Ten Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia are generating their own renewable energy after an investment of more than $4.8 million from the federal government and the communities.
PAQTNKEK, N.S. — Ten Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia have launched renewable energy generation following a joint funding initiative exceeding $4.8 million from the federal government and the participating First Nations.
The completed project involves net-metered solar panel installations, enabling the communities to produce electricity and route excess power back to the electrical utility. Under the net-metering framework, participants are billed only for the net energy consumed, calculated as the difference between grid electricity usage and solar generation.
The initiative is designed to lower energy expenses, shrink carbon footprints, generate local employment within the clean energy industry, and expand First Nations oversight regarding environmental and energy matters.
Management of the financial agreement was handled by the Ulnooweg Development Group, an Atlantic Canadian non-profit organization supporting Indigenous enterprises, on behalf of Acadia, Annapolis Valley, Eskasoni, Glooscap, Millbrook, Paqtnkek, Pictou Landing, Potlotek, Wagmatcook, and Waycobah.
Installation across all ten locations was carried out by Bayside Renewables and Eskasoni Renewables, two renewable energy construction firms owned primarily by Indigenous interests, thereby establishing expertise for future green initiatives.
Federal backing for the undertaking totals $3,625,476, delivered through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program's Green Infrastructure Stream. The ten First Nations collectively contributed $1,208,492 to complete the investment.
Originally reported by canada.ca on Jul 24, 2026.
