DESERONTO — Ontario has increased the Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) by $10 million, a 66 per cent increase over last year, bringing the province’s total annual investment in the IESP to $25 million.
This investment is an important part of the government’s plan to assist in strengthening Indigenous leadership in the sector and funding community-led energy projects that will ensure the province has the affordable, secure, clean and reliable energy needed to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant province.
This year’s IESP includes a new funding stream of up to $500,000 to help diesel-reliant Indigenous communities build electricity transmission and generation infrastructure. This support will help these communities transition away from diesel-powered generators, providing families with clean, affordable and reliable power while protecting the environment. Expanded eligibility this year also gives Indigenous communities the ability to partner on innovative projects and emerging technologies such as battery storage.
“This expanded investment ensures Indigenous communities remain key partners in driving Ontario’s energy future — from planning and innovation to equity partnerships in major projects,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “We are working in lockstep with communities, advancing economic reconciliation and unlocking generational opportunities.”
Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan lays the groundwork for the next 25 years, including a commitment to expand support for Indigenous energy projects. The increased IESP is administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator and supports initiatives such as energy planning and development, skills training, and promoting energy knowledge and awareness in Indigenous communities. Across Ontario, Indigenous communities are increasingly taking equity positions in major transmission and generation projects – including five new transmission lines – representing a significant step toward greater economic inclusion in the province’s energy future. Since 2022, the Ontario government has taken action to support the development of eight transmission lines that are eligible for 50/50 equity partnership with Indigenous communities.
