About Us

Community Involvement, Safety
Sep 29, 2011  Comment

Now On Video

Earlier this summer we told you about an information session we offered to help you learn how to use our Marsh Lake boat lock. We have now had a short instructional video produced about using the lock system. We hope you find it useful. Thank you to local photographer Cathie Archbould for putting this together for us.
Energy Supply
Sep 29, 2011  Comment

Why The Diesel?

We've had a couple of questions about why we are burning diesel right now. We are doing some maintenance on our Aishihik transmission line and are doing more of the work needed to commission our new hydro unit at Aishihik (Aishihik 3). This means the Aishihik hydro plant is not available to us right now. That, coupled with the fact that our Mayo plant is down while we tie in our new Mayo B plant, means we are having to burn diesel in Whitehorse, Faro, Mayo and Dawson City. This is temporary situation that should only last two to three weeks.
Energy Supply
Oct 05, 2011  Comment

New Information on our Waste to Energy Research

A simple drawing of a waste to energy facility. 1) blue: adding waste; 2) orange: incineration; 3) green: gas cleaning system; and 4) yellow: electricity production. If you read this blog regularly you will know that we have been looking into the possibility of using municipal waste, supplemented by waste wood (fire killed or beetle killed)  to generate both electricity and district heat. We've just had a study done that examines the viability of using these alternative energies in the territory and we want to share the results with you. It's important to note that the study is based on using the amount of waste available AFTER recycling and composting at current levels. There has been some misinformation in the public lately about Yukon Energy planning to burn material that is currently being recycled. That is not the case. You're invited to a workshop on this issue on Tuesday, October 18th at the Old Fire Hall in Whitehorse. The session will run from 7 to 9 p.m. There'll be presentations from experts, we'll share the study results, and you'll have a chance to ask questions and express your views.
Energy Conservation
Oct 03, 2011  Comment

Thieves in the Night

 Here's the Kitchen-Kuiack family's latest video in their challenge to reduce their energy consumption. This one's on phantom power. We love this family's creativity.
Energy Supply
Oct 12, 2011  Comment

Waste to Energy Reminder

A reminder of our waste to energy/biomass/biogas workshop planned for Tuesday, October 18th at the Old Fire Hall in Whitehorse. The session will run from 7 to 9 p.m. and everyone is welcome. We have been looking into the possibility of using municipal waste, supplemented by waste wood (fire kill or beetle kill) to generate both electricity and district heat in Yukon. We've just had a study done that examines the viability of using these alternative energies in the territory and we'll be discussing the results of that study at the workshop. There'll also be presentations from experts and you'll have a chance to ask questions and express your views. To help you prepare for the workshop, or if you just want more information about our work in this area, here is the technical report and a summary for you to review.
News
Oct 19, 2011  Comment

Federal Support for Our Clean Energy Research/Projects

You may have heard that the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) has provided funding to help us in our work of developing clean energy options. CanNor has given us $225,000 for our Waste to Energy work, and another $200,000 to help cover the costs of the energy charrette we held back in March. The full news release and backgrond material can be found on our website.
Energy Conservation
Oct 31, 2011  Comment

That Time of Year Again

With winter upon us (the weather forecasters are calling for the temperatures to drop over the next 24 hours) it's time to do a check of your home. Is it ready for the cold weather ahead? We dropped in once again on the Kitchen-Kuiacks, the Yukon family taking part in a national energy diet contest. Take a look at their video full of tips on how to winterize your home. Have any tips of your own? We'd love to hear from you.
Energy Supply
Nov 01, 2011  Comment

Waste to Energy Presentations

You may recall that last month we hosted a workshop on the idea of turning municipal waste and wood waste into electricity and district heating. We thought you might be interested in reading the presentations given at that event. Please note that a second workshop, this one on using bettle killed and fire killed wood to produce energy, is planned for December 1, 2011 at the Old Fire Hall in downtown Whitehorse. Watch this blog for further details, which will be posted shortly.
Energy Supply
Nov 03, 2011  Comment

Is a District Energy System an Option for Whitehorse?

As we continue our work to find new sources of clean energy, we are aware that some options (such as waste-to-energy or biomass) would result not only in the production of electricity but also of waste heat that could be used to serve buildings. That's why we are partnering with the Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse to get more information about the possibility of setting up a district energy system for Whitehorse. The partners have awarded FVB Energy Inc. a contract worth just over $300,000 to carry out this study. FVB is a highly reputable company based in Alberta. It has been in business for nearly 30 years, providing expertise in the field of district energy to more than 20 countries. The way district energy systems work is that there's a network of underground pipes that transports heat from an energy generation plant via steam or hot water to the customer. In Yukon’s case, we are interested in exploring how waste heat from biomass, gas and/or waste-to-energy generation projects could be used in a district energy system that could serve public and private commercial and institutional buildings. There would be lots of benefits to Yukon: • reduction in fossil fuel use and therefore fewer greenhouse gas emissions; • lower heating costs for Yukoners; • Development of a biomass fuel industry in Yukon (energy related employment, enhanced local/regional energy economy, greater energy security and improved local control); and • Meeting the City of Whitehorse’s Sustainability and Official Community Plan objectives and meeting some of the Yukon Energy Strategy goals and certain Climate Change Action Plan objectives. An initial study done last year indicates that a district energy system is very likely technically and economically feasible in some areas of Whitehorse, including Lewes Blvd. in Riverdale, the Whitehorse hospital area, and the downtown core. This feasibility study will confirm the findings and will explore these and other possible options in much greater detail. FVB will start its work early this month and is expected to have its report completed by next spring.
News, Energy Supply
Nov 03, 2011  Comment

Building Business Partnerships

Yukon Energy is looking to form business partnerships with Yukon First Nations on future energy projects. To that end, we are hosting, in partnership with the Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon Indian Development Corp., an energy forum. It's taking place on November 23rd (full day) and half a day on the 24th at the Mt. McIntrye Recreation Center in Whitehorse. The forum will give First Nation governments and representatives a wide range of resources and case study material that will help in considering or pursuing potential business opportunities with Yukon Energy. The forum will be interactive and collaborative, although there will be a few key speakers. If you are a Chief or Councillor of a Yukon First Nation, or a Development Corporation President, CEO or Trustee, we'd love to have you attend. For more information please contact Colin MacKenzie at (867) 668-3908 or at conference@yidc.ca.
Energy Supply
Nov 04, 2011  2

The Power of Wood

It's a busy time here at Yukon Energy.  A couple of weeks ago we held a workshop and public meeting focussed on the idea of using municipal waste (after the recyclables have been removed) to produce electricity and district heat. We are now following that up with a second meeting. This one will delve into the possibility of using some of Yukon's waste wood (fire killed, bettle killed, or saw mill waste) as a source to generate electricity and district heat. You're invited to a public meeting on this issue on Thursday December 1st at the Old Fire Hall in Whitehorse. The session will run from 7 to 9 p.m. There'll be presentations from experts, we'll share what we've learned so far about this potential energy option, and you'll have a chance to ask questions and express your views.
General, News
Nov 05, 2011  Comment

Yukon Energy on YouTube

Yukon Energy now has a YouTube channel. It's another way for us to share information with you about our projects and research. Let us know if you find this a useful tool.
Energy Supply
Nov 08, 2011  Comment

Light at the End of the Tunnel (Or Should We Say Penstock?)

We are now just weeks away from putting Mayo B into service. The last piece of penstock (the underground pipe that carries water from Wareham Lake to the new powerhouse) was recently installed and we should be putting our Mayo A plant back into operation within the next week or two. We expect Mayo B to be supplying electricity to the grid before the end of this year.  Below is a photo of the final piece of penstock being welded into place.

Media Releases
Oct 17, 2011  Comment

CanNor Invests in Alternative Energy Research for Yukon

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and Minister of Health today announced funding for new research into long-term, clean energy options for Yukon. “Projects that examine alternative, renewable energy options are important in planning for the long-term sustainability of Northern communities,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Moving forward with investments in clean energy research will help us balance our need for energy in growing sectors such as resource development, with our need to protect the environment.” “New research will assist Yukon Energy Corporation develop a long-term energy plan for the territory,” said Ryan Leef, Yukon Member of Parliament. “Positive results from this research could lead to new project development, which in turn could create jobs, new businesses and build capacity.” Support from CanNor will enable Yukon Energy Corporation to carry out public engagement sessions with Yukoners and undertake new research into various types of alternative energy such as geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar. It will also support a feasibility study and business plan to examine the viability of using waste recovery technology to convert municipal waste into electrical energy for the Yukon. “As the demand for energy grows, we are looking at all possible options for meeting that need with electricity that is affordable, reliable, environmentally responsible and flexible,” said Yukon Energy Corporation president David Morrison. “I want to thank CanNor for this significant contribution, which will help us work with Yukoners to plan a clean energy future.” This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories. SINED is one of several economic development initiatives within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy. For copies of CanNor news releases, visit: www.cannor.gc.ca. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca and for more information on Canada’s Northern Strategy, visit www.northernstrategy.ca. For further information see backgrond information below or please contact: Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq Cailin Rodgers (613) 957-0200 Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Erin Macpherson Communications Advisor 867-667-3849 Yukon Energy Corporation Janet Patterson Supervisor, Communications 867-393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca Background information: The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is investing a total of $425,000 in the Yukon Energy Corporation to undertake two projects which will examine options for long-term, clean energy solutions for the Yukon. Waste to Energy Project CanNor Funding: $225,000 Yukon Energy Corporation: $225,000 Funding will be used to carry out a feasibility study and develop a business plan related to waste recovery technology that would convert municipal garbage into electrical energy. If the feasibility study demonstrates that there is potential to recover waste at the facility, the project could have many positive economic and environmental benefits for Yukon. Outcomes could include the development of a wood pellet industry, a new market for waste wood, and using trees affected by spruce beetle. This project also has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease the waste at Yukon landfills. Energy Charrette and Research Project CanNor funding: $200,000 Yukon Energy Corporation: $170,000 CanNor funding will be used for research and public engagement activities to examine various energy options for Yukon. YEC will be hosting community meetings in Mayo, Dawson City and Haines Junction to discuss alternative energy options and issues. As well, research will be conducted into new hydro, thermal, wind, geothermal, solar, natural gas, and other alternative forms of energy. CanNor’s investment also supported an energy charrette hosted by YEC in Whitehorse in March 2011. The charrette brought nationally recognized energy experts from across Canada to present information to Yukoners on energy resource options and energy conservation programs. Over 75 Yukon stakeholders participated in the charrette representing federal, territorial, First Nation and municipal governments as well as industry, business, and members of the community. The charrette was an opportunity for Yukoners and YEC to participate in focused discussions on Yukon’s energy future. Yukon Energy Corporation Established in 1987, the Yukon Energy Corporation is a publicly owned electrical utility that operates at arms length from the Yukon government. YEC is the main generator and transmitter of electrical energy in Yukon and works with its parent company, Yukon Development Corporation to provide Yukoners with energy services. CanNor Programs This investment is made possible through CanNor's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative, which focuses on long-term economic growth, economic diversification and capacity building in all three territories. SINED is one of several economic development initiatives within CanNor. CanNor is responsible for coordinating and delivering Canada's economic development across the North, and for related policy development, research and advocacy.

Media Releases
Nov 03, 2011  Comment

Yukon Government, City of Whitehorse and Yukon Energy Explore District Energy Opportunities

Yukon Energy is partnering with the Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse to look into the feasibility of a district energy system for Whitehorse. The partners have awarded FVB Energy Inc. a contract worth just over $300,000 to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study. FVB is a highly reputable company based in Alberta. It has been in business for nearly 30 years, providing expertise in the field of district energy to more than 20 countries. FVB will start its work early this month and is expected to have its report completed by next spring. District energy systems link suppliers to customers through a network of underground pipes, transporting heat from an energy plant via steam or hot water. The plant may also generate electricity in an arrangement known as cogeneration. In Yukon’s case, the partners are interested in exploring how waste heat from biomass, gas and/or waste-to-energy generation projects could be used in a district energy system that could serve public and private commercial and institutional buildings. Benefits could include: • reduction in fossil fuel use and therefore fewer greenhouse gas emissions; • lower heating costs for Yukoners; • Development of a biomass fuel industry in Yukon (energy related employment, enhanced local/regional energy economy, greater energy security and improved local control); and • Meeting the City of Whitehorse’s Sustainability and Official Community Plan objectives and meeting some of the Yukon Energy Strategy goals and certain Climate Change Action Plan objectives. A pre-feasibility study done last year indicated that a district energy system is very likely technically and economically feasible in some areas of Whitehorse, including Lewes Blvd. in Riverdale, the Whitehorse hospital area, and the downtown core. This feasibility study will confirm the findings and explore these and other possible options in much greater detail. Contact: Janet Patterson Supervisor, Communications Yukon Energy (867) 393-5333 (867) 335-1519 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca Ron Billingham Communications Yukon Department of Energy, Mines and Resources (867) 667-8786 ron.billingham@gov.yk.ca Shannon Clohosey Sustainability Projects Manager City of Whitehorse (867) 334-2111 shannon.clohosey@whitehorse.ca

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