Off-Grid Communities

An off-grid community, as defined by Natural Resources Canada, is a community that is neither connected to the North American electrical grid nor to the piped natural gas network; it is permanent or long-term (5 years or more), and the settlements have at least 10 permanent buildings.

There are approximately 175 Aboriginal and northern off-grid communities across Canada.  They face a number of environmental, social, and economic concerns that relate to energy in these off-grid communities.

1. Environmental Concerns
   
   
   • Burning large amounts of diesel produces substantial greenhouse gas emissions.  This contributes to climate change which negatively affects communities.
   • Fuel must be transported long distances by airplane, truck or barge, leading to a greater risk of fuel spills.
   • The transportation of fuel by trucks on winter roads impacts the environment negatively through high greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicles.
   • Fuel spills may take place while the fuel is being transported and stored, posing environmental risks.  Fuel tank leaks contaminate soil and groundwater.
2. Social Concerns
   
   
   • Generators can be noisy and disruptive, especially in quiet, remote communities.
   • Emissions from diesel generators could contribute to health problems in community members.
   • Black-outs can occur if diesel generators break down or are not properly maintained.  This can be dangerous in cold, remote locations.
3. Economic Concerns
   
   
   • Cold, northern locations have a high demand for diesel and heating fuel which contributes to high energy expenditures.
   • Diesel fuel must be flown in, shipped in, or driven in on winter roads which leads to high transportation costs, contributing to high energy expenditures.
   • Diesel is a non-renewable resource; therefore the price of diesel fuel will likely continue to fluctuate, based on overall supply and demand.
   • The high cost of energy and energy supply issues in off-grid communities can deter new businesses, limiting future economic opportunities in off-grid communities.

Aboriginal and Northern Off-Grid Communities

You may also be interested in:

• ecoENERGY for Aboriginal and Northern Communities Program
• Clean Energy Technologies
• Climate Change
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