Debates of March 6, 2019 (day 65)

Statements

Question 650-18(3): Sachs Harbour Power Generation

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I spoke about the announcement for the Sachs Harbour power plant, and my questions are for the Minister of Infrastructure. We have heard that the new power plant in Sachs Harbour will be much more efficient than the old one, but it seemed to mention a lower power rate. I'm not sure if the Minister can answer this, but what can the community expect in terms of savings? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Masi. Minister of Infrastructure.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As far as power rates go, that question probably would have to be directed to the Minister of the Power Corporation. One thing I can say about installing these new fuel-efficient engines in the community of Sachs Harbour is the documentation and data that I've received shows it's going to have an 18-percent improvement on expected GHG savings, which is going to be about 283 kilotonnes a year, and it's designed, this construction, as all Members know, we're doing a wind study in that region. It's going to be able to build that addition to the power system.

That's all good news. Strong wind is a local resource in the community. I am looking forward to even more efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint. When can we expect an addition of a wind turbine or turbines in Sachs Harbour?

We're working on our wind study there. All indications support the idea of us installing one in Sachs Harbour as well as Norman Wells. We are doing our wind study, as well. I think, once all the data is finished being collected along with this announcement that we see with the federal support for this new generator in Sachs Harbour, I suspect that procurement for the windmill would be within the next 24 months.

When you have big announcements like that, and especially the one the Minister just mentioned, there is a chance to build capacity in the community, and I look forward to that. What is the government's plan to roll out more efficient power systems in Nunakput communities, including renewable energy components?

If you look at our energy plan going forward, we have a three-year rolling plan that is continually being adjusted as new technologies and different communities put their energy plans forward to us. We work with all the communities in the Northwest Territories. As for the Member's exact question around his communities, a lot of that is going to depend on what type of community involvement they are going to want to be able to participate in some of these projects going forward. With the power purchase agreements, if the community looks at our strategy, there is an opportunity for them to be participants in this. We will work closely with the Member and his communities on how they want to be able to participate.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister's commitment. Just on the last answer there, what is the timetable for upgrading electricity systems in Paulatuk, Ulukhaktok, and Tuktoyaktuk? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I don't have that detailed information in front of me, but I can work with our Minister in charge of the MTPC and get that information to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Masi. Oral questions. Member for Nahendeh.