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Enterprise bides time on energy contract
Council to watch what Hay River does before re-signing with Northland Utilities

Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, June 15, 2015

ENTERPRISE
A delegation from Northland Utilities (NWT) Ltd. appeared before Enterprise hamlet council on June 2 to discuss an expired electrical franchise agreement.

The 10-year agreement expired on April 30.

However, a new deal won't be put in place - and nothing will change regarding the supply of electricity to the community - until larger issues in the NWT's power system work themselves out, especially who will get the new franchise agreement in Hay River.

"We're just a little guy here in Enterprise," deputy mayor Craig McMaster told the Northland Utilities delegation. "We kind of ride on the shirttails of Hay River, anyway. So whatever Hay River decides to do we're kind of tied to that, I would think. So we're just going to wait it out here."

Hay River has put out a request for proposals for a new power franchise agreement after choosing not to renew its contract with Northland Utilities last year.

Doug Tenney, vice-president of Northland Utilities, said he understands Enterprise's stance.

"I totally empathize with your position," he said.

"I empathize with what's going on in Hay River. Electricity costs for the North are high. It's a concern for everybody. And as you've probably seen, the whole franchise issue in Hay River is much bigger than just a Hay River issue. It's a Northwest Territories issue."

However, Tenney pointed out Enterprise does not need to be tied to what happens in Hay River.

"All that's up for grabs in the process that the Town of Hay River is running are those assets that are located in the Town of Hay River boundaries," he told the council in Enterprise.

"So that would not affect service here."

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