Public Engagement on Long-Term Electricity Planning in the Northwest Territories

Press Release

February 23, 2026

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC), Naka Power Utilities (NWT) Ltd. (NAKA), with the support of the GNWT, are launching public engagement on the Integrated Power System Plan (IPSP), a major multi-year effort led by the NWT Public Utilities Board (PUB) to plan the future of electricity across the territory.

The IPSP, through a phased approach, will guide how electricity is supplied, generated, used, and managed in the NWT over the next 20+ years. This includes understanding future electricity needs, identifying opportunities for renewable energy, sequencing and planning for infrastructure investments, and exploring opportunities to reduce diesel reliance, all while keeping power reliable and affordable.

Why Your Input Matters

Electricity in the NWT is unique. Most communities operate on small, isolated power grids. Some rely mainly on hydro while others depend on diesel. These differences mean that planning our future electricity system must reflect the realities, needs, and priorities of people in every region.

This engagement is an opportunity for Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, community governments’ leaders, businesses, other non-government organizations, and residents to share what matters most to them.

Feedback gathered will help NTPC and NAKA prepare their formal submissions to the PUB as part of formal NWT Public Utilities Board Proceedings.

How to Participate

• Read the discussion Guide and provide written feedback to utilities on the GNWT’s have your say portal here: https://haveyoursay.nwt-tno.ca/integrated-power-system-plan.
• NTPC and NAKA will initiate engagement with community leaders at the NWT Association of Communities’ Annual General Meeting (Feb 25-29 in Yellowknife).
• NTPC and NAKA will undertake direct engagement with Indigenous governments in Spring 2026.

Quotes:

“Electricity touches every part of daily life in the Northwest Territories — from keeping the lights on to supporting homes, businesses, and essential services. This planning process will help us chart the path forward for a cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable electricity system. We want to hear from Northerners about what matters most to them. Their voices are essential as we work together toward a strong and sustainable future.”

– Caroline Wawzonek, Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains

“The electricity sector in the NWT is unique, with two unconnected hydro systems and 21 isolated thermal systems. Public engagement on an Integrated Power System Plan will help ensure that all voices have the opportunity to be heard as utilities, government and the PUB work together to develop an affordable, reliable and low emission energy future. Every community has unique needs and the IPSP needs to reflect that reality.

–  Cory Strang, CEO, Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC)

“As one of the utilities entrusted with powering communities across the Northwest Territories, Naka Power Utilities (NWT) is proud to contribute to this important work shaping the territory’s long‑term energy future. The Integrated Power System Plan gives all of us an opportunity to better understand future electricity needs, identify realistic pathways for more renewable energy, and plan the infrastructure required to ensure a reliable and resilient system. Through this engagement, we hope to better understand what matters most to residents and work together on practical approaches that support reliable, affordable power and a sustainable energy future.”

– Cathy MacDonald, CEO, NAKA Power Utilities (NWT)

Quick Facts

• NWT has 27 isolated power grids serving its 33 communities.
• Eight communities use hydro; 25 rely primarily on diesel or natural gas.
• Under normal conditions, 72% of communities’ electricity needs are provided by hydro, 22% diesel, 5% natural gas and 1% intermittent renewable.
• IPSP will shape electricity planning for the next 20 years, with a strong focus on affordability, reliability, and strategic investments, with periodic updates to the IPSP.

Quick Links:

• Have your say on GNWT’s engagement portal
• 2025 GNWT Direction to PUB (full letter)
• 2025 GNWT Direction to PUB
• PUB’s Proceeding 2025-04 webpage

For media requests, please contact:

Doug Prendergast
Manager, Communications
Northwest Territories Power Corporation
Email: DPrendergast@NTPC.com
Cell:867-876-1095

Erin Newell-Lupien
Manager, Communications
NAKA Power Utilities (NWT)
Email: Erin.Newell-lupien@atco.com
Mobile: 780.264.7627

Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_communications@gov.nt.ca

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