Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is extremely important that other levels of government and the general public have their say on potential electricity rate increases.
Will the Minister responsible for NTPC commit to work with the Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board to have public hearings regarding the impact of increasing electricity rates? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Minister responsible for Northwest Territories Power Corporation.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Public Utilities Board develops the review process for the general application and the Public Utility Board schedule allows for a public hearing, if required, on August the 4th to the 5th here in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, since the Taltson Hydro Project is in the Taltson zone, will the Minister ensure that there will not be a onerate system for power rates and that the people of the Taltson zone will always have lower power rates than other communities, because it's a traditional territory of various First Nations and Metis peoples. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In accordance with the electricity rate policy guidelines approved by the GNWT, since 2010 the electricity rates in the Northwest Territories are set on a zoned basis. So each zone, including the Taltson, is to pay rates that reflect costs in the zone.
The utilities use a zone of reasonableness to help manage rate transitions. Today, due to these transitions, the Taltson is currently paying less than its costs, but over time the rates will transition to full cost level. The Taltson rates will be lower than other communities so long as the Taltson costs remains lower than the other communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, after the Taltson expansion is completed, can the Minister explain what the cost impacts will be in terms of electricity rates for the people in the Taltson zone and the rest of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We recognize that rate implications from the project is an important part of securing broad support to proceed to a construction decision for this longterm project. There are many factors that may impact revenues and, in turn, rate implications associated with the project.
For example, the results of a commercial arrangement between the project partners and the investors, construction conditions imposed as part of the regulatory approvals, and the size of the location of the customer demand. When there is more certainty in these areas, we will be better able to define any potential rate implications that is associated with this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us when the NTPC will get rid of the current board of NTPC, which is currently occupied by deputy ministers, and be replaced by a new neutralappointed board? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This work is currently led by the EIA. It is my understanding that recommendations are in the final stages for presentation to the existing NTPC board and Cabinet. Once they have been reviewed, we will look to engage with standing committee. And then, based on feedback and general agreement, implementation this fiscal year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Deh Cho.
