Hansen and ERTH Forge Alliance to Modernize Canadian Utilities

MELBOURNE, Australia – April 02, 2026 – Hansen Technologies, a global leader in software for the energy sector, has announced a landmark strategic partnership with ERTH Holdings Inc., aiming to accelerate the digital transformation of utilities and municipalities across Canada. The deal positions ERTH as the exclusive Canadian reseller and implementation partner for Hansen's advanced Customer Information System (CIS) solutions, including its sophisticated AI Virtual Agent.

This collaboration is set to inject new technological capabilities into a sector grappling with aging infrastructure, evolving customer expectations, and the complexities of a transitioning energy grid. By combining Hansen's enterprise-grade software with ERTH's deep-rooted Canadian utility expertise, the partnership promises to deliver a powerful, modern platform designed to enhance customer service and streamline operations from coast to coast.

A Strategic Push into the Canadian Market

The agreement marks a significant and calculated expansion for Hansen Technologies into the North American market. While the Australian-based company (ASX:HSN) serves customers in over 80 countries, this exclusive partnership with ERTH provides a dedicated and expert channel to penetrate the Canadian utility landscape more deeply.

Under the terms of the partnership, ERTH Holdings will not only sell Hansen's CIS suite but will also manage its implementation and support, offering Canadian utilities a localized, end-to-end service. This model is designed to lower the barrier to entry for utilities seeking to modernize their core systems.

"Through our partnership with ERTH, Canadian utilities gain access to a proven CIS platform supported by local expertise—enabling them to modernize efficiently while meeting complex operational requirements," said Bobby Slaton, EVP Americas Energy & Utilities at Hansen Technologies, in the official announcement.

This move places Hansen's solutions directly into a competitive but opportunity-rich environment. The partnership provides a crucial on-the-ground presence, leveraging ERTH’s established relationships and understanding of the unique regulatory and operational challenges within provinces like Ontario and beyond.

Addressing Canada's Digital Utility Imperative

The timing of this partnership is critical. Canadian utilities are at a crossroads, facing immense pressure to modernize. The widespread rollout of smart meters has generated a torrent of data that legacy systems are often ill-equipped to handle. Simultaneously, customers, accustomed to the seamless digital experiences offered by tech giants, now expect the same level of service and self-service capability from their utility providers.

The Canadian CIS market is currently served by a mix of established players, including VertexOne, Cayenta, and Northstar Utilities Solutions. These platforms have long supported the core billing and customer management functions of many municipalities. However, the drive towards a more integrated, intelligent, and customer-centric operating model is creating demand for next-generation solutions. This is precisely the gap Hansen and ERTH aim to fill.

Modern CIS platforms are the digital backbone of a utility, integrating everything from meter-to-cash processes to customer engagement. The introduction of a new enterprise-grade option with advanced AI capabilities is poised to disrupt the market and provide utilities with a compelling alternative for their digital transformation roadmaps.

The Power of an AI-Enabled Platform

At the heart of this new offering is Hansen's CIS, a platform built on more than three decades of industry expertise. It is designed to handle complex billing scenarios, intricate regulatory requirements, and large-scale operations. However, its most forward-looking feature may be the Hansen AI Virtual Agent.

This AI-powered tool is designed to revolutionize the utility call center and customer service experience. It can provide 24/7 support, instantly answering common customer queries about bills, outages, and account details. By automating routine tasks, the virtual agent frees up human representatives to handle more complex and sensitive issues, driving significant operational efficiencies.

"Utilities are moving toward a more integrated, AI-enabled operating model," noted Todd Ross, Director of Client Relations at ERTH. He explained that ERTH's decision came after a multi-year evaluation, stating, "ERTH selected Hansen Technologies for its open architecture and scalable platform, positioning our clients for long-term innovation."

This focus on an open, modular architecture is key. It allows utilities to modernize at their own pace, integrating new functionalities without having to rip and replace their entire existing technology stack. This flexibility is crucial for organizations that must balance innovation with budget constraints and risk management.

ERTH's Evolving Role as a Technology Gateway

For ERTH Holdings, this exclusive partnership represents a major strategic evolution. The municipally owned company has long been a diversified service provider in the utility sector, but this move solidifies its position as a key technology broker and implementation specialist in Canada.

Interestingly, the company has stated it will "maintain a CIS-agnostic approach," a nuance that speaks to its broader strategy. Research shows that ERTH is also an authorized reseller for Northstar Utilities Solutions, a platform widely used and trusted by many Ontario utilities.

Rather than creating a conflict, this dual-offering approach positions ERTH as a strategic consultant. It can now offer its clients a choice between a proven, reliable system like Northstar and a cutting-edge, AI-driven platform like Hansen. This allows ERTH to tailor its recommendations to a utility's specific needs, budget, and digital maturity. The exclusive nature of the Hansen deal means that for utilities seeking the most advanced capabilities, ERTH is now the sole gateway in the country.

This positions the company not just as a vendor but as a pivotal player in the modernization of Canada's critical infrastructure. By curating and providing access to best-in-class technologies, ERTH is helping to shape the future of how Canadians interact with their energy and water providers. The collaboration between a global software powerhouse and a trusted local expert could prove to be the catalyst that unlocks a new level of efficiency and customer satisfaction for the entire Canadian utility sector.