Smart Energy Communities in Northern & Remote Canada: The - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Smart Energy Communities in Northern & Remote Canada: The Northwest Territories

Marie-Soleil Lacoursiere Operations Coordinator Arctic Energy Alliance

Northwest Territories (NWT)

Energy in the NWT

• Hydroelectricity on a portion of the territory only
• Diesel generators in communities normally about

30-35% efficient

• Subsidized rate in non-hydro zone
• Fuel supplied via truck on road / ice road, or

barged

• Biomass: easily available in some regions only
• Wind: some challenges
• Solar: darkness/daylight cycle

Territorial Energy Strategies

• NWT Biomass Strategy (2012-2015) – incl. territorial

funding for wood pellet initiatives and local harvesting of biomass for centralized heating

• NWT Greenhouse Gas Strategy (2011) – incl. territorial

funding for rebates towards purchase of qualifying energy efficient appliances and insulation retrofits

• NWT Solar Strategy (2012) – incl. territorial funding for

installation of solar technologies

• NWT Energy Plan (2007, update expected release fall 2013)

Arctic Energy Alliance

Mission

• Promote and facilitate the

adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency by all members of NWT society

• Not-for-profit organization

incorporated in 1997, currently employs 19 staff in five offices across the NWT. Go-to place for advice on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Northern Communities- Unique challenges

• Very independent
• Most have very low

population (54 – 1000)

• High unemployment rate
• Small local economy
• Challenge of getting supplies
• Shortage of qualified labor
• Energy costs

AEA Activities

• Subsidized programs through Territorial Government:

– Community Energy Plans and follow-up – Energy Evaluations in communities – Technical advice and project management – Local presence to service – Pilot projects refined over the years to address specific barriers – Services to homeowners, businesses in communities, off-grid businesses, communities, and institutional clients

• Technical expertise on northern/remote technologies and

community processes

• Existing strong partnerships with communities, self-governments,

utilities, Federal Government & Agencies, renewable energy industry

Some Lessons Learned

• Patience
• Stability over the years
• Build the relationships step by step
• Be present locally through people known in

the community and the region

• Hire local liaison employees for special

projects

• Establish Partnerships with local staff with
• ther mandates

Some Lessons Learned (con’t)

• Ask for community support in tangible

ways

• Translations and broad consultations
• Keep plan simple
• Build long-term local capacity
• Cultural awareness very important
• Physical demonstration of proven

technologies helpful