BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI)

Program Category: Clean Energy

Program Sub-Category: Energy Efficiency (Housing / Buildings), Renewable Energy, Economic Development

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Status: Closing Soon

Funder

New Relationship Trust (NRT)

Deadline Details

The 2025 intake opened on February 3, and will close on March 17, 2025.

Funder Organization Type

Indigenous Organization

In Partnership With

BC Provincial Government
Pacific 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:

Developing local clean energy and energy efficiency projects in Indigenous communities;
Building Indigenous capacity;
Creating benefits including ownership, revenue sharing, business development, and local employment; and
Identifying pathfinding opportunities for further funding and partnerships on clean energy.

The BCICEI funding now supports community energy plans as well as activities needed to advance projects to construction stage. 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 (for example, economic development corporations).

Required Community Contribution

No community contribution required

10% recommended but not required.

Funding Stacking Restrictions

Professional Input Required

Specific Eligibility Requirements

The proposed project must be located in BC.

Other Eligible Applicants

Indigenous Organizations

Type 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:

New community Energy Plan
Update to existing Community Energy Plan
Turn-key Community Energy Plan
Feasibility and Site Selection
Environmental Review and Permitting
Project Design and Engineering
Demand Side Management
Clean Energy (small scale installation/non-utility scale)
Pre-Construction/Pre-Commercial Operation Date (COD)

Percentage of Project Funded

100%

Can cover 100% of costs/no restrictions.

Eligible Costs

Engineering
Design
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 agreement
Staff Costs

Reporting Requirements

Final report only

Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision

3 months

Approximately 3 months

Submission e-mail for applications: bciceiapplications@nrtf.ca

Xeni Gwet’in Community Electrification Project- Underground Distribution https://youtu.be/hRgXpfaAbgU

Tŝilhqot’in Solar Farm https://youtu.be/YV9e8lYt1AM

Nuxalk Nation Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative Nuxalk Nation Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative