DND to pay for repairs to power lines

February 22, 2012

Yellowknife, N.W.T. - With the worst of the hydro situation for Yellowknife seemingly over, it's time to determine who will pay for the repairs.

A military chopper on a reconnaissance mission was to blame for the mishap which took out a set of power lines at the Snare Lake plant, plunging much of Yellowknife into darkness for nearly two hours last week.

NWT Power Corporation chairman Brendan Bell said he's had talks with staff at the Department of National Defense and he's had assurances that any and all costs will be born by them.

"DND officials have assured my officials that they will pay for the costs and it won't be on rate payers, this unfortunate accident. We are re-assured by that," said Bell.

Bell also says the public has done their part in making sure there are no other problems associated with the current repairs happening out at Snare Lake.

"By appreciating that we have got peak times during the day where there is a larger risk that we will have a black out. We've managed to work with residents and navigate this difficult situation," said Bell.

Bell added that everything should be back to normal within the next day or so and that regular service will resume.

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