Northwest Territories

Energy development in NWT is guided by the NWT 2030 Energy Strategy, which aims to align with the Pan Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change. The strategic objectives include community engagement, targets for the reduction of GHG emission, an increase in the share of renewable energies and an increase in buildings’ energy efficiency. The policy aims to “guide the development of affordable, and sustainable energy for transportation, heat, and electricity, support energy efficiency and conservation, and promote renewable and alternative energy solutions for the NWT”. The Energy Action Plan 2018 – 2021 (Government of Northwest Territories) sets the ongoing and yearly new Actions and Initiatives needed for the GNWT and its partners to achieve the Strategic Objectives set out in the 2030 Strategy.

Two grant programs:

• The GHG Grant Program for Building and Industry
• The GHG Grant Program for Government

Two participation models: mid-scale and larger-scale projects. The projects could be community owned (alternative to IPP)​

2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework

2030 NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework

• Closely aligned with the 2030 Energy Strategy and has annual GHG reduction targets
NWT Petroleum Resources Strategy
• Aims to invest in natural gas

Energy provision in the territories is the responsibility of the government of NWT. Main energy utility is NTPC – a crown corporation - and there is no regulation for Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
GNWT works closely with the regional non-profit organization Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA), which is an active facilitator of government supported programs for the communities.
Community and municipal governments do not typically own energy infrastructure. Relevant acts at the territorial level:

• Natural Resources Conservation Trust Act
• Promoting (through education, research and demonstration) wise use of renewable resources, enhancement and protection of the environment
Community Planning and Development Act and Regulations
• Provides the framework to community planning (including energy planning)
• However, it does not include support for “development” of community energy plans
• Petroleum Products and Carbon tax Act and Regulations
Relevant acts at the federal level

Northwest Territories Devolution Act

• -Enacted in 2014, this transferred responsibility for public land, water and resource management in the NWT from the federal department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) to the GNWT
Canadian Energy Regulator Act
• Regulates certain energy matters at the federal level (power lines, oil and gas exploration etc.), including trade
• Reinforces Indigenous participation in the evaluation of energy projects
Energy Efficiency Act and Regulations
• Ensures minimum energy efficiency levels in end use across Canada

The current renewable and non-renewable energy generation infrastructure in the region is owned by the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC). NTPC along with Northwest Territories Energy (NTEnergy) are owned by NT Hydro, which in turn is 100 percent owned by the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT).