NB Power Invites First Nations to Participate in Renewable Energy Project

NB Power is inviting First Nations communities to participate in a new program to integrate small-scale renewable energy projects onto the provincial power grid.

New Brunswick's First Nations communities are asked to submit plans by April 29 under the Community Renewable Energy – First Nations Opportunity, which is the first phase of the government’s Locally-Owned Renewable Energy Small Scale Program.

The program allows for the production of 40 megawatts of electricity from renewable resources like hydro, biomass, wind and solar energy. A maximum of 20 megawatts can be owned by one or more First Nations businesses or 40 megawatts can be owned by two or more First Nations businesses if they are at the same site. The generation will be added to the transmission system at 69 KV or above.

The program ensures First Nations inclusion and participation in the energy sector and is intended to create business opportunities, jobs and expertise for their communities.

“Energy and Mines Minister Donald Arseneault said, “Through a diversified approach to growing the energy sector, we are laying a solid foundation to meet our goals of job creation and seeing 40 per cent of energy generated in the province come from renewables by 2020.”

NB Power, along with the Department of Energy and Mines, will hold two information sessions with the leadership from First Nations communities to give them an opportunity to ask questions about the program and the process for submitting proposals.

Details about the program and NB Power’s request for expression of interest can be obtained from the New Brunswick Opportunities Network website or www.bids.ca.

First Nations are invited to submit their proposals by 3 p.m. on April 29, 2016. Questions can be emailed to alltenders@nbpower.com or sent by fax to 506-458-4089.

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