Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to discuss Northwest Territories Power Corporation, NTPC, and the Taltson Hydro Project which provides power to Enterprise and K'atlodeeche First Nation in my riding. NTPC's mandate includes investing in core assets, increasing the distribution customer base, reducing emissions, and reducing fuel consumption.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to promote affordable clean energy across the territory. But I want to see more affordable power rates in my riding, especially in Fort Providence and Kakisa. According to the 2023-2024 annual report, NTPC incurred limited physical asset damage during the wildfire season, but fires and evacuations greatly affected the corporation's ability to complete land operational work and capital projects. Mr. Speaker, one of these projects was the overhaul of the Taltson hydro facility which was originally scheduled to be completed by November 2023 but was only opened on April 1st this year after repeated delays.
Mr. Speaker, estimates for overhaul costs are now over $97 million. We know from the public accounts that in previous years, NTPC lapsed tens of millions of dollars in budget capital expenditures. Mr. Speaker, lapses and delays impact costs for residents, and they worsen greenhouse gas emissions because of increased reliance on diesel power generation. Project delays also mean fuel work opportunities for local residents.
Mr. Speaker, I want to know next steps for making clean energy accessible across the territory. I will have questions for the Minister responsible for NTPC at the appropriate time. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member for Deh Cho. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake
