Energy Peers in Indigenous Communities (EPIC) Network
Program Category:
Clean Energy, Climate Mitigation
Program Sub-Category:
Renewable Energy, Innovation
Status: Open
Funder
Fraser Basin Council (FBC)
Deadline Details
Please note that current enrollment is full, but the administrators will add interested communities to a waitlist and contact them as there are updates regarding program extension.
Funder Organization Type
- Non-Governmental Organization or Society
In Partnership With
BC HydroFortisBC
BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (EMLI)
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
New Relationship Trust (NRT)
The Energy Peers in Indigenous Communities (EPIC) Network program supports a cohort of Community Energy Champions with a peer-to-peer cohort and peer mentorship approach to building and sharing knowledge, networking and engagement, skills development and training on renewable energy.
The program provides capacity-building funds to Indigenous communities to advance their energy goals related to community renewable energy and electrification. Funding is available for eight (8) communities to hire an energy champion. The funding is to build knowledge and skills related to renewable energy projects in Indigenous on–grid communities in British Columbia (BC). On-grid is defined as those communities that are connected to the North American electrical grid.
The Program is designed to be flexible by providing training and support for different stages of “readiness” of communities and participants.
Eligible Community
BC First Nations (on-grid communities)
Required Community Contribution
No community contribution required
Funding Stacking Restrictions
No
Application Limit per Community
1
Professional Input Required
No
Specific Eligibility Requirements
Priority will be given to Indigenous communities that:
- have an expressed interest in renewable energy and/or electrification
- are interested in capacity funding to hire a community energy champion to advance their community energy goals and
- have the community capacity to recruit, hire, manage and support an EPIC community energy champion
Other Eligible Applicants
Type of Funding
- Non-repayable Contribution
Range of Funding Available per Project
- Under $100 000
- From $100 000 to $1 000 000
Description of Funding
Capacity-building funds - participating communities will complete contribution agreements with FBC to fund a Community Energy Champion until March 31, 2025.
Percentage of Project Funded
100%Eligible Costs
Community EngagementStaff Costs
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
Staff Costs: salary, travel expenses, participation support (e.g., childcare).
Ineligible Costs
Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreementReporting Requirements
Progress reports and final reports
Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision
1 monthThe EPIC Network Program Partners will assess and evaluate all expressions of interest and recommend up to eight communities based on the program priorities listed on the webpage.