Accelerating Community Energy Systems

The Accelerating Community Energy Systems (ACES) Program, offered by the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), supports municipalities and their partners in advancing innovative and sustainable local energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Green Municipal Fund

Overview of the Accelerating Community Energy Systems program:

The Accelerating Community Energy Systems (ACES) Program is designed to help Canadian municipalities, non-profits, and other eligible entities develop and implement local energy initiatives that contribute to the transition toward low-carbon and resilient energy systems. This program focuses on projects that integrate multiple energy solutions, such as renewable energy generation, energy storage, and smart grid technologies. Funded by the Government of Canada and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), ACES provides financial support for feasibility studies, pilot projects, and capital investments in community-scale energy systems. The initiative aims to accelerate municipal efforts in achieving net-zero emissions, improving energy efficiency, and fostering collaboration between municipalities, utilities, and private sector partners.

Benefits of the Accelerating Community Energy Systems program:

Financial assistance for feasibility studies, pilot projects, and capital investments in sustainable energy systems.
Support for innovative projects integrating renewable energy, energy storage, and smart grid technologies.
Assistance in achieving municipal climate action and net-zero emission goals.
Strengthened partnerships between municipalities, utilities, and energy stakeholders.
Enhanced energy efficiency, reduced GHG emissions, and improved community resilience.

Eligibility criteria of the Accelerating Community Energy Systems program:

Eligible applicants include:
Municipal governments in Canada.
Municipally owned corporations, such as utilities or energy service providers.
Non-profit organizations working with municipalities on energy-related projects.
Indigenous communities with local energy initiatives.
Applicants must demonstrate how their project contributes to community energy system transformation and aligns with national climate action goals.