More Clean Energy Coming to Mi’kmaw Communities

Mi’kmaw communities are once again showing leadership in Nova Scotia’s energy sector by adding more clean, renewable solar energy to the electricity grid.

Kings South MLA Keith Irving, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette, announced today, Oct. 15, that 11 Mi’kmaw organizations have been approved for the Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Program.

“From wind to energy efficiency, Mi’kmaw communities have led the way on innovation and adopting new energy technology, and the result has been jobs and business opportunities throughout the province,” said Mr. Irving. “Today, the Mi’kmaq are producing more electricity from wind than they use in their communities, and adding solar energy projects will only build on their successes.”

Working in partnership with Beaubassin Mi’kmaq Wind Management, the approved projects are:

• Membertou First Nation, Cape Breton Regional Municipality: 72 kilowatts
• Pictou Landing First Nation: 72 kilowatts
• Bear River First Nation, Annapolis and Digby counties: 48 kilowatts
• Potlotek First Nation, Richmond County: 72 kilowatts
• Wagmatcook First Nation, Victoria County: 72 kilowatts
• Acadia First Nation, Yarmouth County: 72 kilowatts
• Paqtnkek First Nation, Antigonish County: 72 kilowatts
• Millbrook First Nation, Colchester County: 72 kilowatts
• Eskasoni First Nation, Cape Breton Regional Municipality: 72 kilowatts
• Annapolis Valley First Nation, Kings County: 72 kilowatts
• Glooscap First Nation, Hants County: 72 kilowatts

“This program is great for our small community as it allows us to reach our goals of becoming a low-carbon community,” said Glooscap First Nation Chief Sidney Peters. “Our community is always pressing us to find new innovative ways to generate electricity without harming Mother Earth. Our Comprehensive Community Plan has a clear objective to develop and maintain innovative and environmentally responsible infrastructure.”

This year, a total of 27 applications were selected from across the province. If all projects are completed, Nova Scotia will add 1,617 kilowatts of renewable electricity to the grid. That is more than double last year’s total.

All applications were overseen by Clean Foundation, the independent procurement administrator.

The average selling price this year for electricity generated through these projects is 25.4 cents per kilowatt hour. The impact to ratepayers is capped at 0.1 per cent, which is already built into the province’s rate stability plan.

The program is for Mi’kmaw communities, registered non-profit or charitable organizations, municipalities or organizations owned by municipalities, universities or community colleges in Nova Scotia.

The program will be offered for one more year. For more information on the program, visit http://www.novascotia.ca/solar .