The Akaitcho Regional
Investment Corporation, Northwest Territories Energy Corporation and
the South Slave Metis Economic Corporation have agreed through a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) to examine the further development of the hydroelectric
resources of the Taltson River system.
Brokered by the
Northwest Territories Energy Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the
Northwest Territories Power Corporation, the Memorandum brings together
the principal stakeholders of the region.
The existing Taltson
power plant was built in the mid-sixties to service the electricity
requirements of the Pine Point Mine and the Town of Fort Smith. Subsequently,
as activity at the mine diminished, surplus hydroelectric power was
supplied to Fort Resolution and Hay River and today about 60% of the
Taltson power plant capacity is being used.
The partners to
the MOU now want to work together to maximize the production of the
existing power plant and to potentially further develop the hydro resources
of the Taltson River.
Possible markets
for the additional hydropower include the growing mining industry in
the North Slave and perhaps the Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces.
First, however, the development partners need to complete a comprehensive
engineering study to determine transmission and hydro station construction
costs. This information is expected to be available by Fall 2003.
For further information contact:
Peter
Watt
Marketing & Communicaitons Officer
(867) 874-5215 or (867) 874-1288
