Mr. Speaker, over the last few sessions I have been reporting on work the Northwest Territories Power Corporation has been doing to ensure that its structure and operations are aligned with government’s goal to keep electricity costs as low as possible. As owners of NTPC, Northerners have a vested interest in making sure the corporation achieves this objective. I believe NTPC is up to the job.
The corporation has been called upon to play a large role in supporting this government’s goal of reducing dependence on high-priced, environmentally harmful fossil fuels. NTPC has led many initiatives to develop new, clean alternative energy resources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. We have a new 60 kW solar energy project in Fort Simpson, the largest of its kind in the North. It can generate enough energy for 10 homes, with another 40 kW on the way. We undertook projects in Inuvik and Fort McPherson to use residual heat from diesel power plants to heat community water and nearby buildings. We initiated a territory-wide program to replace high-pressure sodium streetlights with long-lasting LED lights as they expire. We’re using state-of-the-art filtration technology to extend equipment life, reduce maintenance and extend the time between oil changes, and we’re investigating wind potential in Inuvik area.
NTPC is also working closely with the GNWT, community and Aboriginal governments and organizations to examine opportunities to generate more electricity from hydro developments. Developing the NWT’s energy resources to meet our needs today and into the future is a high priority.
Finding and developing the human resources needed to accomplish our goals remains a significant challenge, particularly when faced with stiff competition for skilled workers from high-growth areas such as Alberta and Saskatchewan. Traditional recruitment methods haven’t been successful in meeting the demand, so the corporation has refocused and concentrated its efforts into a Northern Talent Development Strategy. As part of its revised approach, NTPC is offering scholarships and apprenticeships to young Northerners.
In the current fiscal year, NTPC has filled four apprenticeship positions and plans to recruit the same number next year. This year the corporation used the Apprenticeship Program to hire two power linespersons in Fort Simpson and Inuvik, an electrician in Fort Smith and a mechanic in Fort Simpson.
A reliable, affordable supply of electricity is fundamental to an enhanced sustainable economy. We are working toward a vision of a connected North and South Slave hydro system. This will minimize diesel backup requirements and capitalize on the hydro potential of both regions while improving reliability and providing a secure, affordable source of energy. When we do that, everyone in the NWT will benefit.
In the meantime, Mr. Speaker, there have been pressing matters at hand regarding community energy supplies. NTPC has been working on solutions for both Norman Wells and Inuvik with the community governments, local producers and suppliers and GNWT departments. While residents in Norman Wells are considering various options to replace natural gas as their primary heating source, Imperial Oil will continue to supply the electricity for the town in the near to medium term. NTPC has contingency plans in place to relocate temporary diesel generation in the event supply issues do develop.
In Inuvik, Mr. Speaker, NTPC has been working to assess the medium and long-term energy solutions for the town. These options include liquefied natural gas and a variety of renewable energy options such as the significant wind potential that exists in the region.
Reliability is the cornerstone of any power system. That’s why the corporation invested in a new dam at the Bluefish Hydro site to replace the aging structure that was in danger of failing. I’m pleased to report that the project will be completed this month.
Outages on the Yellowknife system have increased this year. The corporation is addressing the problem with a comprehensive series of improvement initiatives and a commitment to significantly increase reliability over the next three years. NTPC has already acted on a number of initiatives such as clearing brush along the Bluefish line, upgrading animal deterrents and thoroughly examining its transmission system for damage or weaknesses that could result in outages. It has also brought in experts to ensure its generation and transmission systems operate in a stable and reliable manner. Over the next three years, controls will be upgraded, fault detection equipment will be replaced and lightning protection will be improved.
NTPC is a key part of the government’s energy planning and strategy. There is a lot of work ahead, with many areas that require attention and improvement. They are committed to working with all Northerners to improve service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Beaulieu.
