Lutsel K'e, N.W.T., wins award for solar power project

The community of Lutsel K'e, N.W.T., has won a national award for its solar power project.

It installed a 35 kilowatt solar power array late last year that is expected to meet about 20 per cent of the community's energy needs. 

The Canadian Solar Industries Association handed out the Game Changer awards in Toronto on Thursday, which recognize solar initiatives from across Canada. Lutsel K'e won in the Community/First Nations Solar Project category.

Agatha Laboucan, Lutselk'e's senior administrative officer, said it's exciting to be recognized with a national award.

The community expects to sell surplus power back to the power corporation.

"In the future it will give us money, a return back to the community," she said. "Lutselk'e will lead the way to sustainable energy for other communities."

Laboucan said the community will begin operating the solar array for the first time in April.