Seventeen First Nation communities selected to participate in this year's ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM

TORONTO, March 16, 2015 /CNW/ - The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) 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:

Near North  

• Anishinaabeg of Naongashiing
• Northwest Angle No. 33
• Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation
• Pic Mobert First Nation
• Constance Lake First Nation
• Brunswick House First Nation
• Couchiching First Nation
• Red Rock Indian Band

South   

• Chippewas of Georgina Island
• Shawanaga First Nation
• Wikwemikong
• Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
• M'Chigeeng First Nation
• Hiawatha First Nation
• Alderville First Nation
• Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn
• Mohawks of Akwesasne

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. When confirmed, details will be available at http://www.aboriginalenergy.ca/acp/event-calendar.

Quotes

"I congratulate this year's ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM participants for showing leadership in energy conservation and commitment to a clean energy future. This successful program is providing First Nations with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their electricity costs and consumption, and new opportunities for Aboriginal businesses."
-- David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

"I am pleased to see communities gaining the means to lower electricity bills for residential housing, eligible businesses and band-owned/operated facilities. Participation in the ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM also enablesFirst Nation communities to contribute to Ontario's province-wide goals to keep putting conservation first."
-- Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy

"The ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM is one of several ways in which the IESO is working with Aboriginal communities across Ontario to develop options to support their participation in renewable energy, transmission and electricity conservation. Congratulations to the 17 communities participating in this year's program."
--Terry Young, Vice President, Conservation and Corporate Relations, IESO

Aboriginal Conservation Program website 
http://www.aboriginalenergy.ca/acp

Aboriginal Conservation Program application information
http://www.aboriginalenergy.ca/acp/first-nation/applying

Aboriginal Conservation Program Manager
[email protected] 
Toll Free: 1-855-445-0202

About the IESO
The IESO manages the province's power system so that Ontarians receive power when and where they need it. It plans and prepares for future electricity needs and works with its partners to guide conservation efforts. On January 1, 2015, the Ontario Power Authority amalgamated with the IESO. For more information, please visit http://www.ieso.ca.

About First Nations Engineering Services Limited
First Nations Engineering Services Ltd. is a 100-percent Aboriginal-owned engineering company that has been providing professional services relating to municipal and community infrastructure since 1995. It is acting as the program manager for the ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM on behalf of the IESO.

SOURCE Independent Electricity System Operator

Media Contact: John Cannella, IESO, 416 506 2823, [email protected]