FORT MCPHERSON (Feb 10/97) - The Gwich'in Development Corporation, partnered with the NWT Power Corporation, has come up with an innovative use of excess heat -- one that's sure to get some people "hot around the collar."

No, they aren't going to be angry, but they are going to feel the effects of a new district heating system completed late last month that relies on heat created by the community's NWTPC-owned diesel engines.

"It's an important step for the community and our corporation," said Robert Alexie Jr., president of the Gwich'in Development Corp.

Capturing residual -- what used to be "waste" -- heat from thermal generating stations has been in use around the world for decades and in the NWT for about 20 years in some communities, according to information released by the Power Corp.'s Bill Braden.

Several regional contractors were involved in building the company's district heating system, which was designed and constructed at a cost of just under $1 million.

Customers in Fort McPherson are expected to save an estimated $140,000 in combined annual fuel costs by tapping into the new heating system.

"It's a business deal that adds to our economy and makes a big difference to the environment," said Alexie Jr.

Last spring the Power Corp. and the development corporation created Aadrii Ltd., a joint venture that owns and operates the district heating system.

Under an agreement, Aadrii will purchase heat from the Power Corp.'s diesel plant and sell it at competitive rates via an above-ground pipeline built late last year.

"Aadrii is a first-class example of how Northern communities can become more self-sufficient, and how we can create wealth from what was a wasted resource," said Charles Dent, territorial minister responsible for the Power Corp.

Aadrii is the Gwich'in word for "the light", the name given to the newly formed company by community elders.

The community's new school and water treatment plant are already hooked into the system, as are some local businesses. Other community and public facilities are also expected to join soon.

Braden said the Power Corp. hopes to continue to do more of this type of work around the North, based on the business model established in Fort McPherson.