Through four programs created and funded by the Ontario government (Community Energy Partnership Program, Municipal Renewable Energy Program, Aboriginal Energy Partnership Program, Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program) community groups, including co-ops, non-profits and local partnerships are eligible for one-time financial assistance of up to $200,000 for project planning costs, environmental and engineering studies. Aboriginal groups can also receive assistance for community energy plans, technical research and developing business cases, as well as loan guarantees for up to 75% of the Aboriginal corporation’s equity in an eligible project. The municipalities will receive support for costs associated with renewable energy projects, such as repairs to road and drainage infrastructure and traffic management.
The great thing about all these programs is that all you have to do is apply. It’s also interesting to note that this grant money could probably be used for projects feeding the biogas into the natural gas grid or those using the gas onsite, like at a cement plant for example.
By bearing the cost of essentially all of the pre-project costs, the province is increasing your return on investment. The fruit is ripe for our picking. Talk to the people in your community, see if they’re interested in growing local value and creating jobs – with biogas. That’s what ReGenerate is all about, I’m here to help you make it happen in your community.
photo credit: angelamaphone
