First Nations Electricity Program
First Nations Electricity Program 2026
The First Nations Electricity Program (FNEP) is a new stream of the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, launching in Fall 2026. The FNEP will support small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects that are connected to BC Hydro’s integrated grid. The program will be administered jointly by New Relationship Trust (NRT) and BC Hydro. Successful applicants will enter into a funding agreement with the NRT and an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro.
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
FNEP 2026 Background
In 2023, the Province of B.C. provided NRT with a $140 million contribution to expand the BCICEI and further support small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects that are connected to the grid. The funding is intended to help offset the higher anticipated costs of these projects and led to the development of the FNEP – a new stream of the BCICEI, to be administered separately.
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.
FNEP 2026 Project Eligibility Criteria
The project must:
• be able to connect to BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system
• be greater than 2 MW and lesser 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
Important dates
Please note that all events and dates are subject to change.
| Event | Dates |
| FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information Requests open | August 17, 2026 |
| What We Heard Report release | August 26, 2026 |
| FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information Requests deadline* | September 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Draft RFP and Specimen EPA comment period opens | September 21, 2026 |
| Completed FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information Requests delivered | September 25, 2026 |
| NRT optional Enrolment opens | September 28, 2026 |
| Draft RFP and Specimen EPA comment period closes | October 5, 2026 |
| NRT Enrolment closes | October 30, 2026 |
| FNEP 2026 Interconnection Study Requests open | November 2, 2026 |
| FNEP 2026 Interconnection Study Requests deadline | November 16, 2026 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time |
| Procurement & Application Period | Fall 2026 to Early 2027 |
| EPA awarded & NRT Contribution Agreement | Fall 2027 |
*Proponents must complete a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information request to participate in BC Hydro’s Request for Proposals (RFP).
BC Hydro Information
Eligible First Nations may submit a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information Request to BC Hydro starting on August 17, 2026, to determine where a potential project could connect to BC Hydro distribution lines. Visit BC Hydro’s FNEP website for details.
Stay Involved
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