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NEWS BRIEFS: Power rates hiked two per cent

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Power rates went up an average of two per cent on June 1, says the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. The rate increase is a result of a decision at the NWT Public Utilities Board on the power corp's general rate application for 2016 until 2019. Consumers using approximately 1,000 kilowatt hours monthly in the winter will see their bills bumped by anywhere between four and seven dollars per month.

NTPC president and CEO Jay Grewal said the two year time frame for completing the rate decision "should reassure customers that decisions about electricity rates are carefully considered to ensure that rates are kept as low as possible," a May 31 news release states.

The general rate application for 2016 to 2019 was submitted in June of 2016.

The power corporation is working on a strategy to control long-term costs and implement new tech, the news release states.

– Avery Zingel

 

City hiring Indigenous relations advisor

The city is hiring an Indigenous relations advisor. The position is designed to provide guidance on how to "enhance the city's relationships with Indigenous peoples and cultures, and embed reconciliation into our core practices and decision-making – from programs, to services and strategies," stated a news release.

Funding from Indigenous Services Canada through the Urban Programming for Indigenous Persons has been used to create the position.

The advisor will be tasked with coordinating the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan across all city departments.

Funding to staff the position for 18 months is secured and options to ensure sustainability beyond that are being considered, stated the release.

The city has yet to announce when the position will be filled.

– James O'Connor

 

Companies can report spills online

The GNWT has launched an online spill reporting and tracking system, designed specifically for companies and organizations, which due to the nature of their work have a higher volume of spills.

Members of the public will still be able to notify the 24-Hour Spill Report Line through fax, email or phone, stated a news release.

The new online system allows for easier tracking of spills from date of occurrence to remediation, including the ability to monitor compliance with required environmental standards.

Once a spill is reported online, an electronic notification is then sent out to all regulatory agencies.

All spills in the NWT must be reported.

– James O'Connor

 

Natural discussions

Yellowknife residents will have an opportunity to discuss and ask questions about natural resources and energy in the Northwest Territories; and the GNWT's approach to energy and resource development.

An Information Tradeshow is being staged this week as part of the GNWT's Resources and Energy Development Information (REDI) initiative.

The event happens tomorrow at the Explorer Hotel, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., stated a news release.

– James O'Connor