April 22, 2024 – Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator is providing up to $15 million for Indigenous energy planning, infrastructure development, and education.

The application window is open now for IESO’s Indigenous Energy Support Program, which aims to promote 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 is open until August 30. 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 projects that are prioritized by the community.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT projects, such as renewable energy installations, transmission projects, storage installations, sector partnerships, and capital projects.

“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.”

ENERGY RESILIENCE and MONITORING activities, such as energy planning, project monitoring, impact assessments, and energy auditing.

“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,” Maracle added.