The Ontario government announced Thursday that 148 projects will receive funding through the 2025 intake of the Indigenous Energy Support Program, part of a $25-million investment aimed at strengthening Indigenous partnerships in the province’s energy sector.
The funding, delivered through the Independent Electricity System Operator, is intended to support Indigenous-led energy initiatives and bolster community participation as the province works to expand its electricity supply. Officials say the investment is meant to advance Indigenous leadership, support community-driven energy projects and help ensure Ontario has the power needed for a growing economy.
“Ontario needs more power, and having strong partnerships with Indigenous communities is fundamental to meeting growing demand while advancing meaningful economic reconciliation,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “That’s why we’re expanding our investment in the Indigenous Energy Support Program, supporting Indigenous communities across the province with energy planning, infrastructure development and valuable skills development opportunities to help deliver reliable power for generations ahead.”
The program funds projects across three areas: capacity building, which supports education, skills development and the hiring of a Community Energy Champion in participating communities; economic development, which supports equitable access to project partnerships and infrastructure opportunities; and energy resiliency and monitoring, which supports community energy planning. The economic development stream has also been expanded to include a Remote Projects Development component targeting diesel reduction in nine off-grid First Nation communities.
“From planning and innovation to equity partnerships in major projects – Indigenous communities remain key drivers of Ontario’s energy future,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “Today’s expanded investments for community-led energy planning, local capacity building and meaningful opportunities are ensuring Indigenous communities share in the benefits of Ontario’s growing and increasingly integrated energy sector, for generations to come.”
Applications for 2026 funding are now open, with a deadline of October 2, 2026.
The province says it increased the IESO’s funding envelope for the program by $10 million in 2025, bringing the total available annual funding to $25 million. Since the program’s inception in 2009, the IESO has awarded approximately $107.50 million to 185 Indigenous communities and organizations.
“The success behind the Indigenous Energy Support Program can be attributed to the people and communities working together to strengthen partnerships, increase energy capacity, and advance new projects. In partnership with Indigenous communities, Ontario is building the energy capacity needed to meet local needs and power the province,” said Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation.
Lesley Gallinger, president and CEO of the Independent Electricity System Operator, said last year’s funding intake reached dozens of communities. “Economic reconciliation and meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities is only possible when all parties can participate equitably. Through the Indigenous Energy Support Program, last year 85 Indigenous communities and organizations received $25 million in funding to support that goal. This year’s funding window presents another opportunity to continue working together to build a better and more prosperous future for Ontario.”
Chief Kelly LaRocca of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation welcomed the investment. “This investment recognizes the important role that Indigenous Nations play in shaping Ontario’s energy future. Through initiatives like these, MSIFN is building the capacity, expertise, and partnerships needed to create lasting economic opportunities for our community while supporting the province’s broader energy transition.”
