Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, by now, we all accept the importance of developing clean, renewable, carbon-neutral energy sources. I am very pleased that we are moving ahead, with assistance from our federal partners, in developing a business plan for the Taltson River hydro system. That's a game changer, Mr. Speaker; clean, renewable power that will significantly reduce our reliance on diesel. There is even talk in GNWT hallways about investigating molten salt reactors. This technology has future potential to provide answers to all of our energy needs, from isolated communities to new mines, another game changer if it comes to fruition, Mr. Speaker.
While we wait for these future initiatives, other alternative energies need our support. Right now, consumers in our territory want to invest in solar and wind. Right now, there are innovating businesses wanting to provide it. It should be the government's role to support that, not restrict it, but, Mr. Speaker, through the net metering, this government regulates the scale of alternative energy projects.
Currently, we limit alternative energy installations to 15 kilowatt hours. That means that they can set up on residences, but they can't get a foothold in commercial operations. That 15-kilowatt hour cap prevents that scale of installation. When medium-to-large businesses do the math on cost versus benefit at this rate, there is no incentive to make the switch.
Mr. Speaker, the Yukon permits projects up to 50 kilowatt hours. Case studies show that that allows businesses to offset 35 to 40 per cent of their energy needs with alternatives. At 15 kilowatt hours, they can only generate 8 to 10 per cent, not enough to make it worth the investment. Mr. Speaker, no one wants to pay more for power, but we have to ask: is our commitment to alternative energy real? If this government's power strategy doesn't promote alternatives at a scale that makes it viable for our small businesses and industries, is it the right strategy?
The demand is there for affordable, renewable, clean energy. Innovative technologies are here now and growing by the day. Our Energy Strategy Climate Change Framework calls for reducing diesel in favour of clean power, but our regulations create a significant obstacle, allowing carbon emissions to continue.
Surely, Mr. Speaker, it is time that this net metering policy be changed to match the needs and demands of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have questions for the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.