Closed
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
- Receipt of requests is now closed
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
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Construction
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Public or Parapublic institution
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).
Official resources
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.
How to apply
2
Sign up for the program
- Sign up as an eligible household or business once the community confirms participation
3
Review requirements and agreement
- Review program eligibility requirements with the RFNEEP delivery partner representative
- Review the application process and participant agreement
Processing and Agreement
- The delivery partner reviews eligibility requirements, the program process, and the participant agreement with applicants.
- Applications are completed through the RFNEEP delivery partner during sign-up.
- Program representatives first confirm the community’s interest and participation through the Chief and Council.
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
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)