Yellowknife (Feb 12/03) - How to heat our houses, power our vehicles, light our lives - and what to use for fuel and where to get it - are all on the table in the NWT.

The Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development is seeking input for a draft report to guide the NWT's future energy use.

The report outlines ways the NWT can lower energy costs for consumers and maximize natural resources. "Energy costs are driving this boat to a great degree," said Dennis Bevington, energy secretariat. "Our commitment to a clean environment and our commitment to the Kyoto protocol are also driving this boat."

"It will only work if it represents what people want to do."

Bevington sought public feedback for the paper at the first of a series of public consultations in Yellowknife last Thursday night. Lively discussion at the public meeting focused on the feasibility of renewable energy, the problems of getting reliable, affordable energy in small, remote communities and the importance of long-term vision in the province.

The report suggests the NWT is still far from being able to rely on wind or solar power. Many people who attended the consultation said the government should plan for a long-term shift to renewable energy and should provide incentives for clean energy users and penalties for polluters.

"Is it going to be carrot or is it going to be stick?" asked Chris O'Brien. "I think it's got to be both."

Sean Kollee said the report should include strategies for encouraging people and businesses to be energy efficient.

"If we're going to talk about renewables, we'll really have to bundle it with energy efficiency," he said. "I'd like to see some mention of a mechanism in the report that says you must become energy efficient even if you don't share the vision."

The crowd also addressed the challenge of getting private industry on board and investing public funds in research and infrastructure for new energy sources and new ways to transport energy.

"I'd hate to see this strategy be a bold jump into the 1980s," said Ben McDonald. "We could think big and be fairly visionary here."

Seeking a better way to use hydroelectric power and how to take advantage of new technologies are two of RWED's goals. The report also outlines the impacts and benefits of a Mackenzie Delta pipeline.

In spite of significant oil and natural gas reserves and hydroelectric potential, the NWT economy is still dependent on imported fossil fuels, the report says.

Bevington said after two months of consultation the government will establish a draft strategy.

They will ask for written submissions and commentary on the draft through April and May, then send a final document to cabinet for approval.