Update on Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Line

We thought it was time to give you an update on the work we are doing to complete the Carmacks to Stewart transmission line. As you may know, we completed Stage 1 of the line, from Carmacks to Pelly Crossing, last year. Now we've started the ground work on Stage 2, from Pelly to Stewart Crossing. Once Stage 2 is finished (by the spring of 2011) we'll be able to connect our two existing transmission systems. That will give us the flexibility to move power to whatever area needs it the most at any given time (from our Mayo plant to the southern Yukon, or from our plants in the south to communities in the Central Yukon). Ultimately this will help reduce the amount of diesel we have to burn to produce electricity.

The first job in physically building the line involves the surveying. We've contracted the Whitehorse firm Challenger Geomatics to do this job. They in turn have hired several survey assistants from the Pelly Crossing area. The crews will spend the next few weeks marking the line route. Next comes the brush clearing, which will start late this month or early next. We'll be awarding the contract for that later this week.

Line construction will likely start in February or March. Sections of the line will be built in wet areas, so it’s important, as an environmental protection measure, to do construction in these sections while the ground is still frozen.

For safety reasons, Yukoners are asked to stay away from the area while the groundwork is taking place. If you absolutely must enter the work area, please prearrange access with the on-site project manager. Contact information for the project manager will be posted at worksite access points along the Klondike Highway, or can be obtained by contacting us here at Yukon Energy.