First Nation communities selected to participate in energy conservation program

The saveONenergy ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM helps reduce electricity use in residential housing, institutional and commercial buildings

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - The Ontario Power Authority (OPA), together with Minister of Aboriginal Affairs David Zimmer, announced today that 12 communities have been chosen to participate in the first year of the saveONenergy ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM, the first program of its kind in Ontario.

This program provides customized conservation services to help First Nation communities, including remote and northern communities, reduce their electricity consumption and improve home comfort.

In its inaugural year, the program attracted significant interest -- with more than 30 First Nation communities applying to participate. Those participating in the first year are:

Remote		Keewayin
		Wunnimin Lake
Near North		Moose Cree
		Pic River
		Michipicoten
South		Munsee-Delaware
		Beausoleil
		Walpole Island
		Saugeen
		Nawash
		Thessalon
		Nipissing

Members in participating communities will have opportunity to work with a certified energy auditor, who will recommend energy-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 efficient faucet aerators, as well as block heater timers, programmable thermostat or attic, wall and/or basement insulation. Eligible businesses and facilities can receive assessments for their lighting and water-heating systems as part of the program.

The saveONenergy ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM is intended to include Aboriginal communities in the building of a conservation culture in Ontario. The OPA encourages communities to participate in the second year of the program. All First Nation communities are eligible to apply to the program.

The saveONenergy ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM will also provide Métis and urban Aboriginal peoples with support and information to more easily access province-wide conservation programs offered by local utilities. Three workshops have taken place to date in Hamilton, Thunder Bay, and Sudbury. A fourth workshop will take place this fall.  When confirmed, details will be available at http://www.aboriginalenergy.ca/acp/event-calendar.

Quotes

"Congratulations to the 12 First Nation communities chosen to participate in the first year of the program. The program will help these communities to maximize conservation and manage electricity costs while supporting a cleaner environment. I hope to see many more communities take part in the next year of the program."

--David Zimmer   
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

"The Aboriginal Conservation Program is an important addition to the OPA's innovative suite of conservation programs designed to help families, businesses and communities save energy and manage their energy costs. These 12 communities will benefit from energy audits and the implementation of energy saving tools, while also contributing to Ontario's overall conservation goals."

--Bob Chiarelli
Minister of Energy

"The ACP is an example of successful collaboration between the OPA and First Nations in Ontario. We are also working with First Nation communities across the province, and engaging with leaders, as a part of the government's outreach efforts in reviewing the province's Long-Term Energy Plan."

--Colin Andersen  
CEO of the Ontario Power Authority

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

 

SOURCE: Ontario Power Authority

Media Contact: 
John Cannella, Ontario Power Authority: 416-969-6307 / Toll Free: 1-800-797-9604