Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has opened a new envelope of funds with $15 million annually to assist Indigenous communities and organizations with energy planning, infrastructure development and ongoing energy management. For 2024, eligible candidates have until August 30 to apply for grants in three categories, broadly defined as: capacity building; economic development; and energy resiliency and monitoring.
Available grants will generally max out at $250,000 for capital expenses related to renewable energy projects or pilot projects that demonstrate innovative technologies and/or project delivery approaches. However, four specified “remote” communities — Fort Severn First Nation; Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek First Nation (Gull Bay); Weenusk First Nation (Peawanuck); and Whitesand First Nation — are eligible for $500,000.
Funding in smaller amounts is also available to subsidize: community engagement; enrollment in skills training and certification programs; hiring of a dedicated energy management specialist for a three-year term; and various studies, plans and regulatory diligence procedures that may be required ahead of a renewable energy project.
“The objective of the Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) is to promote broad equitable participation in Ontario’s electricity sector by First Nation and Métis communities and First Nation and Métis organizations by supporting community capacity building, including energy planning and access to project partnerships and development, as well as the building of energy knowledge, awareness and skills related to energy projects,” the IESO’s program guidelines state.
Earlier this year, the IESO also more than tripled the maximum funding available through its retrofit program for commercial and public facilities in on-reserve First Nations communities. Up to $330,000 worth of installed energy-efficiency upgrades are now on offer, along with a complimentary energy assessment, audit and benchmark report of up to 15 facilities of the Band Council’s choosing.
Band Councils in 103 specified on-reserve communities that are connected to the provincial electricity grid can apply. First Nations participants can opt for third-party project management for straightforward installation of specified products and equipment, including lighting, lighting controls, smart thermostats, window air conditioning units and vending machine controls, or they can choose to oversee the projects themselves with support from one of the IESO’s designated partners. The latter approach provides flexibility for more complicated retrofit projects in water and wastewater treatment facilities, arenas and street lighting.
