Assessing Local Energy Solutions to Improve the Region’s Electrical Grid Reliability
As a result of persistent power shortages, communities such as Port Hardy have had to spend over $1milion installing backup generators to ensure potable water and sanitary sewer service maintenance.
Overview
After communities in the North Island experienced 29 power outages in 2021 alone – including ones that can last for hours or days – it became imperative to find sustainable and effective solutions.
A Coalition was formed to include member communities: Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Alert Bay, the ‘Namgis, Quatsino, Gwa’sala-Nakwaxda’xw and Kwakiutl First Nations. Their goal has been to investigate options for identifying affordable and reliable sources of power to back up the electrical grid.
This project will review existing production and storage capacity against load distribution and consumption and explore opportunities to modify or expand existing generating assets and develop new generation capabilities. The Coalition has identified a variety of primary concerns, including residents with limited incomes where power outages can be life-threatening and other situations that impact heavily on business.
The initiative brings together people across the North Island to have access to the wind and run-of-river energy being created locally in their region.
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
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In 2022, the Trust invested in the North Island Sustainable Power Coalition, a partnership of First Nations and local governments focused on local renewable energy and eliminating frequent power outages disrupting communities.