Yukon Energy and three Yukon First Nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the proposed Carmacks to Stewart Transmission project.
The MOU signed by Yukon Energy, the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, the Selkirk First Nation and the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation, lays the ground rules for the parties to work together towards making this initiative a reality. If the project goes ahead, it will see the development of a Carmacks to Stewart line to connect the Whitehorse/Aishihik/Faro and Mayo/Dawson power grids.
The current proposal includes a new 138 kV transmission line that would start from a new substation in Carmacks, proceed generally along the Klondike Highway to a new substation at Pelly Crossing (thus providing hydro power to Pelly), and then northwards to connect to the existing Stewart Crossing substation. Yukon Energy also proposes to build a lower voltage spur line connecting the main power line to the Minto Explorations Ltd. copper-gold mining project. It’s proposed that a second spur line be built to the Western Copper Corporation copper mining project, should that mine proceed.
“No decisions have been made at this time to proceed with this project, nor has the precise transmission line route been established,” Yukon Energy President David Morrison said. “However this MOU is a big step in the process, and Yukon Energy is looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Northern Tutchone First Nations on this initiative.”
Before committing to build the line, Yukon Energy would ask the Yukon Utilities Board to review the project, would seek all necessary environmental permits and approvals, and would conclude arrangements with major mining customers and the Yukon government to ensure that Yukon ratepayers are protected against adverse rate impacts.
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Contact:
Janet Patterson
Communications, Yukon Energy Corporation
(867) 393-5333
janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
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