Northwest Territories residents are paying the most for electricity in Canada, according to an

That means residents pay about $387 per month, assuming an average monthly usage of 1,000 kWh.

That contributes to the high cost of living in the territory, say researchers.

SA国际影视传媒淗igh energy prices, in general, is almost a social issue,SA国际影视传媒� said Rylan Urban, founder of the sustainable energy group Energy Hub. SA国际影视传媒淚f electricity prices are cheaper, you have so much more access to electricity that you can use for your business, or increasing the quality of your life.SA国际影视传媒�

To create the study, the organization looked at the basic rates of major Canadian utility providers.

SA国际影视传媒淏asically, we calculated how much a customer would pay on average, assuming a monthly usage of 1,000 kilowatt hours per month,SA国际影视传媒� said Urban. 

He said costs could be alleviated through reduced usage and a home energy retrofit, including new light bulbs and improved insulation. Power costs in jurisdictions with a lot of hydroelectric generators tend to be lower, which is why YukonSA国际影视传媒檚 rates are considerably cheaper, he said, while NWT tends to use more costly methods of generation, such as burning diesel, more often.

Doug Prenderghast, spokesperson for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation explained most NWT communities rely on small-scale and non-integrated power systems, meaning they aren't connected to a central grid. 

SA国际影视传媒淣TPC has approximately 9,000 customers in 31 communities spread over 1.1 million square kilometres, making the NWT one of the least dense population bases in Canada,SA国际影视传媒� he stated in an email.

He pointed to a strategic plan the NTPC is finalizing that aims SA国际影视传媒渢o reduce the gap between electricity rates in the NWT and the Canadian national average.SA国际影视传媒�

Proposed measures include cutting greenhouse gas emissions from power generation in diesel-reliant communities by an average of 25 per cent by 2030. 

He added that a larger industrial base could ease costs.

SA国际影视传媒淣TPC is committed to keeping rates as low as possible. All spending decisions consider the impact on rates, while balancing the need for sustainability and environmental responsibility,SA国际影视传媒� he stated.

SA国际影视传媒淎 number of NTPCSA国际影视传媒檚 generation and transmission assets are nearing the end of their design life and must be refurbished or replaced,SA国际影视传媒� he said, explaining that without federal infrastructure funding, rates would have to increase to cover the cost. 

SA国际影视传媒淓very dollar we spend must be justified as being in the best interests of the corporation and our customers."