The program has adopted a partnership approach through which each First Nation community can work with a personnel from Manitoba Hydro who will provide guidance on selecting qualifying homes and installing energy efficient measures that include insulation and basic energy efficiency upgrades such as compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Community members will also receive training on conducting the upgrades and executing the Power Smart program.
Manitoba Hydro conducted audit on ten Peguis First Nation community homes to determine their level of energy efficiency. It also provided community members training on installation techniques and basic energy efficiency upgrades such as draft proofing and installing insulated pipe wrap.
Based on the audit recommendations, eligible building materials were supplied and paid for through funding from Manitoba Hydro Power Smart programs and the Affordable Energy Fund.
There are similar programs planned or underway in 20 First Nation communities around the province in which all 62 First Nation in the province are eligible to participate.
Upon the full participation of all First Nation communities on a trial basis for the first year, CO2 emission savings is expected to reach 1116 tonnes and almost 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity savings.
Bob Brennan, president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro, said: “Manitoba Hydro offers a broad range of Power Smart programs to all Manitobans to become more energy efficient and save on their energy bills. This program allows us to partner with First Nation communities across the province.
”This partnership is a great opportunity for Manitoba Hydro and First Nation people to come together and reduce the overall energy consumption in their communities and make their homes more comfortable. It is estimated that a typical upgrade would result in savings of about $150 a year for participating residences.”
