News

$200,000 to Support an Indigenous Energy Project in Nipissing

NIPISSING — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that as part of the Ontario government’s larger investment, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is investing $200,000 to support the Nipissing First Nation’s Beaucage Park (Miskwaabik) Renewable Energy & Lighting Project. This funding, provided through the 2025 Indigenous Energy Support Program’s (IESP) Economic Development stream, is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by strengthening Indigenous leadership in the sector and funding community-led energy projects.

“Ontario’s expanded Indigenous Energy Support Program is helping to build our province’s energy infrastructure through Indigenous-led planning and projects,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “Through Ontario’s Energy for Generations plan, our government is making investments to build the local reliable energy infrastructure needed to meet growing electricity demand while ensuring Nipissing First Nation is a partner in that future.”

“As stewards of the land, we have a responsibility to care for our environment while building a sustainable future for our community. Through the funding we received from the Indigenous Energy Support Program, the Miskwaabik (Beaucage Park) Renewable Energy and Lighting Project will help advance our commitment to clean energy, reduce our environmental footprint, and create a safer, more resilient community space for members and visitors.”- Gimaa (Chief) Cathy Stevens, Nipissing First Nation

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. 

Today’s investment will support Nipissing First Nation’s project through the Economic Development stream of the IESP. The project will cover detailed design and permitting, procurement of PV modules, inverters, racking, BOS, and a right-sized BESS with gateway/controls and critical-load panel, and electrical and minor civil works.

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.

The IESO is now launching the 2026 application window for the IESP, with another $25 million being made available to support Indigenous-led energy planning and projects.

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.