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

TORONTO, April 16, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) is pleased to announce that 17 communities have been chosen 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.

As the first program of its kind in Ontario, the program provides customized conservation services to help First Nation communities, including remote and northern communities, reduce their electricity consumption, build a culture of conservation and improve home comfort.

Now in its second year, the program continues to attract significant interest. More than 30 applications were considered for year two. Those participating in year two are:

Remote

• Fort Severn First Nation
• Kingfisher Lake First Nation
• Webequie First Nation

Near North

• Iskatewizaagegan #39 (Shoal Lake #39)
• Mattagami First Nation
• Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation
• Chapleau Cree First Nation
• Eagle Lake First Nation
• Wahgoshig First Nation
• Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation

South

• Moravian of the Thames
• Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
• Wasauksing First Nation
• Henvey Inlet First Nation
• Oneida Nation of the Thames
• Serpent River First Nation
• Whitefish River First Nation

Members in participating communities will 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^® qualified CFL light bulbs
• smart power bars
• hot water tank wrap and pipe insulation
• efficient showerheads and efficient faucet aerators
• block heater timers and programmable thermostats
• replacement of eligible appliances with ENERGY STAR^R qualified appliances
• 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. Based on the assessment, eligible businesses and facilities can receive between $300 and $1,500 worth of energy-efficient lighting and water heating upgrades free of charge, installed by an approved licensed electrical contractor.

The saveONenergy ABORIGINAL CONSERVATION PROGRAM also provides Métis and urban Aboriginal peoples with support and information to more easily access the saveONenergy province-wide conservation programs offered by local utilities. Four workshops for Métis and urban Aboriginal peoples are planned to occur across the province over the coming months. The first one will take place in London on April 29, 2014. When confirmed, details will be available at http://www.aboriginalenergy.ca/acp/event-calendar.

Quotes

"This valuable and significant program helps First Nations communities receive customized conservation services, helping them to manage electricity usage and costs while supporting a cleaner environment. Congratulations to the 17 First Nation communities chosen to participate this year."

--David Zimmer
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

"The Aboriginal Conservation Program helps participating First Nation communities reduce their electricity costs and create local jobs. These communities will also be contributing to the province's efforts to put conservation first, since it's our cleanest and most cost-effective energy resource."

--Bob Chiarelli
Minister of Energy

"The Aboriginal Conservation Program continues to be a successful and important collaboration between the OPA and First Nation communities in Ontario. The program will help these communities maximize conservation and manage electricity costs while supporting a cleaner environment. We remain committed to working with First Nation communities across the province as we continue to build capacity and encourage aboriginal participation in Ontario's electricity system, including planning, conservation and generation development."  

--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

About the OPA

The Ontario Power Authority is responsible for ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply of electricity for Ontario. Its key areas of focus are planning the power system for the long term, leading and coordinating conservation initiatives across the province, and ensuring development of needed generation resources.

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 Ontario Power Authority.

Connect with us:

Website – aboriginalenergy.ca

Twitter – @OntPwrAuthority

Facebook – OPAFirstNationsMetisRelationsCommunity

YouTube – Ontario Power Authority TV

LinkedIn – Ontario Power Authority

SOURCE: Ontario Power Authority

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