John King
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 16/06) - The GNWT is looking into the feasibility of gas-generated electricity for communities in the Mackenzie Delta that use diesel-generated electricity.

The study will not officially get underway until the request for proposals closes later this week, said Tim Coleman, director of planning and co-ordination for the Mackenzie Pipeline office.

"The study is intended to update the information we have now," Coleman said.

A previous study, referred to as the Putt Report, was completed in 2002.

"A new study is important because the price of natural gas has changed and there's more information on the proposed (Mackenzie Gas) pipeline. We didn't have these details when the previous report was completed," Coleman said.

With the National Energy Board hearing set to begin Jan. 25 at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex in Inuvik, stakeholders and the public are unsure what turn the Mackenzie Gas project will take next.

Inuvik mayor Peter Clarkson said there are a variety of benefits for making the change to natural gas.

"The obvious benefit is that you're burning a cleaner fuel," Clarkson said.

"I remember when Inuvik was still on diesel. There would be a big black plume of smoke over the town," he said.

Many of the other communities in the Mackenzie Delta still generate electricity via diesel-powered generators.

"The gas would come from a pipeline right here in the North," Clarkson said.

Inuvik is supplied by the Inuvik Gas-owned Ikhil gas field only 25 miles from the town.

"The price of natural gas is more economical as well," Clarkson added.

As part of the agreement between Inuvik Gas and the town, the company offers rates 15 per cent lower than their diesel competitors.