News & Events

Check this section for Yukon Energy's latest news and coming events.

If you have questions about any of the information posted here, please contact:

Lisa Wiklund
Manager, Community Relations
Yukon Energy Corporation
Phone: (867) 393-5398
Email: Lisa.Wiklund@yec.yk.ca

Jun 06, 2025  Comment

Batteries On-Site at Whitehorse Grid-Scale Battery Energy Storage System  

The batteries have arrived at the new grid-scale battery energy storage system in Whitehorse. Crews are now working on their installation, with the process expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Following the installation, pre-commissioning tests will be conducted on-site once the battery connections are finalized. This project is an important part of our ongoing work to strengthen the territory’s electricity system and improve overall system resilience.  As this is a new type of project for the Yukon, there have been some technical challenges that crews are actively working to address. Commissioning is expected to start later this summer. We look forward to sharing updates as work progresses.   Once complete, the battery energy storage system will help us manage electricity more efficiently. It will store surplus power when demand is low and supply it back to the grid during higher-demand periods. This will be particularly useful during peak times in the winter and will also allow for quicker response during power outages, since the system can be activated immediately.  In addition to improving reliability, the system will support the integration of existing renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. These sources can vary depending on weather conditions, and battery storage will help balance the supply and demand on the grid.  Learn more about the project here.
News
May 27, 2025  Comment

Yukon Energy Receives 60-Day Licence Renewal for Whitehorse Hydro Facility

Whitehorse, Yukon - Yukon Energy has received a 60-day water use licence renewal from the Yukon Water Board for its Whitehorse hydro facility, allowing continued renewable electricity generation until July 30, 2025, while the long-term water use licensing process advances. Securing a new 20-year water licence for the facility is an essential step in ensuring reliable and renewable energy for Yukoners. The Whitehorse hydro facility supplies approximately 75% of the Yukon’s electricity demand in summer and 40% in winter. “Operating the Whitehorse hydro facility is critical to meeting the Yukon’s electricity needs,” said Michael Muller, Vice President of Planning, Environment, and Health and Safety. “Without it, we would have to rely on diesel to generate power in the summer and wouldn’t have enough power to keep the lights on during the winter.” In line with the Yukon Energy proposal, the 60-day licence stipulates that all gates must stay open at the Lewes Control Structure during the next 60 days.  Yukon Energy remains committed to ensuring renewable, dependable electricity for Yukoners today and for the long term.
May 21, 2025  Comment

Electricity Canada: The State of the Canadian Electricity Industry in 2025

Electricity Canada published its 2025 report, Electricity is Essential: The State of the Canadian Electricity Industry. The report outlines a clear and urgent challenge: to meet future demand, Canada must more than double its electricity supply over the next 25 years. The report finds that Canadian electricity providers are ready to rise to the occasion. While the path ahead involves obstacles like infrastructure development and regulatory hurdles, Electricity Canada points to practical solutions that can keep projects moving forward and ensure Canada remains a strong destination for energy investment. Read the report here: Electricity is essential - State of the Canadian electricity industry 2025 by Electricity Canada - Issuu
News, Media Releases
May 15, 2025  Comment

Yukon Energy Seeks Approval for Major Investments and Rate Increases to Strengthen Energy Security in the Yukon

Whitehorse, Yukon – Yukon Energy Corporation has submitted its 2025–2027 General Rate Application (GRA) to the Yukon Utilities Board (YUB), seeking approval for more than $350 million in system-wide investments over the next three years.  Key initiatives include completing the Whitehorse grid-scale battery energy storage system, renewing water licences for the Whitehorse, Mayo and Aishihik hydro facilities, rebuilding the Mayo spillway, replacing aging diesel units in Faro and Whitehorse, and upgrading Dawson City’s local power system with new poles and wires, and new backup diesel capacity.  The application outlines over 150 essential projects to maintain current renewable electricity generation, enhance reliability during peak winter demand and provide emergency backup. These investments support Yukon Energy’s five-year strategic plan to make the electricity system more robust and reliable, modernize the grid and expand renewable integration.  If approved, residents who use an average of 1,000 kWh of electricity each month could see their monthly bill increase by about $25 to $30 each year in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The YUB will determine the exact timing and amount of bill increases.  The Mayo spillway reconstruction, slope stabilization near Mayo A, and replacement of the aging surge chamber—totalling over $180 million—represent a large portion of the application and are significant by Yukon standards. Yukon Energy is actively pursuing funding partnerships to help mitigate rate impacts.  Government contributions to electrical infrastructure help offset rate pressures. For example, the $35 million battery energy storage system project received $16.5 million from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, reducing monthly bills by approximately $3.  The Yukon’s challenges mirror a broader national trend of utilities investing heavily to renew aging infrastructure and support growth in energy demand. Even with the proposed increases spread over three years, the Yukon’s electricity rates will remain the lowest in Northern Canada.  The GRA is subject to public review, and final approval is not expected until early 2026. More details are available here or yukonutilitiesboard.yk.ca. Quote:  “Over the past 25 years, on average, more than 90% of our electricity has come from renewable sources, powering essential services like hospitals and schools. To ensure continued reliability—especially through the Yukon’s long winters—we must invest in responsive, resilient infrastructure. These upgrades are crucial for long-term energy security.”  — Chris Milner, President and CEO, Yukon Energy Corporation  About Yukon Energy:  Founded in 1987, Yukon Energy is a publicly owned utility and the primary generator and transmitter of electricity across Yukon communities.  For media inquiries, please contact:  communications@yec.yk.ca 

May 12, 2025  Comment

Brushing in Bear Creek

Attention customers in Bear Creek, You may notice or have noticed surveyors around Bear Creek assessing trees and vegetation near power lines. They are determining which trees are growing too close to our power lines and need to be removed or trimmed (referred to as brushing). Brushing is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of our electricity service. It also provides a safe, usable work area for Yukon Energy crews, contactors, and joint use operators to complete their work. Power lines knocked down by trees can be "live", and live wires can pose a serious safety risk. Once the surveyors have completed their work, Yukon Energy crews and contractors will be removing and/or trimming trees and vegetation that the surveyors have identified. The standard for brushing ranges from 3 to 12 metres, depending on the voltage of the line and the circumstance. If brushing is required on private property and there is no existing easement agreement with Yukon Energy, we will get permission from property owners. If you live in Bear Creek and do not have any issues with Yukon Energy brushing on your property, please fill out the permission form below and return by: Email: communications@yec.yk.ca Mail: Box 220 Dawson City, Yukon  Y0B 1G0 Please include ‘brushing permission form’ on outside of envelope If you have any questions, please contact communications@yec.yk.ca.
May 06, 2025  Comment

Understanding Your Recent Yukon Energy Bills

Yukon Energy would like to thank our customers for their continued support. We know the past few months have been frustrating for many due to billing issues, and we truly appreciate your patience as we work through them.  Recently, some customers received higher-than-expected bills. We understand this may have come as a surprise, and if that’s the case for you, please know that we hear your concerns — and we’re here to help. We’ve spoken with many of you and know there are questions, so we’ve outlined some key information below.  Many recent bills reflect a true-up after a period of estimated billing. What this means is that for the past few months, bills were based on estimated electricity use, as we were without a meter reader in Dawson City and Mayo. Now that we have hired a field service representative and have been able to take an actual meter reading, your bill is being adjusted to reflect the energy you actually used.  Why Did This Happen?  We rely on estimated bills when weather or road conditions prevent our meter reader from reading your bill, when access to the meter is blocked or when we have staff shortages. It’s not uncommon for electricity bills to be estimated during the winter. Estimates are calculated based on an average of how much electricity your home or business used over the last year.   Estimates are then “trued up” the next time your meter is physically read. This means the billing system compares the amount of electricity your home or business actually used over a period of time (i.e., between October and February) vs. the amount of electricity the system estimated you used over the same time period.   This results in “a corrected bill” which many people would have received in recent months. The bill shows how much electricity was used during each billing cycle, and either a credit (if your estimates were higher than your actual usage and you paid too much) or, in some cases, a higher bill if more electricity was used than estimated and there is an amount left owing.   Each time this happens, one of our customer service representatives manually reviews your bill before it’s sent to you to make sure rates, riders and credits are correctly applied to your bill for each month your meter was estimated.  And if that wasn’t enough, April is also the time that accounts on a budget plan were settled.  Do you have your account set up so that you pay the same amount each month no matter how much electricity you’ve used? If so, you’re one of our budget plan customers.  April is the month when accounts on a budget payment plan get settled each year. This is when Yukon Energy compares the actual cost of the electricity you used over the past plan year (i.e., May to April) to the total amount of your budget payments during that time.   As a result, payment plan customers receive a bill that shows either a credit if they’ve overpaid (i.e., payments over the year were more than the cost of the electricity used), or a balance owing if they’ve used more electricity than they paid for throughout the year.  What We’re Doing About It  We understand how difficult it can be to manage unexpected expenses. That’s why we are taking the following steps:  Regular meter reading: We’ve hired a new field service representative to help ensure meters are read more regularly in Dawson City and Mayo. They will also be reading meters in Faro moving forward.  Flexible payment options: If your bill is higher than expected and you're finding it difficult to pay them, we offer payment plan options to help you spread out the cost over several months. Just reach out to our customer service team — we're here to work with you.  Community visits: We'll be visiting Dawson, Mayo and Faro on a rotational basis to ensure more customers have access to in-person support. This is one of the reasons why our Dawson City office is open to walk-in traffic for only one week every month or two.   Resolving your concerns: Our small team is working diligently to address outstanding customer concerns in the order they are received, and at the same time proactively reviewing accounts as meters are read going forward.  We understand that no one likes high bills — especially in uncertain times. Please know that your concerns are valid, and we're working hard behind the scenes to improve service and billing accuracy for everyone.   If you have questions about your bill, or want to discuss setting up a payment plan, please contact us at (867) 993-5565 or billing@yec.yk.ca. Our customer service representatives are available between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday, unless there’s a holiday. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message with your name and contact information so that we can get back to you as soon as possible. Our in-house customer service team is ready to help.   We appreciate your understanding as we work through this process. We’re especially grateful to those who’ve reached out with patience and kindness — it means a lot to our team. Thank you for being a Yukon Energy customer. 
General, News, Energy Supply, Reliability
May 05, 2025  Comment

Yukoners May Notice Increased Thermal Usage This Spring

This spring, you may have noticed Yukon Energy using more diesel and LNG to generate electricity than is typical for this time of year. There are a few reasons for this. However, before we get into them, let’s celebrate that over a 25-year average, over 90% of the electricity we generate comes from renewable sources. This makes the Yukon one of the top jurisdictions in renewable electricity generation in Canada. We use thermal (LNG and diesel) to ensure we have the electricity we need when there aren’t enough renewable resources available, during emergencies and during winter peaks. This spring, we are using more thermal to generate electricity because: There is low water in the Aishihik basin – our main source of winter renewable power. This means Yukon Energy will limit power production from this facility to allow the reservoir to refill, so we have water available for generation in winter 2025-26. Two generators at the Aishihik Generating Station (AGS) are offline. AH1 has been offline since October of 2024 and AH2 recently was taken offline due to a bearing-related failure. Both units are expected to be offline until the end of May. We’ve had to generate more electricity (and use more water) at our Whitehorse Rapids Generation Station this past winter because of low water levels at Aishihik. This has resulted in lower lake levels in Marsh Lake and less water available for hydro than is typical at this time of year for the Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station. We’re completing several maintenance events this spring that will result in a split grid (meaning supplies of power in the north and south can’t be used to support each other). Yukon Energy must do this maintenance work in the spring when water levels are low so that the equipment is ready for this summer. When the grid is split, we need to use thermal generation in the communities (like in Dawson, Mayo and Faro) to meet local electricity demand. Using thermal resources in the spring isn’t completely uncommon as by their nature, hydro resources in the Yukon are typically lowest at this time of year. We expect these hydro reservoirs to start to refill and for more hydropower to start being generated some time in May when the spring melt (i.e., freshet) happens.
Apr 15, 2025  Comment

Strengthening the System, Meeting Winter Demand, and a More Renewable Energy Future 

Did you know that over the last 25 years, more than 90% of the electricity Yukon Energy generates has come from renewable sources? That’s thanks to our territory’s strong foundation in hydroelectricity, which has powered Yukoners for decades. But as our population grows and our energy needs evolve, our electricity grid needs to grow and evolve too.  A System Built for 12,000—Now Serving Over 45,000  When the Yukon’s core electrical system was first built, our population hovered around 12,000 people.1 Fast forward to today, and more than 45,000 Yukoners call this territory home. By 2045, that number is expected to grow by another 20,000 people.2 That’s a massive change in just one lifetime—and it puts increasing pressure on our electrical infrastructure.  Our system was never designed to serve a population this size, and while we've made upgrades over the years, major improvements are now needed to maintain reliable service, connect more intermittent renewable energy, and prepare for a resilient energy future. That’s why we’ve developed our new Road Map to 2050 and five-year strategic plan.   Winter Power: A Yukon Challenge  While hydropower carries us through much of the year, winter brings unique challenges to the Yukon:  Water availability lowers as rivers freeze, and flows are reduced to follow icing protocols.  Solar generation also dips, with shorter days and lower sun angles.  Meanwhile, electricity demand peaks as homes and businesses use more power for heating and lighting.  These conditions mean we rely more on thermal generation, like diesel and LNG, which is dependable and easily dispatchable. That’s why improving our grid's resiliency and increasing capacity in winter is such a high priority—it ensures we can maintain safe, reliable power even in the coldest months.  Supporting Community Renewables  One of the opportunities ahead is the growing interest in community-based renewable energy. As more Yukoners express interest in renewable energy initiatives, our electricity grid needs to be reinforced to safely and efficiently handle two-way power flows—not just delivering electricity but also receiving it from local producers.  Our proposed grid improvements and thermal power centres are designed with this future in mind. Ensuring reliable backup and dependable winter capacity is essential before taking the next steps. By the second and third chapters of our Road Map to 2050, a modernized, resilient grid will help support more integration of intermittent renewable energy, emerging technologies, and energy storage solutions.  Building a Resilient, Renewable Energy Future  At Yukon Energy, we're proud that so much of our electricity already comes from renewable sources. But we know there’s more work to do. As our territory grows, we’re committed to investing in the infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships needed to keep the lights on— in both the short and long term.  We’re collaborating with First Nation partners who are looking to advance large-scale renewable energy projects in the future. We’re excited to be a part of these conversations, as the critical planning and pre-feasibility work is happening now.   As we look ahead, we know that the actions outlined in our Road Map to 2050 and five-year strategic plan will move us towards a more resilient energy future. They're not just about keeping up—they're about building a more reliable system that will serve future generations of Yukoners.  Sources 1. Based on the 1956 Census: https://yukon.ca/sites/default/files/ybs/fin-yukon-census-historical-population-1901-2016.pdf     2. https://yukon.ca/sites/default/files/ybs/fin-population-projections-2024-2045.pdf  
News, Media Releases
Apr 08, 2025  Comment

Yukon Energy Reveals Bold New Vision and Plans for a Resilient Energy Future

Whitehorse, Yukon – Yukon Energy plans to invest more than $500 million over the next five years to strengthen the territory’s electricity system. This bold investment is outlined in the new Building a Resilient and Renewable Energy Future: Yukon Energy’s Road Map to 2050 and Chapter 1: A Reliable and Robust Grid 2025-2030, a five-year strategic plan.  Yukon Energy is taking action to ensure it can continue to meet the growing needs of Yukoners. On a normal winter day during peak demand, Yukon homes and businesses connected to the grid already use about 80% of the power Yukon Energy can generate at any given moment.   To maintain a reliable electricity system into the future, Yukon Energy will be focusing on three key pillars over the next five years:   An Adequate and Dependable Supply of Electricity: Yukon Energy will upgrade aging infrastructure, advance relicensing for hydro and diesel facilities, build new thermal power centres in the Whitehorse area to provide dependable winter capacity for the near-term, and deliver programs that help reduce peak demand.  A Strong Electricity System: Significant investments will be made to expand the capacity of power lines and substations, build new transmission lines, upgrade business systems and invest in a skilled workforce.  Building Tomorrow’s Plan and Partnerships: Yukon Energy plans to complete a grid modernization plan, and work in collaboration with Yukon Development Corporation and Yukon First Nations to secure critical investments and construction financing to move projects forward.    "The road map and strategic plan represent an exciting and pivotal moment for the Yukon’s energy future" said Chris Milner, CEO and President of Yukon Energy. "By setting a clear path toward 2050, we are taking concrete steps to bolster our critical infrastructure and build out a more resilient energy system that Yukoners can count on in the decades ahead."  As a territory, the Yukon faces the task of navigating rapid population growth, the ongoing electrification of industries, homes, and transportation, a changing climate, and a need to strengthen Arctic security.  The road map and strategic plan respond to these challenges and align with government commitments to a more renewable energy future.  Yukoners can read both documents here.  For media inquiries, please contact: communications@yec.yk.ca 
News
Apr 02, 2025  Comment

Winter Electrical Affordability Rebate Program

The Government of Yukon recently announced that the Interim Electrical Rebate (IER) will be replaced with the new Winter Electrical Affordability Rebate program. The IER rebate will no longer be applied to customer bills as of April 1, 2025. The new rebate program begins in October 2025 and will be automatically applied to customers’ electricity bills from October to March, when electricity bills are highest. On average, residential electricity customers have received a discount of approximately $178 per year through the current Interim Electrical Rebate. The new Winter Electrical Affordability Rebate will see Yukon residential ratepayers receive a discount of up to nearly $203 per year. More information about this program can be found on the Government of Yukon’s website: Government of Yukon increases electricity rebates with new Winter Electrical Affordability Rebate | Yukon.ca
Apr 01, 2025  Comment

Spring Water Levels Update in Southern Lakes

You may soon start to notice lower water levels downstream of the Whitehorse dam. We are installing gates at the Lewes Control Structure, which will slow the dropping levels of Marsh Lake and downstream flows by about 20-30%, through to freshet. Unlike the high waters of the last couple of years, Marsh Lake is trending around the lower end of the typical range, about half a metre below the long-term average.  This year, electricity is particularly important because of the extremely low water levels in Aishihik and the ongoing repair of one of its generators. During these times of low flow, we are also clearing trash racks and conducting preventative maintenance on the hydro units.  
Feb 22, 2025  Comment

Smoke at the Dawson Diesel Plant - February 22, 2025

If you were walking or driving by our Dawson diesel plant this afternoon, you might have noticed smoke or the Fire Department at the facility. Shortly after 1 p.m this afternoon, a fire alarm in the diesel plant was set off by what we now suspect to be exhaust from one of our diesel engines. The four diesel engines running at the time were shut down immediately and on-call staff in the community and the Dawson Fire Department were called as a precaution and part of standard safety procedures.  The Fire Department has since left the diesel plant and confirmed that there was no evidence of a fire in the plant. There was also never risk to public safety or the facility.  Thank you to the staff and volunteers firefighters who responded to today's events so quickly. We appreciate all you do.
Feb 14, 2025  Comment

Customer Service Update

Yukon Energy is currently experiencing billing delays and a higher-than-usual call volume. For billing-related questions, you can reach our customer service team at (867) 993-5565 or email us at billing@yec.yk.ca, and we'll get back to you within 2-3 business days. Please leave a voicemail if we miss your call to help us assist you as quickly as possible.  Please note: Do not call the emergency or power outage line for billing inquiries, as it clogs the line dedicated to emergencies. The team on that line does not have access to customer billing accounts and will not be able to assist you. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
News, Reliability
Jan 17, 2025  Comment

Aishihik Generating Station Update - January 17, 2025

One of the three generators at the Aishihik Generating Station remains offline as we continue repairs. Contractors are on-site and work is progressing. At this time, we expect the generator to be back online this spring, however this could change depending on weather and equipment delivery. Pictured: the removal of 108 old Stator Coils that will be replaced.
News
Dec 20, 2024  Comment

Whitehorse Fish Hatchery Vandalism and Fuel Spill

On the morning of December 13, 2024, Yukon Energy discovered a fuel spill at the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Hatchery, caused by vandalism and tampering with a fuel tank. The affected tank was located outside the building but within the locked perimeter fence. Thankfully, Yukon Energy crews responded swiftly, containing and recovering the spill, and preventing further damage.  We are also relieved to report that no fish were harmed during this incident, as our staff quickly restored the fuel supply to the hatchery’s backup generator. Had an outage occurred, we could have faced the loss of both adult and juvenile fish stocks within hours without backup power. A working fuel supply for the backup generator is crucial to maintain facility operations in the event of a power outage.  All established spill procedures were followed during the cleanup to ensure safe remediation of the site, including the removal of contaminated soil, snow, and ice. Safety remains our top priority, and we are grateful for our staff who demonstrated a high degree of professionalism in their response.   

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