Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The NTPC standby charge has acted as an effective barrier for those who wish to install solar panels or any other forms of alternative energy.
Over the last five years, customers who generated power to their own homes using alternative energy were forced to pay a standby rate based on their generating capacity. I am pleased to say because of the hard work of Regular Members on this side of the House, as of October 1st of this year this standby charge was removed.
We also heard this summer that NTPC drafted a proposal for the new net metering program. Net metering allows customers to use NTPC’s system to bank their power back onto the grid so they can use a credit at a later time of the year. Originally, Cabinet presented this as a thermal zone project only. However, there is a ray of sunshine out there that consensus government is appearing to work, as Cabinet responded to Regular Members’ early input on this and, as a result, standby charges are now gone and residents of both thermal- and hydro-zoned communities are now eligible to participate in this program.
It is good that Cabinet and NTPC are listening as all our communities, not just thermal zones, operate diesel generators and collectively we all pay that much more for it, both in terms of our pocketbooks and our environment.
Northerners are very interested in using alternative forms of energy. We see and feel our power bills and heating costs. We understand how destructive fossil fuel extraction is to our environment, communities and our future, and it’s long past time that we adopt real efficiencies and reduce our ecological footprint.
Net metering is a great opportunity for Northerners to think globally and act locally. Customers who have the gumption to install their own solar and wind generators should get full credit for what they produce, as similar initiatives have paved the way in other parts of the world. The Northwest Territories should not rest on their laurels now. We should be pushing the envelope even further to stay ahead of the pack when it comes to incentives for renewable energy.
Power rates are only going to go up, and customers throughout the Northwest Territories need some relief. The majority of us who want to install self-generating power systems are simple wage earners, taxpayers, and supporters of our local economy. A photovoltaic system, or PV for short, or any form of generation unit involves a significant outlay of cash. More people would be willing to make that investment if they knew it would pay for itself a little more each month and make an immediate difference to their power bill.
Not everyone will, or can, subscribe to this program, but those who do, this government needs to give them all the credit they deserve. They are not only doing something for themselves, they’re also benefiting their communities, the environment, and the common good of all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Dolynny. The Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Menicoche.
