August 4, 2022 – Through its Indigenous Energy Support Programs, Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is providing more than $4.8 million to 47 communities and organizations to support a suite of energy-related programs and projects.

“Indigenous communities are growing their leadership in major energy projects and actively participating in Ontario’s electricity sector,” said Lesley Gallinger, president & CEO, adding that IESO is “committed to continuing our work with Indigenous communities and organizations and engaging in conversations that will support their energy, environmental and social objectives.”

Indigenous-led projects receiving funding through the Indigenous Energy Support Programs will help develop renewable generation, electric vehicle charging, energy efficiency measures and community energy planning, as well as skills development and training opportunities for youth.

“By advancing work on this critical infrastructure, this funding is also supporting communities as they build local capacity, contribute to the electricity grid and further innovation in our energy sector,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy.

Indigenous Energy Projects (IEP) Program

The following communities and organizations have received support for a variety of supply solutions:

• Atikameksheng Anishnawbek: This community will conduct a feasibility study to determine which renewable source is best suited for an energy distribution system to serve community members and lower electricity costs.

• Beausoleil First Nation: An aging single-phase submarine cable currently supplying power to their island will be replaced with three-phase power.

• Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek: Funding will allow this community to implement a pilot consisting of installing solar charging stations for battery electric vehicles.

• Garden River First Nation: This community will conduct a feasibility study and energy audit to assess the viability of using solar PV panels to meet the energy requirements of a band-owned facility in Ojibway Park. Approximately 140 kW of solar will be installed to offset energy costs.

• M’Chigeeng First Nation: The funding will allow this community to conduct a technical feasibility study and legal due diligence assessment of a potential partnership with Lafarge to explore a renewable project to offset diesel use on Manitoulin Island.

• Mishkeegogamang First Nation: The funding will allow the community to conduct a feasibility study to install fixed ground-mounted solar panels on a newly constructed 10-unit Seniors’ Residence.

• Mishkosiminiziibiing (Big Grassy River) First Nation: This community will assess the feasibility of building a solar PV system on the roof of the school and community centre.

• Nipissing First Nation: Funding will help the community adopt the use of battery electric vehicles by installing charging stations in the community and subsidizing the cost of stations in members’ homes.

• Northwest Angle 33 First Nation: The community will assess the feasibility of building a rooftop solar PV system on a community building (to-be-identified).

• Red Rock Indian Band: Funding will help assess the feasibility of renewable energy options to allow the construction of a renewable micro-generation facility in the community.

• Shawanaga First Nation: This community will install 46-kW solar PV panels on the community Healing Centre to offset energy costs.

• Sheshegwaning First Nation: Sheshegwaning will install 20-kW, net-metered solar systems on two band buildings to reduce energy costs.

• Southwind Corporate Development Inc. (wholly owned by Kettle and Stony Point First Nation): Explore and establish economic partnerships with licensed transmitters, local distribution companies and other First Nations in southern Ontario to strengthen alignments in the energy sector and provide the community with revenue streams.

• Temagami First Nation: Install solar streetlighting (powered by an 80-W solar panel on each pole) around the community to reduce existing operations and maintenance costs.

• Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation: Funding will allow the community to assess the feasibility of building a rooftop solar PV system on a community building (to-be-identified).

Community Energy Champion (CEC) Program

The following communities and organizations have received funding to hire a Community Energy Champion for three years to support energy initiatives:

Couchiching First Nation • Eagle Lake First Nation • Lac Seul First Nation • M’Chigeeng First Nation • Mishkosiminiziibiing (Big Grassy River) First Nation • Missanabie Cree First Nation • Mississauga First Nation • Mitaanjigamiing First Nation • NDC LP (Naicatchewenin First Nation) • Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) • Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) • Sheshegwaning First Nation • Wikwemikong Development Commission

Education and Capacity-Building (ECB) Program

The following communities and organizations have received funding to support energy awareness, education, skills and capacity-building initiatives:

• Atikameksheng Anishnawbek • Garden River First Nation • Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise • Kasabonika Lake First Nation • Michipicoten First Nation • Sagamok Anishnawbek • Six Nations of the Grand River • Temagami First Nation • Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. • Wataynikaneyap Power LP

Indigenous Community Energy Plan (ICEP) Program

The following communities and organizations have received funding to create or update a Community Energy Plan:

• Caldwell First Nation • Constance Lake First Nation• M’Chigeeng First Nation • Matachewan First Nation • Missanabie Cree First Nation • Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation • Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation • Six Nations of the Grand River • Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation

Learn more about IESO’s Indigenous Energy Support Programs.