b'NORTHERN ENERGY SOLUTIONSIf we can [achieve] this level of penetration of renewables in Inuvik, it should be the example for a lot of the remote grids in the Northwest Terrtories, Yukon, Nunavut, and even Northern Alberta and ManitobaGrant Sullivan, Nihtat Energy Ltd.from them, Strang says about his time working with Indigenous communities. Our intent is in the right direction. Were trying to build bridges and its important that we keep pushing in that direction.NORTHERN REALITYThere is a degree of privilege that most of Canada enjoys when discussing pivoting away from fossil fuels to green energy. Provincial and nationwide power grids provide multiple ways for electricity to reach homes, while comparatively mild temperatures provide options for temporary heat and electricity alterna-tives when systems fail. As well, a year-round, established supply infrastructure directly impacts commodity prices for the better. The reality of the North, however, is that fossil fuel usage will very likely never go away completely. The consequences of a shortage or stoppage in electricity could be fatal. A Northern solution is therefore one of creating efficiencies and diversity, not elimination. Without a reli-able supply of heat and electricity, the consequences would be dire, especially in the winter months with their constant subzero temperatures. Without heat, houses freeze solid in less than six hours, Sullivan says frankly. Pipes and everything.Thats not to say that the existing grids cannot be supplemented and supported by green energy, which is exactly what NTPC and private companies like NEL are trying to do. I want to see how far we can push this and how, says Sullivan. If we can [achieve] this level of penetra-tion of renewables in Inuvik, it should be the example for a lot of the remote grids in the Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut, and even Northern Alberta and Manitoba. Aboriginal BUSINESS REPORT17'