IQALUIT - Iqaluit could get new power lines and other power upgrades if a $14-million proposal by the Qulliq Energy Corp. gets approved.

Power lines like the ones found near Iqaluit's four corners intersection on Feb. 17 could be upgraded if a proposal by Qulliq Energy Corp. receives approval. - Kassina Ryder/NNSL photo

Qulliq has proposed upgrading the city's 5 kV power line system to a 25 kV system, which would enable Qulliq to keep up with the city's growing population and reduce fuel costs, planning and analysis manager Darryl Taylor said.

"Once it's in place, we won't have to worry about growth because the system will be able to accommodate it," he said.

Taylor said the upgrades would be able to sustain Iqaluit's growth for the next 35 years.

Currently, a certain amount of power is lost during its journey from the power plant to buildings.

"Right now the plant has to factor losses in when it gets to the user," Taylor said.

For example, if a residence required 1,000 watts of power, the plant would have to send out 1,100 watts to make up for the 100 watts that would get lost along the way, he said.

Increasing the size of the lines from 5 kV to 25 kV would allow more power to get to the consumer with less waste.

"The system losses are reduced," Taylor said. "We don't need to use as much energy."

Power outages will take place during upgrading, but they will be scheduled, Taylor said. Iqaluit's plant is currently running at capacity.

"We're meeting our peak right now," he said.

The project will cost approximately $14 million, according to a press release from Qulliq.

Taylor said the long-term benefits would justify the cost. Upgrades are expected to take three years to complete.

"The savings will be greater than the capital cost of the project," he said.

A new system would also be more dependable.

"It will give more reliable electricity," Taylor said. "Our system is aging; we'll have something new that works better."

Taylor said the project could also generate temporary jobs for Iqalummiut, but said many of those jobs could be contracted to workers outside the territory.

A Major Project Permit has been filed to Hunter Tootoo, the minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corp, and is currently under review by the Utility Rate Review Council.

If the proposal is approved, Iqaluit will be the first community in Nunavut to run on a 25 kV system, Taylor said.