Cost of Living 3.4.4:
We will better use our existing hydroelectric resources by exploring options to respond to low water in the North Slave hydroelectric power system, improve hydro system water monitoring and reservoir management, and find ways to make use of surplus Taltson hydroelectric power in the South Slave region and beyond.
Status:
As of August 2016 the utilities in the South Slave Taltson Hydroelectricity zone can provide a preferential electric heat rate using Taltson surplus hydroelectric power in South Slave. The NTPC rate was approved by the NWT Public Unities Board as 30% less than the cost of heating oil, or about 6 to 7 cents/kWh on an interruptible basis.
Pending approval, the GNWT has applied to the federal government under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund (LCELF) to provide an electric heat incentive through the Arctic Energy Alliance in the South Slave.
There is ongoing work to look at ways to make better use of hydroelectric resources in the North and South Slave. In the North Slave, tree ring and snow pack data is being integrated with modeling tools to enhance forecasting of hydro resources.
Next Steps:
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Continue Research on the Snare Basin focused on snow pack testing in 2018 Q1.
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NTPC to continue to offer electric heat contracts in the South Slave.
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AEA will design an electric heat incentive program if LCELF funding is received.
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Complete North Slave water shed research and determine next steps in 2018 Q2 & Q3.
Accomplishments to Date:
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Release the North Slave Resiliency Study 2016 Q3.
Background:
One of the priorities identified during the 2014 Energy Charrette was to capture surplus energy from the Taltson Hydro Generation Station.
In response to low water levels and drought conditions in the North Slave Snare hydroelectricity system, the department of Infrastructure engaged Manitoba Hydro International (MHI) to assess the resiliency, review options for addressing drought impacts, and examine longer term hydrology in the North Slave power system.
The Snare River has historically had periodic droughts in three of the last 30 years. The North Slave Resiliency Study showed that the Snare Hydro system is well operated, and that thought should be given for how to best insulate rate payers from the shock of diesel usage during droughts.
For more information about this initiative, please contact the Department of Infrastructure.