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

Feb 21, 2023  Comment

Andrew Hall resigns from Yukon Energy

Andrew Hall has decided to resign from Yukon Energy for personal reasons, and his resignation is accepted by Yukon Energy's Board of Directors with regret.  As Andrew’s last day of work will be February 28, 2023, Chris Milner will be assuming the role of Acting President and CEO on March 1, 2023, and Andrew will assist Chris with the transition.  During Andrew’s time with Yukon Energy, the corporation embarked on a significant capital program, including the completion of the Whitehorse LNG plant, the construction of the Mayo-to-McQuesten Transmission Project, and the commencement of critical new supply projects under the corporation’s 10-year Renewable Electricity Plan.  We thank Andrew for his service to Yukon Energy and extend every good wish for the next chapter of his career. The Board will confirm the recruitment process for a new President and CEO in due course.  Sincerely, Lesley Cabott, Chair, Yukon Energy Corporation Board of Directors
Dec 22, 2022  Comment

December 22 - Dawson City Outage

update: 7:25 aM, December 23 Power has been restored to the remainder of customers affected by last night's power outage. Thanks to everyone for their kindness and understanding last night and this morning. UPDATE: 4:15 AM, December 23 Power has been restored to about 95% of customers affected by tonight’s outage. Our additional support team from Mayo will be working on the last area - Front Street between King and Princess next. ETA is still about 8 am. At this time, we’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding tonight, and our crews for their ongoing efforts. We’d also like to thank Fire Chief Masserey, Mayor Kendrick and EMO for helping us share updates with the community; the teams at the Dawson City Arena and Robert Service School who opened their doors to provide warming stations last night; to the RCMP and staff at Tr'ondek Hwech'in and the City of Dawson who provided free rides for people to get to the arena or school; and all the other people and businesses who stepped in to provide updates and warm places for people to go. Dawson is a true community and we are happy to be a part of it. UPDATE: 4 AM, December 23 Power has been restored to 80% of customers. Additional support from Mayo is also on its way to help. The area between York and Judge and Front to 3rd is being worked on now. ETA for that area - about 60 minutes. ETA for Albert Street - about 530 am ETA for customers along Front Street between King and Princess - around 8 am We thank everyone for their patience. We know this has been a long process and that it’s really cold outside. We just don’t want to risk another large-scale outage by turning things on too quickly. UPDATE: 2 AM, December 23 Power has been restored to about 60% of homes affected by tonight’s outage. Crews continue to work on restoring power to homes and businesses between King and Albert Street, and along Front Street. They are hoping to have power restored within an hour. If you have power, please unplug all non-essential appliances and unplug vehicles. This will help in our restoration efforts UPDATE: 1 AM, December 23 We are working hard to restore power to all Dawson residents but are aware some people have lost power again. If possible, please reduce your electricity use so we can get everyone back on the grid as quickly as possible. UPDATE: 12 AM, December 23 To all Dawson residents with electricity, please reduce your electricity consumption by turning off any unnecessary lights and unplugging any non-essential electronics. This will help to speed up restoration. Thank you! UPDATE: 10:35 PM, December 22 Repairs are complete and we have begun the restoration process, however we will be restoring power in small sections due to the cold temperatures. Thank you again for your patience, we know it is cold and our team is working as quickly as it can! ORIGINAL POST: 7:45 PM, December 22 We are currently experiencing a power outage that is affecting some customers in Dawson City. As of 7:45pm, power may be out for another 3 hours. If you or someone you know needs a warm place to go, the Dawson City arena is currently open, and the Robert Service School should be open shortly. Thank you for your patience as our crews work to restore power as quickly as they can.
Oct 31, 2022  Comment

Guy Morgan is retiring after a lifetime with Yukon Energy Corporation

Guy Morgan, Vice President of Operations, is retiring after a lifetime with Yukon Energy Corporation. His qualifications did not come the academic school way but the Old School way — literally from the ground up. They had a humble origin with Yukon Electrical Company in 1984.  “I was an 18-year-old student looking for a summer job. When they first saw me, the foreman said ‘Oh, a big one, come with me, genius.’ He put a shovel in my hand and threw me into the back of a truck.” He stayed on for a couple of years, working on a line crew. He left to attend college in Victoria to begin an electrical apprenticeship program. Those studies were interrupted by a job with Yukon Energy Corporation.  “That summer, I was cutting lawns, mopping floors and pulling trash out of the trash racks. By fall, I was working as a diesel operator. I put the electrician plans on hold again when I moved into the Control Centre. A few years later, I was a low-level supervisor.”  Along the way, Guy received a well-rounded education on how Yukon Energy generates and distributes electricity. “I learned that power doesn’t just come out of a hole in the wall without a lot of infrastructure and a whole group of really dedicated people working as a team to put it there.” Guy’s career was on a steady upward trajectory, as he progressed to overall supervisor for the Control Centre, Manager of the Mechanical group, to co-Director, to Director and finally VP.  “And that’s how I spent 35 years.” He’s seen a lot of changes in that time, including the integration of the Mayo and Whitehorse grids and the focus on reducing diesel generation and prioritizing renewable energy. Some of the biggest operational changes came from technology, equipment, and automation. “I’ve toured other control centres and can say that we are equal to or a bit more advanced than most. One of the reasons for that is we’re a huge geographic area with only 100 or so employees. We automate as much as possible, so we don’t have to physically send people all over to check or adjust things.” One of his proudest achievements was the response to the fire in 1997 that took out the Control Centre. “The building was destroyed, but we moved the control Centre into a truck, then into a bathroom then a trailer. We survived without a single outage. That’s down to our quick-thinking team who managed everything manually when the computer went down. We do good damage control here and have good processes and systems in place.” It’s that team and the teamwork itself that he’s most sorry to leave. “Not gonna lie, I’ll miss the people — I can’t say enough about the quality of the staff here. I don’t buy into that whole younger generation negativity either. We’ve got a lot of younger staff and I see a group of very curious, skilled, and dedicated people. We’re much like a family here and we want to see our people grow, progress, take responsibility. It doesn’t take much to say ‘you did good’ and pass on new opportunities to them.”  That pretty much encapsulates the advice he’d give to anyone following in his footsteps: “Delegate. Give people the ability to make decisions and let them grow. Work yourself out of a job.” Reflecting on what he might have done differently, he says he “probably would’ve got that trades ticket, just to say I did it. But seriously, it all kind of worked out in the end for me. No regrets, good friends. Now I need to get out of the way for new guys.” What about his plans for retirement?   “I’m going to Aruba for a month with my wife, and we’ll figure it out from there. Maybe they’ve got a small, isolated grid that needs help…”  
News, Media Releases
Jul 25, 2022  Comment

Joint Agreements Commit to Better Future for Äshèyi

Dakwäkäda/Haines Junction, Yukon – Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), the Government of Yukon (Yukon), and Yukon Energy Corporation (YEC) have reached historic agreements for a better future for Äshèyi (Aishihik). The new agreements for a collaborative approach to operation of the Aishihik Generating Station (AGS or dam) were signed Thursday, July 21, during the CAFN General Assembly at Takhini River Subdivision.  “Fifty years since the construction of the Aishihik Generating Station, we are at a major turning point as we sign these agreements. These agreements are built through CAFN asserting Dän K’e – our way. We have built a new collaborative relationship with the Government of Yukon (Yukon), and we have a new path to reduce the impacts by working with Yukon Energy Corporation. We understand the dam is vital to power the Yukon, and we know that together we can do much better to reduce its harms to CAFN lands, water and people. Today we start a new path forward together to stop the harms and begin to restore Äshèyi. The path to true reconciliation and healing is going to be a long one. While this first step is a good indication we’re on that path, it’s only the first step.”  Kaaxnox, Dän Nätthe Äda (Chief Steve Smith)  “The Yukon government is committed to strong Government-to-Government relationships that foster reconciliation and we are pleased to forge a new collaborative partnership with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and the Yukon Energy Corporation. Renewable energy is essential to address climate change and meet the Yukon’s clean energy targets set out in Our Clean Future. These agreements establish a shared path forward for the long-term operation of the Aishihik Generating Station so that all Yukoners can continue to rely on this renewable energy source.”  Yukon Premier Sandy Silver  “The Aishihik Generating Station is critical to delivering the energy that Yukon needs today and tomorrow. These agreements chart a path for Yukon Energy, the Yukon government and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations to work together in a manner that respects the interests of the people whose traditional territories and land the facility is located, to maintain the benefits of renewable energy produced by the facility, while minimizing the impacts that come with generating that energy. The work that has gone into developing these agreements has shown us all that long term solutions and improvements to processes require strong relationships built on respect. The result will be a brighter and more successful future for all Yukon people.”  Lesley Cabott, Chair, Yukon Energy Board of Directors  BACKGROUND/KEY FACTS:  CAFN, Yukon and YEC have carried out a long and thorough process to reach these agreements, and they are founded on years of input and guidance from CAFN Citizens. The Accord and Agreements are a commitment to a renewed relationship and a shared path forward regarding the long-term operation of the AGS and stewardship of Äshèyi.  The Parties recognize the strong foundation provided by the CAFN Final Agreement and Self-government Agreement and the assessment and licensing processes created through those Agreements. The Parties are committed to working collaboratively and in partnership through these processes and over the long-term operation of the AGS.  Accord  The government-to-government Accord is CAFN and Yukon’s commitment to collaborate on shared priorities for the AGS and Äshèyi. The Accord establishes a long-term relationship supported by a combination of bilateral and trilateral Agreements between CAFN, Yukon and YEC. The Accord identifies Senior Officials from both governments who are responsible for the implementation of the Accord and Agreement. These Senior Officials will provide updates and information back to their respective organizations.  Agreements  CAFN, YG and YEC have created a number of Agreements to guide their relationship regarding the long-term operation of the AGS and bring effect to reconciliation through the implementation of shared priorities. The Parties have identified opportunities for community development, promoting the practice of traditions in and celebrating the cultural history of Äshèyi, focusing on stewardship in the area through research and monitoring, and supporting energy planning and improving energy efficient infrastructure. All these priorities will be realized through working together in collaboration and partnership.  History  Äshèyi Män (Aishihik Lake) is in the CAFN Traditional Territory in the Yukon. For thousands of years CAFN dän (people) have lived at Äshèyi in areas including Äshèyi village, Chemi and The Yanlin (Canyon). Äshèyi remains of great importance to CAFN dän connection to the land, water, culture and heritage.  Aishihik Generating Station  The AGS is located at the south end of Äshèyi Män, about 110 kilometres northwest of Whitehorse, and has provided electricity to Yukoners since 1975. It is a significant power source for the Yukon’s energy system. The facility is capable of producing 37 megawatts of power, and is critical in meeting peak winter demand.  Over the course of its operations, the AGS has undergone a number of assessment and licensing processes. Most recently, YEC is seeking a 5-year licence to maintain its operations. These processes provide for broad involvement and CAFN dän have actively participated through sharing valuable knowledge and information. The strong relationship foundation created by the Accord and Agreements will guide the Parties over the long-term operation of the AGS, inclusive of any future licensing processes and licence implementation.  CAFN Citizens have participated in every AGS icensing process since the very first Yukon Water Board hearing in 1972.  For more information:  cafn.ca/asheyi  Contacts: Amy McKinnon  Strategic Communications Manager  Champagne and Aishihik First Nations  (867) 332-1973  almckinnon@cafn.ca  Rachel Veinott-McKeough  Strategic Communications Advisor  Government of Yukon  (780) 916-6995  Rachel.veinott-mckeough@yukon.ca  Jenna Henderson  Communications Officer  Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (867) 334-6264  jhenderson@cafn.ca  Megan Yakiwchuk  Corporate Secretary  Yukon Energy Corporation  (867) 393-5337  megan.yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca 
Jul 12, 2022  Comment

July 12 outage: Pine Lake & Marshall Creek

A tree has fallen and broken the high voltage transmission line in the area. Repairs are extensive and won't be completed until mid-day, July 13. Always assume low-hanging or broken power lines are energized and stay at least 10 metres back. For updates, please follow us on Facebook or call our after-hours emergency line at 1-800-676-2843.
Jun 25, 2022  Comment

June 25 Outage: Whitehorse, Champagne & Mendenhall

9:45 p.m. UPDATE: Power has been restored to all customers in Mendenhall and Champagne. The root cause of tonight's outage was a tree that fell on the transmission line just east of Mendenhall. Thank you again to all customers who were affected by tonight's outage for your patience and understanding this evening. Have a great remainder of the night. 8:15 p.m. UPDATE: Power has been restored to all customers in and south of Whitehorse. Yukon Energy continues to work to restore power to Mendenhall and Champagne - communities directly connected to the power line between Aishihik and Whitehorse. Power will be restored to these communities once we find the root cause of the problem on the transmission line and are able to fix it. To customers in these communities, thanks for your ongoing patience and understanding tonight as we continue to work to restore your power as quickly and safely as possible. 7:30 p.m. UPDATE: Crews have narrowed down the cause of tonight’s outage to be a trip on the high-voltage transmission line between Aishihik and Whitehorse. Crews have been dispatched to patrol the line to find and fix the root cause. Yukon Energy customers in Mendenhall and Champagne - we are aware you are also without power. Crews have been dispatched. 7:10 p.m.:  We are aware of an outage affecting areas of Whitehorse and south of the city. We are working with ATCO Electric Yukon to find the cause and to restore power as quickly as possible. More updates to come.
Jun 14, 2022  Comment

Get on Board: Deadline: July 22

Help shape Yukon's renewable electricity future by joining our Board of Directors. We are currently looking to fill one Director position. If you're interested, please send completed application forms, resume and cover letter to Megan.Yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca before July 22, 2022. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following skills: Financial Acumen – demonstrated aptitude for financial management including the ability to review and question financial results, assess effectiveness of internal controls, manage external audit reporting cycles and represent the role of finance in governance and corporate strategy. Information about Yukon Energy’s Board of Directors can be found here. For more information please contact Megan Yakiwchuk at Megan.Yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca.
Mar 04, 2022  Comment

Get on Board. Deadline: March 31, 2022

Help shape Yukon's renewable electricity future by joining our Board of Directors. We are currently looking to fill two Director positions. If you're interested, please send completed application forms, resumes and cover letters to Megan.Yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca before March 31, 2022. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following skills: Financial Acumen – demonstrated aptitude for financial management including the ability to review and question financial results, assess effectiveness of internal controls, manage external audit reporting cycles and represent the role of finance in governance and corporate strategy. Legal/Regulatory Knowledge– experience with quasi-judicial regulation would be an asset. These Director positions will also be eligible to be the Chair of our Audit Committee. Information about Yukon Energy’s Board of Directors can be found here. For more information please contact Megan Yakiwchuk at Megan.Yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca.
Feb 15, 2022  Comment

Yukon Energy selects SunGrid Solutions to build Yukon’s grid-scale battery

Yukon Energy has selected SunGrid Solutions to build its grid-scale energy storage project in Whitehorse. The decision follows a year-long competitive procurement process that included a unique two-staged approach that first pre-qualified battery vendors and then rated vendor proposals. SunGrid Solutions was selected as the winning bidder for its proven track record to deliver energy storage projects across North America. The Canadian company has recently deployed more than 500 megawatt hours of battery storage solutions across Canada and the United States. SunGrid Solutions’ proposal was also selected for the turnkey engineering, procurement and construction solution it provided for the project. SunGrid Solutions is teaming up with LG Energy Solution, a world-leading supplier of battery modules, and Valard Construction, a utility construction company with experience building electricity projects in the Yukon, to build the new battery energy storage system. SunGrid’s proposal was also the lowest cost option. Yukon Energy’s final cost estimate for the battery project is $35 million. Last year, the Corporation estimated the battery to cost $31.7 million plus or minus 30 per cent. With the additional time invested by Yukon Energy in the procurement process this past year, the battery is now expected to be operational in spring 2023. When complete, the battery project will replace the need for four rental diesel generators each winter. In January 2022, Yukon Energy signed a lease agreement with Da Dan Developments, a subsidiary of Chu Níikwän Development Corporation, for a 25-year lease of the land needed for the battery. The 1.5 hectare battery site is located on Kwanlin Dün First Nation Settlement Land near Robert Service Way and the Alaska Highway, and on land identified by the First Nation for future development. Quotes: “Yukon Energy is committed to helping Yukon government reduce carbon emissions in the territory and achieve the goals in Our Clean Future strategy. Building this grid-scale battery is a critical project in our 10-Year Renewable Electricity Plan and will help reduce our reliance on diesel generation, and provide us with another resource to meet growing demand for electricity with more sources of clean energy.” Lesley Cabott, Chair, Yukon Energy Board of Directors  “We knew when we started this project that the most difficult and time-consuming part of it would be to source the right kind of battery and the right people to build it. Our battery serves a unique need on our isolated Yukon grid, and in a very challenging climate. SunGrid Solutions’ proven track record of building battery energy storage system across North America, along with LG Energy Solution’s decades of experience supplying batteries across the world, and our direct experience working with Valard on projects here in the Yukon, all bring me comfort knowing that we’re working with industry leaders in their field who are committed to building the best battery for the Yukon and Yukoners.” Andrew Hall, President & CEO, Yukon Energy “SunGrid is excited to be supporting Yukon Energy as the turnkey integration EPC. Yukon Energy is bringing Battery Energy Storage to the forefront of system reliability and cost effectiveness. Partnerships with Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Valard, LG Energy Solution and Yukon Energy ensure that the project will be a first success with many more to come.  Distribution and transmission grid systems are beginning to transition away from carbon producing generation towards clean and renewable generation where Battery Energy Storage will play a pivotal role.  When Battery Energy Storage systems are owned by utilities like Yukon Energy they ensure reliability and efficiency are key considerations that must be delivered.  SunGrid is excited to be supporting the increase in system reliability for Yukon Energy.”     Jeremy Goertz, Managing Partner, CEO, SunGrid Solutions “It is great to see Yukon Energy working together with SunGrid Solutions to advance the battery storage project in Whitehorse. This grid-scale storage project will help leverage existing renewable energy sources while transitioning away from diesel generation. Through investments like this, we will help the Yukon reach its climate goals and protect our territory’s environment for future generations.” John Streicker, Minister responsible for the Yukon Energy Corporation Quick Facts: Once complete, Yukon Energy’s 7 megawatt / 40 megawatt-hour battery will be the largest grid-connected battery in the North and one of the largest in Canada. 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 the Yukon by more than 20,000 tonnes. On September 5, 2019, the Government of Canada announced $16.5 million in funding for the battery project through the Green Infrastructure Stream (GIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. Yukon Energy received 13 submissions to the first stage of its procurement process. Eight vendors were shortlisted after the pre-qualification stage and invited to submit a formal proposal as part of the second stage of the procurement process. Three proposals were received and assessed based on echnical specifications, schedule and price. Chu Níikwän Development Corporation is Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s development corporation. In February 2021, Yukon Energy, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s development corporation, Chu Niìkwän Development Corporation, 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 battery project. Contacts: Stephanie Cunha Manager, Communications and Customer Service Yukon Energy 867-334-7760 Stephanie.Cunha@yec.yk.ca Nicholas Vantfoort Solution Engineer SunGrid Solutions Inc. 519-872-3239 nicholas.vantfoort@sungridsolutions.com Renée Francoeur Cabinet Communications 867-334-9194 Renee.Francoeur@yukon.ca
Feb 04, 2022  Comment

Yukon Energy signs agreement to purchase renewable electricity from Atlin

Yukon Energy has signed an Electricity Purchase Agreement with Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership (THELP) that will increase the supply of dependable renewable electricity in Yukon each winter starting in late 2024. The Electricity Purchase Agreement confirms THELP’s plans to build, own and operate the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project, a project designed to expand the infrastructure and power production capacity on Pine Creek from 2.1 megawatts to approximately 10 megawatts. The Electricity Purchase Agreement also outlines Yukon Energy’s intention to buy renewable energy and capacity from the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project for 40 years at prices less than or equal to the cost Yukon Energy would otherwise pay for electricity generated using liquefied natural gas and diesel. When complete, the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project will add 8 megawatts of dependable capacity to the Yukon grid, eliminating the need for four rental diesels each winter. It will also generate about 31 gigawatts hours of electricity each winter – roughly the same amount of electricity used by about 2,500 Yukon homes annually. The Electricity Purchase Agreement signed by Yukon Energy and THELP is subject to a number of milestones being met over the next six months including: a review by the Yukon Utilities Board (YUB); ongoing consultation with First Nations in the project area; approvals from Taku River Tlingit First Nation Government and Yukon government; and all government grant funding and project permits being obtained by THELP. Yukon Energy filed an application with the Yukon Utilities Board for its review of the Electricity Purchase Agreement on January 20, 2022. The YUB will now review the Electricity Purchase Agreement with the purpose to provide a report and any recommendations to Yukon government’s Minister of Justice on the potential benefits, costs, risks and customer impacts that influence whether the Electricity Purchase Agreement should proceed as proposed by Yukon Energy. The YUB’s final report is expected on or before July 19, 2022. A copy of Yukon Energy’s Application to the YUB and all supporting documents can be found at www.yukonutilitiesboard.yk.ca. Quotes: “When we released our 10-Year Renewable Electricity Plan in 2020, we set a bold vision of generating an average of 97% renewable electricity by 2030. Doing this provides Yukoners with more clean energy solutions to meet growing demands for electricity and helps Yukon government achieve its climate change goals. As we work towards achieving our target, we are committed to collaborating with First Nation governments and development corporations along the way. Signing this Electricity Purchase Agreement with Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership and purchasing electricity from their Atlin Hydro Expansion project is an excellent example of us living up to these commitments in a way that benefits all Yukoners.” Lesley Cabott, Chair, Yukon Energy Board of Directors. “Purchasing power from the Atlin Hydro Expansion Project is an excellent near-term opportunity for Yukon Energy to make more renewable electricity available to Yukoners and to reduce our reliance on diesel generators each winter. As demand for electricity continues to grow in Yukon, projects like this one are critical to helping us and the Yukon reduce our carbon footprint and build the clean energy future that Yukoners want.” Andrew Hall, President & CEO, Yukon Energy “When Taku River Tlingit citizens mandated our corporate group to build our first project on Pine Creek we were able to realize benefits to our community, to the town of Atlin, and to the region. This expansion project will provide opportunity for us to effect more positive change in our community as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the face of increasing climate change impacts. It will also demonstrate how, although we are physically in BC, we are really Yukoners in all other respects. We are happy to have reached agreement on what will be a long-term relationship, a generational relationship, and are happy to know we will be working together with Yukoners to bring clean energy to Yukon.” Peter Kirby, President & CEO, Taku Group of Companies “The Atlin Hydro Expansion Project is an exciting opportunity for the Yukon to expand our renewable energy capacity in partnership with First Nations while reducing the territory’s emissions and ensuring energy remains affordable for Yukoners. The Government of Yukon is pleased to see Yukon Energy and Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership work together to sign the Electricity Purchase Agreement. This is an important step forward in meeting the goals of Our Clean Future.” John Streicker, Minister responsible for the Yukon Energy Corporation Quick Facts: The proposed Atlin Hydro Expansion project would also include the construction of a transmission line between Atlin B.C. and Jakes Corner, YT, construction of a substation at Jakes Corner, and upgrades to the ATCO transmission line between Jakes Corner and Whitehorse. The Atlin Hydro Expansion project would be built and owned by Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership. Yukon Energy would 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 at a cost of approximately $206 million. Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited is a company 100% owned by Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) citizens. Yukon Energy is the primary generator and transmitter of electricity in Yukon. Yukon Energy will host a virtual public workshop about the Electricity Purchase Agreement and its application to the YUB on Friday, February 11, 2022, at 1 p.m. Yukon time. A public hearing about the application is scheduled for April 20 to 22, 2022.    Persons intending to participate, and who are uncertain as to the way in which to proceed, may contact the Yukon Utilities Board Executive Secretary at yub@utilitiesboard.yk.ca or (867) 667-5058. Contacts: Stephanie Cunha Manager, Communications and Customer Service Yukon Energy 867-334-7760 Stephanie.Cunha@yec.yk.ca Peter Kirby President & CEO Taku Group of Companies 867-689-8258 corporatetlingitpeter@gmail.com Renée Francoeur Cabinet Communications 867-334-9194 Renee.Francoeur@yukon.ca
News, Energy Conservation, Energy Supply, Reliability
Dec 17, 2021  Comment

Yukon sets a new record for electricity demand

Yukon set a new record for electricity demand yesterday. The new record of 104.42 megawatts was recorded at 7:51 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021. The new peak is about half a megawatt higher than the previous record of 103.84 megawatts recorded on January 14, 2020. On average, more than 90% of the electricity generated in Yukon comes from renewable resources each year. However, during periods of high electricity use each winter, Yukon Energy must use its hydro, liquefied natural gas, and diesel resources (both rental and permanent) to generate the electricity Yukoners need. Typically, the greater the peak demand for power, the more diesel is needed to generate electricity. Yukoners can help beat winter peaks and reduce the amount of diesel used to generate electricity during them by reducing the amount of power they use during periods of high electricity demand – typically between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., each day, Monday to Friday. Some easy ways Yukoners can use less electricity during winter peaks include: Using a block heater timer on vehicles Delaying the use of major appliances like the dishwasher and dryer to off-peak times Turning down the thermostat by 1 to 2 degrees january 6, 2022 update:  Another record was reached today. At 9:42 a.m. this morning, the Yukon recorded a new system generation peak of approximately 116 megawatts.
Dec 10, 2021  Comment

Whitehorse/Mayo Power Outage: December 10

1:30 p.M UPDATE: Power has been restored to all customers affected by today's outage. Thank you to all Yukon Energy and ATCO Electric Yukon crews that worked to get the power back on. 1:25 p.m. UPDATE:  Power has been restored to all areas affected by today's outage except Porter Creek, Tagish and Carcross. We continue to work with ATCO Electric Yukon to restore power to these communities as quickly & safely as possible. 1:15 p.m. update: Yukon Energy and ATCO Electric Yukon crews are onsite working to restore power to all areas affected by today's outage. At this time, crews expect all power to be restored around 2:30 this afternoon. 12:30 p.m.: We're working with ATCO Electric Yukon to restore power to customers in parts of Whitehorse, communities south of Whitehorse and Mayo as quickly and safely as we can right now. At this time, the outage appears to be caused by a trip on the transmission line between Aishihik and Whitehorse. When this happens, we lose access to the power being generated at our Aishihik power plant.
General, News, Billing, Energy Conservation
Dec 06, 2021  Comment

Spam Alert: December 6, 2021

Have you received an email from someone claiming to provide you with your electricity usage this month? If so, delete it right away, it's spam. Do not complete the survey in the body of the email. Don’t click on any of the links. Delete the email right away. These emails are not from Yukon Energy. If you receive your monthly electricity bill from Yukon Energy and would like more information about your account, call our office at 867-993-5565. If you receive your monthly bill from ATCO Electric Yukon, call them at 867-633-7000.
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

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