Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE) has launched a new initiative to help Canadian Indigenous communities install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Through the program, ICE will cover 50 per cent (up to set maximums) of EV charging station installation costs for Indigenous communities and businesses.
ICE is delivering the Charge Up program with support from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). EVs represent a new wave of clean energy opportunity for Indigenous communities and businesses and Charge Up is aimed at powering the national Indigenous electric highway, connecting communities coast to coast to coast.
Terri Lynn Morrison, ICE’s associate executive director, is pleased the federal government is stepping up with this venture.
Terri Lynn Morrison, associate executive director at Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE).
“We’re really excited to be partnering with NRCan to work on bridging the gap that exists in Indigenous communities as it relates to EV charging,” said Morrison who points out that Indigenous communities currently rely heavily on transport, especially those located outside of major urban centres.
“The development of electric trucks, ATVs, snow machines and boats is opening up significant opportunities for electrification as these machines start to meet the needs of community members,” said Morrison.
The support will help Indigenous communities and organizations install EV charging stations in a variety of public places, including on-Street, multi-unit residential buildings, workplaces and to help power light-duty vehicle fleets.
Until March 31, 2022, the Charge Up program will only review applications from rural Indigenous communities and rural Indigenous-owned businesses. Applicants that are not part of a rural Indigenous community/organization can still apply during the initial 31-day reserved window, however, their application will only be processed after March 31, 2022 when the program opens to all interested Indigenous organizations whether they are considered a rural or not.
The total funding available is $316,250. Applications will be assessed monthly until all funding has been allocated. Please note funding is for charger installation only and does not cover ongoing maintenance and operating costs.
All Indigenous communities/organizations are invited to apply. However, the priority will be given to projects happening in rural communities and communities that do not already have a charging station.
Indigenous communities and organizations are invited to apply here.
For further information, visit: https://indigenouscleanenergy.com/chargeup/
