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Government of Canada invests $21.6 million in first-of-its-kind clean energy project in Manitoba

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WINNIPEG, MB, June 22, 2026 /CNW/ – While building Canada into a clean energy superpower, we are working with northern and remote communities to develop clean energy projects, in particular those that are reducing diesel use for electricity generation. This approach will strengthen our energy security, reduce our emissions and create jobs and prosperity for northern, rural and Indigenous communities.

Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced $21.6 million in federal funding for a suite of projects that will transform how electricity is generated and managed in Sayisi Dene First Nation, located in the community of Tadoule Lake in northern Manitoba.

This is the first phase of a First Nation–led initiative to develop Manitoba’s first integrated renewable energy microgrid, combining bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) power and battery storage with a microgrid controller, to generate clean electricity. Once commissioned in fall 2026, the microgrid will reduce emissions by an estimated 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year and lower power costs for the community over time.

To build Canada strong, all communities must have secure, reliable energy. By supporting projects like these, the Government of Canada is working with Indigenous leadership and building a more prosperous, sustainable economy for generations to come.

Quotes

“Our government is proud to support Sayisi Dene First Nation as they lead the way toward cleaner, more reliable energy for their community. Projects like this one reflects the Nation’s vision for greater energy independence, a cleaner future and lasting prosperity.”

The Honourable Rebecca Chartand
Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Member of Parliament for Churchill–Keewatinook Aski

“Canada Strong for All means working in partnership with Indigenous communities to reduce reliance on diesel and build a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Projects like Sayisi Dene First Nation’s microgrid demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can deliver real results across the Prairies and in the North.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“By supporting projects like this one in Sayisi Dene First Nation, we are championing Indigenous-led climate solutions. First Nations have been stewards of this land for generations, and we acknowledge their continued leadership on climate action. This initiative demonstrates once again how Canada is working hand-in-hand with partners to build a more resilient and sustainable economy for all.”

The Honourable Julie Dabrusin
Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature

“Sayisi Dene First Nation is demonstrating how Indigenous-led clean energy projects can strengthen community resilience, advance self-determination and create lasting benefits for future generations. Indigenous Services Canada is proud to support the community’s vision for a cleaner, more reliable energy future that reduces reliance on diesel while supporting sustainable economic development.”

The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty
Minister of Indigenous Services

“I have been involved in this renewable energy project from the beginning, serving in various roles throughout its development. Our community is looking forward to the benefits that will come with construction and commissioning this fall. Revenue generated from solar power will go toward community needs as we strive to become more sustainable and reduce our emissions. We also look forward to showcasing this project to other off-grid First Nations, sharing our learnings and experience executing the project.”

Chief Kelly-Ann Thom Duck
Sayisi Dene First Nation

“This project sets the stage for continued progress. By expanding renewable solutions and reducing diesel reliance, we are strengthening a more affordable, reliable and resilient energy future for communities across Manitoba.”

Allan Danroth
President and Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Hydro

“We know reliable energy is essential, especially in northern communities, and this investment will help strengthen the autonomy and long-term energy security for Sayisi Dene First Nation. Investments like these reflect our broader commitment to building a clean energy grid that lowers emissions and keeps rates affordable for all Manitobans.”

The Honourable Adrien Sala
Minister of Finance and Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro

Quick Facts

Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program has invested $453 million to reduce reliance on diesel and other fossil fuels for heat and power in Indigenous, rural and remote communities.CERRC has supported over 230 renewable energy projects across Canada, including 82 projects in the North. Collectively, these projects are adding more than 67 MW of clean energy to remote grids by 2027, reducing fuel use by approximately 28 million litres annually and avoiding over 75,000 tonnes in GHG emissions each year. These investments have strengthened local capacity, supported economic opportunities and advanced innovative solutions.The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy.Natural Resources Canada provided $10,714,414 through its CERRC program and $4,200,000 through the Energy Innovation Program (EIP).Environment and Climate Change Canada contributed $6 million through its Indigenous Leadership Fund.The Low Carbon Economy Fund is an important part of Canada’s climate action plans, helping put Canada to build a sustainable net-zero emissions economy by 2050.Indigenous Services Canada is contributing up to $1,471,670 to support this initiative, including $971,670 through the Manitoba Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative and $500,000 through the Community Infrastructure Program.On May 14, 2026, the Government of Canada launched a new national Electricity Strategy. This plan will double the capacity of our grid by 2050 and supply clean, reliable, affordable power across the country for decades to come.To develop this strategy, the government is launching consultations with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, utilities and unions to work together to identify the actions needed to double our grid most effectively and affordably.

Associated Links

Clean Energy for Rural and Remote CommunitiesIndigenous Leadership FundManitoba Indigenous Clean Energy InitiativePowering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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B&R Technology Merger Corp. Announces the Separate Trading of its Class A Ordinary Shares and Warrants, Commencing September 10, 2026

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NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — B&R Technology Merger Corp. (Nasdaq: BRTMU) (the “Company”) announced today that, commencing September 10, 2026, holders of the units sold in the Company’s initial public offering may elect to separately trade the Company’s Class A ordinary shares and warrants included in the units. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. The Class A ordinary shares and warrants that are separated will trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbols “BRTM” and “BRTMW,” respectively. Those units not separated will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “BRTMU.”

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of the Company, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About B&R Technology Merger Corp.

B&R Technology Merger Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. While the Company’s strategy allows for an initial business combination in any business or industry or at any stage of its corporate evolution, its primary focus is on technology growth businesses that has artificial intelligence (“AI”) tailwinds.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include, and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of the Company may include, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements regarding possible business combinations and the financing thereof, and related matters, as well as all other statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Company Contact
David York
Clark Callander
Steve Fletcher
B&R Technology Merger Corp.
info@bandrtechnology.com

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SOURCE B&R Technology Merger Corp.

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Georgia Power encourages customers to take action during National Preparedness Month

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Company highlights important safety information and resources to help customers prepare for emergencies 

ATLANTA, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the peak of hurricane season approaches, Georgia Power is reminding its 2.8 million customers to be prepared for emergencies. In support of National Preparedness Month, the company is once again partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency throughout September.

While the state has not yet experienced a major hurricane or tropical storm this season, National Preparedness Month encourages advance preparation for all types of potential emergencies in homes, businesses and communities. 

Georgia Power continues to invest in a stronger, more resilient electric grid that improves reliability for customers on both blue-sky days and during severe weather. Through Smart Grid technology, automation and self-healing capabilities, the company can identify outages faster, reroute power remotely and restore service more efficiently. In 2025 alone, Grid Investment Program projects improved reliability for more than 535,000 customers and, together with self-healing technology, prevented 108 million customer outage minutes while playing a critical role during hurricane season.

Georgia Power encourages all customers to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and families before disasters strike, including:

Build an emergency kit – Gather enough supplies to sustain everyone in your household for several days, including food, water, medications, and other essentials. Be sure to consider the unique needs of each family member and pet, especially if an evacuation becomes necessary. It’s also a good idea to prepare a grab-and-go emergency kit with essential items so you can evacuate quickly if needed. Have an emergency plan – Develop an emergency plan and discuss it with your family and close friends before an emergency. Establish how you will communicate, where you will meet and what steps you will take if you need to evacuate or shelter in place. Planning ahead can help reduce stress, save valuable time and minimize costs during an emergency. Understand your risks – Understand your risks by learning about the hazards and emergencies most likely to affect your area. Knowing what could happen where you live, work and travel can help you make informed decisions and take the right steps to protect yourself, your family and your property. Visit the company’s Storm Center page for more information on preparing your home, building an emergency kit, and knowing your risks. 

Staying informed during emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is critical, and Georgia Power offers the following resources to help customers stay connected and informed: 

Outage Alerts – Customers subscribed to the free Georgia Power Outage Alerts service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information. Outage & Storm Center – Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to ensure their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. Outage Map – Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power’s interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times. The map is updated regularly from teams in the field. Georgia Power Mobile App – Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go. Social Media – Follow Georgia Power on FacebookInstagram and X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more. 

Safety Tips for Customers and Crews 

Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If you must be on the roads, please move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road; it’s Georgia law. Never touch any downed or low-hanging wire. If going out, watch for and avoid down wires. They can be deadly. Never pull tree limbs off power lines yourself or enter areas with debris or downed trees, as downed power lines may be concealed. Customers should call 911 or Georgia Power immediately if they see a fallen or low-hanging power line. Take care if using a portable generator. Follow all manufacturer instructions, avoid using generators in enclosed spaces and be mindful of electrical safety. Visit our website for more generator safety tips

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power offers rates below the national average, focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power). 

 www.georgiapower.com

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SOURCE Georgia Power

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Nelnet Accessibility Services Now on Civic Marketplace

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State and local agencies can now access Nelnet’s accessibility assessment, remediation, and compliance services through a cooperative contract that requires no new request for proposal (RFP) ahead of approaching Department of Justice (DOJ) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II compliance deadlines.

LINCOLN, Neb., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nelnet Government Services today announced that its cooperative purchasing contract, awarded through the Alliance for Innovation (AFI), is now accessible through Civic Marketplace. By listing on Civic Marketplace, Nelnet gives local governments, public schools, and other public agencies nationwide a streamlined way to discover and procure its ADA Web Accessibility Consulting and ADA Web Accessibility Consulting and Design services.

As an awarded supplier through the AFI cooperative program, Nelnet’s services have already been competitively solicited and awarded in accordance with public procurement requirements. Through Civic Marketplace, eligible public agencies can access Nelnet’s services and pre-negotiated cooperative pricing without conducting a separate RFP, providing a faster path from accessibility need to implementation.

What Agencies Can Access

Accessibility Assessments: Expert-led audits of websites, applications, and documents that surface Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 barriers and produce a clear compliance roadmap.Remediation Services: Hands-on repair of websites, mobile apps, documents, and video so digital content works for people using assistive technology.Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) and Accessibility Conformance Report (ACR) Reporting, Training & Ongoing Support: Standards-based compliance documentation, staff training, and Accessibility Team as a Service (ATaaS) for continuous governance as content changes.

“Every resident deserves digital services that work for them, and every agency deserves a partner who can help them get there without adding a lengthy procurement process,” said Marc Thorson, Lead Accessibility Architect at Nelnet. “Making our accessibility team available through Civic Marketplace means agencies can start real compliance work now, well ahead of the deadlines bearing down on them.”

Why This Matters

Under the Department of Justice’s ADA Title II rule, state and local government websites, apps, and digital content must meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. The DOJ recently extended the compliance deadlines, giving larger public entities until April 26, 2027, and smaller public entities and special districts until April 26, 2028. But auditing, remediating, and retraining staff across years of legacy content takes longer than many agencies expect, and the deadline marks when compliance is required, not when the work should start.

Most agencies don’t need a seven-figure platform overhaul to get there. Many compliance gaps close for a fraction of that cost through focused assessment and remediation work, without the year a standalone RFP process usually consumes.

“Digital accessibility is a growing operational priority for local governments, and many agencies need specialized expertise to address it effectively,” said Michael Wilkes, President and CEO of the Alliance for Innovation. “Bringing Nelnet into our cooperative portfolio gives public agencies access to proven capabilities in an area that is becoming increasingly important to how governments operate and serve their communities.”

Nelnet has already put that model to work in state and local government: its accessibility team embedded with Colorado’s Office of Information Technology to bring the myColorado app, used by more than 1 million residents for driver’s licenses, DMV services, and benefit application, into WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.

Access This Contract Now on Civic Marketplace

Nelnet’s digital accessibility services are available now through Civic Marketplace. To explore the contract and begin procurement, view the Nelnet contract listing on Civic Marketplace, or contact Nelnet at AccessibilityWorkRequest@nelnet.net.

About Nelnet Government Services

Nelnet Government Services (NYSE: NNI) helps public sector organizations achieve and maintain digital accessibility compliance while creating more inclusive experiences for the people they serve. Our U.S.-based accessibility team partners with agencies to assess, remediate, monitor, and govern digital content, websites, applications, and documents. Through accessibility assessments, remediation services, training, reporting, and ongoing compliance support, we help agencies build sustainable accessibility programs that reduce risk, increase access, and improve service delivery. See Nelnet’s digital accessibility services at Nelnet.com.

About Alliance for Innovation

AFI is a nonprofit association of governments dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence in local government. AFI assists local governments in implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and community impact. The organization emphasizes strategic thinking, emerging technologies, and best practices to equip public agencies with the knowledge and support to address evolving challenges.

AFI offers various programs, including innovation academies, workshops, and a comprehensive knowledge network that allows local governments to share success stories and lessons learned. It hosts annual conferences and webinars that unite municipal leaders, industry experts, and academic researchers to explore trends in governance, sustainability, civic engagement, and operational improvements. By promoting a culture of innovation, AFI empowers local governments to be more adaptive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of their communities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for citizens nationwide.

About Civic Marketplace

Civic Marketplace is the AI procurement platform built for local governments and free for every SLED entity to use. By removing cost as a barrier, we make it easier for cities, counties, and school districts to modernize how they buy goods and services without adding strain to already tight budgets.

Our platform connects government buyers to a network of pre-approved suppliers, ensuring every contract meets compliance and quality standards from the start. We’re especially committed to expanding access for historically underutilized businesses, helping local governments support regional suppliers and strengthen the communities they serve.

Procurement doesn’t have to be slow, complicated, or expensive. Civic Marketplace is backed by venture investment and built to prove it. Learn more at civicmarketplace.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nelnet-accessibility-services-now-on-civic-marketplace-302872789.html

SOURCE Nelnet Government Services

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