Fort Simpson (July 21/06) - Residents of Fort Simpson have some clear ideas on changes they would like to see to the village's energy supply.

On July 11, Fort Simpson was the first community to have a discussion on the energy plan the Government of the NWT is developing.

Dave Nightingale, the director of energy planning for Industry, Tourism and Investment, explained the options for alternative power to those gathered at a meeting in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

After listening to presentations on the government's tentative plans and possible alternative energy sources, community members used the meeting held by Industry, Tourism and Investment and Environment and Natural Resources as a chance to voice their opinions on energy issues.

The government's energy plans just seem to rehash old plans, said Mayor Duncan Canvin. Alternative energy plan initiatives should have been started in the 1980s, he added.

"Enough words, let's get to deeds," said Canvin.

A number of residents spoke about their energy concerns.

As a pensioner, Peter Shaw said he reflects on the price of energy to decide whether he can continue to live in the North, let alone run a business.

Sue Sibbeston said that by running Bannockland Bed and Breakfast she is painfully aware of the economics of energy and would like to see some reasonable ideas.

"I feel very vulnerable on any given month when my sales plummet because I have to heat that house," said Sibbeston.

Residents have a number of ideas about how energy should be provided.

Larry Swartz suggested that power companies should be run locally and use geo-thermal, hydro and wind sources.

"I think you have to make each community self-sufficient in its own energy," said Swartz.

Kirby Groat said he's looked into all the alternatives and they all seem to have drawbacks. In Fort Simpson the biggest opportunity is to get excess heat from the Power Corporation, said Groat.

Tom Wilson put forward the option of run-of-river turbines.

"The one constant we have in Fort Simpson is the river," said Wilson.

Wilson asked if there are plans to have pilot projects and test any of the technologies.

Researching technologies and seeing which are working is how things will develop in the North, said Dave Nightingale, the director of energy planning with Industry, Tourism and Investment.

"I don't think we are going to invent the wheel up here," he said.

Nightingale said he would get back to the village about a conceptual study on wind or residual heat by the beginning of September.

"We need to look at the options," said Nightingale.