Debates of October 29, 2004 (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the last government and again recently there have been concerns raised about the cost of power in communities served by diesel generators. This is particularly of concern at this time because of the unprecedented high price of crude oil and the volatility of supply issues. I would like to see this government look at two things: first of all, a proactive and immediate response to anticipated riders in diesel communities. These communities need to be protected where the costs of other essential goods and services are already higher than other communities.

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For the longer term, a Territorial Power Support Program will go some ways towards addressing price increases, but the gaps in the Territorial Power Support Program, as related to small business, will be magnified by price increases and rate riders. This is why I believe the GNWT needs to take a serious look at the territorial support program now. Previous opinions and rulings of the Public Utilities Board have been quite categorical about the fact that their mandate is to regulate NTPC as a utility like any other, regardless of who the shareholder is. This is based on normal principles regarding allowable expenses and rates of return. It is then the mandate of this government to address the concerns of social and economic fairness to the regions and the constituents that we represent. This issue requires immediate attention. It will cost money, however, I consider it a priority of this government to mitigate the high cost of energy where that cost is prohibitive to economic growth or it denies residents a reasonable and affordable cost of living in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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