The program provides grant funding for municipalities to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies that assess the technical, financial, environmental, social and economic impacts of proposed community energy systems. These studies are essential groundwork for future capital projects and help municipalities make informed decisions about renewable energy investments.

Eligible studies include assessments of renewable energy generation (solar, wind, biomass), district energy systems, energy recovery projects and integrated community energy solutions. Studies must demonstrate innovation, significant greenhouse gas reduction potential and strong community engagement approaches.

Key Program Requirements:

Innovation: Projects should strive to demonstrate innovation through new knowledge, policy, practice, business models, or advanced technology applications that represent substantive improvements over current best practices.

Minimum Project Scale: At least two buildings required for district energy projects; renewable electricity systems should be able to power multiple systems and buildings.

Significant GHG Reduction Potential: Studies must assess projects with potential for substantial long-term greenhouse gas reductions, either directly through energy system implementation or indirectly by creating enabling conditions.

Integrated Planning Approach: Must use collaborative processes that integrate multiple disciplines and stakeholder perspectives to develop comprehensive energy solutions.

Implementation Strategy: Studies must include operationalization strategies identifying implementation requirements, projected capital and operational costs, and alternative approaches.

Community Engagement: Required meaningful consultation with stakeholders and rights holders, with preference for inclusive engagement practices that consider equity-deserving groups.

Climate Resilience: For studies involving new infrastructure, must address climate resilience considerations and flood risk management where applicable.

Multi-solving Benefits: Higher evaluation scores for studies that assess multiple benefits including sustainable materials management, biodiversity impacts and socio-economic outcomes.