Kugaaruk is entering phase two of its $1.3-million, three-year community energy plan, which will kick off rounds of community consultations. That will be followed by a request for proposals to find a renewable energy company to offer expertise.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 quite a big project that weSA国际影视传媒檙e taking on here,SA国际影视传媒� said Alex Ittimangnaq, the hamletSA国际影视传媒檚 economic development officer.

Solar panels and a wind turbine are sources of power that will be explored, he said.

Solar panels have sat atop KugaarukSA国际影视传媒檚 arena for close to three years but theySA国际影视传媒檝e never been in use because they slightly exceed Qulliq Energy CorporationSA国际影视传媒檚 maximum of 10 kilowatts of renewable energy annually through the net-metering program.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 off by two kilowatts but thatSA国际影视传媒檚 the issue there,SA国际影视传媒� Ittimangnaq explained. SA国际影视传媒淭hatSA国际影视传媒檚 been the biggest hurdle.SA国际影视传媒�

The community is consulting with a contractor to overcome that barrier. When operational, the solar panels will power the community freezer, which is located next to the ice rink.

The funding for KugaarukSA国际影视传媒檚 community energy program is coming through Natural Resources CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 2020 Catalyst Program and from the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative.

SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 really excited about the next two or three years,SA国际影视传媒� said Ittimangnaq. SA国际影视传媒淭he goal is to use less diesel in our communitiesSA国际影视传媒� it will bring down our operating costs of buildings.SA国际影视传媒�