Apr 12 2010
The support for renewable energy by Ontario’s people community is evidenced by the recent awarding of green electricity contracts to First Nations and community groups. Thirty six Aboriginal and community groups were awarded with renewable energy contracts under Ontario’s feed-in tariff program.
Ontario Sustainable Energy Association’s Executive Director Kristopher Stevens commented that the issuance of such high numbers of contracts will benefit the communities financially and also help decrease pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
OSEA member M'Chigeeng First Nations is one of the receiver the contracts. M'Chigeeng First Nations is currently working on a wind farm with 10 MW of capacity on Manitoulin Island termed as Mother Earth Renewable Energy. The Windfall Ecology Centre, an OSEA member Chippewas, in collaboration with the Georgina Island First Nation established the Pukwis Energy Co-op, which obtained a contract as well.
The Aboriginal and community power projects totaling 184 were announced by Brad Dugid, the Energy Minister, at Whitby’s Durham College on April 8. These renewable power projects can produce 2,500 MW of electricity when combined together, which translates into electricity that can power 600,000 homes.
Source: http://www.ontario-sea.org