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First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program Funds up to 330000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program?

First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program is funded by Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

Q: Who is eligible for the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program program?

To be eligible for the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program program, you must: • On-reserve First Nation community in Ontario connected to the provincial electricity grid. • Band-owned commercial/institutional facilities on band-owned land, operated for community benefit. • Executed Band Council Resolution required.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program?

You can contact Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) by email at info@fnretrofitprogram.ca or by phone at 1-877-631-2380.

Q: Where is the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program available?

The First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program program is available the province of Ontario.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program program.

Last Update: December 16, 2025

ON, Canada

Funding and support for on-reserve community energy-efficiency retrofits

Grant and Funding

Expert Advice

Independent Electricity System Operator

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

No objectives are currently available

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 330,000 $

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Public administration

Location

Ontario

Legal structures

Public or Parapublic institution

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Indigenous Peoples

Overview

The Save on Energy First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program (FNCBRP) provides up to $330,000 in funding to help eligible on-reserve First Nation communities in Ontario reduce energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of band-owned commercial and institutional facilities. Funding supports activities such as on-site energy assessments and audits, benchmarking, and the installation of energy-efficiency upgrades (e.g., lighting, smart thermostats, window air conditioning, vending machine controls) and feasibility studies for more complex retrofit projects.

Activities funded

Conduct on-site energy assessments and energy audits of band-owned commercial and institutional facilities to identify energy-efficiency retrofit opportunities.
Implement energy-efficiency retrofit projects in on-reserve band-owned and operated commercial and institutional facilities.
Undertake a feasibility study for more complex retrofit projects (e.g., upgrades for pumps/fans in wastewater treatment plants, ice rink refrigeration systems).
Install energy-efficiency upgrades such as indoor/outdoor lighting improvements, smart thermostats, window air conditioner upgrades, and vending machine control improvements.

Eligibility

The applicant must be an on-reserve First Nations community in Ontario connected to the provincial electricity grid.
The project must involve energy-efficiency upgrades in on-reserve, band-owned and operated commercial or institutional facilities.
The facilities must be located on band-owned land and operated for the use and benefit of the community.
The application must include an executed Band Council Resolution.

Who is eligible?

Commercial facilities owned by the band (First Nations communities) located on reserve.
Institutional facilities owned by the band (First Nations communities) located on reserve.
Water and wastewater treatment plants (community facilities).
Arenas (community facilities, including rink refrigeration systems).
Public lighting (e.g., street lighting) managed by the community.

Who is not eligible

Off-reserve First Nations communities (the program is for on-reserve communities only).
First Nations communities not connected to Ontario’s provincial electricity grid.
Privately owned commercial or institutional facilities (facilities must be band-owned and operated for community use/benefit).
Facilities not located on band-owned land.

Eligible expenses

Installation costs for energy-efficiency upgrades in eligible on-reserve band-owned and operated commercial and institutional facilities (up to $330,000).
On-site energy assessments and energy audit report costs (for up to 15 facilities).
Feasibility study costs for more complex retrofit projects (up to $10,000, under the community install approach).

Eligible geographic areas

On-reserve First Nations communities in Ontario connected to the provincial electricity grid.

How to apply

Check eligibility

Review program eligibility for on-reserve First Nations communities in Ontario connected to the provincial electricity grid
Confirm facilities are band-owned land and operated for the use and benefit of the community

Secure Band Council Resolution

Obtain an executed Band Council Resolution as required by the program

Select install approach

Choose between the direct install approach or the community install approach based on community needs and preferences

Apply by email or phone

Contact Save on Energy to sign up or confirm eligibility
Email info@fnretrofitprogram.ca or call 1-877-631-2380

Additional information

The program provides no-cost on-site energy assessments and an audit report for up to 15 facilities selected by the participant.
A community benchmark report is provided to compare energy use with similar facilities to help prioritize further assessments.
Save on Energy’s program delivery partner offers project support, including help identifying, engaging, and coordinating installation contractors.
The program is delivered through two delivery models—Direct Install and Community Install—to suit community needs and preferences.

Contacts

info@fnretrofitprogram.ca

1-877-631-2380

ON, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under First Nations Community Building Retrofit Program?

Conduct on-site energy assessments and energy audits of band-owned commercial and institutional facilities to identify energy-efficiency retrofit opportunities. Implement energy-efficiency retrofit projects in on-reserve band-owned and operated commercial and institutional facilities. Undertake a feasibility study for more complex retrofit projects (e.g., upgrades for pumps/fans in wastewater treatment plants, ice rink refrigeration systems). Install energy-efficiency upgrades such as indoor/outdoor lighting improvements, smart thermostats, window air conditioner upgrades, and vending machine control improvements.