Press Release
October 31, 2024
Minister of Infrastructure, Caroline Wawzonek, issued the following statement today regarding the filing of Northwest Territories Power Corporation’s (NTPC) General Rate Application:
“The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) recognizes the financial pressures many residents are experiencing as the cost of living continues to rise. We remain committed to finding ways to ease these burdens and support Northerners. NTPC’s General Rate Application (GRA) reflects unavoidable challenges—such as extreme low water levels and volatile fuel prices—that are driving up the cost of generating and delivering electricity. We understand the impact these increases may have on households and businesses, and we are working closely with NTPC to keep rates as manageable as possible.
“The GNWT has already taken significant steps to protect residents from steeper increases. Over the past two years, we have provided $45.2 million in low water relief and made strategic investments in renewable energy to help stabilize costs. Without these contributions, the proposed rate increase would have approached 45%. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are actively exploring options to provide additional financial support to further mitigate the impact of these proposed rate increases.
“Looking ahead, we are developing a new Energy Strategy to improve energy security, affordability, and sustainability, with a focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This strategy will involve close collaboration with Indigenous partners, the private sector, and NTPC to expand local energy production, attract new industrial customers, and stabilize rates over the long term. We remain committed to supporting residents through programs like the Territorial Power Support Program and to identifying further solutions that reduce the cost of living and ensure reliable, affordable energy for all Northerners.”
For media requests, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca
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