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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
“The Remote Community Clean Energy Program encourages the development of sustainable energy systems through planning, community-owned clean energy development, and energy efficient solutions,” said Neufeld. “With today’s emphasis on clean energy, we felt it was important to offer options for clean energy solutions to B.C.’s remote communities, who may not have as many options available as our more urban centres.”
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.
Communities can also apply for and receive assistance in the implementation of their clean energy and energy efficiency projects. The program provides funding for such items as project studies, design activities, capital costs and project management. Participating communities will have access to clean energy advisors who will be available to provide planning services and project supports.
“Fifty per cent of our remote communities are inhabited by First Nations people who are either self-reliant, or reliant on diesel-generation power that is often unreliable and provided by old and highly inefficient equipment,” said Neufeld. “Reducing energy demand and using clean energy resources will help people in these remote areas save money and, through reduction of emissions, lead to healthier communities and lifestyles.”
The Remote Community Clean Energy Program includes the
distribution of energy savings kits, in partnership with BC First Nations
Energy Working Group and BC Hydro, to homes in remote communities. The first of
the kits will be distributed starting Nov. 24.
The program is complementary to BC Hydro’s Remote Community Electrification initiative that will offer improved utility service to remote communities in B.C. The expansion of the Remote Community Clean Energy Program is a commitment outlined in the BC Energy Plan that will help meet commitments to make the Province electricity self-sufficient by 2016 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.
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Public Affairs Officer 250 952-0628 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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