MLA Parmar says funding will support Indigenous-led clean energy projects

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SOOKE – New Democrat MLA Ravi Parmar says local First Nations will be better able to meet their energy needs with funding for clean energy projects.

“Clean energy is the way of the future,” said Ravi Parmar, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “When we support local First Nations like Pacheedaht, T’Sou-ke and Malahat in their work to move towards cleaner power, we’re investing in generations to come.”

In Langford-Juan de Fuca, three projects are receiving funding:

  • Pacheedaht First Nation – $265,080 towards the conceptual design and financial analysis report for a hydropower project.
  • Malahat Nation – $276,227 towards installation of a complete HVAC system as well as energy efficiency upgrades and a solar PV system.
  • T’Sou-ke First Nation – $285,000 towards a 25kW solar PV and 100kWh battery energy storage unit on industrial greenhouses and a marine services/manufacturing facility.

Throughout B.C., 35 First Nations are receiving funding through the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI), a partnership between the provincial and federal governments and the New Relationship Trust (NRT). Since 2016, the Initiative has supported over 135 projects with approximately $30 million.

Projects funded through this program include clean energy generation, energy efficiency and energy storage, helping First Nations to meet their energy needs and prepare for future needs while creating more jobs for people in their communities.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30946