First Nations Power Authority and SaskEnergy Sign Memorandum of Understanding
May 7, 2024
First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan (FNPA) and SaskEnergy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide a framework to explore sustainable energy security solutions for non-gasified First Nations communities and to increase Indigenous economic participation through cleaner energy initiatives.
“Working with the First Nations Power Authority, SaskEnergy will expand their already successful Indigenous procurement policies and practices and explore options to bring natural gas to more First Nations communities,” said Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy. By signing this agreement, SaskEnergy is continuing to make progress addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.”
The MOU formalizes the commitment by SaskEnergy and FNPA to work closely with First Nations communities to support access to safe and reliable energy. While SaskEnergy currently serves 52 First Nations in Saskatchewan, there are many others seeking reliable, cost-effective energy to heat homes and buildings in their communities.
In order to assess the full energy needs of First Nations, FNPA has been conducting community energy audits with First Nation communities.
“Our Community Energy Plans provide a roadmap for Indigenous people to figure out the best path to have access to clean energy,” says Guy Lonechild, CEO First Nation Power Authority. “Through collaboration with SaskEnergy and the implementation of energy audits, we’re not just energizing communities, but empowering Indigenous-led initiatives towards a cleaner, more secure energy future.”
“At SaskEnergy, we know the value of reliable and safe natural gas and are happy to work with FNPA’s audit recommendations as well as with individual First Nations as they consider business cases on how to best energize their communities,” says Mark Guillet, President and CEO of SaskEnergy.
The MOU also supports the continuation of the relationship between SaskEnergy and FNPA to identify Indigenous-owned businesses with expertise in decarbonization. This supports both SaskEnergy’s pledge to actively engage and work with Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous communities; as well as its efforts to bring the Corporation’s operations emissions down 35 per cent by 2030.
SaskEnergy projects are one of the ways that FNPA leverages its expertise in renewable project development with facilitating meaningful economic and financial benefits for Indigenous-led businesses and communities.
By way of example, SaskEnergy has actively been working with a number Saskatchewan based Indigenous-owned businesses on the installation of solar panel arrays at two of SaskEnergy’s town border stations, a regional office, and a compressor station. SaskEnergy’s aim is to significantly reduce the net electrical usage from the province’s power grid on all of these types of assets. The Corporation plans to install another four solar arrays in 2024-25.
