The government of Alberta and Beaver First Nation have partnered to install solar panel systems on community buildings to help cut their power bills down. The project’s intention is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create local jobs. Solar panels have been installed on their band office, daycare, two fire halls, community centre and carpentry shop.
Approximately 65 hundred a year is expected to be saved from reduced utility costs. The solar panels are expected to generate over 50 kilowatt hours per year and will prevent about 800 tonnes of gases from entering the atmosphere, which is comparable to taking 170 cars off the road.
The money comes out of the $35 million in funding made available in 2017 and 2018 for Indigenous climate programs to help Indigenous communities respond to climate change and provide greater energy security.
