Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP)
Sudbury, ON, Canada
Rebates for Northern Ontario industrial electricity consumers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 01, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2027
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP) offers a rebate of two cents per kilowatt-hour to Northern Ontario's largest industrial electricity consumers to reduce energy costs, capped at their 2017 to 2020 average consumption levels. The program aims to enhance competitiveness and sustainability by encouraging improvements in electrical efficiency and sustainability measures, such as creating and implementing an Energy Management Plan.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP) focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability measures in Northern Ontario industries. Eligible activities for this grant involve implementing comprehensive energy management plans and achieving long-term energy conservation goals.
- Formulation and submission of an Energy Management Plan (EMP) detailing steps for electrical efficiency and sustainability improvements.
- Implementing measures to reduce electricity consumption while maintaining or increasing production levels.
- Investment in energy-efficient technologies and equipment upgrades.
- Development and use of self-generation energy projects, such as co-generation plants, to reduce reliance on grid electricity.
- Designing and executing projects that shift electricity usage from peak to off-peak hours to cut costs.
- Creation and filling of dedicated energy management positions to enhance organizational focus on energy conservation.
- Pursuit of third-party certifications, like ISO 5001, related to energy management systems.
- Conducting and utilizing energy audits and staff awareness programs as initial steps for energy efficiency.
- Execution of initiatives aligning with the "A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan" such as greenhouse gas reduction strategies.
- Development of business cases for transformational capital investments under the Investor Class Stream focused on decarbonization and clean technology transitions.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Northern Energy Advantage Program, a facility and its parent company must meet specific criteria related to location, consumption, industry sector, and purchasing arrangements.
- The facility must be located in Northern Ontario.
- The facility must be directly owned and controlled by the applicant.
- The facility must be a production or processing site consuming a minimum of 50,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity per year.
- The facility must be classified within the mining and oil and gas extraction sector, manufacturing sector (excluding certain exceptions like Sawmills and Wood Preservation), or within other industries aligned with or complementary to eligible industries such as the battery supply chain or clean technologies.
- The facility must be a market participant purchasing electricity from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) administered market or from a local distribution company, including Hydro One.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This program provides rebates for Northern Ontario's large industrial electricity consumers to maintain competitive electricity rates and operational sustainability. Applicants must fulfill specific operational and locational criteria.
- Located in Northern Ontario.
- Directly owned and controlled by the applicant.
- A production or processing facility consuming at least 50,000 MWh of electricity per year.
- Falling within specified NAICS industry sectors, mainly mining, oil, gas, and manufacturing, with room for other industries aligned with eligible sectors.
- Purchasing electricity from the IESO market or a local distribution company.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP) specifies certain limitations on eligibility for companies and industries. These restrictions are intended to focus assistance on strategic sectors that align with the program's goals.
- Facilities classified under the NAICS as Sawmills and Wood Preservation (3211).
- Companies not directly owning and controlling their facilities.
- Facilities consuming less than 50,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually.
- Entities purchasing electricity elsewhere than from the Independent Electricity Service Operator or a local distribution company, including Hydro One.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the improvement of electricity efficiency and sustainability in facilities participating in the NEAP.
- Implementation costs associated with energy management plans.
- Costs related to improving electrical efficiency and sustainability in facilities.
- Eligible electricity consumption costs at approved facilities.
- Approved metering installation costs for measuring electricity use.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas in Northern Ontario. The eligible locations aim to support industrial electricity consumers to promote regional economic advantages.
- Kenora District
- Rainy River District
- Thunder Bay District
- Cochrane District
- Algoma District
- Sudbury District
- Timiskaming District
- Nipissing District
- Manitoulin District
- Parry Sound District
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP) grant:
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your facility is located in Northern Ontario and meets the minimum energy consumption.
- Read the program rules to confirm alignment with NAICS sectors and other eligibility criteria.
- Step 2: Prepare Energy Management Plan
- Create an Energy Management Plan detailing methods for improving efficiency and sustainability.
- Include baseline information and forecast data for 2022-2027 in the plan.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Download and fill out the application form provided on the NEAP website.
- Step 4: Compile Required Documentation
- Gather all necessary documentation, including financial statements and forecast data.
- Ensure the application package is complete with the Energy Management Plan and supporting documents.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application by email or mail to the specified contact.
- Send to: Martin Rondeau, Northern Energy Advantage Program, Ministry of Northern Development, Willet Green Miller Centre, 933 Ramsey Lake Road, 4th floor, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 6A5 or via email at Martin.Rondeau@ontario.ca.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- REBATES: Rebates disbursed on a quarterly basis are contingent upon meeting all terms and conditions, including quarterly reporting requirements.
- TRANSFER OF CAPS: Facility Annual Caps are non-shareable but may be transferable to another entity at the Ministry's discretion, subject to terms and conditions imposed by the Ministry.
- ONGOING SOLVENCY: Participants must demonstrate ongoing solvency or operational viability throughout the program duration to remain eligible.
- ENERGY MANAGEMENT PLAN: Participants must submit an Energy Management Plan (EMP) detailing proposed steps and methods for improving electrical efficiency and sustainability.
- SPECIAL CONSIDERATION: The program offers the Investor Class Stream for significant capital investments, which could provide additional flexibility with program parameters for certain projects aligning with government priorities.
- QUARTERLY REPORTING: Participants are required to submit quarterly reports detailing progress, achievements, and forecasts, which are critical for ongoing eligibility and rebate disbursement.
- RETROACTIVE REBATES: Retroactive rebates may be possible for electricity consumed prior to entering a NEAP Agreement, subject to conditions outlined in the agreement.
- CANCELLATION AND AMENDMENTS: The ministry reserves the right to cancel any part or all of the program at any time or amend the program rules at its discretion, without prior notice.
grant_single_labels|contact
Martin.Rondeau@ontario.ca
705-507-1648
Apply to this program
Reducing Energy Costs for Northern Ontario Industries
The Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP) offers significant rebates to Northern Ontario’s largest industrial electricity consumers, fostering economic stability and supporting job creation through competitive electricity pricing.
In-Depth Understanding of the Northern Energy Advantage Program
The Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP) is a strategic initiative designed to support the major industrial electricity consumers in Northern Ontario by offering competitive and stable energy pricing. This program is essential for industries such as mining, manufacturing, and clean technology sectors, which are critical to the economic fabric of the region. By providing a rebate of two cents per kilowatt hour, NEAP helps these industries manage energy costs effectively, thereby boosting their competitiveness on a global scale. The rebate is calculated based on the average annual electricity consumption during 2017 to 2020, encouraging enterprises to optimize their energy use within predictable limits.
One of the core aspects of NEAP is its eligibility criteria, which are structured to ensure that only significant energy-consuming facilities can participate. The program requires that each facility must consume a minimum of 50,000 MWh of electricity annually and be classified under certain industry sectors according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). This focus not only supports industries that have a considerable impact on the local economy but also aligns with broader goals to enhance sustainability and technological advancement in these sectors.
Participants in NEAP are also required to submit an extensive energy management plan, which outlines how they will achieve improved electrical efficiency and sustainability. This requirement pushes industries towards adopting energy-efficient practices, thus leading to reduced environmental impacts and improved operational efficiency. This strategic focus on energy management offers long-term benefits beyond immediate financial savings, including increased system reliability and lower maintenance costs. These changes make Northern Ontario's industries more resilient and adaptable to shifts in global energy markets.
Moreover, the NEAP encourages transformational investments by offering the Investor Class Stream for participants making significant capital investments that align with governmental priorities, such as decarbonization and clean technology implementation. This initiative not only supports existing industries in maintaining operations but also attracts new investments in the northern region, promoting job creation and economic diversification. The program’s alignment with Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy further highlights its role in developing a sustainable economic framework, particularly within emerging sectors like the battery supply chain.
Overall, the Northern Energy Advantage Program plays a pivotal role in sustaining the economic health of Northern Ontario by mitigating electricity costs, promoting energy efficiency, and supporting transformational sector investments. By fostering a culture of conservation and innovation, NEAP positions Northern Ontario's industries to thrive amidst increasing environmental and market challenges, securing their future competitiveness and sustainability.
