VICTORIA – Twelve First Nations throughout B.C. are receiving provincial funding to support clean-energy projects that will help their members lower energy costs and provide them access to efficient, sustainable sources of energy.

“Investing in community clean energy strengthens our energy independence, reduces reliance on power imports and creates lasting economic opportunities,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “First Nations are leaders in the clean-energy sector with innovative and diverse projects, and we look forward to continued partnership together as we create a cleaner, greener future for all British Columbians.”

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund is providing 12 First Nations approximately $1.49 million in capacity and equity funding to develop clean-energy projects that will help provide energy options that are affordable, reduce emissions, protect the environment and bolster local economies. Projects range from installing 24 residential solar photovoltaic systems on Cayoose Creek homes to developing a comprehensive community energy plan for the Nazko First Nation.

The Yekooche First Nation will explore clean-energy opportunities in its territory, where frequent climate-related hazards, such as wildfires and severe storms, have started to impact the local electricity supply. The Province is providing $50,000 to help the Nation complete a prefeasibility study that will assess the viability of solar and wind power projects. The assessments will bring the Yekooche First Nation closer to having a resilient energy source, while also generating long-term employment opportunities.

“Yekooche First Nation is excited and grateful for this funding to investigate solar and wind power projects,” said Steve Nycholat, director of economic development, Yekooche First Nation. “It will help us create a more sustainable and greener future for us and our neighbours.”

In addition to supporting the clean-energy goals of many First Nations communities, the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund supports projects that align with the Province’s CleanBC plan, including:

• community energy plans and clean-energy feasibility studies;
• energy efficiency projects such as heat-pump installations and improving insulation in homes; and
• clean-energy generation projects.

Quotes:

Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“Whether it’s micro-grid, solar power, run-of-river or planning for community energy efficiency and peak load management, First Nations around B.C. are taking action to reduce energy use and switch to cleaner energy options. First Nations’ community participation in the clean energy sector is vital as we work together on a low-carbon future.”

Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks –

“First Nations have long been stewards of this land, and their leadership in the transition to clean energy is a natural extension of this stewardship. These projects will provide lasting benefits to communities and to our environment, and are another example of the progress we can make together to support a sustainable economic future.”

Quick Facts:

• Since the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund launched in 2011, more than 150 First Nations communities have benefited from more than $21 million in funding for clean-energy and energy-efficiency projects.
• Currently, 46 First Nations benefit from 71 clean-energy revenue sharing agreements with B.C. that are based on new incremental revenues to government derived from water and land rents.

Learn More:

To learn more about First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/consulting-with-first-nations/first-nations-clean-energy-business-fund

A backgrounder follows.

1. Cayoose Creek Indian Band – $150,000 in equity funding to install 24 residential solar systems on Cayoose Creek reserve lands.
    
2. Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation – $357,715 in equity funding to support the final design and permitting of a renewable-energy microgrid.
    
3. Saulteau First Nation – $150,000 in equity funding to install 40 residential solar systems in the community.
    
4. Dease River Development Corporation – $371,880 in equity funding to support the development, construction, and operation of the Troutline Creek run-of-river hydropower project.
    
5. Hupačasath First Nation – $150,000 in equity funding to install 27 heat pumps in homes, replacing oil and natural gas furnaces.
    
6. Cheslatta Carrier Nation – $50,000 in capacity funding to support the development of a clean-energy park that includes a solar farm and biofuel mill.
    
7. Xaxli’p First Nation – $11,600 in capacity funding to develop a Housing Energy Efficiency Plan, which includes identifying challenges and opportunities for improving the energy efficiency of Xaxli’p homes.
    
8. Sqwá First Nation – $50,000 in capacity funding to develop a Community Energy Plan to meet the long-term energy goals of the Nation.
    
9. Takla First Nation – $50,000 in capacity funding to develop a long-term electricity load forecast, which will allow the off-grid First Nation to develop clean-energy goals and peak-load management strategies.
    
10. Nazko First Nation – $50,000 in capacity funding to develop a comprehensive Community Energy Plan that will be used as a roadmap for the community's energy objectives.
     
11. Penticton Indian Band (SnPink’tn) – $50,000 in capacity funding to develop a Community Energy Plan and conduct a feasibility study for potential renewable-energy projects.
     
12. Yekooche First Nation – $50,000 in capacity funding to complete a prefeasibility study for potential solar and wind power projects.