annual financial statements for CEDC under the Management Services Agreement. He is currently Director of Finance & Accounting at Kingsley Management Inc., overseeing financial operations for companies in construction, equipment rental, and hospitality, while also consulting for small businesses. Brody’s insights and professional relationships support CED Co-op’s strategic planning, investment decisions, and financial stewardship.
Steven (“Steve”) Chomyc is a professional engineer with a strong background in solar PV technology and project development. His experience includes designing and building his own installation and leading EPC execution for major solar projects. Steve has held general management roles with ABB and Plexal Group, where he navigated economic challenges and managed risk. Licensed since 1988, he completed his MBA in 2012. He is known for his collaborative approach and problem-solving skills.
Alvin (“Al”) Doerksen is a retired senior executive with extensive experience in business, international development, and education. He served over six years as a consultant to, and later CEO of, International Development Enterprises (Denver) and seven years at Palliser Furniture (Winnipeg) as Senior VP Operations. Al has also held leadership roles with Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Trojan Technologies (London/Europe), and Mennonite Central Committee. His board service includes Ridge Townhomes, Concord College, IDE Canada, and two terms on the CED Co-operative board, including three years as Board Chair.
Paul Hildebrand is a retired educator who taught mathematics, computer science, and business studies at the secondary level for 28 years with the Waterloo Region District School Board. Prior to teaching, he worked in IT for the Prudential Assurance Company. Paul holds a B.Math in Accounting and Computer Science from the University of Waterloo and a B.Ed. from the University of Western Ontario. His career blends technical and interpersonal expertise, and he is an experienced public speaker.
Kim Charlesworth brings over three decades of leadership, governance, and public service experience to the CED Co-op Board. She was the founding Chair of the Kootenay & Boundary Food Producers Co op and served as Chair of the West Kootenay EcoSociety, as well as a Nelson City Councillor from 2008–2011. Professionally, Kim has held management roles with Service Canada and the Nelson Food Cupboard, leading budgets, policy, fundraising, and program development. As a former BC Green Party candidate for Nelson Creston and Agriculture and Food Systems Spokesperson, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of King’s College and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University. Kim is recognized for her strategic thinking, governance expertise, and ability to ask insightful questions that strengthen decision-making.
Brian Unrau is the President of CED Co-op and VCT Group. He earned his Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Manitoba, later completing his MBA at Wilfrid Laurier University and obtaining CPA and CMA designations. His career spans roles in technology consulting, teaching, and financial co-operatives, including over a decade with Kindred Credit Union where he achieved his FCUIC designation. A founding member of CED Co-op, Brian has served as President since 2012 and also serves on the board of Beyond Housing.
Ryan Parton is co-owner and board member of Crescent Ridge Services, where he has contributed to significant sales growth. His responsibilities include financial management, budgeting, and operational optimization. With prior experience at BlackBerry and VCT Group, Ryan brings expertise in logistics, engineering, compliance, and solar PV project management, having overseen over 8 MW of installations. He approaches issues with pragmatism and a strong focus on performance and investment integrity.
Christopher (“Chris”) Derksen Hiebert brings over 25 years of advocacy leadership in Canada and internationally. Holding an M.A. in Political Science from Carleton University, he has worked with Mennonite Central Committee, World Vision Canada, and currently serves as Senior Director of Public Policy for World Vision International. Chris has represented organizations at the G7, G20, COP27, and the UN, and has taught advocacy courses at Conrad Grebel University College. Passionate about climate justice, he and his family have embraced renewable energy practices at home.
Martin Sellar Voll is the Director of Human Resources and IT at Centurion Canada, part of the Centurion Group, a global leader in services to the energy and resource sectors. Since joining in 2007, he has held senior operational roles and led integration through nine acquisitions, chairing the company’s global water group. His background includes PV systems, real estate development, and community economic development. Martin holds a B.A. in International Development and a Master’s in Applied Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo.
Jordan Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brock University and a Master’s degree in Economics with a specialization in Finance from the University of Guelph, providing a strong foundation in finance, investment strategies, and financial analysis. He is currently a Senior Loans Manager and Acting CEO at Two Rivers Community Development Centre (TRCDC), a not-for-profit Indigenous Financial Institution serving Indigenous-owned businesses across Southern Ontario. With expertise in debt financing, business operations, and loan evaluation, he oversees applications under $100,000 and presents recommendations for larger financing to the Board. As the identified successor to TRCDC’s retiring CEO, Jordan has been gaining increased leadership responsibilities. He also serves on the boards of Community Futures Ontario, Community Futures Western Ontario, and the Indigenous Financial Institutions of Ontario, and is a member of the City of Toronto’s Indigenous Procurement Advisory Committee.
