Ontario will be providing assistance to community groups looking to build new green generation and to municipalities that might face extra infrastructure costs as green energy facilities are built. These two programs represent steps five and six in Ontario's ten steps to green energy which will open investment and opportunities in Ontario's green economy.

Through the Community Energy Partnerships Program, community groups, including co-ops, non-profit groups and local partnerships would be eligible for one time financial assistance of up to $200,000 for project planning costs, as well as environmental and engineering studies. Community based projects are eligible to receive a graduated incentive, based on the percentage of local ownership, of up to 1 cent/kilowatt hour in addition to standard feed-in-tariff rates.

The Community Energy Partnerships Program and the recently announced Aboriginal Energy Partnership Program and Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program are intended to ensure that people across Ontario, from all walks of life, have an opportunity to participate in growing Ontario's green economy, a key objective of the Green Energy Act.

The Municipal Renewable Energy Program will provide support to municipalities for costs associated with renewable energy projects, such as repairs to road and drainage infrastructure and traffic management. This funding is intended to cover costs over and above those that the project developers should bear.