IESP Overview
What is the Indigenous Energy Support Program?
The Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) promotes broad equitable participation in Ontario’s energy sector for First Nation and Metis communities and First Nation and Métis organizations by supporting community capacity building, including energy planning and energy infrastructure development, as well as the building of energy knowledge and awareness, and skills related to energy projects.
The Program provides funding through three Areas of Funding (AOF):
- Capacity Building
- Economic Development
- Energy Resiliency & Monitoring
1. Capacity Building
Through the Capacity Building AOF, the IESP provides funding to support awareness, education, skills, and capacity building initiatives to help prepare First Nation and Metis communities and organizations to fully leverage energy opportunities and contribute to cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable energy systems. Initiatives funded through the Capacity Building AOF may include, but is not limited to:
- Capacity Building (Part A)
- hiring a designated Community Energy Champion (CEC) within their community or organization;
- expenses such as equipment, training, engagement, or travel related to the work of the CEC;
- Capacity Building (Part B)
- community energy engagement;
- energy skills building, project training and certifications;
- innovative knowledge/data sharing models.
2. Economic Development
Through the Economic Development AOF, the IESP provides funding to support equitable access to project partnerships and development leading to clean, reliable and affordable supply-side solutions for First Nation and Métis communities and Organizations. Initiatives funded through the Economic Development AOF may include, but is not limited to:
- the assessment and development of energy renewable projects;
- the assessment and development of partnerships for renewable energy projects and transmission projects; and
- innovative supply-side solutions to challenges that support the IESO’s focus on reliability and cost-effectiveness. This can be demonstrated through emerging technologies, new business models, new practices/regulatory/policy constructs, and existing solutions that are used in novel ways.
3. Energy Resiliency & Monitoring
Through the Energy Resiliency & Monitoring AOF, the IESP provides funding to support First Nation and Metis communities and organizations in the development, planning and implementation of community energy plans and initiatives. Initiatives funded through the Energy Resiliency & Monitoring AOF may include:
- development of a new community energy plan;
- updating an existing community energy plan;
When Can I Apply?
Applications will be accepted beginning on April 19th, 2024 through August 30th, 2024 (dates may be subject to change). Refer to the application process and the below evaluation schedule for more information.
Evaluation Schedule for IESP Applications
The following is the schedule for IESP application submissions and evaluation timelines to help guide you in submitting your application.
|
Quarter |
Submit By Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed at the next Application Review Period |
Application Review Period |
|---|---|---|
|
Q2 |
June 28, 2024 |
July 2024 – August 2024 |
|
Q3 |
August 30, 2024 |
September 2024 – October 2024 |
* Note: the IESO may revise and/or replace this schedule, in its sole and absolute discretion, from time to time.
Who is Eligible?
First Nation and Métis communities and organizations in the province of Ontario can apply for funding. See the Program Guidelines for more details.
Non-indigenous entities working in partnership with, and for the benefit of, First Nation or Métis communities or organizations (joint applicants only).
Contact IESP Staff
The IESP team is here to help you at any point along the way. Applicants needing more information or interested in making a submission should email iesp@ieso.ca.