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. It was developed in conjunction with the NWT Power System Plan, also released today by the Northwest Territories Energy Corp., a business development subsidiary of the Northwest Territories Hydro Corp. The Power System Plan provides a long-term outlook and vision for the territory’s 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.

“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,” said Michael Miltenberger, minister responsible for the NT Power Corp.