Fair and Inclusive Rates

Secure fair prices for Indigenous-led renewable energy projects Indigenous-led renewable energy projects provide environmental, economic and social...

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Secure fair prices for Indigenous-led renewable energy projects

Indigenous-led renewable energy projects provide environmental, economic and social benefits to communities. Despite this, project funding and revenue streams do not fully reflect the associated value of renewable energy projects.

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Are you a part of an Indigenous community with or working to launch a clean renewable energy project? Contact us to learn more about how we can support you.

Our research and advocacy on Fair and Inclusive Rates (FAIR) seeks to address funding gaps and secure fair and equitable energy prices by raising awareness, conducting research, initiating collaboration and advancing advocacy efforts.

With FAIR, we aim to: 

  • Build networks to lower information and access barriers 
  • Reform regulatory frameworks and pricing models to support Indigenous energy sovereignty
  • Recognize and integrate Indigenous rights and reconciliation in financial and public policies 
  • Increase public and private investment toward Indigenous-owned renewable energy projects 

Benefits of fair prices 

Increased energy securityIncreased energy security 

Advancement of energy sovereigntyAdvancement of energy sovereignty  

 

Economic development and self-sufficiencyEconomic development and self-sufficiency 

IndigenousAdvancing Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, and community pride 

Indigenous controlIndigenous control over data, policy development, and project implementation

offset diesel useFor projects that offset diesel use, cost savings and benefits resulting from decreased reliance on diesel fuel 

 

Interested in learning more? Expand to read our research and publications. 

Three Nations Energy Solar panels in Fort Chipewyan

Energy justice in remote communities How integrating energy justice in power purchase agreements can accelerate an Indigenous-led clean energy transition

Blog Aug. 2, 2023- By Arthur Bledsoe, Bhan Gatkuoth
For remote Indigenous communities, renewable energy projects can serve as a pathway towards economic development, climate action, energy security, and diesel reduction. Despite these myriad benefits, clean energy leaders in remote communities across Canada face persistent systemic roadblocks which indefinitely stall or halt renewable energy projects and aspirations.

Reexamining Rates for Remote Renewable Energy How integrating energy justice in power purchase agreements can accelerate an Indigenous-led clean energy transition

Publication June 7, 2023- By Arthur Bledsoe, Katarina Savic
In this paper, we consider the intersection of justice and energy with a special focus on the role of governments, regulators, and utilities in creating a fairer system of for power purchase agreements for Indigenous clean energy proponents. As part of the discussion, we interrogate the Bonbright Principles and their role in maintaining systemic barriers which directly affect the uptake of clean energy progress in remote Indigenous communities.

Solar installation in Behchoko with worker

Why we need fair prices for Indigenous-led renewable energy Utilities and investors can support rates that account for the benefits of clean energy

Blog Nov. 3, 2021- By Dave Lovekin, Emily He

Between 2015 and 2020, the number of renewable energy projects in remote communities across Canada nearly doubled. Yet, despite this growth in renewables, as much as 79 per cent of the electricity used in remote communities is still generated using diesel fuel. Fair and equitable prices for Indigenous-led clean energy allow projects to be sustainable and account for the social and environmental benefits of using less diesel and advancing Indigenous energy sovereignty.

Cover of Independent Power Producer policy in Nunavut

Independent Power Producer policy in Nunavut Nunavut IODI champion and Pembina Institute feedback

Publication Oct. 31, 2022- By Alex Ittimangnaq, Dave Lovekin, Katarina Savic, Emily He
Delivery of the IPP policy in Nunavut has been slow, resulting in the delay of several renewable energy projects across the territory. The situation has created uncertainty for Inuit businesses, communities and developers who are ready to advance projects. This forthcoming policy must create clarity and certainty in addition to prioritizing Inuit-led projects.

briefing note cover

Recommendations on energy policy in the NWT Briefing note to the Government of NWT

Publication Oct. 31, 2022- By Richard Nerysoo, Chris Severson-Baker, Dave Lovekin, Emily He
This briefing note provides context and recommendations for climate and energy related reports that are anticipated to be discussed at the Fall Sitting of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories from October 13 to November 3, 2022. We hope that the Government of NWT will commit to supporting Indigenous-led clean energy systems and consider the following recommendations while developing policies and programs.

Cover of Recommendations on the forthcoming IPP Policy

Recommendations on the forthcoming IPP Policy To be presented to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

Publication Oct. 19, 2022- By Chris Severson-Baker, Dave Lovekin
Meeting the future energy needs of Nunavut’s growing population while also tackling climate change and the decarbonization of Nunavut’s energy systems will require a well-designed Independent Power Producer (IPP) Policy. The forthcoming IPP policy must match the speed and scale needed for the low-carbon energy transition, reduce the barriers to market entry for Inuit organizations, and prioritize Inuit ownership on renewable energy projects.

Cover for 'Case for investing in clean energy in remote communities;

The case for investing in clean energy in remote communities Recommendations on how to improve access to capital

Publication April 22, 2022- By Katarina Savic
Indigenous-owned clean energy projects in remote areas face chronic barriers to accessing private capital to help fund the development of renewable energy. In this report we summarize the key barriers facing renewable energy deployment in remote communities as they relate to accessing capital and recommend government policies, programs, and tools that could be used to attract market capital and improve the business case for renewables in remote areas.

Cover of recommendations to Nunavut to accelerate clean energy projects

Recommendations to the Government of Nunavut to accelerate clean energy projects Improving policies to meet energy needs and climate goals

Publication Feb. 10, 2022- By Dave Lovekin, Katarina Savic

Nunavut is almost entirely dependent on diesel power for meeting its electricity and heating needs and has the highest diesel dependency of all territories and provinces. Policies that regulate the terms and conditions, as well as the rates paid to power producers, can be significantly improved so that producers are incentivized to develop clean energy projects that are sustainable, profitable, and contribute to reducing reliance on diesel power.

Cover of Diesel Subsidies Simplified

Diesel Subsidies — Simplified, Part I In remote communities, subsidies mask the true cost of using diesel fuel and impede the transition to clean energy systems

Publication June 28, 2021- By Dave Lovekin

Subsidies for diesel fuel use in remote communities have kept prices artificially low, disincentivizing efforts to find efficiencies or alternative, renewable, energy sources. Diesel Subsidies Simplified Part I explains the critical role of subsidies as an obstacle to transitioning to clean energy systems, how subsidies work, and how financing can be redirected to open up opportunities for energy alternatives that lower emissions and improve social, environmental and health outcomes.

Solar energy system in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta

What’s a fair and equitable price for renewable energy in remote communities? The rate structure of power purchase agreements in remote communities needs radical transformation to advance renewable energy projects

Blog March 10, 2021- By Marvin Quitoras

A well-designed independent power producer policy with a fair and equitable power purchase agreement rate promotes the adoption of locally led renewable energy projects in remote communities. A fair and equitable energy price must capture the full costs of building and operating a diesel-based energy system within an accurate PPA rate structure for renewable-energy projects. As well, energy developers in remote communities must include community- and Indigenous-led electricity developers.

 

first page of Joint briefing note to the Government of Nunavut

Recommendations on QEC CIPP policy application Joint briefing note to the Government of Nunavut

Publication Sept. 15, 2020- By Dave Lovekin, Marvin Quitoras, WWF-Canada, Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation

This briefing note was submitted by WWF-Canada, Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation and the Pembina Institute in response to QEC's Commercial Institutional Power Production policy proposal (May 2020). While we appreciate QEC’s effort to develop this CIPP policy, the policy as laid out will do little to encourage the adoption of renewable energy systems in Nunavut and therefore contribute little to put Nunavut on a path of transition away from diesel.

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Recommendations on QEC’s commercial institutional power production policy application Pembina Institute submission

Publication July 27, 2020- By Dave Lovekin, Marvin Quitoras

The Pembina Institute reviews the Qulliq Energy Corporation’s (QEC) commercial institutional power production (CIPP) application. Although it is encouraging to see this application, it is the Pembina Institute’s opinion that the proposed policy will do little to encourage renewable energy uptake for commercial and institutional customers in Nunavut. Several statements do not appear to meet the stated mandate of QEC to support renewable energy.

 

B.C. Indigenous Utilities Regulation Inquiry Letter of Comment

Publication Sept. 9, 2019- By Dylan Heerema

There is considerable momentum among Indigenous nations in B.C. pursuing self-government and a higher degree of energy independence. The current regulatory environment has the potential to restrict such goals. 

Comments on Qulliq Energy Corporation’s proposed IPP policy Pembina Institute submission on independent power producer program in Nunavut

Publication March 27, 2019- By Dave Lovekin, Dylan Heerema

A well-designed IPP policy in Nunavut would create valuable opportunities for Indigenous communities and project proponents in developing renewable energy projects.

The True Cost of Energy in Remote Communities Understanding diesel electricity generation terms and economics — 2nd edition

Publication March 6, 2019- By Dave Lovekin, Dylan Heerema

This backgrounder breaks down some common fuel cost terms that are important for conversations around transitioning remote communities away from diesel.

Renewable Energy Partnerships and Project Economics Research supporting Indigenous–utility partnerships and power purchase agreements

Publication Oct. 25, 2018- By Eryn Fitzgerald, Dave Lovekin

This report examines strategies for enhancing collaboration and partnership between Indigenous power proponents and utilities and territorial / federal governments.

 

Become a part of the solution

Securing fair and equitable energy prices in support of Indigenous communities requires collaboration across sectors, governments and regions. Get in contact with us to learn more about how you can help make clean energy accessible to all.

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