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BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program - British Columbia - Canada
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Source verified August 25, 2026

BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program

Clean energy support for First Nation projects
Funding available
$ 500,000
Deadline
September 11, 2026
Opened August 17, 2026
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Who can apply

Eligible First Nations.

See full eligibility

Overview

The BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program supports eligible First Nations with small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects connected to BC Hydro’s integrated grid. Eligible projects must be clean or renewable resources, connect to BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system, and reach commercial operation before December 31, 2032.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Reduce environmental footprint
  • Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 500,000 $
  • Up to 100% of project cost

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • British Columbia
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Non-profit
  • Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • All industries
Target groups
  • All the groups
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • All dimensions

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects connected to BC Hydro’s integrated grid.

Official resources

Official page

First Nations Electricity Program

Program guide

(Bcicei) (2025)

BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI)

BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) 2025 Application Guidelines

Application form

BCICEI CEP Stream Draft Application Form 2025

Frm Bcicei Application Form 2025 Revised

Supporting document

BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI)

BCICEI Stream 1 Final Report

BCICEI Stream 2 Final Report

BCICEI Stream 3 Final Report

BCICEI Stream 4 Final Report

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Eligible First Nations.

Eligible geographic areas

  • BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system.

How to apply

  • Eligible First Nations may submit a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information Request to BC Hydro starting on August 17, 2026.

Processing and Agreement

  • Successful applicants will enter into a funding agreement with the NRT and an Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro.

Additional information

  • The program is a new stream of the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative launching in Fall 2026.
  • It is administered jointly by New Relationship Trust and BC Hydro.

Contacts

Availability timeline

2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program Program

What is the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program?

The BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program supports eligible First Nations with small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects connected to BC Hydro’s integrated grid. Eligible projects must be clean or renewable resources, connect to BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system, and reach commercial operation before December 31, 2032.

How much funding can be received?

BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program is September 11, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.

Who is eligible for the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program program?

To be eligible for the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program program, you must: Project must connect to BC Hydro’s integrated distribution system. Project must be greater than 2 MW and lesser than or equal to 15 MW. Project must have First Nations majority ownership of 51% or more.

What expenses are eligible under BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program?

Small-scale, First Nation-led clean energy projects connected to BC Hydro’s integrated grid.

Who can I contact for more information about the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program?

You can contact New Relationship Trust (NRT) by email at bciceiapplications@nrtf.ca or by phone at 604-925-3338.

Where is the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program available?

The BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative — First Nations Electricity Program program is available the province of British Columbia.