Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I had to think long and hard about what Minister is responsible for electricity in Kakisa. If we want to dial "E" for "energy," it is the Minister of Infrastructure who must answer the bell. I will start by asking him: who is responsible for innovative solutions to Kakisa's electricity problems? Earlier, I alluded to the frequent power outages. What funding is available for the necessary research? Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you may know, Kakisa is one of the communities serviced by Northland Utilities. We do, however, have Kakisa in particular on our radar. One exciting potential project is the Fort Providence to Kakisa transmission line to connect diesel communities to the Taltson Renewable Hydro Project, and this proposed project is detailed in our draft energy strategy that is coming out. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It is very encouraging to hear from the Minister that Kakisa is indeed on the radar. What is the Department of Infrastructure doing to help small communities develop more reliable and more sustainable options for generating electricity? Are they researching for useful community energy plans? Will the Minister commit to working with Kakisa on that?
We have a slate of potential energy solutions for communities across the Northwest Territories, including wind, solar, LNG, mini hydro. This will depend on the local energy resources potential of each community.
Under the 2030 Energy Strategy, we are committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from diesel communities by 25 per cent by 2030. Community energy plans are wellsuited for communityowned energy efficiency and renewable heating solutions, and under the energy strategy we are committed to supporting energy planning for communities that take this initiative.
The Minister's department has a lot of experience with pellet heating systems. Have his experts looked at the feasibility of a community heating system for Kakisa, and if so, what was the result?
This would likely require some study. There are a lot of factors that go into understanding the type of system that would be feasible in the community. Under the Energy Strategy Action Plan, the Government of the Northwest Territories will be launching an applicationbased government energy fund where communities can request funds to undertake this kind of initiative.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am concerned that the needs of small communities lack detail and emphasis in developing an energy strategy for the NWT. Will the Minister please explain how the territorial energy strategy will address the needs I have identified for Kakisa, for example, the frequent power outages, and, I am sure, other communities as well? Mahsi.
The 2030 Energy Strategy that we will be tabling, in fact, revolves around community needs. I think five out of the six points that we have in there are around communities and supporting communities and community residents, and the Government of the Northwest Territories, as well as the Arctic Energy Alliance, are in line to well support communities when it comes to sustainable energy solutions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
