Remote Community Implementation Program - Accepting Proposals

October 13th, 2009

Fraser Basin Council

The RCI Program is accepting project proposals in October 2009.  To submit a project proposal, please fill out an application form, which can be found at http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/programs/caee_rci.html

The Community Action on Energy and Emissions’ Remote Community Implementation (RCI) Program is designed to develop, promote and administer funding grants that support remote communities to implement clean energy and energy efficiency projects. The program is intended to support the implementation of these projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuel resources, reduce energy costs and help meet a remote community’s economic and physical sustainability goals.

Eligibility

Remote communities in British Columbia are eligible to apply for funding through this initiative.  Remote Communities are defined as both civic and First Nation communities that are not connected to the major natural gas or electric grid. There are approximately 70 remote communities identified in British Columbia; roughly half are First Nations. The majority of these communities use diesel generators to support their electricity demand. 

Remote communities are invited to submit project proposals related to (but not limited to) the following focus areas:
Community-scale or building-scale alternative power projects that use in-stream hydro, micro hydro, bioenergy, wind, solar or ocean energy technologies;

  • Demand side management projects that upgrade existing community buildings or community infrastructure or improve the design of new buildings over the BC Building Code;
  • Community-scale or building-scale alternative heating projects that use solar, biomass, geo-exchange or air source heating;
  • Integrated smart grid, clean energy and demand side management projects; and
  • District energy systems that use combined heat and power systems supported by clean energy resources.   

Projects are divided into two main streams based on project types over three years. 
Minor Projects: Funding of between $25,000 and $45,000 (8 to 13 projects to be funded).  Projects designed to eliminate or significantly displace diesel generation.

Major Projects: Funding of between $100,000 and $300,000 (4 to 6 projects to be funded). Projects designed to eliminate diesel generation (except for back-up purposes).

*All projects should target a $40 / tonne greenhouse gas emission displaced.

How to apply
The RCI Program is accepting project proposals in October 2009.  To submit a project proposal, please fill out an application form, which can be found at
http://www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/programs/caee_rci.html

For additional information, please contact:

Lindsay Gardner
1st Floor, 470 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC  V6C 1V5

Email: lgardner[at]fraserbasin.bc.ca
Tel: (604) 488-5367
Fax: (604) 488-5351