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

Energy Conservation
Mar 12, 2014  Comment

Local Case Study Re: LEDs

We've been talking recently about the benefits of moving to LED lighting. The lights are initially more expensive (currently one light costs between $15 and $25 here in Whitehorse stores) but they actually save a significant amount of money over the long term compared to the old incandescent bulbs and even the newer CFL lights, since the LEDs last up to 25 times longer than the old bulbs.  We recently received an email from the local company EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc. They have switched 95 percent of their lighting to LEDs, with great reviews from their staff. Here's part of the note from the company's branch manager Pat Tobler: "To move in our new office location, the building had to be renovated to suit our needs and as such the lighting had to be redone. Our staff was very keen on more natural and pleasant lighting alternatives to the typical florescent lighting that is found in many offices. We agreed track and pot lighting would be appropriate and when it came to bulb choice we had to decide between LED and halogen. The cost difference was significant for the 87 lights we needed ($3,000 for LED, $300 for halogen). We knew that the efficiency and extended bulb life would pay for itself over the length of our lease. In terms of quality, we went with a softer light (650 lumens). We are pleased to report that our staff is very happy with the lighting in our office. While the lights will pay for themselves over the term of our lease, we feel that they already have paid for themselves in terms of their contributions to the overall atmosphere of the office." It's great to hear reports like this. If you have experience with LEDs in your home or office that you'd like to share, please drop us a note or post something here. 

Energy Supply, Environment
May 13, 2014  Comment

Two Kites, One Balloon, and a Sound System

If you've travelled along Robert Service Way in Whitehorse lately, you may have noticed the colorful kites and a balloon in the wooded area near our hydro facilities. We have started a project to deter birds from nesting in the proposed LNG site (an area of 1.5 hectares). In Yukon, bird nesting occurs between May 1 and August 15. If the LNG project gets all its approvals, vegetation clearing of this site will take place within this nesting bird window. The Migratory Bird Convention Act prohibits the destruction of any active bird nests, so this project will prevent birds from coming into the site in the first place. There are two kites, one helium balloon and a sound system being used for this task. The two kites are hawk shaped and move and dart about in the wind like a predatory bird. The red, blue and white helium balloon also moves about in the wind and mimics a hawk. Its height above the trees will help stop birds from nesting in the area, since they do not like to have something above them. The on-site sound system sends out nesting bird distress calls and predatory bird sounds.   In spite of all our deterrents, it's possible there could still be nesting birds in the area. That's why, if the LNG project is approved and clearing goes ahead, qualified bird biologists will first conduct bird nesting surveys to local any active bird nests within the site. If there are, 10 meter ‘no-clearing’ buffers will be established until the birds vacate the nests.