Open
Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program
Funds remote First Nations energy-efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses
Last Update: March 16, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The IESO’s Save on Energy Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program (RFNEEP) provides funding support (maximum amount not specified) to eligible remote First Nations communities in Ontario to implement energy-efficiency projects that reduce energy costs and improve comfort in homes and businesses. Eligible activities include a free energy audit and, for qualified participants, no-cost measures such as ENERGY STAR® LED bulbs, smart power bars, water-saving measures, appliance replacements, insulation and draft-proofing upgrades, and commercial lighting and thermostat upgrades.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Construction
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Conduct energy audits for homes and businesses to assess energy use.
- Implement energy-efficiency upgrades in homes.
- Replace or upgrade household appliances to more energy-efficient models.
- Complete insulation and draft-proofing improvements in homes.
- Install energy-efficiency upgrades in businesses (e.g., lighting retrofits and controls, thermostats).
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses located in eligible remote First Nations communities in Ontario
Eligible expenses
- Energy audit for homes and businesses.
- ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs, smart power bars, outdoor timers, and water-saving measures (low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, hot water tank wrap, pipe insulation).
- Replacement of appliances (refrigerators, chest freezers, window air conditioners, dehumidifiers).
- Insulation and draft-proofing upgrades (attic insulation, caulking around windows, weather stripping for doors and attic hatches).
- Smart thermostats or programmable wall-mounted thermostats for baseboard heaters.
- High-efficiency bathroom automatic exhaust fan and duct.
- Commercial LED lighting retrofits, lighting control sensors, and smart thermostats.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario — the following remote First Nations communities: Bearskin Lake First Nation; Deer Lake First Nation; Kasabonika Lake First Nation; Keewaywin First Nation; Kingfisher Lake First Nation; Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug; Muskrat Dam First Nation; North Caribou Lake First Nation; North Spirit Lake First Nation; Pikangikum First Nation; Poplar Hill First Nation; Sachigo Lake First Nation; Sandy Lake First Nation; Wapekeka First Nation; Wawakapewin First Nation.
Additional information
- The program is delivered by the IESO under the Save on Energy initiative.
- The program starts with a free energy audit for participating homes and businesses.
- With transmission connections planned for these communities, the program highlights energy efficiency as a timely opportunity to reduce energy costs and improve comfort.
- The IESO Indigenous Relations team is available to support communities throughout the process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency 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 Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program?
The IESO’s Save on Energy Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program (RFNEEP) provides funding support (maximum amount not specified) to eligible remote First Nations communities in Ontario to implement energy-efficiency projects that reduce energy costs and improve comfort in homes and businesses. Eligible activities include a free energy audit and, for qualified participants, no-cost measures such as ENERGY STAR® LED bulbs, smart power bars, water-saving measures, appliance replacements, insulation and draft-proofing upgrades, and commercial lighting and thermostat upgrades.
Who is eligible for the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program program?
To be eligible for the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program program, you must:
Business located in an eligible remote First Nations community in Ontario (listed in program).
Business must meet RFNEEP eligibility requirements (validated during sign-up).
What expenses are eligible under Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program?
Conduct energy audits for homes and businesses to assess energy use.
Implement energy-efficiency upgrades in homes.
Replace or upgrade household appliances to more energy-efficient models.
Complete insulation and draft-proofing improvements in homes.
Install energy-efficiency upgrades in businesses (e.g., lighting retrofits and controls, thermostats).
Who can I contact for more information about the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program?
You can contact Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) by email at SaveOnEnergy@ieso.ca.
Where is the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program available?
The Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program?
Remote First Nations Energy-Efficiency Program is funded by Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Save on Energy (SOE)