In contrast, jurisdictions where power rates are only 6 or 8 cents per kilowatt hour have required payments of 40 or 50 or 60 cents per kilowatt for wind, for solar, for biomass energy, and have turned their energy services around. Clearly, the potential for us to offer such prices for renewable energy and ultimately enjoy reduced costs is immediate. The annual GNWT subsidy for electricity is over $14 million, up 40 percent from 2009-10 to 2010-11 and rising. Why continue such silliness when alternatives are available?
We could choose to continue our headlong pursuit of an inefficient fossil fuel-based path, accepting the many costs while enjoying the last gurgling years of the oil bubble, or we could make the leap to proven sustainable energy systems with thriving local economies and healthy land. Like so many individuals in the North are doing, and as so many communities and jurisdictions are doing, I suspect we can see the potential and will make that big shift. Once made, the experience of others is that the benefits and realities far outweigh the estimated potential when they began.
We need an advanced energy policy that truly supports Northerners and their futures. Let’s get on with it. Mahsi.