Northern REACHE program: guide for applicants
This guide outlines which organizations and projects are eligible for funding under the Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity (REACHE) program and what information is needed in a proposal for funding. It also describes the reporting requirements.
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Overview
The Northern Responsible Energy Approach for Community Heat and Electricity (REACHE) program, delivered by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), will provide $10.7 million over two years (starting in 2016-2017), and $53.5million over ten years (starting in 2018-2019) for reducing Northern communities' reliance on diesel for heating and electricity.
This program provides funding for planning and construction of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, and related capacity building and planning in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. Increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources will result in environmental, social, and economic benefits to support developing healthier, more sustainable Northern communities. It builds on the former ecoEnergy for Aboriginal and Northern Communities program delivered by INAC between 2007 and 2016.
Priority is given to projects that include strong Indigenous and/ or community leadership, engagement, or partnerships. The program works closely with regional stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and fund projects. There is no annual deadline or periodic call-for-proposals process.
Program objectives
- To reduce diesel fuel use for electricity and heating by funding the planning and construction of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that have a high likelihood of becoming operational and that provide benefits to communities.
- To build capacity within northern communities, governments, and organizations (to support project planning, construction, operation, and maintenance) by funding community or regional energy planning and engagement, participation in skills development initiatives related to clean energy, or project specific on-site training.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Eligible recipients | The program will support projects in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. Eligible recipients include:
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Eligible projects and activities | Eligible projects include:
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Eligible costs | Eligible costs must be reasonable and necessary for the recipient to carry out an approved project or activity that will lead to the expected results. Eligible costs include:
Recipients are required to declare any and all prospective sources of funding for the project or activity, inclusive of all federal, provincial, territorial or municipal governments (total government assistance) and other sources that are expected to be received. |
What information do I need to provide in my proposal?
This section of the guide details what to consider when preparing your proposal, and examples of information to include. The level of detail required varies by project or activity type. Proposals developed for other organizations and purposes will be considered provided that sufficient information and details are included.
Funding for approved projects and activities is determined based on the proposal, then validated based on a critical review of the amount requested.
Section | Questions for consideration | Examples of information to include |
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I. Community challenges and opportunities |
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II. Project description and work plan |
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III. Project benefits |
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IV. Stakeholder engagement, support, partnerships, and regulatory considerations |
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V. Capacity and project governance |
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VI. Operation and maintenance |
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What are the project reporting requirements?
The Northern REACHE program will track the progression of funded projects through planning, construction, and operational stages. For projects that become operational, the program requires monitoring systems and maintenance plans to track system performance and the continued reduction of diesel fuel. Energy generation data will be converted to litres of diesel fuel and greenhouse gas emission reductions based on standard conversion factors used by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Funding recipients will be asked to report on the environmental, social, and economic benefits of their project or activity, including energy generated from their renewable energy project, or energy consumption reduced from their energy efficiency project. Standard reporting requirements on activities and expenditures, as well as financial statements will be required as per the contribution agreement.
Contact Northern REACHE
If you have questions regarding the application process, the eligibility requirements, or the information required in your application, contact aadnc.northernreache.aandc@canada.ca.