Thank you, Mr. Chair. The third line down, Alternative Energy Program, goes from $1.175 million in ’13-14 to $300,000 in ’14-15, yet towards the bottom we have one, two, three new programs: Business Support, Solar Energy and environmental baseline studies. So why the drop in Alternative Energy Program?

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. For that response we’ll go to Ms. Magrum.

Thank you, Ms. Magrum. Questions on environment, grants and contributions, I have Mr. Bromley.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I just have a couple of questions on wind energy. The contribution to Aurora Research Institute to measure wind energy potential in the NWT, I believe I recall when there was this exact program a number of years ago. Is this a reinstitution of that program? I do remember seeing their maps and hearing some of the programs that they had going on that.

Just while we’re on the wind energy, I know the Minister has talked about the Storm Hills as a potential long-term solution to some of Inuvik’s energy issues. What’s happening and what’s the schedule on that development? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. For that we’ll go to Mr. Campbell.

Thank you, Mr. Campbell. Mr. Bromley.

Thanks, Mr. Chair, and thanks for that information. I’ve never known NTPC to be much of a wind expert outfit, but it would be great to see them get into that. They’ve certainly held up a lot of wind projects in the past.

Just on solar energy, again, I’m a supporter of the Solar Energy Program. I think the net metering discussions that have been going on through the board and thermal communities and so on, with participation of the department, are very productive. It would be great to see a net metering program get off the ground.

One problem there is NTPC’s reluctance to fund or waive the standby change above five kilowatts. I think that’s already the case, and obviously I think there are a number of initiatives out there in the 10 kilowatt area. Still modest, but could gain us a lot towards this strategy’s goals if that standby charge was waived.

I wonder if the Minister would have a look at that, and could I just get a general breakdown of what this $625,000, how that is planned to be allocated, if that’s known? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Minister Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just in regards to the standby charge, I’ll check. My recollection was that we already had this discussion and we had agreed to

waive that standby charge, but I’ll double-check with NTPC, but I’m sure that’s what we did.

With regards to the breakdown of the solar, I’ll ask Ms. Magrum if she has information.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Ms. Magrum.

Thank you, Ms. Magrum. I think I concur with the Minister. I believe, Mr. Bromley, the standby charges were removed in October of 2013, but we’ll get that validated. Mr. Bromley.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That certainly was the discussion at our level. Unfortunately, at the technical level, being privy to the discussions with the Utilities Board, I don’t think that’s what’s happening, so I appreciate the Minister looking in on that to see if there can be a correction there.

I’m very appreciative of this solar smart grid program. I think there’s some real potential there, so I appreciate the efforts. That was $125,000. I didn’t hear where the rest of the dollars were focused. Maybe there is an application or proposal program or something. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Bromley. Minister Miltenberger.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My note says photo PV systems will be added to diesel community grids as selected communities prefer. It ties in with the smart grid technology to help cover the costs of not only the smart grid technology but the solar requirements and now they have, as well, decided to include wind in that and batteries, so it’s going to be a very unique pilot project that is being watched with great interest by a lot of jurisdictions with remote communities. If we can make it work, we anticipate the penetration to be at least 50 percent of the diesel would be offset by wind, battery and solar. Thank you.

That sounds pretty exciting. Good luck. Thank you.

Okay. Committee, we’re on 13-18, activity summary, environment, grants and contributions, $3.889 million. Does committee agree?

Thank you. Page 13-19, information item, environment, active positions. Any questions?

Seeing none, 13-21, activity summary, forest management, operations expenditure summary, $32.684 million. Does committee agree?