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.
鈥淚t鈥檚 quite a big project that we鈥檙e taking on here,鈥� said Alex Ittimangnaq, the hamlet鈥檚 economic development officer.
Solar panels and a wind turbine are sources of power that will be explored, he said.
Solar panels have sat atop Kugaaruk鈥檚 arena for close to three years but they鈥檝e never been in use because they slightly exceed Qulliq Energy Corporation鈥檚 maximum of 10 kilowatts of renewable energy annually through the net-metering program.
鈥淚t鈥檚 off by two kilowatts but that鈥檚 the issue there,鈥� Ittimangnaq explained. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 been the biggest hurdle.鈥�
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 Kugaaruk鈥檚 community energy program is coming through Natural Resources Canada鈥檚 2020 Catalyst Program and from the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative.
鈥淚鈥檓 really excited about the next two or three years,鈥� said Ittimangnaq. 鈥淭he goal is to use less diesel in our communities鈥� it will bring down our operating costs of buildings.鈥�
