VICTORIA - Government funding of $488,000 to Gitga'at Development Corporation will support development of the new Hartley Bay hydroelectric project to replace diesel generated electricity with clean power, announced Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

"Remote and First Nations community leaders are taking a leadership role in developing and managing their clean energy projects," said Neufeld. "British Columbia's goal is to ensure First Nation communities share inthe economic and social development of this province, in line with Energy Plan targets for sustainability, self-sufficiency and innovation."

The Gitga'at Development Corporation is also considering a new demand side management technology that could extend the life of the hydropower plant by reducing peak demands on the electricity system. Exploring this technology could have benefits to other remote and integrated communities as the Province works towards reducing energy demand.

The Hartley Bay hydroelectric project is supported through the ministry's 2006/07 First Nation and Remote Community Clean Energy Program with funds of $3.9 million from a separate Contribution Agreement with the federal NRCan Opportunities Envelope. The program leveraged approximately $23.2 million from other funding and financing sources, and supported energy efficiency and clean energy projects in a number of remote and First Nations communities throughout the province.