The Government of the Northwest Territories has launched a new Cost of Living Subsidy to help residents in Hay River, Northwest Territories, manage rising electricity costs. The program, which started on February 1, 2026, will run until March 31, 2028, to provide relief from recent rate increases. This move follows a decision by the Public Utilities Board to approve higher electricity rates earlier this year.
Residents do not need to fill out any forms to get this financial help because the subsidy is added automatically to their monthly bills. In Hay River, which receives its power from the Taltson hydro system, the subsidy will cap electricity rate increases at 14 per cent. Local households were originally facing a projected 62 per cent jump in their power costs before the government stepped in to lower the impact.
Minister of Finance Caroline Wawzonek said the support ensures that residents in communities facing the largest price hikes receive meaningful help. She noted that the goal is to help families and businesses manage these changes while the territory maintains a reliable power system. The Northwest Territories Power Corporation manages the local power supply, which has faced challenges with aging equipment and the high cost of using diesel fuel.
The subsidy is meant to offer a temporary cushion for residents while the government looks for long-term ways to keep energy affordable. By capping the increase, the territory aims to keep monthly bills more predictable for people in Hay River over the next two years. The financial support is set to stay in place for the full duration of the current rate adjustment period.
