Minister says NTPC review may save jobs
Terry Halifax
Northern News Services
Hay River (Nov 06/00) - The best defense is a good offence.
That seems to be the thinking behind the review of power generation and distribution in the NWT.
 Jane Groenegwegen |
At a constituency meeting on Oct. 27, Hay River South MLA Jane Groenegwegen said the review panel is looking at a range of options .
"The review may show that activities added to the current activities of the power corporation may offset the lay-offs as a result of division," Groenewegen said.
"In the event that happens, it may be premature to announce layoffs to employees. Our goal is to save as many jobs as possible."
One area they might be expanded is in the Petroleum Products Division of NTPC, she said.
With the loss of the Nunavut customers, NTPC will lose 90 per cent of the volume of petroleum products sales.
According to the review's terms of reference the loss will raise prices for consumers. Expansion into oil and natural gas could be one way to cushion that price hike.
She said the review will be completed by the Nov. 30 deadline. It will also focus on security and supply of electricity, quality and cost of service, rates, adaptability to changing service conditions and return on public investment.
Groenewegen said there may be time set aside at the end of the review for public response.
"When it comes to the implementation of recommendations that come about from a result of the review, there will be an opportunity for public response," she said.
From what she has seen so far of the review, Groenewegen said she expects there will be "good news for the people of Hay River."
