WHITEFISH RIVER—The Whitefish River First Nation (WRFN) is one of 12 communities selected for the saveONenergy Aboriginal Conservation Program, which provides customized conservation services designed to help First Nation communities reduce their electricity use. The program is designed to assist both residential housing and commercial and institutional buildings like stores, schools and also band offices.
First Nations Engineering Services Ltd., the program manager, will work with its subcontractor, The Abor Group Ltd., to deliver the program. The Abor Group Ltd. is also an aboriginal-owned and operated company, specializing in energy assessments and conservation program implementation.
The program also creates employment opportunities, potentially providing up to 30 jobs in selected First Nation communities, a press release from Ontario Power Generation states. Program managers, community coordinators, canvassers and energy auditors will be hired to deliver the program to participating communities.
Eligible businesses and facilities can receive assessments for their lighting and water-heating systems as part of the program, up to $1,500 in energy-efficient lighting and equipment upgrades and gain access to further incentives.
Residents in participating communities will have an opportunity to work with a certified energy auditor who will recommend electricity-saving measures based on assessment of their homes. These measures could include: Energy Star CFL light bulbs, smart power bars, hot water tank wrap and pipe insulation, efficient showerheads and faucet aerators, block heater timers, programmable thermostats and attic, wall and/or basement insulation.
Eligible businesses and facilities can receive assessments for their lighting and water-heating systems as part of the program, up to $1,500 in energy-efficient lighting and equipment upgrades and also to gain access to further incentives.
“Residents interested in taking advantage of the audits and measures offered through this initiative should talk to their band councils—each community will have a lead and a community canvasser that will solicit the interest of participants, assess eligibility and book audits,” explained Mary Bernard of the Ontario Power Authority. “There is no limit to the number of residents who can participate.”
