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Dec 02, 2021  Comment

Final stage of the Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement Project completed on budget and COVID-free

New electrical equipment has been put into service in central Yukon marking the completion of Yukon Energy’s Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement Project. With total project costs coming in just shy of $34 million, the project was delivered on budget and without any cases of COVID-19. “Completing a project of this size on budget is something to be proud of any day,” said Andrew Hall, President and CEO of Yukon Energy, “but to complete this project over the span of 18 months during a pandemic with zero cases of COVID-19 and zero major safety incidents is a true testament to the dedication of our team.” The Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement Project took place on the Traditional Territories of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and Selkirk First Nation. Now complete, the project will improve power quality and increase reliability in the Mayo and Keno areas, improve public safety, and support future growth and development in the region with more renewable electricity. The project consisted of two major stages: building a new 31 kilometre, 138-kilovolt transmission line to replace a 65-year-old transmission line that had reached end-of-life; and adding equipment at the Stewart Crossing South substation to improve power quality in central Yukon. On September 5, 2019, the Government of Canada announced a contribution of over $22.7 million towards the project through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Construction began in June 2020 after strict COVID-19 safety plans were put in place to keep area residents, First Nations Citizens and contractors safe. The first stage of the project was completed in March 2021 when the new transmission line between Mayo and the McQuesten substation was energized. The second stage was completed in mid-November when new equipment was installed and commissioned at the Stewart Crossing South substation. “We’re proud of what we achieved here,” said Hall, “When COVID-19 came along, we found different ways to do things, and adapted as necessary to abide by new guidelines put in place by the Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and Yukon government, and to work within protocols requested by local First Nations and municipal governments.” “Our job is to generate and deliver electricity to communities across Yukon. Throughout this project, our commitment to providing reliable service to Yukoners in a way that kept them and our employees and contractors safe never waivered.” Quick Facts: Together, both stages of the Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement project were expected to cost $34 million. Yukon Development Corporation provided $3.5 million towards planning costs (formerly the Stewart to Keno City Rehabilitation Project). On September 5, 2019, the Government of Canada announced its contribution of over $22.7 million towards the replacement of the Mayo to McQuesten transmission line through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Yukon Energy is investing roughly $7.8 million in the project. Industrial customers that use the new transmission line will pay 85 per cent of the fixed annual costs of the line. Media Contact: Megan Yakiwchuk Yukon Energy 867-393-5337 megan.yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca

Nov 29, 2021  Comment

Second stage of Yukon Energy’s 2021 rate change will have no impact on Yukoners’ bills

Yukon Energy knows that even a small increase in electricity bills can make life difficult for some Yukoners. That’s why the second stage of Yukon Energy’s 2021 rate increase will be applied on December 1, 2021 – the same day that other charges are coming off electricity bills. The end result is no change to what average residential and commercial customers pay for electricity after December 1. The innovative approach provides Yukoners will bill stability and keeps electricity bills in the Yukon the lowest in the North. “With this unique approach, most Yukoners won’t see any change to what they are currently paying for electricity,” said Yukon Energy President and CEO Andrew Hall, “Most Yukoners will pay the same for electricity this December as they did at the same time last year.” Typical Yukon Electricity Bills* November 2020 July 2021 after 1st "increase" December 2021 after 2nd "increase" Residential, non-government account (1000 kWh/month usage) $204.00 $204.00 no change $204.00 no change Commercial, non-government account (2000 kWh/month usage; 5 kW demand) $358.84 $355.30 $3.54 reduction $355.30 no change *all total amounts are before rebates and taxes Yukon Energy’s 2021 General Rate Application Yukon Energy Corporation filed an application with the Yukon Utilities Board (YUB) in November 2020 to increase its electricity rate. The General Rate Application (GRA) outlined over $55 million in investments the Corporation has made or expects to make between 2019 and 2021. It asked for an 11.5% rate increase in 2021. This equates to 3.8% a year between 2019 and 2021. “Yukon Energy faces two major challenges that drive those investments,” said Hall. “First is the continuing increase in peak demands for electricity. Between 2018 and 2020, peak demands for electricity increased by 17%. We expect peak demand to rise another 40% by 2030.” Second is Yukon’s aging electrical system. “Parts of our electricity system are over 60 years old,” said Hall. “Like the houses our customers own, our system needs repairs, upgrades and items that need to be replaced. In order for us to support future growth, we need to refurbish the infrastructure we already have and invest in new renewable and reliability projects sooner rather than later.” “The rate increase is a function of our reality as a regulated utility — Yukoners pay what it costs us to plan, build, operate and maintain Yukon’s power generation and transmission assets,” said Hall. “However, the one thing we can try to influence is the timing and staging of the increase. By using an approach that adds the increase when other charges are removed, we can at least keep the net impact on Yukoners’ bills at or near ‘0’. We get to make investments to meet Yukon’s growing demands for electricity and to replace aging assets. Yukoners get bill stability — not to mention the future benefits of the investments!” The first stage of Yukon Energy’s 2021 rate increase was applied to electricity bills on July 1, 2021 – the same day that Rider F (fuel) was reduced to zero. The net impact of that change was nearly zero. Average residential electricity bills stayed the same, while bills for typical business customers went down. The second stage of the rate increase will be applied on December 1, 2021 – the same day that the Yukon Energy 2017/18 GRA True-up line item on bills is removed. The net impact of this change is zero for most residential and business customers. The YUB’s public hearing about Yukon Energy’s 2021 rate increase concluded on September 29, 2021. The YUB is expected to issue its final decision about the proceeding in early 2022. Any final adjustment to Yukon Energy’s rate – based on the YUB’s ruling – will be made after that. Media Contact: Megan Yakiwchuk Corporate Secretary Yukon Energy 867-393-5337 megan.yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca

Jun 24, 2021  Comment

Yukon Energy’s July 1 rate increase will have little impact on Yukoners’ bills

The Yukon Utilities Board (YUB) has approved the first stage of Yukon Energy’s 2021 rate increase proposal. This decision follows Yukon Energy’s submission of its 2021 General Rate Application in November 2020, and the Corporation’s proposal that this year’s rate increase be specifically designed to have little impact on Yukoners’ electricity bills. In its November 2020 application, Yukon Energy asked that two-thirds of its proposed 11.5% rate increase (or 7.7%[1]) be applied to customer bills starting on July 1, 2021. This first stage was designed to coincide with the timing of Rider F (fuel) being reduced to zero. The net impact of stage one is “0” — on average, Yukon residential customers won’t be paying more for electricity each month. Typical business customers will see their electricity bills actually go down. “At the end of the day,” said Yukon Energy President and CEO Andrew Hall, “Yukoners need electricity, they need reliable infrastructure to deliver it and they need bill stability. We believe this approach to a rate increase helps us meet all three needs.” Typical Yukon Electricity Bills November 2020* July 2021* Difference between November & July Residential, non-government account 1,000 kWh consumption/month $204.00 $204.00 $0.00 Commercial, non-government account 2,000 kWh consumption/month (5 kW demand) $358.84 $355.30 $3.54 savings * before rebates and taxes The Corporation’s 2021 General Rate Application (GRA) outlines over $55 million in investments it expects to make between 2019 and 2021. These investments are in response to Yukon’s growing demand for electricity and the need to repair or replace aging infrastructure. Peak demand for electricity increased by 17% between 2018 and 2020 and is expected to rise by another 40% by 2030.   The 2021 GRA asks for an 11.5% rate increase in total, amounting to 3.8% a year between 2019 and 2021. Yukon Energy proposes the second and final stage of the increase be applied on December 1, 2021 when the Yukon Energy 2017/18 GRA True-up line item is scheduled to come off electricity bills. Any changes to electricity rates on December 1, 2021 must first be approved by the YUB before being applied to customer bills. The YUB’s review of the 2021 GRA is expected to continue in the coming months after the Battery Energy Storage System proceeding wraps up. For a copy of Yukon Energy’s 2021 General Rate Application or to access all regulatory records related to this proceeding, visit https://yukonutilitiesboard.yk.ca/proceedings/yec-2021-general-rate-application/   [1] Rate and rider increases are not the same thing. The Yukon Utilities Board has approved a 10.08% interim refundable rate rider be added to bills starting July 1, 2021. Yukon Energy’s 2021 General Rate Application identifies a need for a 15.01% rider increase (which equates to a 11.5% rate increase). Calculations: 10.08 / 15.01 = 0.672; 0.672 X 11.5 = 7.7 -30- Media Contact: Stephanie Cunha Manager, Communications and Customer Service Yukon Energy 867-393-5333 stephanie.cunha@yec.yk.ca

News, Media Releases, Environment
May 13, 2021  Comment

May update: Peak water level forecast for Marsh Lake and other hydro basins

Lots of rain last summer and heavy snowfall this winter has resulted in high snowpack levels in each of the watersheds that feed our reservoirs. what high snowpack means for water levels On their own, snowpack levels don’t paint the full picture of how much water will flow into lakes year to year. Rain and glacier melt play important roles too. So does the timing of each of these inflows and the natural limits of how much water can pass through a hydro dam. forecasted summer peak water levels Marsh Lake – 656.78 m Forecast: Above Full Supply. 4 cm lower than the peak water level forecasted in March 2021. 56 cm lower than peak water levels during the 2007 flood. Comparable to peak water levels in 2004. Mayo Lake – 665.84 m Forecast: At Full Supply. Aishihik Lake – 915.16 m Forecast: At Full Supply what we have done to draw down Marsh Lake Since March, our inflow model has forecasted that water levels on Marsh Lake will be higher than normal this summer. Because of that, we have taken the following steps to increase flows through the Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station and to lower levels on Marsh Lake: Opened up the gates at the Lewes River Control Structure. All 30 gates at the Lewes River Control Structure have been open since March 19, 2021. Gradually lowered water levels on Schwatka Lake by 95 cm to increase water flows through Miles Canyon. Our water use licence only allows us to lower Schwatka Lake by 1 m. Opened the boat lock at the Lewes River Control Structure. Since March 1, 2021, we have drawn down Marsh Lake by more than 1.25 metres, and to levels comparable to this time last time. Our inflow model suggests that water from the spring melt (also known as freshet) started to enter Marsh Lake around May 7 this year, about two weeks earlier than normal.  Our actions so far have helped to limit how much Marsh Lake has risen since freshet, but residents in the Southern Lakes area can expect to see water levels slowly start to rise again in the coming weeks. changes this summer Throughout the summer, we’ll continue to do what we can to keep flows through the Whitehorse dam high and levels on Marsh Lake as low as possible. The boat lock will remain open this summer. Small watercraft wanting to pass by the Lewes River Control Structure will need to portage around the structure. Lake levels on Schwatka Lake will also remain at reduced levels throughout the summer. Some docks may need to be lowered to allow users to access floatplanes on the lake. update on our water use licence On April 28, 2021, the Yukon Water Board approved our application for an emergency amendment to our Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station water use licence. The amendment allows us to draw down Marsh Lake 10 cm below the permitted Low Supply Level this year, with conditions that we monitor and report back on how the environment responded to the lower lake level. Unfortunately, because of the early freshet and with water from the spring melt already entering Marsh Lake, it’s unlikely that we will be able to reach this new reduced level this spring. looking ahead Over the next several months, we’ll keep a close eye on lake levels on Marsh Lake and downstream of the dam. We will also continue to work with Yukon government’s Water Resources Branch and Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) to assess water levels and to share information with the public.

News, Energy Supply, Environment
Apr 15, 2021  Comment

April update: Peak water level forecast for Marsh Lake and other hydro basins

HYDRO PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN YUKON’S ELECTRICITY MIX.  In 2021, we expect to use water to generate about 94% of the electricity needed by Yukoners connected to the grid.  We own and operate three hydroelectric generation facilities in the territory – one in Whitehorse, one in Mayo and one in Aishihik. Lots of rain last summer and heavy snowfall this winter has resulted in high snowpack levels in each of these areas near our hydro reservoirs.  what high snowpack levels mean for water levels  On their own, snowpack levels don’t paint the full picture of how much water will flow into lakes this year. Three sources of water contribute to reservoir inflows and water levels:  Snowpack Rain Glacier melt (for Whitehorse only; not Aishihik or Mayo) The timing of each of these inflows also plays an important part in determining water levels, as does the natural limits to the amount of water that can flow into a hydro dam (i.e., Miles Canyon).  April 2021 snowpack levels forecasted summer peak water levels  Marsh Lake – 656.79 m  Forecast: Above Full Supply.  Assumes a wet spring.  Assumes we receive approval from the Yukon Water Board to draw down Marsh Lake 10 cm lower than its permitted Low Supply Level.  3 cm lower than the peak water level forecasted in March 2021.  55 cm lower than peak water levels during the 2007 flood.  Mayo Lake – 665.84 m  Forecast: At Full Supply.  Aishihik Lake – 914.82 m  Forecast: Below Full Supply.  what we have done, and continue to do, to drawn down Marsh Lake Every spring, we make room in Marsh Lake for rain and spring melt by lowering water levels on the lake close to its Low Supply Level (653.796 m) – the lowest level allowed under our water use licence.  This spring, because of high snowpack levels in the area, we have taken the following steps to increase flows through the Whitehorse dam and to lower levels on Marsh Lake:  Opened up the gates at the Lewes River Control Structure. All 30 gates have been open since March 19, 2021.  Lowered water levels on Schwatka Lake by 40 cm.  Submitted an emergency amendment to our Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station water use licence to the Yukon Water Board on April 1, 2021. The Yukon Water Board is currently deliberating our request.  To date, we’ve had success in lowering water levels on Marsh Lake. Between March 1, 2021 and April 15, 2021, levels on Marsh Lake have dropped 91 cm. Conditions downstream of the Whitehorse dam have also remained typical of this time of year.  Over the next several months, we’ll continue to keep a close eye on lake levels on Marsh Lake and downstream of the dam. As conditions change and our inflow forecasts become clearer, we’ll look at which additional options exist within our control to draw down lake levels even further, if needed. We will always keep the potential effects to the Southern Lakes, to neighbourhoods downstream of the dam, and to the land and environment top of mind. 

News, Safety
Mar 31, 2021  Comment

Yukoners asked to avoid going on the ice on Schwatka Lake

Ice breaks and fast-flowing water possible as Yukon Energy continues to lower Marsh Lake levels. Yukon Energy is asking Yukoners to avoid going on the ice on Schwatka Lake starting today. Water levels on Schwatka Lake will fall over the next week as Yukon Energy continues to increase the amount of water flowing through Miles Canyon and the Whitehorse dam, in an effort to lower water levels on Marsh Lake. Yukoners are being warned that lower water levels on Schwatka Lake may cause ice along the lake’s shorelines to break and for there to be unpredictable ice conditions. Water flowing under the ice surface is also likely to move faster than before. Yukon Energy started increasing flows at the Whitehorse dam earlier this month after Yukon government’s March 2021 Snow Survey Bulletin highlighted snowpack levels in the Southern Lakes region to be 172% of normal. At the time, Yukon Energy also forecasted that in case of a wet spring, water levels on Marsh Lake could peak at 656.82 m – similar levels to those reached in 2004, but 52 cm below water levels reached during the 2007 flood. On March 19th, Yukon Energy opened all 30 gates at the Lewes River Control as an initial measure to lower levels on Marsh Lake. As of 8:00 this morning, Marsh Lake levels were at 654.61 metres above sea level and 60 centimetres lower than lake levels on March 1, 2021*. Every spring, Yukon Energy draws down lake levels on Marsh Lake by generating hydroelectricity at the Whitehorse dam. This makes room in the lake for rain and spring melt. Water levels in Marsh Lake typically reach their lowest level in late May when they fall to around the Low Supply Level of 653.796 m – the lowest level allowed under Yukon Energy’s current water use licence. This spring, because of high snowpack levels, Yukon Energy plans to apply for an emergency amendment to its water license to draw Marsh Lake levels down 10 cm lower than the existing low supply level. Yukon government will release their next Snow Survey Bulletin in April. Yukon Energy will provide an updated peak water level forecast for Marsh Lake shortly thereafter. *Corrected. A previous version stated March 1, 2020. Media contact: Megan Yakiwchuk Corporate Secretary Yukon Energy 393-5337 megan.yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca

Mar 17, 2021  Comment

New Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Energized

The new transmission line between Mayo and the McQuesten substation was energized earlier this week marking the completion of the first stage of the Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement project. The project will improve power quality and increase reliability in the Mayo and Keno areas, improve public safety, and support future growth and development in the region with more renewable electricity. The Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement project takes place on the Traditional Territories of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun and Selkirk First Nation. It consists of two major stages: building a new 31 kilometre, 138 kilovolt transmission line to replace a 65-year-old transmission line that had reached end-of-life; and adding system protection equipment at the Stewart Crossing South substation to improve power quality in central Yukon. On September 5, 2019, the Government of Canada announced a contribution of over $22.7 million towards the project through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Construction of the Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement project began in June 2020 after strict COVID-19 safety plans were put in place to keep area residents, First Nations Citizens and contractors safe. No cases of COVID-19 have been reported on the project to date. More than 50 First Nations and non-First Nations companies in Yukon have worked on or provided services for the Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement project since project planning and engineering began in 2015. An estimated $6.2 million has been spent locally on surveying, geotechnical, engineering, site clearing, road construction and power line construction work, and other services such as accommodation and meal services. Work on stage 2 of the project will continue over the next several months. This spring, the original 65-year-old transmission line will be removed from the powerline right-of-way and work will continue at the Stewart Crossing South substation. Upgrades at the substation are expected to be complete by the end of this year. Quotes: “At Yukon Energy, it’s our job to generate and deliver electricity to communities across much of Yukon.  An important part of this work is upgrading and replacing aging equipment, and making sure our electrical system is able to support a growing economy and demands for power. Our work on the Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement project is not done, but it’s off to an excellent start and we’re committed to finishing it by the end of this year and on-budget.” Andrew Hall, President & CEO, Yukon Energy Quick Facts: Together, both stages of the Mayo to McQuesten Transmission Line Replacement project are expected to cost $34 million. Yukon Development Corporation provided $3.5 million towards planning costs (formerly the Stewart to Keno City Rehabilitation Project). On September 5, 2019, the Government of Canada announced its contribution of over $22.7 million towards the replacement of the Mayo to McQuesten transmission line through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Yukon Energy is investing $7.8 million in the project. Industrial customers that use the new transmission line will pay 85 per cent of the fixed annual costs of the line. Contacts: Stephanie Cunha Manager, Communications and Customer Service Yukon Energy 867-393-5333 stephanie.cunha@yec.yk.ca

News, Energy Supply
Mar 12, 2021  Comment

A wet summer plus lots of snow equals more renewable electricity in 2021

Our 2021 Renewable electricity forecast Hydro plays a key role in Yukon’s electricity mix. After lots of rain last summer and heavy snowfall this winter, we expect more water to be available to generate renewable electricity this year. In 2021, we expect to use water to generate about 94% of the electricity needed by Yukoners connected to the grid. The remaining 6% will be produced using liquefied natural gas, primarily, as well as a small amount of diesel. What high snowpack levels mean for the Southern Lakes Yukon's Southern Lakes supply the water we use to generate hydro power at our Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station. Yukon government's March 2021 Snow Survey Bulletin indicates that snowpack in the Southern Lakes watershed is on, average, 172% of normal this winter. On their own, snowpack levels don’t paint the full picture of how much water will flow into the Southern Lakes this year. Three sources of water contribute to reservoir inflows and water levels in the Southern Lakes – snowpack, rain and glacier melt. The timing of each of these inflows also plays an important part in determining water levels. For example, heavy rain over a few days can cause a rapid increase to a lake’s water levels. On the other hand, light rain spread out over several months might have little effect. Right now, we can’t say for certain how high the water levels on Southern Lakes will get this year. A lot will depend on the amount of rain we get and when this rain falls. There are also limits to the amount of water that can naturally flow through Miles Canyon on any given day. Based on the information we have today, if we have a wet spring, our inflow models predict that Marsh Lake water levels this summer could peak at 656.82 m. This is comparable to levels reached in 2004 and about 52 cm below levels reached during the 2007 flood. What we’re doing to prepare Every spring, we make room in Marsh Lake for rain and spring melt by lowering water levels on the lake close to its Low Supply Level (653.796 m) – the lowest level allowed under our water use licence. This spring, because of high snowpack levels in the area, we’re looking at ways to draw Marsh Lake water levels down even lower, to 10 cm below the current Low Supply Level. In order to prepare, we are: Opening gates at the Lewes River Control Structure to increase water inflows to the Whitehorse dam. This will happen over the course of several weeks so we can closely monitor the downstream effects of the additional water flow. Offering secondary sales to SCADA-connected customers at specific times of the day when there’s more water available than what is needed to generate electricity. Spilling water at the Whitehorse dam, if necessary, to maintain increased flows through the dam. Starting our application for an emergency amendment to our Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station water use licence. This is needed to allow us to draw down Marsh Lake 10 cm below the Low Supply Level. And this is just the start. Over the next several months, we’ll keep a close eye on lake levels on Marsh Lake and downstream of the dam. We’ll also continue to refine our forecasts as additional snow pack data and rain forecasts are made available. We will share our results with Yukon government’s Water Resources branch and Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), and the public. We’ll also adapt as needed. As conditions change and our inflow forecasts become more clear, we’ll look at what additional options exist within our control to draw down lake levels even further, if needed – always keeping top-of-mind the potential effects to the Southern Lakes, to neighbourhoods downstream of the dam, and to the land and environment.

Feb 25, 2021  Comment

Atlin Hydro Expansion project advances with funding and First Nations support

The proposed Atlin Hydro Expansion project is several steps closer to development after a number of critical milestones were reached by Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership (THELP) and Yukon Energy in the last several months. When complete, the Atlin Hydro Expansion project will increase the amount of dependable renewable hydroelectricity available in Yukon. In August 2020, THELP and Yukon Energy signed an Agreement in Principle outlining both parties commitment to work collaboratively to advance the project and negotiate an Electricity Purchase Agreement for the project. Since then, THELP has secured $2.5 million in federal funding to complete preliminary design and engineering for the project. THELP and Yukon Energy continue to work collaboratively to seek additional government grant funding for construction of the project. On December 23, 2020, the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) issued a clan directive outlining that, subject to successful permitting approval by the BC and TRTFN environmental review processes, TRTFN supports the Atlin Hydro Expansion project advancing to financing, construction and operation. In follow-up, in January of this year, THELP submitted environmental permitting applications to BC authorities for the planned expansion of its Atlin facilities. THELP has also submitted permitting applications to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board for the project’s transmission connection to Jakes Corner in Yukon. Today, THELP and Yukon Energy continue to negotiate an Electricity Purchase Agreement which will outline the price Yukon Energy will pay THELP for the electricity generated and additional capacity made available by the planned project. Both parties aim to have an agreement in place this spring. Quotes: “TRTFN began operating its first hydro project in 2009. For over a decade, it has shut down polluting diesel generation and provided clean energy to Sunny Atlin. As our community moves toward clean energy, citizens in our homeland have also made personal decisions and investments to move from oil fired furnaces to utilize this clean energy to heat their homes. Our first project was a small step towards reconciling our collective history and this expansion project will be another significant step in that direction. Socially, culturally, and economically we are Yukoners and so we are honoured to be able to share our resources to provide a cleaner energy future for Yukoners and a brighter future for our citizens and all Atlinites.” Peter Kirby, President & CEO, Taku Group of Companies “Purchasing power from the planned Atlin Hydro Expansion project is another way that Yukon Energy is working hard to make more renewable electricity available to Yukoners and to reduce our reliance on diesel in the near future. This project is also special because of the opportunity it provides us to work directly with yet another First Nation government and development corporation to build the clean energy future that Yukoners need and want.” Andrew Hall, President & CEO, Yukon Energy “The Government of Yukon is pleased to support this partnership between Yukon Energy and the Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership. The Atlin Hydro Expansion project will address Yukon’s growing demand for energy and help us meet the 97 percent renewable electricity goal in Our Clean Future, our government’s climate change, energy and green economy strategy for the territory. Collaborating with First Nations to expand renewable energy capacity will create economic opportunities and keep our economy strong and resilient.” Ranj Pillai, Minister responsible for the Yukon Energy Corporation Quick Facts: The proposed Atlin Hydro Expansion project would expand the infrastructure and power production capacity on Pine Creek from 2.1 megawatts to approximately 10 megawatts. The additional energy generated would be exported entirely to Yukon to increase the territory’s supply of renewable electricity and dependable capacity when it is needed most, in the winter. The project is expected to add 8.5 megawatts of dependable capacity to Yukon’s grid. That’s about the same as increasing the size of Yukon’s electrical system by about 8 per cent. It is also expected to generate about 45 gigawatt hours of hydroelectricity annually – roughly the same amount of electricity used by 3,750 Yukon homes each year. The Atlin Hydro Expansion project will be built and owned by Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership. Yukon Energy will buy the hydro power and capacity generated by the project and make it available to Yukoners. The proposed project is projected to be complete in 2024. Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited is a company 100% owned by TRTFN citizens. Yukon Energy is the primary generator and transmitter of electricity in Yukon. Contacts: Peter Kirby President & CEO Taku Group of Companies 867-689-8258 corporatetlingitpeter@gmail.com Stephanie Cunha Manager, Communications and Customer Service Yukon Energy 867-334-7760 Stephanie.Cunha@yec.yk.ca Renee Francoeur Cabinet Communications 867-334-9194 renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

Feb 22, 2021  Comment

​​​​​​​Yukon Energy announces location of the Whitehorse Battery Project

Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council to share project benefits. Yukon Energy announced today that the site on Robert Service Way near the Alaska Highway will be the future home of its grid-scale energy storage project in Whitehorse. Once complete, the 7 megawatt / 40 megawatt-hour battery will be the largest grid-connected battery in the North, and one of the largest in Canada. The final battery site is located on the overlapping Traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. The site is located on Kwanlin Dün First Nation Settlement Land and on land identified by the First Nation for future development. Yukon Energy made the decision to proceed with the site near the Alaska Highway after completing a fulsome assessment that looked at each site’s technical, economic, and socio-economic attributes. A Battery Project Steering Committee with representatives from Yukon Energy, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council was formed in August, 2020. Since then, the three parties have been working together to assess location options for the battery and opportunities to maximize First Nations benefits from the project. Yukon Energy, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s development corporation, Chu Niìkwän Development Corporation, have also signed a Term Sheet outlining Yukon Energy’s commitment to provide investment, procurement, contracting and partnership opportunities to both First Nations as part of the project. The agreement provides provisions for Yukon Energy to enter into trilateral negotiations with Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council to develop Project Benefit Agreements with each First Nation with the overall objective of Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council to share available benefits to the extent possible. Each First Nation’s Project Benefit Agreement will be subject to approval by the appropriate First Nation’s government, and other government and regulatory bodies. Quotes: “Yukon Energy is firmly committed to establishing mutually-beneficial and strategic partnerships with First Nations governments and development corporations to build Yukon’s clean energy future. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, and to each of their representatives, for collaborating with us on the battery project. I personally look forward to continuing to working with both First Nations and their representatives in the coming years as more opportunities for green energy in Yukon come to fruition.” Andrew Hall, President and CEO, Yukon Energy “Our Development Corporation, Chu Niìkwän’s investment in this project will lead to increased opportunities for Kwanlin Dün First Nation citizens and improve access to clean stable electricity for all Yukoners. By participating in projects like this on our Traditional Territory we are realizing and activating our potential for economic development that was laid out in Chapter 22 of our Final Agreement. We wish Yukon Energy success in managing and delivering this innovative project. We see it as another step toward stabilizing Yukon’s isolated grid and reducing Yukon’s reliance on fossil fuels for back-up power generation.” Chief Doris Bill, Kwanlin Dün First Nation “Ta’an Kwäch’än Council is in full support of this project, as it will help to reduce diesel consumption and reduce Yukon’s carbon emissions. TKC looks forward to the opportunity to participate on this initiative as we are a committed partner alongside Kwanlin Dün First Nation.” Chief Kristina Kane, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Quick Facts: The new battery is a critical investment in Yukon Energy’s ability to meet growing demands for electricity and to respond to emergency situations. As an isolated grid, one of the largest challenges Yukon Energy faces is meeting peak demands for power during winter months. The battery will store excess electricity generated during off-peak periods and provide Yukoners with access to more power during peak periods, reducing the amount of diesel needed at that time. Over the 20-year life of the project, the new battery is expected to reduce carbon emissions in Yukon by more than 20,000 tonnes. On September 5, 2019, the Government of Canada announced $16.5 million in funding for the battery through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Yukon Energy’s investment in the battery is expected to be approximately $14.5 million. Three different sites were originally proposed by the Steering Committee as potential locations for the battery – two in Whitehorse near Yukon Energy’s operations on Robert Service Way and one on the North Klondike Highway.  All three potential sites were on First Nations Settlement Land and located on the overlapping Traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. In December 2020, Yukon Energy announced that the site on the North Klondike Highway was eliminated from consideration after the Corporation received strong public opposition to the site. The battery is scheduled to be installed and in service by the end of 2022. Contacts: Stephanie Cunha Manager, Communications and Customer Service Yukon Energy 867-334-7760 stephanie.cunha@yec.yk.ca Leighann Chalykoff Communications Manager Kwanlin Dün First Nation 867-334-6587 leighann.chalykoff@kdfn.net Janet Smellie Communications Officer Ta’an Kwäch’än Council 867-334-5298 communicationsoffice@taan.ca