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 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  

• Submit a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information (Basic D) Request to BC Hydro. Requests close on September 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. A FNEP Basic D Request must be completed to participate in the FNEP 2026 Request for Proposals (RFP) and NRT Grant Application. Visit BC Hydro’s FNEP website for details.
• Sign up for optional NRT Enrolment, open from September 28 to October 30, 2026.   
• Complete an Interconnection Study, BC Hydro Request for Proposals (RFP) package, and NRT Grant Application (dates and details to be announced soon). 

Important dates 

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

*Proponents must complete a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information request to participate in BC Hydro’s Request for Proposals (RFP). 

Stay Involved 

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