Turning Energy into a Strategic Input

For many greenhouse operators, energy is one of the largest operating costs, yet it is often managed reactively. Proplant chose a different approach and hired 360 Energy.

For many years, Proplant worked with 360 Energy to better understand how their electricity and natural gas costs were applied, how usage patterns affected those costs, and how operational decisions influenced their overall energy performance. Instead of treating utility invoices as after-the-fact reports, they began using structured energy information as part of day-to-day operational planning. They work as a team, from their owners, accounting, and grower, to identify their current status and find ways to reduce costs on an annual basis. They recognize this is a continual process and appreciate the oversight and support 360 Energy provides.

This sustained effort and the amount of energy saved in the past year has led to Proplant being named the 2025 Energy Excellence Award winner for the Greenhouse category.

Greenhouse operations are energy-intensive and highly sensitive to market volatility. Energy markets are changing, and you cannot rely on one tool or option to control your energy costs. This is a message that is frequently stated by the 360 Energy team. For example, the launch of Ontario’s Market Renewal Program (MRP) in 2025 introduced significant structural changes to the electricity market, including the Day-Ahead Market and day-ahead pricing visibility.

While this created new opportunities, it also required operators to understand and respond to market signals in near real time. Without structured reporting, benchmarking, and clear communication, these changes can create uncertainty rather than advantage.

At the same time, Proplant was continuing to expand operations and invest in new equipment, making it essential to ensure that energy decisions supported both cost control and production quality.

1. Establishing a Baseline‍

Early in the engagement, 360 Energy conducted a detailed facility walkthrough. This process identified energy-using equipment on site, documented how and when it was used, and created a benchmark of operations at a specific point in time.

That walkthrough document became a reference point against which future changes could be measured and attributed. Rather than relying on assumptions, Proplant had a structured baseline to compare improvements against.

2. Structured Performance Reporting‍

Through ongoing daily, weekly, and monthly performance reporting, KPI tracking, and regular strategic reviews with 360 Energy, Proplant developed a clearer understanding of:

• How all commodity and regulated utility charges affected their total cost
• How usage patterns influenced demand and pricing exposure
• What operational changes would meaningfully impact costs

Monthly and quarterly discussions with 360 Energy reinforced this structure, ensuring that information was not simply delivered, but actively reviewed and applied.

3. Responding to Market Renewal‍

With the introduction of the Day-Ahead Market under the MRP, 360 Energy provided Proplant with daily day-ahead pricing reports. These reports gave visibility into expected pricing for the following day.

Proplant incorporated this information directly into operational scheduling. By adjusting production timing where feasible, they were able to manage costs without compromising crop quality or production levels.

The result was not a one-time savings event, but a shift toward proactive, informed decision-making under a changing market structure.

• Improved Cost Awareness: Clear understanding of how energy charges are structured and applied.
• Operational Benchmarking: Documented baseline enabling measurable improvements over time.
• Market Responsiveness: Integration of day-ahead pricing into daily operations and consideration of purchasing fixed commodity pricing for different months and at different times during the year.
• Strategic Discipline: Ongoing monthly and quarterly engagement supporting long-term planning.
• Energy Excellence Recognition: Named 2025 Energy Excellence Award winner (Greenhouse category).

A Model of Energy Excellence

‍Proplant’s progress reflects more than a single initiative. It demonstrates how structured internal and external collaboration, proven programming, consistent reporting, and disciplined engagement can transform energy from a volatile expense into a controllable operational input.

For owners and senior leaders, the lesson is straightforward: when energy information is clear, benchmarked, and consistently reviewed, it becomes something that can be managed strategically rather than reacted to after the fact.

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