As we were dealing with the low water, we were also burdened with a major retrofit of one of the big turbines out at Snare, which is costing in the many millions of dollars. At the same time across the system, if that's the question, we've done things like push for the conclusion in the thermal small communities that the transfer or the completion, sorry, the replacement of existing high use, high cost of sodium vapor lights, streetlights with LED lights. We've, of course, worked with the government to put in alternate energy replacements with solar batteries; we've concluded the operation in Colville; we've entered into power purchase agreement with Lutselk'e and Bullfrog Power is another example. We've funded the final work to see what it would cost in Deline for mini hydro. We also are continuing our work in Inuvik with Storm Hills and another site to see the viability of wind. We've just taken part in helping sponsor a major North American Micro Grid Conference that's going to as well give us a great opportunity to see the technology and the financing support and the opportunities that exist across North America with businesses as everybody gets more and more involved in the opportunities presented by renewable resources, switching to alternative energy resources.

As well, we've also made efforts into areas where we do have some hydro surplus to offer up that hydro to communities like Fort Smith, Hay River and Res that are on the grid down there at a wholesale rate to help cover their costs as communities. Thank you.

Thank you. I liked the Minister's reply. I know they're doing lots of work behind the scenes and I applaud their actions and I encourage them to continue.

We know that this appropriation before us, this ask is a part of that two-part process. The overall number I believe is $2.9 million that will be projected in its fullness that we're dealing with a much smaller amount here, the $22 million, over $22 million. I guess, by what mechanism are we, as Members of this side of the House, able to follow and somehow account for where that money will be spent on exactly, and if that money is not needed, how do we know that money will not be returned? What are the mechanisms for how this money will be accrued, especially as I said, this is a two-part process, there's going to be more money in the next fiscal year. Again, I'm more inclined to find out how are we able to follow proof of performance in this money being spent on diesel costs? Thank you.

We will get that information. NTPC tracks it to the litre and we've already indicated that we'd be prepared to compile that on an as required basis, monthly, quarterly, whatever is the wish of committee to provide that information so that we can see how it goes over the course of this fall and winter. Thank you.

Thank you, Minister Miltenberger. Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I, too, would like to comment on this extraordinary expense and I have to say that in hearing that we were spending up to $29 million for a low water surcharge, I wasn't surprised. I can't argue with this particular expenditure, I can't argue with the dollar amount, but I can argue the process. As was stated by Mr. Dolynny, Members really didn't have any opportunity to consider this expenditure before it was complete. Sure, there was a letter from the Premier dated August 31^st. I think Cabinet was well aware and the Premier should have been well aware that Members were not meeting at that time. We weren't scheduled to meet in committee until about the middle of September. I think Cabinet is well aware that we don't see correspondence immediately, that it's sent out.

Also, in late July, early August, I think there was an article in the paper, an interview with NTPC suggesting that we had low water and suggesting that there was going to be a requirement to spend the money. So again, I wasn't surprised when I read that this was coming, but I really feel strongly that we needed to be better informed as Regular Members.

So this particular expenditure, and I have to say again, this is $22 million, which is pretty much the full amount of what is putting us in the hole in terms of our reserve. Again I reiterate that we need to plan better, particularly in terms of our electricity, but in terms of expending money in general. Thanks, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. We are going to, I think, report progress here fairly shortly. I will let him answer you, but that clock is wrong. It's actually five minutes to six right now. Mr. Miltenberger.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Member articulately laid out her concern on a previous item similar to this one and we had a good discussion. We agree that we need to try to count better. It's very difficult to anticipate things like low water, the duration and such, but we are looking at how we can better account for the money and the increasing number of extreme weather expenses that we are being obliged to deal with. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Ms. Bisaro.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that we report progress.

---Carried

Thank you. I will now rise and report progress. Thank you, Minister Miltenberger, Mr. Aumond, Mr. Kalgutkar. Sergeant-at-Arms, thank you.

Item 21, report of Committee of the Whole. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee has been considering Tabled Document 325-17(5), Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures) No. 3, 2015-2016; and Tabled Document 324-17(5), Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 2, 2015-2016; and would like to report progress, and that consideration of Tabled Document 325-17(5) is concluded and that the House concur in those estimates and that an appropriation bill to be based thereon be introduced without delay. Mr. Speaker, I move that the report of Committee of the Whole be concurred with. Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Do I have a seconder? Ms. Bisaro.

---Carried

Item 22, third reading of bills. Minister Miltenberger.

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Bill 70, Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2016-2017, be read for the third time.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question has been called. Bill 70, Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), 2016-2017, has had third reading. Mr. Clerk, orders of the day.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Accordingly, this House stands adjourned until Tuesday, October 6^th, at 1:30 p.m.

---ADJOURNMENT

The House adjourned at 5:55 p.m.