BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI)
Program Category:
Clean Energy
Program Sub-Category:
Energy Efficiency (Housing / Buildings), Renewable Energy, Economic Development
Status: Closed
Funder
New Relationship Trust (NRT)
Deadline Details
Stay tuned for details about a 2025 intake.
Funder Organization Type
- Indigenous Organization
In Partnership With
BC Provincial GovernmentPacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
The New Relationship Trust implements the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) to provide support and capacity-building funds to Indigenous communities working on the development of clean energy projects. Funded through the Federal Government’s Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) and the Province of B.C.’s CleanBC plan, the BCICEI supports the following objectives:
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Developing local clean energy and energy efficiency projects in Indigenous communities;
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Building Indigenous capacity;
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Creating benefits including ownership, revenue sharing, business development, and local employment; and
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Identifying pathfinding opportunities for further funding and partnerships on clean energy.
The BCICEI funding supports projects that follow community engagement (such as a community energy plan). This includes activities needed to advance projects to construction stage of the project. Examples of such activities include: feasibility and site selection; environmental review and permitting; project design and engineering; demand side management, clean energy (small scale installation non-utility scale); and pre-construction/COD (capital and non-capital costs are eligible). The initiative also supports clean energy development in remote, off-grid, diesel dependent or end of line communities.
Eligible Community
Eligible recipients under the BCICEI include:
- Indigenous communities, including self-governing First Nations;
- Tribal Councils or groups of two or more First Nations;
- Indigenous for profit and not-for-profit corporations, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions, of which are majority owned and controlled by Indigenous communities.
Required Community Contribution
No community contribution required
10% recommended but not required.
Funding Stacking Restrictions
No
Professional Input Required
No
Specific Eligibility Requirements
The proposed project must be located in BC.
Other Eligible Applicants
Indigenous OrganizationsType of Funding
- Grant
Range of Funding Available per Project
- Under $100 000
- From $100 000 to $1 000 000
Description of Funding
Eligible BCICEI projects could receive support through contributions up to $500,000 in assisted project costs; however, project support levels will be determined based on demand for funds, the strength of applications, and project development category funding caps. Categories of project development phases under the BCICEI include:
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Feasibility and Site Selection
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Environmental Review and Permitting
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Project Design and Engineering
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Demand Side Management
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Clean Energy (small scale installation/non-utility scale)
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Pre-Construction/Pre-Commercial Operation Date (COD)
Percentage of Project Funded
100%Can cover 100% of costs/no restrictions.
Eligible Costs
EngineeringDesign
Planning
Capital Costs
Community Engagement
Equipment/Material Purchase
Project Management
Administration Fees
Capacity Building for the Community
Research and Development
Ineligible Costs
Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreementStaff Costs
Reporting Requirements
Final report only
Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision
3 monthsApproximately 3 months
Submission e-mail for applications:bciceiapplications@nrtf.ca
Xeni Gwet’in Community Electrification Project- Underground Distributionhttps://youtu.be/hRgXpfaAbgUTŝilhqot’in Solar Farmhttps://youtu.be/YV9e8lYt1AM
Nuxalk Nation Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative