FNPA Awards Contract for Far North Solar Projects
First Nations Power Authority (FNPA) announced today that Points Athabasca Contracting Limited Partnership (PACLP), in partnership with Solar Logix, has been awarded the contract for the turn-key design, supply and install of two solar power generation systems in Saskatchewan’s Far North at Father Megret Elementary School in Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation (HLDFN) and Father Gamache Memorial School in Fond du Lac Denesuline First Nation (FDLDFN).
These two projects are designed to offset power consumption for each of the schools. HLDFN Chief Bart Tsannie said, “FNPA Solar Panels should help with the high cost of keeping the school operating for the year. It will be good to know how much we do save once these panels are in operation.”
Last year, FNPA along with its partners, FDLDFN and HLDFN, secured funding from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s (AANDC) ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program to install two roof-mounted 64 kilowatt solar photovoltaic power systems. Additional funding for this project was also received from the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada and AANDC’s Community Opportunity Readiness Program as well as from FNPA Strategic Partner Bullfrog Power. Bullfrog Power provides critical financing to support the development of new green energy projects across Canada. Both projects will also take advantage of SaskPower’s Net Metering Rebate program, which is in effect until November 30, 2016.
Through a competitive Request for Proposals, FNPA received seven proposals and worked closely with leadership at HLDFN and FDLDFN to make the final selection. The total cost of the project is $580,080 and installation is scheduled to be completed in 2015.
First Nations Power Authority CEO Leah Nelson Guay said, “These renewable power generation systems are important to First Nations communities to lower their power bills, increase the reliability of the electrical grid in remote areas and reduce their environmental footprint through reducing greenhouse gases. Also, the data obtained is incredibly important in assessing the potential for expanded solar power use in Canada’s north.”