the T’Souke First Nation west of Victoria, three photovoltaic systems, with a total capacity of 75 kW, comprise the largest solar PV project to date in British Columbia. photo courtesy Peter OstergaardThe T’Sou-ke First Nation community is a hot-spot in BC for solar power. The community is now equipped with three photo-voltaic (creating electricity from the sun) systems that brings power to several administrative buildings and for its own government operations. With a total capacity of 75 kilowatts of energy, they have become the largest solar powered community energy project in BC.
The innovative project is providing clean power to:
- the band office which also acts as an emergency backup system in case of electricity outage,
- the fisheries building which is completely autonomous showing how off grid First Nations can benefit; and
- the BC Hydro grid so that BC Hydro sends them a cheque every two weeks rather than the reverse.
There are 37 homes on the reserve that have already been equipped with Solar Hot Water installations drastically reducing community members’ hydro bills. Almost all of the other residents are signed to the waiting list. The plan is to equip all 86 homes on the two reserves.
The project, which took just under a year from raising funding to completion, has enabled the band to reduce electricity consumption by 30%. With further conservation and solar installations planned the band is aiming for a further 20% reduction over the next year.
Engagement and Governance
An important part of the initiative will be engaging the community in extensive conservation measures to further reduce solar energy use. It is cheaper to save energy than produce it. T'Sou-ke Chief Gordon Planes recognizes the importance of long-term thinking and community engagement. “The thing that we want to see is that our great grandchildren will benefit, that is the legacy that we want to leave,” said Planes at the grand two day Solar Forum and Gathering that took place in July, 2009.
Policy Framework
T'Sou-ke Nation Solar Installation, photo courtesy Andrew MooreThe project benefitted from being on First Nations land and jurisdiction. It conforms to T’Sou-ke Land Code as well as to federal CEAA - Canada Environmental Assessment Act.
Project leader Andrew Moore said, “Policies were formed to support First Nations particularly those off-grid (with help from Fraser Basin Council). The Forum brought together federal, provincial, local governments, non-profits and businesses to look at coordinating and collaborating on First Nations and Municipal clean energy projects.”
Economic benefits include the creation of twenty jobs. Nine band members are certified solar panel installers. In addition, the community plans to sell excess power to BC Hydro for the next 50 years.
Funding came from the provincial Innovative Clean Energy Fund ($400,000) , Indian and Northern Affairs Canada ($100,000) and $150,000 from Western Economic Diversification. The total project cost is estimated at $1.25 million. T’Sou-ke is producing a toolkit to support off grid First Nations and communities to further clean energy projects.
Unique Value
photo courtesy Peter OstergaardSome of the solar panels display local artwork, embodying the unique value in this project. Said Planes, “T’Sou-ke Solar Community aims to demonstrate in a small but practical way how First Nations can lead the way out of our society’s addictions and dependency on fossil fuel. The Nation wishes to show how energy sustainability can be achieved once again using the power of the Sun, Wind and Sea”.
T’Sou-ke Nation homepage : Solar forum & gathering http://www.tsoukenation.com/
Victoria Times Colonist story: “Small T'Sou-ke reserve one of most solar-power-intensive in country”
CBC story: “B.C. First Nation unveils solar power project"
Youtube video: “First Nation Caps Clean Energy Success”
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