VICTORIA – The Province of British Columbia is funding clean-energy projects in four First Nations communities through the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF).
The fund supports projects that promote energy efficiency and replace diesel dependency with renewable energy in areas such as solar, ocean thermal, wind energy, biomass, run-of-river hydroelectric power and energy-efficiency planning, a Government of B.C. release stated.
“Congratulations to these four First Nations communities on being at the forefront of shifting to clean-energy sources. The ravages of climate change are a real threat to many communities. Clean energy offers a path to a healthier, more resilient future for us all,” B.C. Premier John Horgan said in a press release.
The Hupačasath First Nation has received $150,000 in equity funding to install 42 heat pumps in community homes, complete 29 pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations and provide 21 home assessments to inform retrofit approaches to each home.
“Our members say it is important for their home energy to come from clean, renewable sources. It is critically important to ensure our members are healthy, safe and comfortable in their homes. Installing heat pumps with high-efficiency cooling and dehumidifying capabilities help prepare our members homes for dangerous heat waves and summer conditions that are inevitable and increasingly more severe in the Alberni Valley,” stated Hupačasath First Nation chief councilor Brandy Lauder.
K’ómoks First Nation has received $150,000 of equity funding to expand solar energy to homes owned and occupied by band members on-reserve, lessening the nation’s environmental footprint.
T’Sou-ke First Nation has received $16,250 in capacity funding for Phase 1 design of a solar roof on the community complex and health centre meeting at least 25 per cent of the facility’s total energy demand using clean-energy sources.
Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation Economic Develeopment Corp. received $30,000 in capacity funding to develop a community energy plan building on successful development, construction and operation of three hydropower facilities under previous FNCEBF funding.
“The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation appreciates the assistance by the province’s Clean Energy Business Fund in helping our communities to develop and implement meaningful, clean-energy goals. In the winter season, TFN’s three run-of-river hydro companies supply most of the electricity for the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island. This project will help to keep our communities moving in the direction of energy self-sufficiency,” said Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation diector of lands Saya Masso.
The FNCEBF is accepting applications for the next intake until Sept. 30.
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