A new round of funding is now available through Ontario’s Indigenous energy support program (IESP) aimed at kickstarting economic development and community development initiatives tied to renewable energy, conservation and sustainable self-sufficiency in remote regions of the province. This year, the Ontario government has added an extra $10 million to the pot to push the total available funding up to $25 million, and increased the maximum grant threshold for projects that replace diesel-fired power generation in nine specified remote First Nations.
“Indigenous communities are not just rights-holders; they are partners and leaders,” says Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines. “From equity in transmission projects to cutting-edge technologies like battery storage, we are creating real opportunities and building prosperity that will last for generations.”
First Nations, Métis communities and Indigenous organizations, such as service and housing providers, can apply for funding under three program streams, related to:
- development of, or attainment of an equity stake in renewable generation, battery energy storage, electricity transmission or emerging energy technology projects;
- energy management expertise, training and tools; or
- community energy plans.
To begin, recipients could qualify for up to $50,000 to undertake a feasibility study for an energy infrastructure project, and up to $85,000 for due diligence related to assessing and forming partnerships with co-stakeholders. From there, applicants outside one of the nine designated remote First Nations could qualify for up to 80 per cent of eligible costs, to a maximum of $250,000, to support various stages of project development.
Prospective proponents in one of the designated remote First Nations could qualify for up to $500,000 for projects that will reduce reliance on diesel-fired electricity generation. The nine specified First Nations include: Marten Falls; Webequie; Eabametoong; Nibinamik; Neskantaga; Fort Severn; Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek (Gull Bay); Weenusk (Peawanuck); and Whitesand.
Within the capacity-building stream of the program, successful proponents can secure up to $180,000 over three years to underwrite the salary of a dedicated energy manager, to be designated as the community energy champion (CEC). That additionally comes with up to $15,000 over three years to cover various related expenses.
Other capacity-building components offer up to $75,000 toward energy management training and programs to promote conservation behaviour; and up to $60,000 to undertake demonstration projects that test new tools and approaches for delivering energy management programming. A single applicant could be eligible for funding for two or more training or community engagement programs to a maximum of $150,000.
Finally, up to $135,000 is available to underwrite development of new community energy plans that contain specified elements, including: a baseline energy assessment; a future needs forecast; a community engagement strategy; a vision statement and explicit short-, medium- and long-term goals; and an implementation plan. Or, applicants could receive up to $75,000 to update an existing community energy plan.
A single Indigenous applicant may qualify for a maximum of $730,000 per calendar year across the entire menu of funding opportunities. Non-Indigenous organizations may apply as co-applicants with eligible Indigenous proponents under the capacity-building stream. Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) administers the Indigenous energy support program and will be accepting applications until Oct. 3, 2025.
“The IESO looks forward to continuing to work with our Indigenous partners on energy projects that serve community needs and the needs of the broader electricity system,” affirms Lesley Gallinger, IESO president and chief executive officer.
