SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Of the 13 recommendations stated in the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) Review Panel Report, only one had to do with lowering costs. Most recommendations emphasized the need for increased transparency, and improved communication from senior management.

Premier Floyd Roland ordered the review in February, 2009.

No one at NTPC was available to speak to Yellowknifer before press time.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem agreed with some of the 13 recommendations put forth by the report, but said it's too early to say whether or not he's happy with it.

"At this point it's a report and these are just recommendations," said Van Tighem.

"To be happy we need to see the people who we elect to be responsible for these things react," he said, and come up with solutions based on the recommendations.

Some recommendations of note are to include details of staff bonuses and benefits in NTPC's annual report; to ensure all company-paid trips are reviewed and approved by supervisors; regular reports written in simple language addressing issues like corporate costs, reasons for possible rate increases, alternative energy technologies, and explanations of power outages; and that senior management become more visible and engaged with the public.

As well, the report recommended the GNWT make the regulatory processes more efficient and cheaper.

The 13th recommendation was the only one that explicitly had anything to do with lowering rates to customers. It is a long-term recommendation that NTPC develop business partnerships to facilitate exporting energy to other jurisdictions, therefore expanding its customer base, bringing in more cash and possibly lowering rates throughout the NWT.

"They could get onto the Alberta power grid by turning left at Hay River," said Van Tighem with a laugh.

"It would allow them to sell power into Alberta and then either invest or use the revenue earnings from that sale to create operational efficiencies, or reduce rates, or create investment opportunities in the North."

Van Tighem said a big piece of the picture, which is yet to come, is whether or not NTPC will shake on a deal to merge with Atco, a large utility corporation in Alberta. A decision is expected in April or May.

"To the greater extent we haven't been explained to as to what (NTPC) is and what it could become, and we're all still looking for inexpensive power," said Van Tighem.