[English translation not provided.]
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. We all know the
Northwest Territories has some of the highest energy costs in the country, and these high costs have a big impact on our cost of living. Community government leaders are struggling with these escalating costs, and there does not appear to be any relief in sight.
At the recent NWT Association of Communities annual general meeting in Fort Simpson, community government representatives passed two resolutions that raised concerns about the cost of electrical power and the management of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. These resolutions are driven by the frustrations they have with our current system. They are looking for alternatives in order to obtain the best value for money for their residents.
Large non-hydro communities like Fort Simpson, Norman Wells and Inuvik are considering a number of options, including finding alternate energy suppliers. If these three communities withdraw from the NTPC, this could have a serious impact on the
remaining Northwest Territories Power Corporation customer base and the overall operations of the NTPC.
Mr. Speaker, community government leaders have met with the Premier, the Minister responsible for the Power Corporation and the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board and discussed two options they would like the government to consider. One would be to treat every resident in the territory the same and bring in the one-rate zone and bring Yellowknife and Hay River back under the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.
The second option would be to sell the Power Corporation to another energy supplier with the capacity to develop some of the vast hydro potential in our territory. This alternative would allow the GNWT to rid itself of the debt load associated with NTPC and could lead to a reduction of electrical costs in our communities.
The government will be reviewing electricity rates, regulations and the Power Subsidy Program over the next year. This is a real opportunity for the government to consider all the options and look for solutions that will provide all residents with affordable energy. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.