B.C. is providing $6.6 million to 13 remote First Nations to help reduce reliance on diesel generators for power, the province announced on Thursday (March 12).
The Community Energy Diesel Reduction Program helps pay for clean energy projects in off-grid communities and is part of the province’s CleanBC strategy.
A statement from Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix said this will help the First Nations “attain energy sovereignty.”
Major disbursments include $870,000 for the design of a solar-power-coupled pumped storage system in the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, $1.5 million for the design of a 3.5-megawatt solar power project in the Tsay Keh Dene Nation, and $500,000 for building envelope upgrades in 30 homes in the Ulkatcho First Nation.
The Ulkatcho Energy Corporation is also receiving $1.1 million for the testing and commissioning of a 3.8-megawatt solar plant project and solar control centre.
Other large grants include $500,000 for the Skidegate Band Council to install energy-efficiency upgrades in 74 homes and $500,000 for the Heiltsuk First Nation to install energy-efficient improvements in its community hall.
Approximately $90,000 is going to each of the Gwawaenuk Tribe, Hesquiaht First Nation and Takla Lake First Nation to create community energy plans, and the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ and Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations will receive $40,000 for a feasibility study of renewable-energy generation technologies in the Kyuquot community.
Since its inception in 2022, the diesel reduction program has provided a combined $30 million toward 56 projects in 26 communities.