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:


Communications and Community Relations
Phone: (867) 393-5398
Email: communications@yec.yk.ca

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.

Energy Conservation
Nov 10, 2011  Comment

Calculating Your Energy Usage

Want to know how much it costs for your daily shower or bath? Need to better understand how much electricity your television or your computer uses? We have a new tool that can help you manage your electricity usage and lower your power bill. Check out our energy calculator and let us know what you think.
Energy Supply
Nov 10, 2011  Comment

Short Power Outage

Loss of generation from Yukon Energy’s Aishihik plant resulted in a power outage earlier today that affected sections of Whitehorse, the Mayo Road, communities south of Whitehorse (Carcross, Tagish, Marsh Lake and Teslin), Dawson City, and Alexco’s Bellekeno mine. Power went out at 11:35 a.m. and was restored to all areas by shortly after 12 noon.  
Community Involvement, Energy Conservation
Nov 10, 2011  Comment

What Should a Made in Yukon Energy Conservation Plan Look Like?

You might recall that earlier this year, Yukon Energy teamed up with the Yukon Electrical Company Ltd. and the Yukon government’s Department of Energy, Mines & Resources to collect information about how people use electricity in the territory and where the greatest gains might be in terms energy conservation or efficiencies. We hired ICF Marbek to do what's called a Conservation Potential Review. Marbek is one of Canada’s top energy consulting firms. Over the past several months, the company has been gathering information to answer the following questions: • How do Yukoners currently use energy (i.e. what percentage of energy consumption goes towards heat, hot water, lighting, plug loads, etc.)? • How much power would Yukon need in future years if there weren't any energy conservation/efficiency initiatives put in place? • How much potential is there in Yukon for energy savings through energy conservation initiatives? • Where are the greatest gains to be made in terms of energy conservation? The consultants have been gathering the information using customer billing data, stakeholder consultation and customer surveys. They’ve processed all the collected data and are now ready to start discussing their findings with Yukoners. Marbek is coming to Yukon for two-and-a-half days of workshops next week in Whitehorse with various stakeholders. The workshops will allow participants to talk about how much of the electricity savings identified in the draft study can realistically be achieved within Yukon’s residential, commercial and renewable sectors between now and 2030. Marbek will take the feedback it receives during these workshops and use it to further refine its report. The final version of the report will be available to everyone as soon as it is completed.  
Community Involvement, Energy Supply
Nov 14, 2011  Comment

Our Southern Lakes Workshop Series

Yukon Energy is hosting a series of public workshops focused on the Marsh Lake Storage Concept. Workshop #1 - Data Collection on Public Use The aim of this workshop is to gather information on how people use Marsh, Tagish and Bennett Lakes. Members of the public are asked to join us and - using a map - identify your interests/usage of these lakes. Saturday Nov. 19th – Marsh Lake Community Centre – 12 noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 22nd – Tagish Community Club – 7 – 9 p.m. Workshop #2 - Groundwater Effects The purpose of this workshop is to provide detailed, technical information discussion of the interaction between lake levels and shallow groundwater under private properties.  This workshop is open to all, but will be of particular interest to property owners in the Army Beach and South M’Clintock area. Saturday Nov. 26 – Marsh Lake Community Centre – 12 noon to 6 p.m. Yukon Energy will provide free transportation to Marsh Lake, Tagish and Carcross residents wishing to attend sessions outside their own community. Please contact us to book a ride by calling (867) 393-5333 or emailing communications@yukonenergy.ca. DOOR PRIZES, FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED AT ALL WORKSHOPS. *Workshops on shoreline erosion and aquatics/terrestrial effects will take place in early 2012. Watch for dates and times after Christmas.
Community Involvement, Energy Supply
Nov 14, 2011  Comment

What We Heard

We wanted to share with you a summary of the comments made and the discussions that took place at our recent Waste-to-Energy workshop in Whitehorse. Once you have read this short report, please let us know if you have any questions or comments.
Community Involvement, Energy Conservation
Nov 17, 2011  Comment

Campfire Chat: Energy Saving Tips

The Kitchen-Kuiack family from Marsh Lake, Yukon is into their final few weeks of the nation-wide Energy Diet Challenge. They admit they've learned a lot, and have passed on much of what they've learned to others through their blog. In their latest installment, they took the opportunity at an old fashioned hotdog roast to gather some energy saving tips from other Yukoners. Do you have a tip you'd like to share? We'd love it if you would post it here.
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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