Current Press Releases

YELLOWKNIFE (June 11, 2009) - The Government of the Northwest Territories has completed the public discussion phase of the NWT Electricity Review. Chairman of the Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee (MECC), Bob McLeod, says “public response has been strong and comprehensive.”

“Northerners are concerned about electricity and have made certain that their views are heard,” he noted.

The NWT Electricity Review was initiated with the publication of a discussion paper in December 2008.

A three member Review Team, including Gerry Forrest, Doug Matthews and Mark Cleveland, began work in March. Since that time the Review Team has participated in nine public forums discussing key issues related to electricity including, a long-term vision for electricity in the NWT, costs to the consumer, electrical generation, transmission and distribution, regulation, government subsidy programs and usage levels.

Forums have been held in Inuvik, Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, Yellowknife, Hay River, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution and Behchoko.

As well, the Review Team participated in a workshop with representatives of 17 non-tax based municipalities conducted by the NWT Association of Communities. Members of the Panel also met with a variety of individual citizens, including MLAs, organization executives, business people and the general public. To date, well over 300 northerners have participated in the review process.

“We have received comments and suggestions from a wide range of individuals, organizations and companies,” said Mark Cleveland, forum facilitator. “The active engagement of the public and the views and values expressed will provide a solid basis for the development of a vision for the future.”

The Electricity Review Team’s next step is to complete a report that will outline what they heard during the forum process. Upon completion of further analysis and research, the Review Team will then provide a final report to the MECC later this summer that will identify broad policy options and recommended actions. The MECC will then develop a GNWT Response and Implementation Plan for release in the fall of 2009.

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For more information, contact:

Drew Williams
Press Secretary for Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
Phone: (867) 669-2304