More Clean Energy Coming to First Nations Communities


More solar panels will be popping up in Hantsport and Whycocomagh through the Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Pilot Program, announced today, Nov. 10, by Kings South MLA Keith Irving on behalf of Energy Minister Geoff MacLellan.

“This is an exciting step forward by Glooscap First Nation into renewable energy,” said Mr. Irving. “I am delighted to see this initiative on solar electricity as part of their ongoing plans for their communtiy. There is a lot happening at Glooscap First Nation and this is another example of their leadership on community development.

“Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw communities and the Government of Nova Scotia have partnered on many energy projects including COMFIT wind projects, efficiency initiatives and now solar electricity.”

Mi’kmaw communities are a net exporter of clean renewable electricity, generating more energy than their communities use.

Through the solar program, Glooscap First Nation has been approved to generate up to 22 kilowatts of solar electricity.

“Clean, renewable energy is where we want to go as a Mi’kmaw community. The community wants us to be green, and in order to accomplish this we know we need partners,” said Glooscap First Nation Chief Sidney Peters. “The province and Nova Scotia Power have been great partners for Glooscap. We look forward to continuing with a new partnership for solar power for our community.”

We’koqma’q First Nation Band Council is also approved to participate in the program.

Both groups will sell their solar generated electricity back to their utility through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.

A total of 18 successful applications were chosen across the province. All applications were overseen by Clean Foundation, the independent procurement administrator. The impact to ratepayers is capped at 0.1 per cent, which is already built into the rate stability plan.

The program is for Mi’kmaw communities, registered non-profit or charitable organizations, municipalities or organizations owned by municipalities, universities or community colleges in Nova Scotia.

The program will be offered for two more years. To see a complete list of all successful applicants, or to learn more about the program, visit novascotia.ca/solar.


Source: Release

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