The program supports investments in energy efficiency and clean energy projects. — Photo: news.gov.bc.ca
The provincial government is providing more than $550,000 to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including solar power, biomass heating and energy retrofits to local facilities in eight communities.
The funding is part of $1.3 million that will be provided under the Community Energy Leadership Program (CELP) over three years.
The projects selected for this round of funding under CELP are: City of Cranbrook, Kwadacha First Nation, Old Massett Village Council, City of Nelson, District of Saanich, Skidegate Band Council, Cowichan Valley Regional District; and Xeni Gwet’in First Nation.
CELP was established to support local governments’ and First Nations’ investments in energy efficiency and clean energy projects that meet the communities’ and Province’s energy, economic and environmental goals.
The program supports investments in energy efficiency and clean energy projects that help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase energy efficiency, stimulate economic activity and promote community partnerships with industry that advance British Columbia’s growing clean energy sector.
Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines –
“Congratulations to the eight energy efficiency and renewable energy projects selected for our second round of funding under the Community Energy Leadership Program. Under the program, we’re providing $1.3 million over three years to help communities and First Nations reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting our commitments under the Climate Leadership Plan.”
This is the second round of CELP funding following the distribution of $170,000 in 2015 to support projects in six communities.
It is anticipated that the total greenhouse gas offsets realized by projects over rounds one and two of CELP will be 1,588 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, equivalent to taking 334 passenger vehicles off the road each year.
The third funding call for CELP recently closed and project proposals are being evaluated.
Since 2008, the ICE Fund has provided approximately $77 million to support pre-commercial clean energy technology projects, clean energy vehicles, research and development, and various energy efficiency programs.
For more information on the province’s work to support community energy efficiency and clean energy projects, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/communityenergyleadershipprogram
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