Funding Opportunities Abound for Indigenous Energy Initiatives

Today, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) revealed a significant allocation of up to $15 million for Indigenous energy planning, infrastructure development, and educational endeavors.

Indigenous communities can access this funding opportunity through the Indigenous Energy Support Program until August 30.

“The Indigenous Energy Support Program is one part of this commitment, promoting Indigenous leadership in the sector while moving the needle on energy projects that will support the growth and decarbonization of Ontario’s electricity system,” said Carla Nell, IESO vice-president of Corporate Relations, Stakeholder Engagement and Innovation, in a news release.

The IESO operates Ontario’s power grid 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring Ontarians receive a reliable and cost-effective source of power when and where they need it. It works with sector partners and engages with communities across Ontario to plan and prepare for the province’s electricity needs now and into the future.

Full text of the release issued by IESO follows:

As First Nations and Métis communities are increasingly at the forefront of Ontario’s energy transformation, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is providing up to $15 million for Indigenous energy planning, infrastructure development and education to support Indigenous leadership in the energy sector.

“First Nations and Métis communities are critical partners in the energy transformation and the IESO is committed to building enduring relationships and inclusive partnerships with Indigenous Peoples,” said Carla Nell, vice-president of Corporate Relations, Stakeholder Engagement and Innovation at the IESO. “The Indigenous Energy Support Program is one part of this commitment, promoting Indigenous leadership in the sector while moving the needle on energy projects that will support the growth and decarbonization of Ontario’s electricity system.”

The 2024 intake window for the Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) is now open and runs until Aug. 30, 2024. Indigenous communities are eligible to apply for funding under one, or all, of the following streams:

• Capacity Building, such as professional training, community engagement, youth and elder workshops and the hiring of a Community Energy Champion to help identify, plan and implement energy-related priorities for their community.
• Economic Development projects, such as renewable installations, transmission projects, storage installations, sector partnerships and capital projects.
• Energy Resilience and Monitoring activities, such as energy planning, project monitoring, impact assessments and energy auditing.

“The Indigenous Energy Support Program has been very beneficial to our community,” said Chief R. Donald Maracle, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte. “With this funding, our Community Energy Team will be able to develop the skills they need to build and maintain our renewable energy assets. We will also be able to hire a Community Energy Champion to lead projects that will strengthen our energy resilience, reduce costs for our members and create economic opportunities for future generations.”

The Indigenous Energy Support Program is an important foundational step towards the longer-term goal of achieving fair, equitable and inclusive participation in the electricity sector. This is especially important as the pace of Ontario’s energy transformation accelerates and First Nations and Métis communities become partners that bring essential knowledge, experiences and perspectives to energy discussions.

Since its establishment in 2009, the Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) has been instrumental in empowering Indigenous communities and organizations, with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) allocating a total of $74 million to 170 recipients. Past projects funded under the IESP encompass a diverse range of initiatives, from training programs for large grid-scale battery storage systems to the installation of solar panels to meet community energy demands and the establishment of local micro-grids.

This year, the funding for the IESP received a notable boost of $5 million, bringing the total investment to $15 million. This additional financial support aims to enable more Indigenous communities to undertake vital energy infrastructure projects, reinforcing their active engagement in Ontario’s electricity sector.

One exemplary collaboration is the Wataynikaneyap Power Project, a joint effort among 24 First Nations aimed at connecting 17 remote communities to the provincial electricity grid. Additionally, the IESO’s Expedited Long-Term 1 procurement initiative saw nine out of 15 approved projects boasting over 50 percent Indigenous ownership.

Another noteworthy endeavor is the ONEIDA battery storage project, poised to become Canada’s largest battery storage facility, developed in partnership with the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation.

Furthermore, the IESO extends its support to Indigenous communities through the First Nations Energy Programs offered by Save on Energy. These programs encompass a spectrum of initiatives, ranging from community building retrofits to energy management solutions for remote communities and energy-efficient upgrades for existing homes.