Overarching Question What…

Overarching Question
What policy options and actions should the government consider in the integrated
energy resource plan to achieve Ontario’s vision for meeting growing energy needs,
keeping energy affordable and reliable, ensuring customer choice, and positioning us
to be an energy superpower?
The government should prioritize a balanced energy mix that includes renewable energy,
enhanced grid infrastructure, and Indigenous-led projects. Policies should focus on:
1. Promoting energy sovereignty for Indigenous communities by enabling direct
participation in energy planning and decision-making. Indigenous communities
must have direct participation in energy planning and decision-making processes.
The biomass project already underway in MCFN stands as a model for success,
demonstrating the potential for renewable energy to align with community goals.
2. Investing in renewable energy projects, such as biomass, solar, and wind, which
align with environmental goals while fostering economic opportunities.
3. Ensuring affordability by scaling up energy efficiency programs for households and
businesses, reducing consumption costs.

Planning for Growth
1. What actions should be prioritized to enhance planning across natural gas,
electricity, and other fuels?
• Integrating renewables into the system to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while
maintaining reliability. Natural gas as a fuel source in remote communities is not
feasible due to logistical and economic challenges, making it essential to focus on
renewable energy alternatives such as solar, wind, and biomass.
• Strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, including Indigenous
communities, to ensure equitable planning, access and transparency. Promote
direct contact with members from First Nation communities, seeking feedback and
long-term collaboration.
2. Are there opportunities to enhance the province’s approach to procuring electricity
generation supply to better serve this priority?
Yes, Ontario should:
• Prioritize Indigenous-owned and -led energy projects, which align with
reconciliation and sustainability goals. Indigenous-owned projects refer to energy
initiatives where Indigenous communities maintain majority ownership, decision making
power, and control over the resources and revenues. Indigenous-led
projects involve initiatives where Indigenous communities take a leading role in
planning, development, and management, ensuring their perspectives and priorities
are central to the project’s success.
• Incentivize long-term contracts for renewables, to promote affordability and
stability.
3. What actions should government consider to promote greater access to electricity
and accelerate grid-connections?
• Offer incentives for rural and remote areas to connect to the grid, especially
Indigenous communities reliant on diesel. Programs like the Indigenous Energy
Support Program through IESO that funds and support energy projects to ensure
expansion of such initiatives to help Indigenous communities continue to evolve
with renewable energy.
4. What steps can the government take to ensure that transmitters have the certainty
they need while keeping costs low?
• Engage Indigenous communities as partners in transmission projects, which can
streamline development and align interests. Recognize that relationships with
Indigenous communities are core to future transmission expansion, fostering
collaboration and trust for mutual success.
5. What policy guidance should the government provide regarding natural gas and low carbon
alternatives?
• Upgrading infrastructure in Indigenous communities to accommodate new
technologies, especially regarding low-carbon alternatives.
• Develop clear goals and support programs to encourage adoption of sustainable
energy solutions, ensuring Indigenous participation in the planning,
implementation, and management of these advancements.
6. How can the government best support Indigenous leadership and participation in
energy planning and projects?
• Fund capacity-building initiatives and technical training in renewable energy.
Include early and frequent engagement with Indigenous communities by the MOE to
ensure their input is integrated throughout the process.
• Prioritize Indigenous-led projects in funding and procurement programs.
• Collaborate with Indigenous communities to share decision-making responsibilities
in energy planning.
7. What cooperation opportunities exist across jurisdictions?
• Build connections with neighbouring provinces and states to trade clean energy more
easily. Ensure that transmission projects crossing over traditional territories include
early and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities to respect their
rights and integrate their perspectives into the development process.
• Share best practices and resources for renewable energy development and
integration, focusing on transparency with Indigenous communities.
8. What types of technical information and forecasts would best support sector
participants and energy consumers?
• Data on renewable energy potential, forecasts and cost predictions.

Affordable and Reliable Energy
1. What further steps should the government take to enable informed energy use?
• Expand energy literacy programs to help consumers understand bills, eDiciency
measures, and renewable options.
• Provide real-time data tools, such as apps or portals, for monitoring energy
consumption and costs. Mandate distributor support to Indigenous communities to
enable transparency.
3. How can the government empower customers to install innovative technologies?
• Provide grants and tax credits for solar panels, battery storage, and smart home
systems. The IESP Program through IESO provides funding to Indigenous
communities for renewable energy projects and moving toward clean energy
transition.
4. What specific actions could position DERs to support system needs?
• Facilitate and promote policies that encourage the adoption of DERs for Indigenous
communities. MCFN is actively pursuing solar energy opportunities to benefit the
community by reducing reliance on external power sources, lowering energy costs,
and promoting sustainable practices.
5. What actions can maintain an affordable energy system?
• Expand energy efficiency retrofits for homes and businesses.
• Promote community-owned renewable energy projects to reduce costs and share
benefits locally.

Becoming an Energy Superpower
1. What opportunities should Ontario consider as a clean energy leader?
• Leverage Indigenous knowledge and stewardship in renewable energy projects. The
MOE should play an active role in mandating Indigenous-led projects by
establishing policies that require their inclusion in energy initiatives, ensuring that
Indigenous voices and expertise shape Ontario's clean energy future.