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First Nations Electricity Program 2026

The First Nations Electricity Program (FNEP) is administered jointly by New Relationship Trust (NRT) and BC Hydro. Successful applicants will enter into a funding agreement with NRT and an Electricity Purchase Agreement with BC Hydro.

About the First Nations Electricity Program

In 2023, the B.C. Government gave NRT a $140 million contribution to expand the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative and further support small-scale, First Nations-led clean energy projects that address growing power demand while limiting the impact on BC Hydro ratepayers.

NRT is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization based in B.C. since 2006. It has distributed funding to First Nations communities across B.C. to advance governance, economic development, education, clean energy, food sovereignty, and long-term self-determination.

Learn more

Visit the NRT's First Nations Electricity Program website for details and to sign up for email notifications.

Important dates

Please note that all events and dates are subject to change.

EventDates
Information sessions on program elements and processJune to July 2026
FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information requests openAugust 17, 2026
What We Heard report [PDF] release
 
August 26, 2026
FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information requests deadline*
 
September 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time
Publish draft RFP and draft specimen EPA for commentsSeptember 21 to October 5, 2026
Completed FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information requests deliveredSeptember 25, 2026
NRT Optional Enrollment OpensSeptember 28, 2026
NRT Optional Enrollment ClosesOctober 30, 2026
FNEP 2026 Interconnection Study opens*November 2, 2026
FNEP 2026 Interconnection Study closesNovember 16, 2026 at 4 p.m. Pacific Time
Procurement and application periodFall 2026 to Early 2027
Electricity Purchase Agreements (EPA) awarded & NRT Contribution AgreementFall 2027

*Proponents must complete a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information request and Interconnection Study to participate in the RFP.

Distribution Generator Interconnections

Eligible First Nations power developers, or developers authorized to act on behalf of a First Nation under the FNEP may submit a FNEP 2026 Basic Distribution System Information Request to BC Hydro to determine where a potential project could connect to BC Hydro distribution lines.