Background
The Remote Community Implementation Program is designed as an independent initiative under the Community Action on Energy and Emissions (CAEE) program. It is designed to develop, and distribute funding grants to remote communities.

Grants help remote communities implement clean energy and energy efficiency measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependency on fossil fuel resources, reduce energy costs and meet their economic, social and environmental sustainability goals.

This program funds the capital costs of implementing community clean energy and energy efficiency projects and is designed to complement other funding programs that are available to assist communities in clean energy planning and research.

The RCI Program is managed by the Fraser Basin Council, with guidance from an external Advisory Committee, including representatives from First Nations organizations, provincial and federal departments and utilities.

A community-to-community mentorship stream is also under development as part of the RCI program.  Communities that have already completed community energy plans and energy efficiency and / or clean energy projects, and that are interested in being mentors for future funding recipients are invited to contact Lindsay Gardner at (604) 488-5367.

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Eligibility
Remote communities in British Columbia are the only communities 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. Communities served by local generating stations and distribution networks in BC Hydro’s Non-Integrated Areas are also included as eligible remote communities under this program.

There are approximately 70 remote communities identified in British Columbia (see list); roughly half are First Nations. The majority of these communities use diesel generators to support their electricity demand and fossil fuels for heating.

Preference will be given to projects that have committed funding from additional sources. Projects must also be in the final stages of project development, either construction-ready or near the stage of implementation. Feasibility or research studies are ineligible for RCI funding.

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Focus Areas
Proposals are invited for projects 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;
• Community-scale or building-scale alternative heating projects that use solar, biomass, geo-exchange or air source heating;
• District energy systems that use combined heat and power systems supported by clean energy resources.   
• Demand side management projects that upgrade existing community buildings or community infrastructure or improve the design of new buildings over the BC Building Code (over EnergGuide 77);
• Integrated smart grid, clean energy and demand side management projects.

Projects are divided into two main streams based on project type:

• Minor Projects designed to eliminate or significantly displace diesel generation. Funding of between $25,000 and $45,000 is available for capital construction costs (8 to 13 projects to be funded over three years) .
• Major Projects designed to eliminate diesel generation (except for back-up purposes). Funding of between $100,000 and $300,000 is available for capital construction costs (4 to 6 projects to be funded over three years.)

Note: All projects should target a cost of $40 per tonne of greenhouse gas emission displaced.

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Selection Criteria
Applicants should address the criteria below in their project proposals.  Proposals will be reviewed and decisions made based on the following criteria:

Mandatory Criteria

• Applicant is a Remote Community (either a civic or First Nation community served by local generating stations and distribution networks in BC Hydro’s Non-Integrated Areas or a civic or First Nation community not connected to the major natural gas or electric grid)
• Project implements clean energy or energy efficiency infrastructure to reduce or eliminate the use of diesel generators:
  • A Minor Project requesting $25,000 to $45,000 funding from FBC must be designed to eliminate or significantly displace diesel generation.
  • A Major Project requesting $100,000 to $300,000 funding from FBC must be designed to eliminate diesel generation (except for back-up purposes

• Project leverages additional funding from other sources
• Project targets GHG emissions reductions by at least 33% and at a cost of no more than $40 per tonne of CO2 reduced
• Project aligns with a Community Energy Plan or other community energy policies
• Project provides social, economic and environmental benefits to the community
• Applicant submits a completed application form providing all required information.

Additional Evaluation Criteria

• In addition to the mandatory criteria, the Advisory Committee will evaluate proposals using the following questions:
• Does the project contribute to one of the funding focus areas?
• What is the technical and operational feasibility of the project?
• Are the proposed project resources, budget and work-plan realistic, and does the project leverage additional support?
• Does the project have a strong project team and project management plan, including a community champion and strong partnerships?
• How cost-effective is the project, and does the project have a strong value per funding dollar invested?
• How well does the project contribute to the community’s economic sustainability (e.g., supporting local businesses, employment, local revenue generation), and how does the project support a low carbon economy in BC? 
• Have the proponents started or completed consultation and permitting processes?
• Does the project present an opportunity to share experience and knowledge with other communities?
• What are the project’s key risks, and what is the likelihood that this project will be successful in meeting its objectives?

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Eligible Costs

Capital costs related to the implementation of clean energy and energy efficiency projects are eligible for funding in this program.
Examples of eligible costs include (but are not limited to):

• Equipment and material purchases required for clean energy technology installation
• Equipment and construction costs for energy efficiency projects where there is a clear funding requirement above and beyond existing provincial and federal incentives
• Capital and construction costs for alternative energy systems and
• Detailed engineering design for clean energy or energy efficiency projects.

Examples of ineligible costs include:

• Community energy planning
• Policy development
• Feasibility or research studies
• Provincial or federal sales taxes
• Property taxes
• Purchase of land and
• Hospitality.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis throughout the year, and will be reviewed twice annually, in November and May.  Applications for the next round of reviews this year are due by May 21, 2010.   If you have questions, or require support in completing the application form, please contact the Fraser Basin Council.

For additional information, please contact: 

By electronic application

1. Download the Application Form (Word version for electronic completion and submission), convert the completed form to PDF format, and email it to:
   1. Tanya Hebron
   2. Email: thebron[at] fraserbasin.bc.ca

By mail / fax application

2. Print out and complete the Application Form and send it to the Fraser Basin Council (Attn.: Tanya Hebron):

• By mail to:

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

OR

• By fax to: (604) 488-5351 

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Contact Us

For additional information on the Remote Communities Implementation Program, 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

For general information on community energy planning, efficiency and clean energy projects, please visit the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources’ Community Energy Solutions website at: www.empr.gov.bc.ca/RET/CommunityEnergySolutions.