Harnois Énergies

What Harnois Énergies does

Harnois Énergies is a Quebec-based, family-owned energy distribution company founded in 1958, headquartered in Saint-Thomas, Quebec, and operating across six Canadian provinces (Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island). The company distributes propane, heating oil, gasoline, diesel, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid, antifreeze, aviation fuels, and auto propane to residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, trucking, and aviation customers through a network of 35+ depots and offices, an automated cardlock fueling network, the Proxi convenience store chain (nearly 200 stores and 58 car washes), Travel Stop facilities, and the AFS Exécutif aviation FBO subsidiary. Sub-brands include Proxi (convenience retail), Proxi Extra (loyalty program), H-Go (private label products), and Énergies Express / Relais Routier Esso (commercial fleet cards). The company is pursuing a clean energy transition through hydrogen partnerships, including a successful hydrogen-powered truck trial (2024) and a stake in Charbone Corporation for clean industrial gases.

The company monetizes through a mix of recurring residential propane/heating oil subscriptions, transaction-based commercial fuel sales (cardlock and bulk delivery), retail convenience store sales under the Proxi banner, aviation fuel services via the AFS Exécutif FBO, and emerging hydrogen distribution. Go-to-market is sales-led: the company uses outbound sales teams, a quote-based request system for residential and commercial prospects, a customer portal for existing accounts, and dedicated commercial card programs for fleet operators. Strategic growth since 2023 has been driven primarily by M&A — acquisitions of Groupe Suroît, Pétroles Témis, Gaz Propane Club, a Maritime retail fuel network, and the Michaud Harnois Énergies joint venture with Michaud Petroleum in New Brunswick — together with new flagship facilities in Saint-Thomas and Woodstock, Ontario.

The company is led by President and CEO Serge Harnois, with Guillaume Harnois heading the Fondation Harnois Énergies, and remains private with no disclosed external institutional ownership. Harnois Énergies was recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies Platinum Club for three consecutive years (2023-2025) and ranked 95th among Quebec's 300 largest companies in 2025. The company employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people and has no disclosed revenue figure.

Name

Harnois Énergies

Legal name

Harnois Énergies inc.

Website

https://harnoisenergies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Harnois Énergies is a Quebec-based, family-owned energy distributor founded in 1958 that supplies propane, heating oil, fuels, lubricants, and aviation products to residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial customers across six Canadian provinces through 35+ depots, a cardlock network, and the Proxi convenience store chain.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fuel and Propane Distribution

NAICS

Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals (424710), Petroleum and Petroleum Products Merchant Wholesalers (except Bulk Stations and Terminals) (424720), Fuel Dealers (4572)

SIC

Wholesale-Petroleum Bulk Stations & Terminals (5171), Wholesale-Petroleum & Petroleum Products (No Bulk Stations) (5172)

akta.pro primary industry

Branded Fuels Wholesaling & Jobber Distribution (EUALAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Convenience Retail & Foodservice at Forecourts (C-Store/QSR) (EUALAIAE), Commercial & Fleet Fueling (Cardlock, On-Site Tanks, Bulk Delivery) (EUALAIAD)

Keywords

• Propane distribution
• Heating oil supply
• Commercial fuel cardlock
• Convenience store network
• Aviation fuel services

Headquarters

HQ city

Joliette

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices40 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Propane Distribution: Propane sales and delivery to residential, commercial, and agricultural customers throughout Quebec and other provinces
2. Heating Oil (Mazout): Heating oil distribution to residential customers with delivery service
3. Fuel Products: Fuel products including gasoline, diesel, and related petroleum products through service stations and cardlock networks
4. Commercial Products: Lubricants, windshield washer fluid, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF/urea), antifreeze, aviation products, and auto-propane
5. Convenience Store Operations: Proxi convenience store network generating revenue from retail sales, with associated loyalty program (Proxi Extra)
6. Hydrogen: Hydrogen distribution as part of emerging clean energy portfolio, including hydrogen truck trials and partnerships

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Harnois Énergies distributes and sells petroleum products — propane, heating oil, gasoline, diesel, lubricants, aviation fuel, and specialty products — to residential, commercial, agricultural, aviation, and trucking customers across Quebec, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada. The company operates an integrated network including cardlock automated fueling stations, a branded convenience store network (Proxi), travel stops for truck drivers, and an aviation FBO subsidiary (AFS Exécutif).

Product overview

Harnois Énergies is a diversified energy company offering a comprehensive portfolio of energy products and services across Canada. The company operates as a platform-plus-networks model with core energy products (propane, heating oil, fuels, lubricants) complemented by retail convenience store networks (Proxi), commercial cardlock fueling services (Énergies Express, Relais Routier Esso), and specialized offerings (H-Go private label, aviation products, auto propane). The Proxi Extra loyalty program ties together the convenience store network across nearly 200 stores and 58 car washes. The company has expanded through acquisitions including Groupe Suroît, Pétroles Témis, Gaz Propane Club, and the Michaud Harnois Énergies joint venture, while also investing in hydrogen initiatives including a partnership for North America's first green hydrogen passenger train and hydrogen fuel cell trucks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Proxi: Convenience store network operating under the Proxi brand, including affiliated stations with Esso, Pétro-T, and Harnois brands. The network covers nearly 200 stores and 58 car washes in Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes.
• Proxi Extra
• H-Go
• AFS Exécutif

Products and services

• Propane (Residential and Commercial)
• Heating Oil (Mazout)
• Fuels (Gasoline and Diesel)
• Engine Oils and Lubricants
• Aviation Products
• Auto Propane
• Cardlock Network
• Énergies Express Commercial Card
• Relais Routier Esso Commercial Card
• Proxi Convenience Store Network
• Proxi Extra Loyalty Program
• AFS Exécutif (FBO)
• Travel Stops
• H-Go Private Label Products
• Customer Portal (moncompte.harnoisenergies.com)
• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF/Urea)
• Windshield Washer Fluid
• Cooling System Products
• Winterizing Products (Antifreeze)

Quantifiable outcome

• 95th largest company in Quebec (2025)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• Baseball QuébecmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 March 2026Partnership renewed through 2028. Proxi becomes official sponsor of Défi Triple Jeu program; Sports Experts Provincial Championships presented by Proxi; scholarships awarded to young athletes.
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 December 2025Exclusive benefits through Énergies Express card including preferred fuel rates for CFIB's over 100,000 small business members across Canada.
• Charbone CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 December 2025Strategic partnership in clean hydrogen distribution. Charbone is Canada's only publicly listed clean ultra-high purity hydrogen company, expanding North American footprint including partnership with Harnois.
• Opération Père Noël FoundationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Donated $1 per car wash at participating Quebec locations in December to support children in need. Extended to Atlantic Canada through Christmas Daddies Telethon.
• Chambre de Commerce du Grand Joliette (CCGJ)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 September 2025Partnership with one of Quebec's 15 largest chambers of commerce (125 years history, 600+ members). CCGJ members get exclusive benefits through Énergies Express card.
• Gaz Propane ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2025Acquisition of Gaz Propane Club, a family business in Verchères specializing in propane distribution. Reinforced position as leader in Quebec energy industry.
• APCHQ QuébecminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 March 2025Partnership with association of 3,600+ members in residential and commercial construction sectors. Énergies Express card offers preferred fuel rates.
• Michaud PetroleumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2024Joint venture creating Michaud Harnois Énergies in New Brunswick. Received approval from Competition Bureau of Canada to unite activities of both companies.
• Pétroles TémiscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 September 2024Acquisition of Pétroles Témis, a petroleum products distributor based in Ville-Marie, Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Expanded distribution network and strengthened presence in Témiscamingue region.
• Nikola Corporation and ITD IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 July 2024Hydrogen truck trial: First hydrogen-powered truck on Quebec roads, demonstrating hydrogen's role in the company's energy portfolio. Trial was successful with all-round positive results.
• Groupe SuroîtcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 January 2024Acquisition of Groupe Suroît, a propane, fuel, lubricants, and appliance installation company. This strategic move expanded Harnois territory, enhanced efficiency, and added over 90 new employees to the organization.
• Jeux du QuébecmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 July 2023Major partner of the Jeux du Québec Finals. Partnership aligns with company's focus on youth sports and healthy lifestyles.
• Quebec government, Alstom, and HTECcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2023Partnership for the first green hydrogen-powered passenger train in North America. Harnois Énergies positioned as a key player in hydrogen energy through this landmark project launched June 2023.
• Sports QuébecmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 21 May 2023Three-year partnership supporting development of sport across Québec and contributing to growth and well-being of young athletes. Partnership renewed in 2026 for three more years.
• Retail convenience stores and fuel network (Maritime acquisition)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 March 2023Acquisition of portion of retail convenience stores and fuel network in the Maritime provinces with Competition Bureau approval.
• Quebec Trucking AssociationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 April 2022Partnership with association counting more than 500 members, providing exclusive benefits for trucking fleet operations.
• FADOQminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 February 2022Partnership with Canada's largest seniors' group with over 550,000 members, offering exclusive benefits through Proxi convenience stores.
• Imperial Oil / EssocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2001Commercial agreement since 2001; became Esso retail brand distributor in several Quebec regions since 2004. Also distributes Esso heating oil and Esso and Mobil lubricants since 2007.
• Too Good To GominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership to sell Surprise Bags through Proxi convenience stores at half price or less, helping reduce food waste while offering savings to customers.
• Montreal Canadiens Children's FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhilanthropic partnership supporting youth health through sports. Contributed to construction of BLEU BLANC BOUGE ice skating rink in Val-d'Or.
• FitspiritminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhilanthropic partnership encouraging healthy lifestyle habits among young people, particularly girls in sports.
• LG2minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCreative agency partner for advertising campaigns including Bye Bye de la pub television commercials.
• Touché!minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia agency partner for advertising campaigns and media buying.
• Hôtel Le Bonne EntenteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Win Two Nights contest offering hotel stay with Proxi gift cards and amenities.
• Guru EnergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Paddle into Summer contest with branded paddle boards at Proxi locations.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Parkland Corporation: Canadian fuel marketer and convenience retailer operating across Canada, the Caribbean, and the U.S. (Parkland, Pioneer, BlueWave, Sol, On the Run). Direct comparable on retail fuel, cardlock, propane, lubricants, and convenience store operations — overlapping product set, customer base (commercial fleets, residential), and B2B cardlock model.
• Superior Plus: Canadian propane and specialty chemicals distributor (Superior Propane, Certarus). Direct comparable on residential, commercial, and agricultural propane distribution in Canada — a core Harnois revenue stream — with overlapping route-based delivery and recurring customer relationships.
• Gibson Energy: Canadian midstream and downstream energy company operating terminals, storage, and wholesale fuel distribution. Comparable on the wholesale petroleum distribution, terminals/depots, and commercial fuel marketing side of Harnois's business, with similar exposure to Canadian fuel logistics economics.
• World Kinect (World Fuel Services): Global aviation, marine, and land fuel distributor serving commercial customers worldwide. Comparable to Harnois's AFS Exécutif aviation FBO subsidiary on aviation fuel and lubricants distribution, with similar commercial cardlock-style customer relationships.

Broad incumbents

• Alimentation Couche-Tard: Parent of Circle K and one of the largest independent fuel and convenience operators globally. Overlaps Harnois on retail forecourts, branded fuel distribution, commercial cards, and convenience retail in Canada, but operates at vastly larger scale and as a broad incumbent rather than a regional specialist.
• Imperial Oil/Esso: Major integrated oil company and Harnois's branded fuels partner (Esso retail, Esso/Mobil lubricants). Overlaps on branded fuel wholesaling, heating oil, lubricants, and commercial cardlock through the Relais Routier Esso program, but operates as a much larger incumbent across the full value chain.
• Suncor Energy (Petro-Canada): Canada's largest integrated energy company operating the Petro-Canada retail network. Overlaps Harnois on retail forecourts, commercial fleet cards, lubricants, and convenience retail across Canada, with a broader upstream and refining footprint.

Emerging players

• Charbone Corporation: Canada's only publicly listed clean ultra-high purity hydrogen company, in which Harnois holds a minority stake and has a strategic distribution partnership. Comparable as a hydrogen-focused emerging player leveraging Harnois's distribution footprint to scale clean hydrogen supply.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LeGroupeHarnois
• Facebookfacebook.com/harnoisenergies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/harnois-energiez

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Harnois Énergies