What is IPSP?

Integrated Power System Planning (IPSP) is a territory-wide planning process led by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and carried out by the NWT’s electric utilities.

Instead of looking at one project or community at a time, IPSP examines the entire electricity system together—how power is generated, transmitted, distributed, stored, and used across the NWT.

The GNWT instructed the PUB plan and undertake IPSP in the 2025 Electricity Policy Direction to the PUB.

IPSP brings all parts of the system into one coordinated plan, including:

• future electricity demand (including industry)
• renewable energy and storage opportunities
• aging infrastructure and replacement needs
• options to reduce diesel use
• long-term costs and affordability
• climate change impacts and system reliability

Why it matters

The NWT faces unique energy challenges: isolated communities, long distances, aging equipment, and rising fossil fuel costs. IPSP helps ensure that future investments are smart, efficient, and affordable, and that they support a cleaner, more resilient system.

IPSP matters because it:

• identifies the most cost-effective long-term solutions
• guides utilities on where to invest and when
• allows for better upfront project planning
• helps integrate community and Indigenous-led renewable projects
• improves coordination between utilities
• supports the shift toward cleaner, local power
• strengthens reliability for every community

Current timelines

The PUB has set out a multi-year process for IPSP:

• 2026 (January–June): Utilities initial engagement and early planning
• Summer–Fall 2026: PUB review, hearing, and direction
• Late 2026–2027: Development of long-term supply and demand scenarios, technical studies, and draft plans
• Beyond 2027: Ongoing updates as projects are built, new technologies emerge, and community needs evolve

This is the first time the NWT will have a fully integrated, territory-wide electricity plan.

How to participate

Residents, community governments, Indigenous governments, businesses, and organizations can share input through:

• the GNWT’s Have Your Say platform
• utility-led community engagement sessions 
• meetings with utilities
• written submissions to the PUB

The Next Step in Long-Term Planning

IPSP is the foundation for the next 20+ years of electricity planning in the NWT. Through studies, modeling, and engagement, IPSP will answer key questions about the territory’s future power system, such as:

• Where should the next renewable energy project go?
• How much battery storage does each region need?
• Which communities could be connected to each other?
• What upgrades or replacements are needed to maintain reliability?
• How can we reduce diesel use while keeping costs stable and access to energy secure?
• What investments provide the greatest long-term benefit for northerners?

IPSP is about building a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity system, one that supports today’s needs while preparing the NWT for the energy opportunities of tomorrow.