The Ulkatcho Solar Case Study
The Ulkatcho Solar Case Study is a Ulkatcho First Nation-led project to share the story of their Community Solar Farm - the largest community-owned solar project in North America.
Ulkatcho is also the first Nation in B.C. to sign a Community Electricity Purchase Agreement (CEPA) with BC Hydro, setting an important precedent for Indigenous-led clean energy development. The solar farm is a major step toward their long-term goal of achieving energy sovereignty through 100% renewable energy.
Co-led by the Ulkatcho Group of Companies, the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions and ACET, the project's case study will explore how the project came to life - from the Nation's vision, to community decision-making, building partnerships and securing funding - and share lessons learned for other First nations to follow.
Major Milestones
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony (June 2025)
- First solar panels installed on site (October 2025)
People
- Dawn Smith, Project Lead and Researcher, ACET
- Leighton Gall, Indigenous Energy Researcher, Cascade Institute
- Cecilia Jacques, Engagement and Partnership Development Manager, ACET
- Steve James, Project Champion and CEO, Ulkatcho Group of Companies
- Melissa Cahoose, Project Coordinator, Ulkatcho Group of Companies, Climate Change Coordinator
- Corrie Peeman, Project Coordinator, Ulkatcho Group of Companies
- Sonny (Jay) Leon, Project Coordinator and Solar Technician, Ulkatcho Group of Companies
- Hilary Strang, Project Sponsor and Coordinator Support, Senior Policy Analyst, Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions
- Emily Wordley, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, PRIMED
- Daisha Leon, Community Research Coordinator, Ulkatcho Group of Companies