On Tuesday April 27th, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, the Honourable Brad Duguid, announced the launch of the new Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program (AEPP) at the ‘Powering Up Aboriginal Energy’ conference in Toronto. The Aboriginal Energy Partnerships Program is managed by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and the program is advised by an Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Designed to support First Nation and Métis community participation in the development of renewable energy, the core elements of the Aboriginal Energy Partnership Program include:

Aboriginal Renewable Energy Fund (AREF) which assists with some of the initial project development costs associated with First Nation and Métis community renewable energy projects; (www.aboriginalenergy.ca/aref)

Aboriginal Renewable Energy Network (AREN) which is a web-based resource (www.aboriginalenergy.ca) of information relating to conservation and renewable energy development that will continue to evolve based on the needs and input from Ontario’s Aboriginal communities; and, 

Aboriginal Community Energy Plans (ACEPs) which will assist communities to identify and act upon their local conservation and renewable energy development opportunities. 

The Aboriginal Renewable Energy Network website has more detailed information about the program as well the Aboriginal Renewable Energy Fund application form and guidelines.