Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today with regard to concerns from my constituents in regard to the increases to their power bills. Mr. Speaker, in one sector it basically makes a statement that these temporary rates of increases because of the shortfall this government had to incur over the last two years and because of low levels of water and not more usage of diesel fuel for running the power generator in Yellowknife.
Mr. Speaker, the increases people see, especially in my riding in Fort McPherson. There was an initiative taken to find ways of conserving energy and new ways to save power. Eventually, these savings would go to the people in those communities by seeing decreases in their power rates. Mr. Speaker, I am talking in regard to the Lottery Corporation effort between the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the Gwich'in Development Corporation, who developed a program to use heat from the Power Corporation and distribute it to different buildings in the community to bring down the cost of heating fuel and usage of power.
Mr. Speaker, later on I would like to ask the Minister a few questions, especially in regard to the process of the NWT Utilities Board, and the hearings which took place and these new rate increases. Is there is a possibility, if not a public outcry, to consider looking at calling for another review, in light of not taking into account the savings that are going to take place from this new initiative in Fort McPherson? My constituents want to know when will they see these savings? Exactly when will it show up on their power bills? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.