Debates of October 28, 2004 (day 30)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

WHEREAS electrical power is an essential service;

AND WHEREAS affordable electric power is essential to the economic growth and viability of NWT communities;

AND WHEREAS the Government of the Northwest Territories’ strategic plan identifies reducing the cost of living in the North as a priority;

AND WHEREAS there is a wide disparity between power rates paid in small communities that rely on diesel generated power compared to communities with access to hydro or natural gas power with residential rates ranging between the extremes of 12.13 cents per kilowatt hour and $2.66 per kilowatt hour;

AND WHEREAS the current full cost recovery rate structure disadvantages consumers within small communities and who rely on diesel generated power;

AND WHEREAS the price of crude oil recently exceeded $55 per barrel U.S.;

AND WHEREAS the Territorial Power Subsidy Program only equalizes residential rates for the first 700 kilowatt hours and qualifying business rates for the first 1,000 kilowatt hours, which is inadequate for many small businesses;

AND WHEREAS the Public Utilities Board, in decision 5-95, stated in the context of the affordability of power rates, that it is the responsibility of the GNWT to set policies with respect to matters of social engineering;

AND WHEREAS affordable power rates would have long-term social and economic benefits and would result in equal and fair treatment of all NWT power consumers;

NOW THEREFORE I MOVE, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the government review the Territorial Power Subsidy Program immediately to ensure that consumers in communities which rely on diesel power do not suffer any further hardship as a result of increasing oil prices;

AND FURTHER that the government direct the Northwest Territories Power Corporation to provide information on options respecting the current community-based rate structure in light of practices in other jurisdictions and general principles of fairness.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. A motion is on the floor. The motion is in order. To the motion.

Question.

Question has been called. All those in favour? All those opposed? The motion is carried.

---Carried

---Applause