NRG Management: Building Energy-Efficient Futures with Indigenous Communities

NRG Management has been quietly shaping a more sustainable built environment for over three decades. Founded in 1994 by President Bill Rodger, the company began with a clear and practical idea: older buildings need not be wasteful or expensive to operate; with the right systems and the right expertise, older buildings can be transformed into efficient and resilient spaces, better for both the bottom line and the environment.

Building for the Long Term

From those early beginnings, NRG Management has grown into a full-service contractor specializing in electrical, plumbing, HVAC/R, and air compressor systems. Today, the focus remains firmly on long-term reliability and reducing operating costs for commercial and industrial facilities.

Rather than chasing quick fixes, the company designs and installs systems meant to perform efficiently for decades, helping building owners future-proof their operations in an era of rising energy costs and climate pressure. To ensure their clients receive the best return-on-investment, NRG facilitates ASHRAE energy audits with engineers to identify the most impactful energy efficient upgrades; customized for their buildings.

Clean Energy Solutions That Reduce Costs and Carbon

At the core of NRG’s work is a commitment to reducing carbon footprints while improving how facilities function day to day. This often means integrating clean-energy solutions directly into buildings. Projects such as photovoltaic solar installations allow facilities to generate their own electricity, while SolarWall air preheating systems significantly reduce heating costs in colder climates. Not only do these measures help reduce emissions, they also improve resiliency and financial stability –– a key concern for all building owners.

Indigenous Partnership at the Heart of the Mission

As a Métis-owned company, NRG Management places Indigenous partnership and economic development at the core of its mission. The team works closely with Indigenous communities and businesses, not only as contractors but as long-term collaborators.

Assisting clients in navigating government funding programs that can reduce the upfront capital required for major energy projects has been a recent focus, in addition to helping communities access solutions that might otherwise be out of reach.

Over the years, NRG has contributed to several impactful Indigenous-led initiatives. The company served as general contractor for the Manitoba Métis Federation Home Office greenhouse gas emission reduction project and is currently involved in the new MMF Tree Nursery, as well as several other infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities around the province.

NRG Management’s goal for the future is to help Indigenous communities produce their own clean energy through solar and battery systems, while also supporting local training and job creation so as to ensure that long-term system knowledge stay within the community.

Their advice to other Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders is simple, yet impactful: listen closely to community needs, invest in skills for the future, and build projects that create lasting value, not just short-term results.

For inquiries, please reach out to Bret Robertson at bretr@nrgmgmt.ca