But some observers point out that residents consume as much energy for heat as they do for conventional uses of electricity, such as lighting and powering appliances. The Northwest Territories Power Corporation says the 18-megawatt Taltson hydro system that serves the South Slave typically has four to six megawatts of excess generating capacity. Discount rate for heating, but there are catchesThe power corporation offers hydro electricity from Taltson to use for heating at a much lower price than it charges for electricity generally. Taltson hydro power offers heating on the understanding that when the hydro system is down — such as during power outages or annual summer maintenance of the hydro system — electricity is not available for heating. According to the corporation, there have been huge savings for the few who have tapped into the hydro system to heat their buildings.

Source: CBC News October 02, 2020 10:52 UTC