Indigenous communities are receiving funding for various energy support programs and energy-sufficiency measures.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has earmarked $7.1 million to 61 Indigenous communities and organizations across Ontario, according to a news release.
The funding aims to increase Indigenous participation in the electricity sector and help the recipients manage their energy costs.
The local communities that will receive funding are Moose Cree First Nation, Taykwa Tagamou Nation, Wahgoshig First Nation, Fort Severn First Nation and Constance Lake First Nation.
In Moose Cree, there will be community training and information sessions that will allow the community to pursue biomass development and offset the costs of propane and oil heating, according to yesterday's news release.
Waghoshig’s project builds on initiatives outlined in the Community Energy Plan. That includes youth-specific engagement, encouraging community participation in the energy plan, training for Community Energy Champion and helping residents choose technologies for their homes.
Fort Severn received funding under the Indigenous Energy Projects (IEP) program.
According to the release, the community will complete Phase 2 of its 300kW solar-battery-diesel microgrid system, which is the largest and only one of its kind in remote northern Ontario. The project includes the design, installation, commissioning and management of the microgrid communication system that will be merged into the existing diesel generation control system.
Constance Lake received funding to hire a designated Community Energy Champion for three years to support various energy initiatives and projects.
Taykwa Tagamou will conduct a feasibility study to assess the economic impact of a residential solar power plant in the community.
Under the Education and Capacity Building (ECB) program, Taykwa Tagamou will also provide direct training for the Community Energy Champion and Energy Team on how to manage a new solar build. It will include solar theory and installation training, a community and project communication plan, opportunities to attend green power conferences and visits to other communities.
