Cariboo-Chilcotin First Nations communities will receive provincial funding as part of a $7.1 million envelope to develop alternative-energy projects and advance energy efficiency through the Province’s Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program, a CleanBC initiative.
“Our CleanBC goal is to reduce diesel consumption for power generation in remote communities by 80% by 2030,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “By building partnerships and creating opportunities with Indigenous communities and businesses, we can help people living in B.C.’s hardest-to-reach communities save money, become less dependent on fossil fuels and benefit from cleaner air and water.”
The energy projects range in size and scope, from $350,000 for the construction of a biomass combined heat-and-power system for the Lhoozk'uz Dene Nation (Quesnel area), to $2 million to develop and build a two-megawatt solar farm on Haida Gwaii's northern grid that will include battery storage.
The $29-million, three-year CEDR program aims to reduce remote communities’ reliance on diesel fuel, and to support projects focused on energy efficiency and/or those that provide clean, reliable energy year round in areas not serviced by grid electricity. CEDR is part of the Province’s Remote Community Energy Strategy.
British Columbia has 44 remote communities, most of which are governed by First Nations. Many of these communities are served by BC Hydro in non-grid integrated areas. Some First Nations own and operate their own diesel generators. In 2019, the remote communities consumed at least 19.1 million litres of diesel, emitting the equivalent of 51,784 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The CEDR program provides funding for clean-energy initiatives to eligible remote communities that are off-grid residential regions that rely on diesel fuel for electricity generation. Remote communities can apply to three funding streams to support them as they progress through various stages of their planning and implementation of their decarbonization projects. This will help to ensure remote communities have financial supports throughout the life cycle of their energy projects, whether it be at the beginning, early, mid or late stages of planning, or implementation of their decarbonization projects.
To deliver the CEDR program, the Province has partnered with the New Relationship Trust to facilitate investments with remote communities for community energy planning, energy-efficiency projects, and renewable-energy infrastructure. In addition, Coast Funds is working with the trust to support applications from First Nations with communities in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii that rely on diesel to meet their electricity needs.
A second round of CEDR program funding will be announced shortly, and applicants are encouraged to connect with the New Relationship Trust and Coast Funds for more details and assistance. Coast Funds and the trust work with all eligible First Nations and remote communities to develop strong proposals that maximize access to CEDR program funding.
CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. It supports government’s commitment to climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets and build a cleaner, stronger economy.
Backgrounders
In 2022, with the first round of Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program funding, $7.1 million was awarded to 12 remote communities.
- The CEDR program is now seeking applicants for a second round of funding.
The New Relationship Trust is an independent organization established by the New Relationship Trust Act (2006).
- It is dedicated to delivering grant programs to First Nations throughout B.C., and working with governments and organizations to leverage funding sources that build First Nations’ capacity toward self-determination and improved environmental, governmental, social and economic outcomes.
Coast Funds is an Indigenous-led conservation finance organization supporting First Nations’ investments in community well-being and ecological integrity in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii.
- Founded in 2007 with $118 million in contributions from foundations and Crown governments, Coast Funds has approved $107.7 million toward 434 stewardship, renewable energy and economic development projects.
Dease River First Nation - $95,000
Funding to develop a Community Energy Plan, including identifying renewable energy generation opportunities and load forecast modelling.
Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation - $40,000
Funding to update Community Energy Plan, including community engagement, demand-side management analysis and identifying renewable energy-generation opportunities.
Old Massett Village Council - $40,000
Funding to update Community Energy Plan, including community engagement and demand-side management analysis.
Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation - $300,000
Funding to perform energy audits on 300 homes in Bella Bella to develop a plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits.
Nuxalk Nation - $300,000
Funding to perform energy audits on residences to develop a plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits.
Xeni Gwet’in First Nation - $100,000
Funding to perform energy audits on residences to plan for the implementation of shallow and deep building retrofits with a focus on heat pumps.
Gitga'at First Nation - $2,000,000
Funding for pre-construction and construction activities for a run-of-lake 948-kilowatt hydroelectric generation facility. This project aims to reduce 95% of diesel usage for electricity generation.
Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation - $962,400
Funding for activities to upgrade, repair or replace infrastructure for the community’s electricity distribution grid.
Lhoozk'uz Dene Nation - $350,000
Funding for the construction of a biomass combined heat and power system. The project is expected to displace up to 90% of the community's diesel consumption.
Skidegate Band Council - $2,000,000
Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council and Council of the Haida Nation have partnered to form Tll Yahda Energy LP, which will develop and construct a two-megawatt Solar Farm on Haida Gwaii's northern grid and will include battery storage. The project is expected to displace almost 9% of the north grid’s diesel consumption.
Uchucklesaht Tribe Government - $224,475
Funding for the installation of 25-kilowatt of Solar photovoltaic (PV) and storage for a new wellness centre. The project is designed to offset demand on the diesel generating system as buildings and infrastructure in the remote community grow.
Ulkatcho First Nation - $765,800
Funding for pre-construction activities for a proposed 4.4-megawatt solar PV plant and energy-storage facility that is expected to displace as much as 70% of community diesel consumption.
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