Paulie Chinna: Energy Management Strategy and Blueprint

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Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this House that the draft NWT Energy Management Strategy is out for public feedback until February 21, 2023.  

This strategic approach will support both Housing NWT’s energy goals and objectives, as well the strategic objectives of the GNWT’s 2030 Energy Strategy, and a long-term view towards guiding energy management decisions and investments. The strategy will also support skills training, economic development opportunities and more reliable and sustainable energy systems for Housing NWT. 

Mr. Speaker, recognizing the importance of public engagement in the development of this strategy, in January 2023, Housing NWT released a draft strategy for public review and comment. As noted earlier, this public comment period will be open until
February 21, 2023 and provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to offer valuable feedback.    

Mr. Speaker, over the past several months there has been key engagement work completed, including hosting technical workshops with experts in the energy sector, meetings with our Local Housing Organizations, letters to Indigenous organizations seeking input, and a presentation to Council of Leaders.  From the valuable input received and the analysis of the energy use of our housing units, Housing NWT drafted an Energy Management Strategy.

Housing NWT recognizes the importance of energy efficiency, especially in times when we are aware of how climate change is affecting our lives. We know we must improve the energy efficiency of our housing and invest in long-term alternative energy products and solutions.

Improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy provides benefits such as lowering operating costs, improving living conditions, and contributing to the reduction of green house gas emissions, which is vital in our fight against climate change.  Working to plan, build, and manage our assets in an energy efficient manner is part of Housing NWT’s new mission, values, and vision.

As I spoke of previously, Mr. Speaker, we are striving to meet all our new mandate commitments. The new Energy Management Strategy will inform changes to policies and programs, necessary as part of our renewal, speaking directly to the wellbeing of our communities, especially considering the issues caused by climate change. As Northerners, we must take seriously the impact that climate change is having on our environment.
I can confirm that since 2010 Housing NWT has invested over $5.1 million in
13 alternative/renewable energy projects such as solar and biomass projects in Yellowknife, Inuvik, Fort Simpson, Hay River, Behchokǫ̀, Dettah, N’dilo, Fort Resolution, Fort Liard, Whatì and Aklavik.

Mr. Speaker, I very much look forward to the release of this new strategy and blueprint in Spring 2023 as Housing NWT continues to work closely with Indigenous and community governments, the private and not-for-profit sectors, and our federal funding partners in realizing the goals and objectives of this Energy Management Strategy.

Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.