The Ontario Power Authority announced the opening March 31 of a funding program to help First Nations and Métis communities develop energy plans. The energy plans will assist communities to become more energy efficient, meet future energy needs and explore adding small-scale clean energy projects.
The Aboriginal Community Energy Plan (ACEP) provides a step-by-step process for getting community members involved in providing direction on how future energy needs can be met. Applicants can apply to cover the cost of community meetings and planning sessions, as well as collecting baseline information required to proceed with conservation and renewable micro-generation projects. Full details, including programs rules and guidelines, are available from www.aboriginalenergy.ca.
The ACEP is the third component of the Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program, announced in April 2010. The other two complementary initiatives, which also began operation in April 2010, are the Aboriginal Renewable Energy Fund (AREF) and the Aboriginal Renewable Energy Network (AREN).
The Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program was created with the help of, and receives ongoing guidance from, the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, which comprises eight members nominated by First Nation Political Territorial Organizations, the Métis Nation of Ontario and the OPA.
The three modules of the Aboriginal Community Energy Plan specifically cover:
Education, Vision and Community Profile – To develop guiding principles and a common community vision. Participants will complete a profile with information about community size, location and its existing energy profile.
Community Baseline Study – To examine total energy use to find cost savings and conservation and renewable micro-generation benefits. It will also help determine the impact of existing community policies and procedures on meeting a community’s vision and guiding principles.
Development of a Community Energy Plan – To identify electricity conservation priorities and renewable micro-generation opportunities, develop an action plan and make recommendations for community policy changes on electricity use. The action plan can position communities to take advantage of conservation initiatives.
More information about these programs can be obtained from www.aboriginalenergy.ca; by email,