The Public Utilities Board, once it has received an application for rate increases, holds a public hearing and also provides for intervener funding. The hearings play a large part in the rulings by the Public Utilities Board.
My experience is that the Public Utilities Board doesn’t take the applications and rubber-stamp the approval; it takes its responsibilities very seriously. In its most recent applications, the Public Utilities Board has in fact ruled to reduce the amount that had been applied for. So I think the Public Utilities Board is a part of the regulatory function of the Northwest Territories.
I should also point out that with the approval and acceptance of the 2007 N.W.T. energy plan, we do have an electricity rate review that is undertaken that is provided for through the energy plan. One of the key principles that we are working towards with the energy plan is affordable power for all residents. This review will look at the regulation of energy, the provision of subsidy and the way in which rates are determined.