Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, open the GNWT's 2030 Energy Strategy and you find multiple suggested solutions to help reduce the territory's greenhouse gas emissions. Small wind turbines, the Inuvik wind turbine, liquified natural gas, solar, mini hydro, and transmission lines to connect grids, come together in this plan with promises of 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving our both energy solutions doesn't only get us closer to our GHG goals, it supports our collective economic goals through potential critical mineral industry expansion and our individual goal of affordable sustainable energy.
But, Mr. Speaker, it is not as easy as flipping a switch to bring these energy solutions online tomorrow. Adding a fleet of alternative energies takes time, investment, and a transition from our current energy source provided by NTPC.
Today, NTPC serves much of our energy needs led by its vision to enrich the lives of Northerners by providing power that encourages living, working, and investing in the NWT, and by its mission which is to generate, transmit, and to distribute clean, reliable, and affordable energy to the Northwest Territories.
NTPC currently uses net metering to allow customers and communities to install renewable energy projects and offset their power use. This is a good thing but with a huge catch, Mr. Speaker. NTPC's policies cap the amount of clean energy it will purchase at 20 percent of the electricity mix. Our own policies put a ceiling on the potential for residents, businesses, and local and Indigenous governments to reduce emissions. But without this policy, costs could be out of control.
NTPC's high base cost system means that one client decreases demand, thanks to renewable, that the remaining ratepayers are left to swallow the ballooning energy bill, Mr. Speaker.
For alternative energy solutions to grow and serve the NWT, NTPC needs a new policy and business foundation and a longterm plan. It must be able to provide affordable energy as the energy landscape in the NWT shifts away from diesel.
Mr. Speaker, in the length of this term, NTPC's board has been represented by the GNWT's deputy ministers capable people, but with competing focus and priorities. This board has not been able to fully achieve NTPC's vision and mission. NTPC's public governance structure needs to be reinstated with a goal of designing a creative, sustainable system eager to move into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Kam Lake. Members' statements. Member for Frame Lake.
