Inuvik NT (September 10,
1999)
The ceremonial
start-up of two new natural gas-driven generators here this morning
signals the start of a new energy era for the NWT Power Corporation
and Inuvik customers. "
Two decades after
the massive exploration boom in the Mackenzie Delta, our 15-year purchase
contract with the Inuvialuit Petroleum Corporation marks the first commercial
use of these resources," said Leon Courneya, president and CEO of the
NWT Power Corporation.
"We salute IPC
and their partners in the bold step, and we're proud to be their anchor
customer. The Inuvik gas project will be a model as energy development
near other Mackenzie Delta, Sahtu and Deh Cho communities becomes reality."
The Corporation
spent two years, and over $4 million, converting its Inuvik station
from diesel to natural gas. When the conversion is complete later this
month, the power and residual heat generation will account for at least
60 per cent of the demand for gas from the nearby Ikhill gas field.
Over the anticipated
15-year life of the contract, savings compared to diesel fuel transported
from Edmonton will be in the range of $20-$25 million. These savings
will make a substantial difference to power costs in Inuvik.
"We will work with
Inuvik customers to use the savings to everyone's benefit," said Mr.
Courneya. "We'll be able to substantially reduce the need for future
increases caused by inflation, division and other capital improvements."
The environment,
too, will benefit as greenhouse gas emissions will drop by 32 per cent,
or almost 100,000 tonnes over 15 years. This is due to the higher efficiency
of cleaner-burning gas, and to the reduction in diesel fuel consumption
(still required for back-up and peaking needs) by more than 100 million
liters - the equivalent of 70 barge loads of fuel.
