July 28, 2022 – British Columbia today announced numerous funding initiatives to develop Indigenous-driven energy projects.

The funding comes via the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF), which supports projects that promote energy efficiency and replace diesel dependency with renewable energy (e.g. solar, ocean thermal, wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric) and energy efficiency planning.

On Vancouver Island…

Hupacasath First Nation received $150,000 in equity funding to install 42 heat pumps in community homes, completing 29 pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations and providing 21 home assessments that will inform retrofit approaches to each home.

K’omoks First Nation received $150,000 equity funding to expand solar energy to homes owned and occupied by band members on-reserve.

T’Sou-ke First Nation received $16,250 capacity funding for the Phase 1 design of a solar roof on the community complex and health centre, which will meet at least 25% of the facility’s total energy demand.

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Economic Development Corp. received $30,000 capacity funding to develop a community energy plan, which will build on the development, construction and operation of three hydropower facilities (past funding provided through the FNCEBF) by focusing on demand-side management opportunities.

On BC’s coast…

Kitasoo Xai’Xais Nation received $150,000 in equity funding toward upgrading about 90 homes and non-residential buildings in Klemtu with heat pump systems over the next three years. (Klemtu generates its own hydroelectricity from upgrades previously funded partially through the FNCEBF).

Squamish Nation received $50,000 capacity funding to develop a Squamish Nation Climate Action Strategy (SCS) during the next two years.

Lil’wat Capital Assets LP received $50,000 capacity funding for acquisition business planning, as it intends to acquire a majority (51% or greater) ownership in a hydropower facility located along the Sea to Sky Corridor.

In BC’s Interior, North…

Daylu Dena Council has received $50,000 in capacity funding to design a rooftop solar system for the multi-purpose community centre under construction in the community of Lower Post.

Kispiox Band received $30,000 capacity funding to complete a community energy plan, which will establish baseline energy consumption, provide greater understanding of clean energy generation and efficiency opportunities, and clarify community energy development goals.

Tsilhqot’in National Government received $30,000 capacity funding to explore one of its clean energy plan recommendations by further assessing renewable resource opportunities across traditional territory. It will also develop a nationwide energy plan that will review existing clean-energy studies, engage each of the six communities, evaluate cost effectiveness and capacity-building benefits, and provide a detailed implementation plan and funding strategy.

Witset First Nation received $150,000 equity funding to complete a small-scale solar, residential metering project, which involves installing 20 systems on Witset reserve lands.

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides:

• as much as $500,000 in equity funding for clean-energy projects;
• as much as $150,000 toward community energy projects, such as energy efficiency, demand-side management and fuel-switching; and
• as much as $50,000 in capacity funding for community energy planning, feasibility studies or engagement with private-sector clean energy project proponents.

The FNCEBF is available to BC Indigenous communities with projects located in the province