VANCOUVER / MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH & TSLEIL-WAUTUTH TERRITORIES— Dave Lovekin, Director of Pembina’s Renewables in Remote Communities Program, made the following statement in response to B.C. government’s announcement of funding for clean energy projects in remote Indigenous communities.
“Yesterday’s provincial investment in the B.C. Community Energy Diesel Reduction (CEDR) program is welcome and encouraging news for the ongoing energy transition in remote communities across the province. Directly supporting Indigenous-led clean energy projects with significant funding serves as an acknowledgement of the critical role communities play in achieving provincial climate goals and the government’s responsibility to advance economic reconciliation in B.C.
“Offering both an extension of the program for an additional three years and a doubling of the previous provincial funding, this commitment will provide critical support for Indigenous-led clean energy and diesel reduction projects and help advance B.C. towards its 2030 goal of 80 per cent remote community diesel reduction.
“The province can further strengthen its commitment by directing the Clean Energy and Major Projects office to prioritize Indigenous-led projects and community energy, as well as direct the BC Hydro Task Force to identify and remove systemic roadblocks to Indigenous-led and -owned energy on B.C.’s energy grid.”
Dave Lovekin, Director of the Renewables in Remote Communities program, is available for further comment and analysis.
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Contact
Bhan Gatkuoth
Senior Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
587-742-0818
Background
- The CEDR program commenced in 2022 with an investment of $29 million.
- In its first year it provided 7.7 million to 12 First Nations for planning and executing diesel-displacing clean energy projects and to energy efficient retrofits.
- This additional $30 million investment is expected to fund 96 projects and the funding will be administered by New Relationship Trust.
