OPA Supports Aboriginal Community Energy Planning
Press Release
Aboriginal Community Energy Plan Program provides funding to support Aboriginal communities in developing community-level energy plans
Toronto, October 30, 2014 — The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) is again accepting proposals for the Aboriginal Community Energy Plan (ACEP) Program, which can provide First Nation and Métis communities with up to $90,000 for local energy planning.
The ACEP program will support Aboriginal participation in Ontario’s energy sector by providing up to $90,000 in funding to First Nation or Métis communities for local energy planning activities and the development of a Community Energy Plan; or $25,000 in funding to make updates to an existing Community Energy Plan. Remote communities are eligible for an additional $5,000 in funding.
This proposal-based program encourages the development of energy plans that identify the unique needs and interests of each First Nation and Métis community. A community energy plan is a comprehensive long-term plan to improve energy efficiency, reduce electricity consumption and assess opportunities for green energy solutions. Aboriginal communities requiring more information or interested in making a submission should email ACEP@powerauthority.on.ca or call 416-969-6317.
In May 2014, the OPA approved 22 proposals involving 29 participating Ontario Aboriginal communities, including remote, northern and southern First Nations. See the list of successful communities to date and a map showing the location of these communities.
Quotes
“This program will support First Nation and Métis communities with the development of a community energy plan that will identify unique community needs and interests, and find opportunities for conservation and clean small-scale generation.”
– Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy
“The OPA considers First Nation and Métis participation in the energy sector and the development of generation and conservation projects as important. The OPA will continue to work with our First Nation and Métis partners and continue to support Aboriginal communities in achieving their energy planning goals.”
– Colin Andersen, CEO, Ontario Power Authority
Media Contact
John Cannella, Ontario Power Authority
416-969-6307
media@powerauthority.on.ca
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