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

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
Oct 22, 2021  Comment

Get on Board. Deadline: October 29, 2021

Help shape Yukon's renewable electricity future by joining our Board of Directors.  If you're interested in a Director position, please send completed application forms, resumes and cover letters to Megan.Yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca by October 29, 2021. Applicants should have the following skills: An understanding of financial statements and generally accepted accounting principles; Experience in review and analysis of financial statements/reports; Understanding of the financial audit cycle; Familiarity with concepts and application of enterprise risk management; and Knowledge of regulatory accounting. This Director position 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.
Power Outage Updates
Sep 23, 2021  Comment

Champagne Outage: Sept 23, 2021

4:30 p.m. Hello residents of Champagne. Our crews are aware of an outage affecting the community. A power line technician has been dispatched to the area to determine the cause of the outage and to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Thanks for your patience and understanding at this time.
Power Outage Updates
Sep 22, 2021  Comment

Mayo power outage: September 22

Noon update: Power has been restored in Mayo. The cause of the outage was three trees that came into contact with a power line. Thanks for your understanding this morning. 10:30 a.m: Yukon Energy crews in Mayo are onsite and working to restore power from this morning's power outage as quickly and safely as possible. The cause of the outage is unknown at this time.
Jun 24, 2021  Comment

Yukon Energy’s July 1 rate increase will have little impact on Yukoners’ bills

The Yukon Utilities Board (YUB) has approved the first stage of Yukon Energy’s 2021 rate increase proposal. This decision follows Yukon Energy’s submission of its 2021 General Rate Application in November 2020, and the Corporation’s proposal that this year’s rate increase be specifically designed to have little impact on Yukoners’ electricity bills. In its November 2020 application, Yukon Energy asked that two-thirds of its proposed 11.5% rate increase (or 7.7%[1]) be applied to customer bills starting on July 1, 2021. This first stage was designed to coincide with the timing of Rider F (fuel) being reduced to zero. The net impact of stage one is “0” — on average, Yukon residential customers won’t be paying more for electricity each month. Typical business customers will see their electricity bills actually go down. “At the end of the day,” said Yukon Energy President and CEO Andrew Hall, “Yukoners need electricity, they need reliable infrastructure to deliver it and they need bill stability. We believe this approach to a rate increase helps us meet all three needs.” Typical Yukon Electricity Bills November 2020* July 2021* Difference between November & July Residential, non-government account 1,000 kWh consumption/month $204.00 $204.00 $0.00 Commercial, non-government account 2,000 kWh consumption/month (5 kW demand) $358.84 $355.30 $3.54 savings * before rebates and taxes The Corporation’s 2021 General Rate Application (GRA) outlines over $55 million in investments it expects to make between 2019 and 2021. These investments are in response to Yukon’s growing demand for electricity and the need to repair or replace aging infrastructure. Peak demand for electricity increased by 17% between 2018 and 2020 and is expected to rise by another 40% by 2030.   The 2021 GRA asks for an 11.5% rate increase in total, amounting to 3.8% a year between 2019 and 2021. Yukon Energy proposes the second and final stage of the increase be applied on December 1, 2021 when the Yukon Energy 2017/18 GRA True-up line item is scheduled to come off electricity bills. Any changes to electricity rates on December 1, 2021 must first be approved by the YUB before being applied to customer bills. The YUB’s review of the 2021 GRA is expected to continue in the coming months after the Battery Energy Storage System proceeding wraps up. For a copy of Yukon Energy’s 2021 General Rate Application or to access all regulatory records related to this proceeding, visit https://yukonutilitiesboard.yk.ca/proceedings/yec-2021-general-rate-application/   [1] Rate and rider increases are not the same thing. The Yukon Utilities Board has approved a 10.08% interim refundable rate rider be added to bills starting July 1, 2021. Yukon Energy’s 2021 General Rate Application identifies a need for a 15.01% rider increase (which equates to a 11.5% rate increase). Calculations: 10.08 / 15.01 = 0.672; 0.672 X 11.5 = 7.7 -30- Media Contact: Stephanie Cunha Manager, Communications and Customer Service Yukon Energy 867-393-5333 stephanie.cunha@yec.yk.ca

News, Media Releases, Environment
May 13, 2021  Comment

May update: Peak water level forecast for Marsh Lake and other hydro basins

Lots of rain last summer and heavy snowfall this winter has resulted in high snowpack levels in each of the watersheds that feed our reservoirs. what high snowpack means for water levels On their own, snowpack levels don’t paint the full picture of how much water will flow into lakes year to year. Rain and glacier melt play important roles too. So does the timing of each of these inflows and the natural limits of how much water can pass through a hydro dam. forecasted summer peak water levels Marsh Lake – 656.78 m Forecast: Above Full Supply. 4 cm lower than the peak water level forecasted in March 2021. 56 cm lower than peak water levels during the 2007 flood. Comparable to peak water levels in 2004. Mayo Lake – 665.84 m Forecast: At Full Supply. Aishihik Lake – 915.16 m Forecast: At Full Supply what we have done to draw down Marsh Lake Since March, our inflow model has forecasted that water levels on Marsh Lake will be higher than normal this summer. Because of that, we have taken the following steps to increase flows through the Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station and to lower levels on Marsh Lake: Opened up the gates at the Lewes River Control Structure. All 30 gates at the Lewes River Control Structure have been open since March 19, 2021. Gradually lowered water levels on Schwatka Lake by 95 cm to increase water flows through Miles Canyon. Our water use licence only allows us to lower Schwatka Lake by 1 m. Opened the boat lock at the Lewes River Control Structure. Since March 1, 2021, we have drawn down Marsh Lake by more than 1.25 metres, and to levels comparable to this time last time. Our inflow model suggests that water from the spring melt (also known as freshet) started to enter Marsh Lake around May 7 this year, about two weeks earlier than normal.  Our actions so far have helped to limit how much Marsh Lake has risen since freshet, but residents in the Southern Lakes area can expect to see water levels slowly start to rise again in the coming weeks. changes this summer Throughout the summer, we’ll continue to do what we can to keep flows through the Whitehorse dam high and levels on Marsh Lake as low as possible. The boat lock will remain open this summer. Small watercraft wanting to pass by the Lewes River Control Structure will need to portage around the structure. Lake levels on Schwatka Lake will also remain at reduced levels throughout the summer. Some docks may need to be lowered to allow users to access floatplanes on the lake. update on our water use licence On April 28, 2021, the Yukon Water Board approved our application for an emergency amendment to our Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station water use licence. The amendment allows us to draw down Marsh Lake 10 cm below the permitted Low Supply Level this year, with conditions that we monitor and report back on how the environment responded to the lower lake level. Unfortunately, because of the early freshet and with water from the spring melt already entering Marsh Lake, it’s unlikely that we will be able to reach this new reduced level this spring. looking ahead Over the next several months, we’ll keep a close eye on lake levels on Marsh Lake and downstream of the dam. We will also continue to work with Yukon government’s Water Resources Branch and Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) to assess water levels and to share information with the public.
News, Energy Supply, Environment
Apr 15, 2021  Comment

April update: Peak water level forecast for Marsh Lake and other hydro basins

HYDRO PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN YUKON’S ELECTRICITY MIX.  In 2021, we expect to use water to generate about 94% of the electricity needed by Yukoners connected to the grid.  We own and operate three hydroelectric generation facilities in the territory – one in Whitehorse, one in Mayo and one in Aishihik. Lots of rain last summer and heavy snowfall this winter has resulted in high snowpack levels in each of these areas near our hydro reservoirs.  what high snowpack levels mean for water levels  On their own, snowpack levels don’t paint the full picture of how much water will flow into lakes this year. Three sources of water contribute to reservoir inflows and water levels:  Snowpack Rain Glacier melt (for Whitehorse only; not Aishihik or Mayo) The timing of each of these inflows also plays an important part in determining water levels, as does the natural limits to the amount of water that can flow into a hydro dam (i.e., Miles Canyon).  April 2021 snowpack levels forecasted summer peak water levels  Marsh Lake – 656.79 m  Forecast: Above Full Supply.  Assumes a wet spring.  Assumes we receive approval from the Yukon Water Board to draw down Marsh Lake 10 cm lower than its permitted Low Supply Level.  3 cm lower than the peak water level forecasted in March 2021.  55 cm lower than peak water levels during the 2007 flood.  Mayo Lake – 665.84 m  Forecast: At Full Supply.  Aishihik Lake – 914.82 m  Forecast: Below Full Supply.  what we have done, and continue to do, to drawn down Marsh Lake Every spring, we make room in Marsh Lake for rain and spring melt by lowering water levels on the lake close to its Low Supply Level (653.796 m) – the lowest level allowed under our water use licence.  This spring, because of high snowpack levels in the area, we have taken the following steps to increase flows through the Whitehorse dam and to lower levels on Marsh Lake:  Opened up the gates at the Lewes River Control Structure. All 30 gates have been open since March 19, 2021.  Lowered water levels on Schwatka Lake by 40 cm.  Submitted an emergency amendment to our Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station water use licence to the Yukon Water Board on April 1, 2021. The Yukon Water Board is currently deliberating our request.  To date, we’ve had success in lowering water levels on Marsh Lake. Between March 1, 2021 and April 15, 2021, levels on Marsh Lake have dropped 91 cm. Conditions downstream of the Whitehorse dam have also remained typical of this time of year.  Over the next several months, we’ll continue to keep a close eye on lake levels on Marsh Lake and downstream of the dam. As conditions change and our inflow forecasts become clearer, we’ll look at which additional options exist within our control to draw down lake levels even further, if needed. We will always keep the potential effects to the Southern Lakes, to neighbourhoods downstream of the dam, and to the land and environment top of mind. 
News, Safety
Mar 31, 2021  Comment

Yukoners asked to avoid going on the ice on Schwatka Lake

Ice breaks and fast-flowing water possible as Yukon Energy continues to lower Marsh Lake levels. Yukon Energy is asking Yukoners to avoid going on the ice on Schwatka Lake starting today. Water levels on Schwatka Lake will fall over the next week as Yukon Energy continues to increase the amount of water flowing through Miles Canyon and the Whitehorse dam, in an effort to lower water levels on Marsh Lake. Yukoners are being warned that lower water levels on Schwatka Lake may cause ice along the lake’s shorelines to break and for there to be unpredictable ice conditions. Water flowing under the ice surface is also likely to move faster than before. Yukon Energy started increasing flows at the Whitehorse dam earlier this month after Yukon government’s March 2021 Snow Survey Bulletin highlighted snowpack levels in the Southern Lakes region to be 172% of normal. At the time, Yukon Energy also forecasted that in case of a wet spring, water levels on Marsh Lake could peak at 656.82 m – similar levels to those reached in 2004, but 52 cm below water levels reached during the 2007 flood. On March 19th, Yukon Energy opened all 30 gates at the Lewes River Control as an initial measure to lower levels on Marsh Lake. As of 8:00 this morning, Marsh Lake levels were at 654.61 metres above sea level and 60 centimetres lower than lake levels on March 1, 2021*. Every spring, Yukon Energy draws down lake levels on Marsh Lake by generating hydroelectricity at the Whitehorse dam. This makes room in the lake for rain and spring melt. Water levels in Marsh Lake typically reach their lowest level in late May when they fall to around the Low Supply Level of 653.796 m – the lowest level allowed under Yukon Energy’s current water use licence. This spring, because of high snowpack levels, Yukon Energy plans to apply for an emergency amendment to its water license to draw Marsh Lake levels down 10 cm lower than the existing low supply level. Yukon government will release their next Snow Survey Bulletin in April. Yukon Energy will provide an updated peak water level forecast for Marsh Lake shortly thereafter. *Corrected. A previous version stated March 1, 2020. Media contact: Megan Yakiwchuk Corporate Secretary Yukon Energy 393-5337 megan.yakiwchuk@yec.yk.ca

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