Energy Innovation…

Energy Innovation and Micro-grids:  The communities within Treaty #3 Territory can be considered remote because of the energy costs.  First Nations could benefit from micro-grid project(s) to reduce delivery charges and the potential economic opportunities to sell it back to the grid.  Micro-grid can also be considered a “clean” technology that could reduce negative environmental impacts in the future.  However, the barriers First Nations face in considering micro-grids are the financial risks, the capacity to maintain the micro-grid and the source and type of the energy that is required to sustain it.

Renewable Electricity:  renewable energy generation should be a priority with respect to climate change mitigation.  There is a greater need for First Nations to be involved in renewable energy projects and also as a form of mitigation with respect to climate change due to the limited amount of waste that is generated and minimal impact to environment.  Renewable electricity and energy opportunities also have an economic development component that could benefit First Nations. The barrier to renewable electricity (and energy) would be the reliability of the source of the supply – weather is a main source and is unpredictable.

Fuels:  to support the adoption of alternative fuels, Ontario can prioritize renewable energy by developing a strategic plan to minimize the use of fossil fuels, particularly diesel. Treaty #3 Territory communities do not rely on diesel; however, a majority of First Nation communities in Northern Ontario are diesel dependent.  Access to renewable energy projects and/or the main grid could reduce the use of fuel, but may increase the use of another resource that also carries negative environmental impacts, therefore, conservation targets should be the main consideration with respect to supporting the goal of renewable energy.

Conservation:  the priorities for conservation should include the development of a First Nation energy conservation initiative that includes improved infrastructure, such as windows and adequate insulation.  It is known that First Nation infrastructure, such as housing, has negative implications with respect to energy conservation.  The idea of retrofitting appears to be the adequate response in theory, but as a result, it does little to assist in conservation.  In addition, there is concern that upon completion of retrofitting, conservation is not contributing to lower energy (service delivery) costs.

Energy costs:  overall, the majority of concerns are directly related to the current service delivery charges to First Nation communities.  The service delivery charges are abhorrently high and as a result, First Nation families are choosing between providing food for their families or maintaining electricity for their household.  As mentioned previously, inadequate infrastructure contributes to the already high costs of energy and its service delivery.  Further, the Ontario Energy Board electricity support program is insufficient to reasonably reduce energy costs.  For example, a $55 reduction to a $675 energy bill does not assist in making energy affordable for that particular month, or thereafter.  There is also a lack of alternative energy within First Nations. Currently, First Nations do not have access to the natural gas pipeline and having access could potentially reduce energy costs.

[Original Comment ID: 207164]