ENERGY

Role of the CEC

The role of the CEC (Community Energy Champion) is intended to provide support to the community in reaching its energy goals, by driving and coordinating the completion of energy related initiatives within the community. It is MFN’s goal to employ a CEC that has the passion to implement the recommended actions developed through the CEP process and priorities identified by the community.

Michipicoten First Nation’s CEC is Gina Simon, who has been instrumental in brainstorming energy initiative ideas, coordinating energy programs, as well as engaging with the community in relation to energy. Gina has completed several training programs in order to enhance her skillset in the energy field.

Completed Training Programs:

  • Energy Manager Training
  • Energy Audit Foundation Training

Planned Training Programs:

  • Energy Audit Advisor Training
  • 2020 Catalyst Program
What is a CEP?

A CEP (Community Energy Plan) helps to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption at the community level. It also helps communities consider opportunities for renewable energy solutions, and can promote a greater interest, awareness, and understanding about energy planning. Community Energy Planning provides benefit in the following areas:

  • Economic Development
  • Health & Safety
  • Environment & Climate Change
  • Education & Capacity Building
  • Community Independence

MFN CEP
MFN is in the process of developing a CEP through funding received by the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) Indigenous Community Energy Plan Program. MFN’s CEP is intended to be completed in 2022 and will outline the vision, goals, and recommended action items related to energy for MFN to implement. It is essential for MFN to employ a CEC to implement the recommended actions outlined in the CEP once completed, as well as to monitor the CEP to update the document as necessary.

Energy Initiatives/Programs

Energy Initiatives/Programs
Many of the energy initiatives and CEC training have been funded by the IESO’s Education & Capacity Building Program.

Current Initiatives/Programs

  • Youth & Elder’s Gathering
  • Youth Energy Camps
  • Small Business Lighting Program: received funding to assist commercial buildings in reducing electricity consumption by implementing energy efficient lighting retrofits.

Future Initiatives/Programs

  • Youth Education Workshops
  • Community Workshops
  • Community Engagement
  • Explore potential and identify funding for solar-powered streetlights
  • First Nation Commercial Building Retrofit Program: MFN to apply to program offered by the IESO to install retrofits of band-owned commercial buildings aimed at reducing electrical consumption.

Community Energy Calendar Artwork Contest – Click here for more details!

 

If you have an idea or would like to learn more about any of these initiatives or programs, I would love to hear from you!

Contact:
Gina Simon, Community Energy Champion (CEC)
Phone: 705-856-0129 ext 221
E-mail: g.simon@michipicoten.com
Location: Family Well-Being Lodge (3 Maple Street, Wawa)

 

Past Energy Events & News