In the News

Clean energy funding available for First Nations in BC

VANCOUVER – The New Relationship Trust (NRT) invites First Nations, Tribal Councils and eligible Indigenous organizations across British Columbia to submit funding applications to the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) from February 3 to March 17, 2025

The BCICEI provides funding to advance cost-effective clean energy projects led by First Nations. The program is intended to bridge the gap in early-stage funding for community energy ventures while also supporting Indigenous ownership, revenue sharing, business development and local employment  opportunities. 

“Investing in clean-energy development and energy efficiency projects are a key part of our plan to reduce emissions and meet the growing demand for clean, affordable power, said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We will continue to build partnerships with First Nations as they shape their future in the clean-energy sector.”

This year, a new funding stream will be available through the BCICEI to support community energy plans (CEPs), in addition to existing funding streams.

“We are pleased to expand the availability of funding for community energy planning within the BCICEI to meet the demand for this important energy efficiency tool,” says NRT CEO Walter Schneider. “This will  empower communities with more flexibility in decarbonizing their energy systems and lay the  groundwork for future ventures.”

Applicants can select from four project streams within the BCICEI: 

  • [New in 2025] Community Energy Plans (CEPs): Applicants can choose from three categories:  develop a new CEP, update an existing CEP, and a turn-key CEP, where NRT partners with  preferred consultants to create an online energy planning dashboard. Up to $75K is available for a new and $40K for an update is available. 
  • Stream 2—Project Planning: Up to $300K is available for eligible activities including feasibility  and site solution, project design and engineering, and environmental review and permitting.
  • Stream 3—Small scale Energy & Efficiency: Up to $300K is available for Demand side  Management initiatives or retrofits, as well as small-scale clean energy installations.
  • Stream 4—Pre-Construction/Pre-Commercial Operating Date: Up to $500K is available for  projects that have an existing energy purchase agreement or impact benefit agreement. 

The NRT administers funding on behalf of the Government of Canada’s Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCAN) and the Province of British Columbia to deliver the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI).  

In June 2023, the Province announced a contribution of $140 million to establish a new funding stream to expand the BCICEI to further support Indigenous-led clean energy projects. 

In the coming weeks, NRT will be issuing a Request for Information to gather information on the  Indigenous clean energy landscape and determine how best to allocate this funding to support the development of small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects on BC Hydro’s integrated electricity grid.

About New Relationship Trust  

NRT has been dedicated to empowering First Nations in British Columbia in their unique journeys toward  self-determination and nationhood since 2006.

The NRT serves as a catalyst for capacity development transformation across First Nations in British  Columbia through its funding pillars of Nation Building, Economic Development, Education, Language and Culture, and through strategic partnerships with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

An Indigenous-led, politically neutral and independent non-profit, the NRT was established with the  passing of the New Relationship Trust Act and the transfer of $100 million from the Province of British Columbia.

Since then, NRT has flowed more than $185 million dollars to First Nations to support them in building resilient and thriving communities on their own terms. Thanks to prudent fiscal management, the initial capitalization has become a perpetual fund that will support First Nations into the future they choose to create for themselves. 

Media Contact: Marie Alaimo, Director of Operations 

Email: media@nrtf.ca

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