NWT Energy Action Plan focuses on efficiency; alternative energy

YELLOWKNIFE (December 16, 2013) – Investments in energy efficiency programs,  developing alternative energy systems, and reducing the high cost of energy in the Northwest Territories are highlights of the NWT Energy Action Plan, released today by the Ministerial Energy Coordinating and Climate Change Committee-of-Cabinet (MECC).

The Energy Plan presents a three-year action plan and a long term vision. The Energy Plan was developed in conjunction with the NWT Power System Plan, also released today by the Northwest Territories Energy Corporation, a business development subsidiary of the Northwest Territories Hydro Corporation. The Power System Plan provides a long term outlook and vision for our electricity infrastructure needs over the next 20 years.

“The Energy Action Plan builds on the success we have seen over the past few years due to our investments in energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy development,” said Premier Bob McLeod, Chair of the MECC. “Residents and businesses need affordable and reliable energy, and this plan shows where we need to make investments in the short term to help residents and communities reduce their energy use and costs.”

The NWT Power System Plan proposes short term actions aligned with the Energy Plan and a long term vision for the NWT electricity system.

“We have identified immediate opportunities to further integrate renewable energy sources and increase the use of natural gas to reduce our environmental impacts, but we need to do more to stabilize the cost of energy in our communities,” said Minister Michael Miltenberger, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. “Expanding the NWT grid to connect our existing hydro systems with communities, industry and the rest of Canada will create the backbone transmission infrastructure necessary to transform our energy system, support the potential expansion of the Taltson Hydro facility and unlock our enormous hydro potential.”

MECC is comprised of Premier Bob McLeod, Minister Michael Miltenberger, as Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Minister David Ramsay, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment, and Minister Tom Beaulieu, Minister of Public Works and Services.

By reducing imported diesel and exploring alternative forms of energy use, the GNWT is taking action to maintain an environment that will sustain present and future generations, a major goal of the 17th Assembly.

Energy plan: http://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/publications/northwest-territories-energy-action-plan-december-2013

Power system Plan: http://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/publications/vision-nwt-power-system-plan-december-2013

Backgrounders:

Energy Plan: http://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/sites/default/files/backgrounder_-_2013_energy_plan.pdf

Power system plan: http://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/sites/default/files/backgrounder_-_nwt_power_system_plan.pdf

For more information:
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
T: (867) 920-8696
E: alayna_ward@gov.nt.ca