The committee noted that the program had initially projected a decrease of $180,000. However, upon review of the main estimates with FMBS, the committee learned that there will be no decrease as the government decided to retain the program to help offset power rate increases. Instead, there will be an upward adjustment in the 2000-2001 power subsidy program of $1,280,000.
Committee members were concerned how the government will pay for the expenditure increase. The Minister replied that he will come forward with a supplementary appropriation to address program demands in the short term and hopes that development of alternatives such as hydroelectricity will economically meet our energy demands in the future.