The Province of Ontario announced a major increase to the Indigenous Energy Support Program on Tuesday morning.
At the Mohawk Community Centre on York Road, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce laid out an increase of $10 million, bringing the total to $25 million.
The money being made available is a 66 per cent increase year-over-year.
“Advancing economic reconciliation is essential to Ontario’s energy future and our government is
backing it with action, investment and results,” said Lecce. “As we build the energy infrastructure our growing province needs, Indigenous communities are not just rights-holders — they are partners and leaders. 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.”
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Chief R Don Maracle speaks to Energy and Mines Minsiter Stephen Lecce (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Lecce says they are also modernizing the program.
“To now include emerging technologies based on feedback of many Chiefs in the province, to include projects like battery storage, reflecting the changing realities of Ontario’s energy landscape and ensuring that Indigenous communities are at the forefront of that innovation.”
Chief R Don Maracle on how the MBC has utilized the program in the past:
“The use of renewable energy allows for reduced energy costs for our community members. The IESP has allowed MBQ to hire a community energy champion, to lead the communities’ efforts to update and implement the community energy plan.”
Lesley Gallinger is the president of the Independent Electricity System Operators.
“This starts at the community level, so that Indigenous communities have the skills and resources they need to pursue economic development opportunities, increase energy resilience and lead and partner on major energy projects.
Hastings-Lennox and Addington MPP Ric Bresee says it is a big victory to see this level of engagement.
“We often speak about the modern world needing electricity, needing energy, and we know in order to do that, you need to generate it, you need to transmit it, you need to move it from place to place and you need people. People to manage it.”
There is also a stream of funds to help diesel-reliant Indigenous communities build electricity transmission and generation infrastructure.
Currently there are nine communities in the province that can access up to $500,000 annually from this stream.
Details on the application process and more info can be found by CLICKING HERE
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(l-r) Lesley Gallingher, President of the Independent Electricity System Operator, Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce, MBQ Chief R Don Maracle, and HL&A MPP Ric Bresee (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
Quotes from Tuesday morning’s announcement can by found below
“In today’s economy, two of the most critical resources for any community are access to reliable
energy—and the people with the skills to manage it. It’s encouraging to see our government taking
real steps to ensure First Nations communities are not only connected to Ontario’s energy future but
are empowered to lead it—through local generation, transmission, and long-term capacity building.”
Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings-Lennox and Addington—
“The Indigenous Energy Support Program continues to be a powerful tool for advancing
reconciliation and ensuring Indigenous communities have the support they need to be leaders in the
electricity sector. 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.” –
Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO, Independent Electricity System Operator—
“Energy Storage Canada welcomes today’s announcement from the government of Ontario,
increasing the funding for the province’s Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) by $10 million,
and expanding the program’s eligibility to include emerging technologies such as battery energy
storage systems (BESS). Indigenous-led energy projects will support the expansion of Ontario’s
electricity system to meet projected demand, providing more reliable, efficient and equitable energy
throughout the province. First Nations partnerships have been fundamental to the development of
Ontario’s energy storage industry. We’re pleased that today’s announcement will support the
continued growth of our industry, while providing a critical opportunity to advance economic
reconciliation for Ontario’s Indigenous communities. ”
Justin W. Rangooni, President & CEO, Energy Storage Canada—
“Investing in reliable, clean energy and partnering with Indigenous communities is key to getting
things built in Ontario. Today’s announcement provides more opportunities for advancing economic
reconciliation and clean economic growth. Building energy projects and technologies here at home,
in collaboration with Indigenous partners, will create a more affordable, reliable and resilient power
system, bringing Ontario closer to its goal of becoming a clean energy superpower.” –
Jason Clark, VP, Government Relations, New Economy Canada
