Debates of October 24, 2006 (day 14)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke to the concern from Inuvik residents about the increase in the natural gas price. One of the statements I made was the Public Utilities Board and said there was lack of evidence over concerns and had the members been living in the Northwest Territories, then I am sure they would have heard the concerns. But that is another issue for another day. I would like to ask the Minister of the Public Utilities Board, how is it that the supplier of natural gas can raise their rates without a public hearing where citizens can hear their justifications or voice their concerns? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. The honourable Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Mr. McLeod.

Return To Question 174-15(5): Public Hearing On Natural Gas Price Increases

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I did hear the Member’s comments during Members' statements yesterday. I did take the opportunity to check the act. There are requirements that the Public Utilities Board has to follow. It is the responsibility of the Public Utilities Board to provide information to the general public. However, the utility company that also is requesting an increase has responsibilities, that is to inform the municipality, and those things have been done in this case. There have been issues raised by some of the Members regarding increase request and also the municipality of Inuvik has raised the issue. A number of residents have also raised the issue. There has been an information request provided to the utility company to supply back-up information. That may very well lead to a hearing. At this time, it is not determined if that is required. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Robert McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 174-15(5): Public Hearing On Natural Gas Price Increases

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does a utility company not have to have a hearing before the rates are increased? I think that was my question, Mr. Speaker. Do they have to go through the Public Utilities Board to hold a hearing and not wait for the concerns of the citizens? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Michael McLeod.

Further Return To Question 174-15(5): Public Hearing On Natural Gas Price Increases

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the process allows for interveners. There is a process that requires application to be filled in and applied for. It has to be justified. There is also a mechanism to cover some of the costs of people that are identified as interveners. A public hearing is something that would be determined by the Public Utilities Board after there is clear demonstration that there is a need for it. At this point, it is really premature in the case of the municipality of Inuvik. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Supplementary, Mr. Robert McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 174-15(5): Public Hearing On Natural Gas Price Increases

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is there going to be a public hearing into the rate increase proposed for the gas supplier in Inuvik? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Michael McLeod.

Further Return To Question 174-15(5): Public Hearing On Natural Gas Price Increases

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did have a chance to talk to the chair of the Public Utilities Board. At this time, it is not demonstrated that there will be a hearing. There have been a number of issues raised around the increase. A number of requests for information have been brought forward. All indications are that, more than likely, there will be one. But at this point, I can’t confirm that, absolutely, there will be one. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Final supplementary, Mr. Robert McLeod.

Supplementary To Question 174-15(5): Public Hearing On Natural Gas Price Increases

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I find it kind of odd that people of Inuvik have raised a concern. Now, I thought…I will just get to my question. Will the Minister communicate to the Public Utilities Board the importance of having a public hearing before any further proposed increase to the natural gas rates in Inuvik? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. McLeod. Mr. Michael McLeod.

Further Return To Question 174-15(5): Public Hearing On Natural Gas Price Increases

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are other processes that are available. People have the ability to file as interveners. The municipalities can do this, Individuals can do this, so it is not clearly demonstrated in every occasion that there has to be a hearing. In this case, there have been a number of issues brought forth by the municipality. There are also a number of issues by residents. The MLAs for that area have raised an issue. All of this information has to be compiled and looked at before there is confirmation that there will be a hearing. At this point, the Public Utilities Board is not in a position to confirm that there will be a hearing. Thank you.