Seventeen First Nation communities selected to participate in this year's Aboriginal Conservation Program
March 16, 2015
The Independent Electricity System Operator is pleased to announce that 17 communities have been selected to participate in this year's saveONenergy ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM, which helps reduce electricity use in residential housing, eligible businesses and band-owned/operated facilities, such as community centres.
The program provides customized conservation services to help First Nation communities reduce their electricity consumption, build a culture of conservation and improve home comfort.
Now in its third year, the program has attracted significant interest. A total of 26 community applications were evaluated for year three. Each application was scored based on the Community Selection Criteria. The selected communities for year three are as follows:
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Near North
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South
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Residents in participating communities will have an opportunity to work with a certified energy auditor, who will recommend electricity-saving measures based on an assessment of their homes. These measures could include ENERGY STAR® CFL light bulbs, smart power bars, hot water tank wrap and pipe insulation, efficient showerheads and faucet aerators, as well as block heater timers, programmable thermostats, and attic, wall and/or basement insulation. Eligible businesses and facilities can receive assessments for their lighting and water-heating systems, up to $1,500 in energy-efficient lighting and equipment upgrades and gain access to further incentives.
First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. (FNESL) is the program manager for the ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM. FNESL will work with its subcontractor, The Abor Group Ltd., to deliver the program in the participating communities. Like FNESL, the Abor Group Ltd. is an Aboriginal-owned and operated company, specializing in energy assessments and conservation program implementation.
The saveONenergy ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM also provides Métis and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples with support and information to more easily access the saveONenergy conservation programs offered by their local utilities. Workshops for Métis and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples were held in Fort Frances on February 6 and in London on February 23. Two more workshops are scheduled to take place in 2015.