January 26, 2013 – Improved reliability and affordability of energy systems, increased community and Aboriginal involvement in decision-making, and reducing environmental impacts due to energy use were some of the key issues identified as requiring attention in the Charrette final report, which is a summary of the 2012 Northwest Territories (NWT) Energy Charrette held in November 2012.

The report includes short-term priorities identified by Charrette participants, such as:

• Strengthening energy efficiency standards and programming
• Scaling up biomass energy systems
• Developing additional hydro transmission
• Enhancing project results reporting

“By engaging with a range of diverse stakeholders through the Charrette process, we had a unique opportunity to gauge public opinion on where we are today and effective ways to chart a course for our energy future,” said NWT premier Bob McLeod, who is also chair of the GNWT Ministerial Energy Coordinating Committee. “I believe this process has strengthened our ability to develop a comprehensive energy plan that will lead to great results for our residents over the long term.”

Over the longer-term, participants suggested exploring further development of local and renewable energy projects, including greater use of NWT hydro and natural gas resources.

The Charrette Working Group consisted of members of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities, the Arctic Energy Alliance, Ecology North, the Northwest Territories Energy Corp. (NT Energy) and GNWT departments and agencies. The Charrette was supported by the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and the GNWT.

The GNWT will use the findings contained in this report to draft the 2013 Northwest Territories energy plan, which will provide a policy framework for future investment in energy projects and programming for the 17th Legislative Assembly and beyond. The full report and other Charrette information, including pictures, presentations and speeches, can be found at www.nwtenergy.ca.