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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Three territorial politicians were pressed for solutions to the rising cost of living at a community meeting in Fort Simpson.

Premier Floyd Roland, Deputy Premier Michael Miltenberger and Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche responded to questions during a meeting held at the recreation center on Dec. 1.

The cost of electricity was the principal concern of the 14 people who attended.

Small communities like Fort Simpson helped pay for the purchase of hydro-electric dams that give communities like Fort Smith lower power rates, said Peter Shaw, a village resident.

The small communities should see some of the benefits of that infrastructure, he said.

"Give us one rate, equalize the costs," said Shaw.

The current assembly is aware of the costs of power generation, said Floyd Roland.

The territory can't continue to operate with its current power structure because it means always having to pay the high price of fuel for diesel powered communities, he said. The government is looking at different options for how power is structured including rate zones, said Roland.

Later this month the territorial government will be releasing a discussion paper looking at electrical rates, rate zones and the structure of the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

The paper is designed gather ideas for what people would like to see in the territory, said Roland.

The government is also working on a significant program to help communities that don't have hydro electricity develop alternative energy sources, said Michael Miltenberger.

The program includes developing bio-mass, mini-hydro and wind power sources in communities. Geo-thermal potential across the territory will also be mapped out, Miltenberger said.

The overall cost of living in the North also has to be addressed, said Rita Cazon, a community member who attended the meeting.

Cazon said she knows a lot of two income families that can't afford to pay their bills.

"The communities out in the bush are paying an arm and a leg," said Cazon.

The assembly has developed a rural and small communities committee to look at how the government is delivering services in the communities, said Roland. It's clear the government has to change the way it does business, he said.

The state of the Liard Highway and its effect on businesses, residents and tourism numbers was also raised at the meeting.

"I want to know when it's time for the Liard Highway getting fixed up to be a priority," asked Gerd Fricke, the regional superintendent of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment.

Additional money was put towards repairs this year and more funds will be added over the next few years dependent on the budget, said Roland.

Fort Simpson wasn't the only community given the chance to grill the three politicians. Although the meeting in Wrigley was cancelled due to a death in the community, they were still scheduled to visit Nahanni Butte and Fort Liard on Tuesday followed by Trout Lake and Jean Marie River on Wednesday.