Northern Energy Advantage Program (NEAP)

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

Eligible facilities for the Northern Energy Advantage Program must be located within specific districts in Northern Ontario. These areas are strategically chosen to support the region's industrial electricity consumers.

• Kenora District
• Rainy River District
• Thunder Bay District
• Cochrane District
• Algoma District
• Sudbury District
• Timiskaming District
• Nipissing District
• Manitoulin District
• Parry Sound District

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.