Government of the Northwest Territories departments are working together with community governments and other organizations and agencies to monitor and respond to potential threats to public safety, communities and critical infrastructure in the Northwest Territories.

To that effect, an agreement aimed at providing reassurance to Northwest Territories (NWT) residents, and ensure there are no disruptions to electricity services in the North during the COVID-19 pandemic, was signed late last week.

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) signed a mutual aid agreement through the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA).  This will allow NTPC to request aid from other utilities across Canada in the event additional resources are required to maintain or restore power.

ATCO, the main shareholder of Northland Utilities (Yellowknife) Limited and Northland Utilities (NWT) Limited, had previously signed the agreement. NTPC and ATCO have agreed that the CEA agreement will be used to govern any mutual aid required by either organization through the pandemic, and in the future. The strength of both organizations will be available to maintain electricity service across the NWT.

Any assistance that is provided through this agreement will be provided at cost by the company supplying the assistance to the company requiring the assistance.  There will be no costs incurred unless assistance is required.

Quotes

“The Government of the Northwest Territories appreciates the cooperation and leadership that is being shown by the two electricity utilities that provide service in our communities. The mutual aid agreement will help ensure that if a power disruption occurs, every available resource can be accessed to get electricity restored as quickly as possible. Thank you to the Northwest Territories Power Corporation and Northland Utilities.

- Shane Thompson, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation

“As a small utility, our ability to respond to a significant outage or to maintain operations during a public health emergency can be impeded by the availability of appropriately-trained workers. This agreement ensures that we can reach out to our colleagues for assistance if needed.” 

- Noel Voykin, President and CEO for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation

“Northland Utilities is committed to providing our customers with safe and reliable power, which is of critical importance in these unprecedented times. The Mutual Aid Agreement with the Canadian Electricity Association is built upon a commonly shared dedication across the electricity utility industry in Canada to the customers we serve, and it allows us to draw upon ATCO crews in Alberta and the Northwest Territories to ensure all customers continue to receive power in the midst of a situation such as the current pandemic crisis.
-Melanie Bayley, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Electricity ATCO Group