REMOTE COMMUNITY CLEAN ENERGY PROGRAM

The Province’s Remote Community Clean Energy Program encourages and supports sustainable remote community energy systems through community energy planning, community-owned clean energy development and energy efficiency solutions.

The Province has committed $20 million for remote communities’ clean energy and energy efficiency solutions under this program. The program also includes the distribution of energy saving kits in remote communities and support for the development of community energy plans.

There are several components to this program. By submitting an expression of interest, every remote community and adjacent resident is eligible to participate in the program. Program staff will work with communities to access support, expertise and matching funding for community energy solutions.

A significant component of the Province’s energy system support in remote communities is BC Hydro’s Remote Community Electrification initiative, which provides improved electrical utility service to interested eligible remote communities.

Remote Community Definition

Remote communities, including both civic and First Nation communities, are invited to submit an expression of interest to work with the program. Remote communities are defined as communities that are not connected to the major natural gas or electric grid. There are approximately 70 remote communities identified; roughly half are First Nations. The majority of these communities use diesel generators to support their energy demand.

Funding Priorities for Remote Community Clean Energy Program

The $20 million is being provided over four years in three key areas:

Community Energy Planning

The first step is to submit an expression of interest and initiate a community energy plan. All remote communities that do not already have a community energy plan are eligible for funding and staff support. Once the community energy plan is initiated, communities may be eligible for further funding to implement their energy efficiency and clean energy supply projects.

Major Projects

Clean energy supply projects that displace diesel generation and are identified in a community energy plan are eligible for funding. The first projects to receive program funding in 07/08 included:

· $1 million towards the Atlin Hydroelectric Project that will displace diesel-generated electricity.

· $1 million towards the Klemtu Hydroelectric Project that will displace diesel-generated electricity.

· $300,000 to the Northern Rockies Regional District to assist the community of Toad River in paying for an overhead distribution line and exploring alternative energy options. The overhead distribution line is required for Toad River to participate in the BC Hydro electrification program.

· $175,000 to the Hesquiaht First Nation to complete energy efficiency upgrades and alternative energy feasibility studies.

· $175,000 to the Wuikinuxv Nation to complete energy efficiency upgrades and building audits.

· $175,000 to the Kwicksutaineuk/Ah-Kwa-Mish First Nations to assess wind power opportunities for their community and install energy efficient heating, hot water and heat recovery ventilators in their homes.

An additional $2.3 million is allocated for 08/09, and approximately $6 - $7 million will be allocated for a further two years.

Energy Efficiency and Energy Savings Kits

Community energy efficiency projects are also eligible for funding. $1 million of program funding has gone towards the purchase of energy efficiency equipment for Energy Savings Kits. The kits are provided in partnership by the BC First Nations Energy Working Group, BC Hydro and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and will be distributed to every remote community home in B.C. commencing on Nov. 24.

Energy efficiency information sessions will be available in communities prior to kit distribution. Individuals who are interested in the program can become a Clean Energy Champion by working with their communities to schedule information sessions.

For further information on the program please see:

www.empr.gov.bc.ca/EAED/Pages/CommunityEnergy.aspx or call toll-free 1-877-387-7681.

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Media contact:	Jake Jacobs Public Affairs Officer 250 952-0628

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