Funding will strengthen Indigenous partnerships and advance economic reconciliation across Ontario
OWEN SOUND – The Ontario government announced that the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has invested $171,926 to support Making First Nation Energy Data Accessible and Creating Indigenous Energy Auditors in Neyaashiinigmiing through the 2025 intake of the Indigenous Energy Support Program (IESP) and is opening applications for 2026. This investment is an important part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening Indigenous leadership in the sector and funding community-led energy projects that will ensure the province has the affordable, secure, clean and reliable energy needed to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant province.
“Indigenous communities have a vital role to play in Ontario’s energy future,” said Paul Vickers, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. “This investment will help empower community members, and ensure Indigenous voices are heard in shaping the energy systems that affect their communities and Ontario as a whole.”
The two projects receiving funding are:
| Making First Nation Energy Data Accessible | Boodawewin is a web app developed to help First Nations consumers match with energy efficiency programs more easily. This project will upgrade the app to improve usability and increase access to energy and housing data, which is critical for addressing energy poverty. It will also hire a full‑time data manager to maintain accurate data and support community access. |
| Creating Indigenous Energy Auditors | Ishkoday will work with Home Inspectors Group to train 12–15 new Indigenous Energy Auditors in Ontario. This will give Indigenous households better access to culturally comfortable audit services, support First Nations consumers who need audits to access programs and create new employment opportunities. The project will also focus on recruiting students from harder‑to‑reach areas of the province. |
Funding from the IESP, which is administered by the IESO, is provided across four streams:
- Capacity Building to support awareness, education, skills and capacity building initiatives to leverage energy opportunities.
- Economic Development to support equitable access to project partnerships and infrastructure development opportunities.
- Energy Resiliency and Monitoring to support the development, planning and implementation of community energy plans and initiatives.
- The new Remote Projects Development stream to help remote communities transition away from diesel-powered generation and build electricity transmission and generation infrastructure.
“Ontario needs more power, and having strong partnerships with Indigenous communities is fundamental to meeting growing demand while advancing meaningful economic reconciliation”, said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “That’s why we’re expanding our investment in the Indigenous Energy Support Program, supporting Indigenous communities across the province with energy planning, infrastructure development, and valuable skills development opportunities to help deliver reliable power for generations ahead.”
The IESP is part of Energy for Generations, the government’s long-term plan to deliver reliable, affordable and secure energy to power Ontario’s future. Backed by record investments in energy infrastructure, our integrated approach is giving Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners the confidence to invest, grow and build here in Ontario. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth
QUICK FACTS
- The Ontario government increased the IESO’s funding envelope for the IESP by $10 million in 2025, bringing the total available funding to $25 million annually for Indigenous communities and organizations.
- The enhanced IESP also marks a major step forward in delivering on the government’s off-diesel strategy, with dedicated funding for remote First Nation communities to help these communities transition away from diesel-powered generation.
- Since the inception of the Indigenous Energy Support Programs in 2009, the IESO has awarded $107.50 million in funding to 185 Indigenous communities and organizations.