FNEP Frequently Asked Questions

FNEP is a new stream of the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) that launched in Fall 2026 to support new small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects connected to BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system. The program objectives are to enable smaller projects to be cost-competitive, advance First Nations economic development and Provincial reconciliation objectives, and address growing power demand while limiting the impact on BC Hydro ratepayers.

FNEP is a new stream of the BCICEI that was established through a $140 million contribution provided by the Province of B.C. to NRT in 2023. BCICEI supports early and mid-stage development activities. FNEP helps eligible projects move from development to implementation by supporting the final stages of project development and construction.

In July 2023, a program development team was formed to develop initial concepts for the FNEP. The team included the BCICEI Secretariat, which consists of representatives from NRT, BC Hydro, the Province of B.C., and Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). This work has included ongoing engagement with First Nations to help ensure the program reflects community priorities, opportunities, and challenges.

NRT and BC Hydro hosted three virtual information sessions in June and July 2026 to share information on FNEP and answer questions related to the program. A summary of the sessions can be found in the FNEP What We Heard Report.

Prior engagement took place during May and June 2024 on the BCICEI Discussion Paper: Supporting Small-Scale First Nation Clean Energy Projects to gather feedback from potential future funding applicants on the conceptual design of FNEP regarding proposed program principles, eligibility criteria, and funding models. Feedback received is summarized in the 2024 Engagement Summary Report.

FNEP is jointly administered by NRT and BC Hydro, in partnership with the Province of B.C.FNEP is jointly administered by NRT and BC Hydro, in partnership with the Province of B.C.

FNEP will be administered using a competitive intake process. The program combines grant funding administered by NRT with an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) from BC Hydro to support eligible First Nation-led new clean energy projects.

FNEP is guided by the BCICEI Advisory Committee, whose membership includes executive representatives from NRT, the Province of B.C., BC Hydro, PacifiCan, Clean Energy BC, First Nations representatives, and clean energy leaders.

NRT will provide capital grant funding and reimbursement of up to 80% of eligible Interconnection Study costs.

BC Hydro will be administering the Distribution Generator Interconnection process and issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) for successful projects. BC Hydro will also cover a portion of eligible network upgrade costs.

FNEP is planning up to three intakes in total. Details about future intakes will be shared at a later date.

Check the NRT FNEP webpage and BC Hydro FNEP webpage for the latest program updates and key dates.

Sign up for the NRT mailing list to receive ongoing updates via e-mail. 

B.C. First Nations and Tribal Councils with eligible projects can apply.

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

Capital structures will vary by project.

The existing streams of the BCICEI would be a great place to seek funding. NRT provides funding for items such as heat pumps, rooftop solar projects, and other types of clean energy projects. For more information, please visit: BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI).

Other clean energy opportunities can be found in the Clean BC Funding Finder Tool and BC Hydro Self-Generation.

Clean energy projects submitted to FNEP cannot be submitted to BCICEI for funding at the same time as BCICEI provides funding for earlier project development activities. However, applying to FNEP does not restrict eligibility to apply to BCICEI for a different project within the same intake period, as long as the First Nation does not already have an active project in a BCICEI stream.

NRT funding is intended to help bridge the gap between project costs and BC Hydro’s Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) benchmark price, helping projects become more economically viable.

Eligible costs may include: network upgrades not funded by BC Hydro; professional, scientific and technical services; project management, administration and salaries; construction labour and equipment; technology procurement; and other approved implementation costs. A full list of eligible activities will be available in the NRT Grant Application Program Guide to be released in Fall 2026.

Capital grant funding for successful projects will be based on a $1,200/kW calculation. Projects will be subject to a maximum funding cap that will be provided in the NRT Grant Application Program Guide to be released in Fall 2026.

Eligible applicants may receive reimbursement for up to 80% of eligible Interconnection Study costs.

The FNEP 2026 intake is now open. The first mandatory step in the application process – the FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution Information (Basic D) Request – opened on August 17, 2026 and closes on September 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time.

For more information, please visit: First Nations Electricity Program 2026 and Distribution Generation Interconnections.

The NRT Grant Application and BC Hydro Request for Proposal (FRP) package will be available later in Fall 2026 (date to be announced). More information and next steps will be provided to applicants when they receive their Basic D request results on September 25, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to enter the optional NRT Enrolment process (open September 28 to October 30, 2026) to discuss their projects and learn more about the program.

Applicants must apply separately to NRT for grant funding and to BC Hydro (in response to its Request for Proposals (RFP)) for the award of an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA).

To participate in the FNEP 2026 intake, applicants will need to have completed a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information (Basic D) Request. The FNEP 2026 Basic D Requests are open from August 17 to September 11, 2026. For more information, please visit: First Nations Electricity Program 2026 and Distribution Generation Interconnections.

Once Basic D request results have been received, applicants may complete an Interconnection Study, followed by a BC Hydro Request for Proposals (RFP) package and NRT Grant Application.

Each First Nation or Tribal Council may submit a maximum of one project to FNEP.

Only projects that are successful in both the BC Hydro Request for Proposals (RFP) process and NRT Grant Application process will be approved and issued a Contribution Agreement and awarded an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA).

For questions related to the interconnection process, including interconnection studies, the Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA), please visit the BC Hydro FNEP webpage or contact fnep2026@bchydro.com for program related inquiries and distribution.generators@bchydro.com for interconnection study related inquiries.

Program dates are listed on NRT’s FNEP webpage. It will be updated regularly as additional program dates become available.

Projects will be assessed based on project risk and deliverability, First Nations consultation adequacy, funding requested, First Nations ownership, and community benefits. Additional evaluation criteria will be provided in the BC Hydro Request for Proposals (RFP) and NRT Grant Application Program Guide. 

FNEP 2026 RFP and Grant Application evaluation for the first intake will start in Spring 2027 when the BC Hydro Request for Proposals (RFP) and NRT grant applications are due and Intake 1 closes. Successful applicants will be notified in Fall 2027.