For Immediate Release
HAY RIVER, Northwest Territories (April 2, 2015) – Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) is sending two mobile generating units to Pangnirtung, Nunavut, to provide power for the community after an overnight fire damaged the local power plant.
The Hamlet of Pangnirtung declared a state of emergency this morning and requested assistance from Northwest Territories Power Corporation as well as from other jurisdictions across Canada.
“We understand the impacts of being without power in Canada’s North and are pleased to be able to assist our neighbouring utility,” said Emanuel DaRosa, President and CEO of NTPC. “It’s the least we can do in this crisis situation where 1,500 people are without primary power.”
All communities in the NWT have primary and back-up generation. NTPC keeps additional emergency mobile units in major communities for crisis situations. The two units are being shipped from Yellowknife and Fort Simpson.
Plans are to have one unit airborne out of Yellowknife early this afternoon. The second unit, now on the road from Fort Simpson, will be flown to Pangnirtung once it arrives in Yellowknife.
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Media contact:
Pam Coulter Communications Manager Tel: 867-874-5202 Cell: 867-876-1095 Email: pcoulter@ntpc.com