First Nations Electricity Program (FNEP) 2026

Who Can Apply

• B.C. First Nations
• Tribal Councils

The proposed project must be located in B.C. and be able to connect to BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system.

Application Limit

Each First Nation or Tribal Council may only submit one application to FNEP.

Overview

The First Nations Electricity Program (FNEP) is a new stream of the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI). The program was established through a $140 million contribution provided by the Province of British Columbia to New Relationship Trust (NRT) in 2023 to expand the BCICEI and support more First Nation-led clean energy projects.  

FNEP supports small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects that are connected to BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system. The program is jointly administered by NRT and BC Hydro, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia. Successful applicants will enter into a funding agreement with the NRT and an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro. 

To explore resources on how to plan and develop a clean energy project, please visit our Clean Energy Project Development Resource Hub. 

Program Objectives

The program objectives are to:  

• support the development of small-scale First Nation-led on-grid clean energy projects 
• advance First Nation economic development and Provincial reconciliation objectives 
• address the growing demand for power in B.C. while limiting the impact on BC Hydro ratepayers 
• offset costs to enable smaller clean energy projects to be competitive

Program Eligibility

To be considered for funding, the project must: 

• be able to connect to BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system 
• be greater than 2 MW and less than or equal to 15 MW in size
• have First Nations majority ownership of 51% or more  
• be a clean or renewable resource, as defined by the Clean Energy Act  
• have a commercial operation date before December 31, 2032

How to Apply

Program Update: A provincial election is scheduled for October 24, 2026. As BC Hydro is a Crown corporation, the First Nations Electricity Program 2026 (FNEP 2026) is currently paused until a new government is formed. As a result, the release of the Basic Distribution Information Request Results for the FNEP 2026 and NRT Optional Enrolment have been deferred until the interregnum concludes, which is expected to be several weeks after the election date. BC Hydro will provide an update on timing as soon as more information is available, including the revised schedule for FNEP 2026 Interconnection Study. Please refer to this website and the BC Hydro FNEP 2026 webpage for updates. 

• Complete a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information (Basic D) Request. A FNEP Basic D Request must be completed to participate in the FNEP 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) and NRT Grant Application. Basic D Requests for the FNEP 2026 intake closed on September 11, 2026.
• Sign up for NRT Optional Enrolment below (deferred – new dates to be announced).
• Complete an Interconnection Study, BC Hydro Request for Proposals (RFP) package, and NRT Grant Application (dates and details to be announced).
• For additional information, see the important dates below or visit the FNEP FAQs page.

Important Dates

Please note that all events and dates are subject to change.

What We Heard Report

In June and July 2026, NRT and BC Hydro hosted three virtual information sessions on FNEP 2026 to share proposed program parameters, provide an overview of the program process, and answer questions related to the program. Mahihkan Management supported the planning and facilitation of these sessions and prepared a What We Heard Report, which summarizes participant questions, comments, and key discussion themes. See the report below to learn more.

Contact

We encourage potential applicants to reach out if you have questions, require assistance, or wish to request support. Please email fnep@nrtf.ca.

To receive ongoing FNEP 2026 updates please sign up to our mailing list.

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