Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways (SREPs) Program Capacity Building Stream

Program Category: Clean Energy, Built Environment, Climate Mitigation, Community Infrastructure

Program Sub-Category: Renewable Energy

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Status: Closed

Funder

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Deadline Details

The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) launched a request for proposals (RFP) on November 27 2023 for the Capacity Building Stream. The deadline for the RFP was January 31, 2024.

Funder Organization Type

Federal Government

The SREPs Capacity Building stream supports communities in acquiring the knowledge and tools needed to strengthen and/or develop their ability to participate in and meaningfully benefit from renewable energy, energy storage, and grid modernization projects. This program stream also supports efforts to enhance inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).

SREPs aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to meet Canada’s 2030 targets and beyond by supporting the transition towards electrification through renewable energy projects and the transformation of the Canadian electricity grid. In addition, SREPs will decrease barriers to participation for those underrepresented in the energy sector, including but not limited to women, 2SLGBTQ+ people, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and persons with disabilities.

Outcomes of the program are to:

Decrease greenhouse gas emissions from Canada’s electricity system;
Increase the number of electricity system assets that can contribute to system reliability;
Generate economic and social benefits, including job creation and increased inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the energy sector; and
Increase renewable energy capacity or electrical grid accommodation of renewable energy;

Where applicable, the program will also increase meaningful Indigenous ownership of, and benefits from, renewable energy project deployment.

Eligible Community

Indigenous applicants (including Indigenous communities or governments, tribal councils, national or regional Indigenous councils, tribal organizations, and Indigenous majority-owned and controlled for-profit and not-for-profit organizations);
Canadian legal entities (for-profit and not-for-profit) validly incorporated or registered; and,
Provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal governments and their departments and agencies.

“Indigenous” includes Inuit, Métis, First Nation, status Indian, and non-status Indian individuals, or any combination thereof.

Funding Stacking Restrictions

Yes

There is a 100% stacking limit with other government sources.

Professional Input Required

Other Eligible Applicants

Indigenous Economic Agencies
Indigenous Organizations

Type of Funding

Non-repayable Contribution

Range of Funding Available per Project

Under $100 000
From $100 000 to $1 000 000
Over $1 000 000

Description of Funding

75% of total project costs
$2 million maximum funding amount per project (over 4 fiscal years or less)

Percentage of Project Funded

75%

Eligible Costs

Design
Planning
Equipment/Material Purchase
Project Management
Staff Costs
Administration Fees
Capacity Building for the Community
Training
Awareness and Education

Eligible expenses may include:

Salaries and benefits for employees on the payroll of the applicant organization, for actual time spent by employees on the project;
Professional, technical, and contracting services;
Other expenses including:
- Field supplies, materials, and testing services;
- Printing services and translation;
- Facility costs for training, seminars, conference room rentals, etc. (excluding hospitality);
- Accreditation, licence fees, and permits; and
- Honoraria for Indigenous peoples and costs associated with Indigenous ceremonies.
Goods and Services Tax (GST), Provincial Sales Tax (PST), or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), net of any tax rebate to which the applicant organization is entitled(in accordance with NRCan’s “Certification for the treatment of GST, HST or PST” form, which will be provided by the program if the project is approved for funding consideration).

Please note that eligible activities under this Capacity Building RFP are narrower in scope compared to the previous RFP held in Fall 2021.

Ineligible Costs

Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreement
Building Purchase Costs
Land Acquisition

Ineligible expenses, that will not be reimbursed by the program but may be considered part of the total project costs, include:

Overhead expenses directly related to the project, such as office equipment and operating expenses, limited to a maximum of 15% of eligible expenditures;
Hospitality costs directly related to the project, such as food and beverage for meetings or workshops; and
In-kind costs.

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports and final reports

Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision

3 months

Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by May 2024.