Yukon Energy Shortlists Four Potential Sites for Whitehorse Power Centres Project

Whitehorse, Yukon — Yukon Energy has shortlisted four potential sites for the proposed Whitehorse Power Centres Project, a key initiative to provide reliable electricity during peak winter demand and support growth in the Whitehorse area through to 2040. The shortlist follows a multi-stage evaluation that began with 12 potential locations for generation facilities. Eight sites were removed based on technical, environmental, and social considerations, including proximity to residential areas, existing electrical infrastructure, and potential impacts related to noise, air quality, and land use. All remaining sites are located at least one kilometre from nearby homes or businesses. The project includes two new diesel power centres, providing up to 150 megawatts of dependable winter capacity. The first Whitehorse power centre is planned to be in service by winter 2027, delivering 15 megawatts of dependable power to meet projected peak winter demand that season. A new substation, proposed on Long Lake Road, and new transmission infrastructure would also strengthen system reliability by creating multiple pathways for electricity to flow, reducing outages and improving restoration times. Recent cold weather has shown how close winter electricity demand can come to the limits of available supply, leaving little room to respond to outages or extreme weather. At times this past December, Yukoners were using 91 per cent of all the electricity that Yukon Energy could generate at the time. Additional dependable winter power is needed to support existing communities, new housing, health facilities, businesses, and other critical infrastructure planned or underway in Whitehorse. Approximately 75 per cent of Yukon Energy’s electricity is consumed in the Whitehorse area, so sites were evaluated within or near city limits. Shortlisted generation sites  Listed in no particular order South • Whitehorse Copper Mine • Copper Haul Road North • KM 232 North Klondike Highway • Ta’an Kwäch’än Council Deep Creek Yukon Energy will conduct a second round of public engagement this winter, including open houses, door-to-door outreach with nearby residents, and online engagement. Feedback will help inform the selection of one preferred north site and one preferred south site, which Yukon Energy plans to submit to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) Executive Committee this spring. A map of the shortlisted sites and more information are available at yukonenergy.ca/wpc. Quote “Reliable winter power is essential to keeping the electricity system stable and supporting growth. This project is about making sure we have dependable local power when we need it most.” — Joe MacGillivray, President and CEO, Yukon Energy