The NRD has completed three exciting new energy milestones! The installation of two solar energy generation systems to power NRD facilities, the adoption of an updated Strategic Energy Plan, and the creation of a facility-wide Energy Efficiency Assessment. These projects are all bringing KBIC towards a more sustainable future.
Solar installations at the DIGs and Hatchery are nearing completion. Grant funds from the Michigan Public Service Commission supported this renewable energy project. Keweenaw Power & Lite was contracted for the design and installation of the two systems. The hatchery site in Pequaming has a ground-mounted system paired with a battery energy storage system that will allow us to power all fish-rearing and office activities in the hatchery building. The DIGs system is mounted to the roof of the Teaching Facility and also has a battery. Reducing costs for electricity and capturing alternative energy sources pushes us toward our energy goals. Even in our cold-snowy-climate, these panels will enable us to lower our carbon footprint.
Last updated in 2008, the 2026 Strategic Energy Plan acts as a long-term to-do list for energy infrastructure projects. The Committee for Alternative and Renewable Energy is tasked with the “development of an Alternative & Renewable Energy Strategic Plan.” They work to advise the Tribal Council on planning and development of proposals for new energy sources. They have conducted community surveys and held meetings to determine priorities and build consensus around a sustainable future for KBIC’s energy needs, which are all documented in the Strategic Energy Plan.
Solar installation at the DIGs
Superior Watershed Partnership (SWP), working alongside the Department, recently generated energy efficiency reports for 39 KBIC-owned properties. Beginning in November of 2025 SWP Energy Technicians and Department staff conducted assessments in every facility. Information about windows, lighting, HVAC equipment, building insulation, air sealing, and hot water heating was documented. This information was used to generated an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) score for each facility. Having our properties and building scored allows us to understand where our energy efficiency projects can be most impactful. See images below of the SWP Energy Technicians at work.
Funding from a Community Energy Management grant through the State of Michigan’s EGLE made the study possible. Understanding energy efficiency needs allows us to inform the administration to make meaningful efforts for projects with long-lasting impacts. Focusing on the care of our existing facilities ensures they will continue to serve our community for many years to come. This project brought together a broader vision within the Tribes departments. We worked with many people to take a look at the community’s energy use and needs for improvements. Saving the Tribe money, time, and resources aligns with each of our goals, projects like these provide the framework to realizing those goals! It doesn’t stop there, the NRD Energy Program is committed to an energy sovereign future for our community.
Give us a call at (906)524-5757 ext. 4246 to learn more.
