The GNWT supports renewable energy projects that reduce diesel use, improve energy security,  lower greenhouse gas emissions, and to support economic development. Communities across the territory are adding solar, wind, hydro, and biomass systems, often in partnership with Indigenous governments, utilities, and local organizations. These projects help stabilize long-term energy costs by reducing dependence on imported fuel.

The GNWT helps grow renewable energy by:

• Funding community and Indigenous-led solar, wind, and biomass projects.
• Updating policies and regulations so more clean energy can safely connect to local grids.
• Increasing renewable limits in diesel communities.
• Supporting Independent Power Producers (IPPs) who can sell renewable power to the grid.
• Offering rebates and grants through programs like AEA and the GHG Grant Program.

Net Metering

What is Net Metering?

Net Metering is a program that lets you generate your own electricity (usually with solar panels or small wind turbines) and send any extra power you don’t use back into the grid.

When you produce more electricity than you need - for example, on a sunny day - that surplus goes into the local power system and your meter “spins backward.” You get a credit for that power, which helps lower your future electricity bills when you’re using more than you’re producing (like at night or during cloudy weather).

How It Works

1. You generate power: Solar panels or another renewable system make electricity for your home or business.
2. You use what you need: That power runs your lights, appliances, or equipment.
3. You share the extra: Any leftover electricity goes to the community grid.
4. You get credits: Your utility keeps track of how much power you send and subtracts it from what you use later.
5. You stay connected: Even if you make your own power, you’re still connected to the grid for times when you need more than you produce.

Who Can Participate

Net Metering is usually open to residential and small commercial customers who:

• Get their power from a participating utility, and
• Use renewable energy (like solar, wind, or small hydro), and
• Have a system designed to meet their own needs, not for large-scale power sales.

Why It’s Important

• Supports renewable energy: Encourages residents and businesses to invest in clean energy.
• Reduces demand on diesel: In communities that rely partly on diesel generators, local renewable power helps cut fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Saves money: Customers can lower their electricity bills with credits.
• Builds awareness: It helps people understand where their power comes from and how to manage energy more efficiently.

Limits and Rules

Each utility and region have rules such as limits on system size or total renewable generation in a community, to make sure the local grid stays stable and reliable. For example, some areas cap how much total customer-generated power can be added to the system.

Example (NWT context)

In the NWT, the Net Metering Program is offered through participating utilities like NTPC and Naka. It allows customers to install renewable energy systems (up to a certain capacity) and receive energy credits for power sent back to the grid. Credits can typically be carried forward for up to 12 months.