November 21, 2023 – To help build more “clean energy” projects and reduce electricity costs in Indigenous communities, Ontario is increasing funding for the province’s Indigenous Energy Support Programs by $5 million, bringing the total annual spend to $15 million.

Administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator, 93 projects across 58 Indigenous communities will receive funding this year, across four streams:

• 15 communities or organizations will receive funding to hire a “Community Energy Champion” to plan, implement, and evaluate energy-related projects and priorities.

• 41 activities will help build electricity projects such as solar, energy storage, and geothermal.

• 35 projects will receive funding to help build awareness and capacity “to fully leverage electricity sector opportunities”.

• 2 communities will receive funding to update their Community Energy Plans to help improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption.

“Indigenous Nations are crucial partners in the energy transformation,” said Lesley Gallinger, president & CEO, IESO. “The Energy Support Programs promote Indigenous leadership, participation and community capacity-building in the electricity sector, helping to move the needle on energy projects that will support the growth and decarbonization of Ontario’s electricity system.”

LEARN MORE about the projects involved (PDF download): ONT Indigenous ESPs 5MIL Nov2023 LIST

Since the inception of the Energy Support Programs in 2009, IESO has awarded $71 million to 177 Indigenous communities and organizations.