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

General
Mar 12, 2010  Comment

We Have Things Well in Hand

We thought you might be interested in learning more about what Yukon Energy is doing to meet the electrical needs of Yukoners now and into the future. Our latest strategic plan lays out our priorities for the next two years. You can read the full plan here. In a nutshell, here are the four main areas we are focussing on: Reliable Power The goal is to reduce the number of controllable outages and make our system more efficient. Two thirds of the core capital budget is being dedicated to reliability improvements for the next five years. Work is under way to improve the performance of our hydro generating equipment and transmission lines. The Whitehorse-Aishihik-Faro transmission system will be joined to the Mayo-Dawson grid so Yukon Energy’s hydro assets can be managed as one unit.     Yukon Energy is also working with Yukon Electrical to find ways to improve service to distribution customers and to localize outages.   Meet future demand with clean power Yukon Energy is planning for the future. Our challenge is to meet an increasing demand for electricity with clean, renewable energy that works well with our existing hydro infrastructure. We are looking at all possible sources of clean energy, including wind, geo-thermal and additional hydro, to keep to a minimum the need to burn diesel for power generation.   Establish a buffer of surplus renewable energy To ensure Yukon has a continuous supply of clean energy, resource planning must include a buffer of energy projects that are 'shelf ready' but only built if required.    Work with customers to better meet future energy needs Yukon Energy cannot fulfill our mandate in isolation. We must work to engage Yukoners so we can collectively create a clean energy future. Our goals are to better define commercial client needs and continue to explore opportunities to work with First Nations and the private section on energy projects.   We are also working with Yukon Electrical Company Ltd. and the Yukon government to establish independent power producer and net metering policies and develop a conservation/Demand Side Management program.
News
Mar 12, 2010  Comment

A Busy Birthday

Today is Yukon Energy's 23rd birthday. We were incorporated on March 12, 1987. It's been a busy but productive birthday! Not only did we sign a construction contract for the Mayo B project, but we also held a kick off meeting with the contractor who tomorrow starts building Stage 2 of the Carmacks-Stewart line.
Regulatory
Mar 19, 2010  Comment

Getting All Our Ducks in a Row

Yukon Energy would like to respond to concerns by the NDP and the Yukon Conservation Society about recent construction contract announcements regarding the Mayo B and Carmacks-Stewart Stage 2 projects. Their fear is that we are moving forward with construction before we have received all the necessary permits and permissions. That is not the case. In terms of the Carmacks-Stewart line, Stage 2 is fully permitted. It has gone through an extensive environmental (YESAB) screening and has also been reviewed by the Yukon Utilities Board (YUB). We have all permits we need to proceed with construction. In fact line clearing on this project began this past November.   On Mayo B, Yukon Energy has consistently informed both YESAB and the YUB that, prior to securing the necessary documents and permits, we would be moving to award a construction contract as well as to purchase key long term equipment.  Yukon Energy has also consistently told both YESAB and the YUB that we cannot start construction, and obviously will not allow the contractor to start construction on Mayo B before all necessary permits are in place.    The Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board has already issued its draft screening report on the Mayo B project. The report confirms that YESAB is prepared to recommend this project move ahead as long as certain conditions are met. We see no reason why we can't meet those conditions, which are fairly standard requirements for utilities involved in hydro projects.     While we wait for YESAB’s final recommendations and for the conclusion of the Yukon Utilities Board process, there are things we can do to ensure we have everything in order and are ready to go as soon as the permits and permissions are issued. The contract we recently signed with Kiewit allows that company to work with us to prepare for construction, thus ensuring that the Mayo plant can be in operation by our March 31, 2012 federal funding deadline. That work includes things such as planning and engineering, going through the process needed for hiring subcontractors, and setting up the work camp near the Mayo B construction site.   From Yukon Energy’s point of view, it would be irresponsible for us to sit and do nothing until the YUB and the YESAB processes are complete, since that would cause us to miss our project completion deadline of March 31, 2012. By missing the deadline we would not receive the $71 million that has been committed by the federal government. Without Mayo B we would be forced to use more diesel, resulting in higher electricity bills for Yukoners.   We are trying to do right by Yukoners. We think Mayo B is a good project for the territory and we are doing everything we can to ensure it proceeds. 
Regulatory
Mar 25, 2010  Comment

Unravelling the Mysteries of the Utilities Board Process

Yukon Energy and the Yukon Electrical Company Limited have filed a joint Phase II Application to our regulator, the Yukon Utilities Board. Before your eyes glaze over, let us explain what a Phase II Application is and why this might be important to you. You might remember that in 2008 and 2009 each utility went to the Utilities Board separately for what are known as revenue requirement hearings. This process allows the YUB to determine how much money each company needs to operate and what the overall amount is that can be charged to customers for electricity. During the Phase II hearings, the Utilities Board uses the information from the Revenue Requirement Hearings to do a couple of things: It recommends how much of that overall amount is to be allocated to each class of customer (resident, small business, government and industry). In other words, the YUB decides who pays for what amount of the pie. You might not know that while business and industry now pay 100 percent of what it costs to provide them with power, residential customers currently only pay about 70 percent of the true cost of their power. They are subsidized by the government, which pays 130 percent of the cost. It recommends how the rates within each class should be designed. For example, the Utilities Board could determine that people who use under a certain amount of electricity per month should get a reduction on their bill while those using a lot of electricity each month should pay a higher rate. That already happens to a certain extent, but Yukon Energy and Yukon Electrical Company Ltd. are asking that there be even more incentives for people to conserve electricity. The Phase II hearing will also deal with proposed changes to the terms under which the utilities provide service to customers. This covers everything from rights of the utility to access land (such as when a linesperson has to go onto private property to access transmission lines) to the rights of a customer to have their meter tested, as well as the level of service fees. If you want to know more, the entire Phase II hearing application can be found on our web site. As always, if you have questions, please send them our way and we will do our best to answer them.        
Safety
Mar 26, 2010  Comment

Getting to the COR of the Matter

Are you a contrator who does work for us? Then here's some information that's important for you to know about. You will soon be required to be Certificate of Recognition (COR) certified. The COR is issued to employers who develop and implement health and safety programs that meet the highest safety standards as set out by the Northern Safety Network and the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board.  Yukon Energy became COR certified last year. Now, in continuing our efforts to make Yukon Energy as safe a workplace as it can possibly be, we are phasing in the COR requirement as part of our tendering and contracting process. Phase I will become effective July 1, 2010 and applies to construction contracts valued at $500,000 or more. Phase II begins July 1, 2011 and applies to construction contracts valued at $100,000 or more. Phase III begins July 1, 2012 and applies to construction contracts of any value. For more information, please call (867) 393-5335 or 393-5353 or send an email to melaine.pettefer@yec.yk.ca.      
Community Involvement
Mar 30, 2010  Comment

They’re Back!

The trumpeter swans have returned to the Yukon and so has Yukon Energy's swam cam. Enjoy! Yukon government photo.
News
Apr 01, 2010  Comment

Keeping You In the Loop

We invite you to read our latest newsletter to get the most up-to-date information regarding our Mayo B and Carmacks-Stewart transmission line projects. Also, a reminder that the Yukon Utilities Board will hold public hearings on Mayo B starting this coming Tuesday (April 6th) at 9 a.m. at the Yukon Inn in Whitehorse.
Reliability
Apr 08, 2010  Comment

The Power of Time

If you live in the Southern or Central Yukon, you may have noticed some of your clocks losing time over the past several days. The cause stems from a malfunctioning control clock we use here at Yukon Energy to help us regulate the amount of power we generate.  We synchronize the time on a sophisticated electric wall clock with a dead-accurate satellite signal as a means of ensuring the correct amount of power is being generated at any given time. When the time on our electric clock drifts more than 10 seconds in either direction, our operations know there is either more power being generated than is needed, or there isn’t enough power being produced. Either way, the operator will adjust the amount of power production to bring the electric clock back in line with satellite (GPS) time.   In this particular case, our control centre’s wall clock was running faster than the satellite clock, so staff reduced generation as per normal practice. What we didn’t know was that there was a problem with the electric clock. When generation was reduced, that caused all AC clocks (clocks plugged into the wall) to lose time.   The change happened quite gradually so it took a few days before we knew there was an issue with our wall clock.   The clock we use is a sophisticated piece of equipment. This is the first time it has failed since we started using it in 1998. We have ordered another clock and we hope to have it installed within a couple of weeks. In the meantime we are relying on an older clock to regulate power production. The clock that malfunctioned will be repaired and will run in parallel with the new one as a back-up system, hopefully ensuring we don't have this issue again.
General
Apr 08, 2010  Comment

Hiatus

Over the next several weeks, there will be few if any blog postings on this web site. The person who maintains this site will be away from the office. Should you have any questions for Yukon Energy, please phone (867) 393-5300 and you will be directed to the most appropriate person, or you can email shelley.dixon@yec.yk.ca. We thank you for taking the time to read our blog and hope you will return in late May when Yukon Energy will resume regular blogging.
Community Involvement
Apr 19, 2010  Comment

Better to Give Than Receive? Our Corporate Contributions Committee Thinks So

Yukon Energy’s primary responsibility is to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to Yukoners. However as a Yukon business we also have a role to play in helping to build and maintain healthy, vibrant communities. That’s why, last year alone, we gave more than $75-thousand to over 45 non-profit groups based in the Yukon.   Any organization seeking sponsorship must prepare a request for funding and submit it to Yukon Energy’s Corporate Contributions Committee. In order be eligible for money, the group must be registered as a non-profit organization in the territory.   Since there are always more requests than there is money, the applications are weighed against certain criteria:   · Does it align with Yukon Energy’s values and mandate? · Will the event or project benefit the community at large? · Will it benefit youth and/or the underprivileged? · Is the event or project in one of our service areas? · How will Yukon Energy be publicly recognized for our contribution?   For more information visit the Sponsorship section of our web site. 
News
May 27, 2010  Comment

Take a Tour; Learn Energy Saving Tips

Interested in decreasing your power bills? Yukon Energy, in collaboration with Maritime Power in Prince Edward Island, has created a tool that we hope will provide you with energy saving hints. It's a virtual home that give tips for reducing electricity use in each room. Click on the doorway to begin your tour. Once you've visited this site we'd love to hear your feed-back. Is this something you find useful?
Media Releases
Mar 12, 2010  Comment

Construction to Start on Stage 2 of Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Line

Construction work is about to start on Stage 2 of Yukon Energy’s Carmacks-Stewart transmission line. The line materials have been ordered and Valard Construction will start assembling and installing the poles for the transmission line tomorrow. The stringing of the line will begin in the summer, with completion expected by this fall. Valard, in partnership with the Northern Tutchone First Nations, is the same company that built the transmission line for Stage 1, which runs from Carmacks to Pelly Crossing with a spur into the Minto mine site. Stage 2, from Pelly Crossing to Stewart Crossing, will connect Yukon Energy’s two major grids and allow the Corporation to operate the assets as one interconnected system. Valard has again partnered with the Northern Tutchone First Nations to complete Stage 2. The contract is worth $11-million. “We were very pleased with the work that Valard and the Northern Tutchone First Nations did on Stage 1 and we’re happy to have them with us again for the second part of the project,” Yukon Energy president David Morrison said. “Once Stage 2 is in service late this year or early next, customers throughout the integrated Yukon grid can be served with clean, renewable power.” The project is within Yukon Energy’s expected time frame and budget. The flagging of the right of way area to be cleared, done by Challenger Geomatics, took place in November and December, 2009. That work is now complete, and Challenger has also finished marking where the transmission poles will go. The value of the contract with Challenger is approximately $472-thousand. The clearing was finished in early February. The $1.6 million clearing contract was awarded to Pelly Construction Ltd, the managing partner on behalf of the Northern Tuchone Joint Venture Partnership comprised of Pelly Construction Ltd., Na-Cho Nyak Dun Development Corporation, Selkirk Development Corporation, and Carmacks Development Corporation. All subcontracted companies were Yukon-based, directly employing between 12 and 15 Yukoners to complete the right-of-way clearing work. “With the majority of resources for clearing, including labour, equipment and materials being sourced in Yukon, we are pleased to report that 99 percent of the revenues associated with this project will stay in the territory,” Pelly Construction Vice President Jess Jewell said. “This includes wages, food, fuel, equipment and other services. We are especially appreciative of everyone’s efforts and thank the various First Nation communities for their support while working in their traditional territories.” “As a testament to local skills and job safety, the clearing work has been completed under often challenging terrain and inclement weather conditions without a single medical aid or loss time incident,” Jewell added. Economic spin-offs from the surveying work include the salaries of two Yukoners, the rental for several weeks of a house from the Selkirk Development Corporation, groceries, and gas. The Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Project has been through an extensive executive committee level screening by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board and has been reviewed by the Yukon Utilities Board. It is being paid for by contributions from the federal government's Green Infrastructure Fund, and from the Yukon government and Yukon Development Corporation. For safety reasons, Yukoners are asked to stay away from the active building zone while the line construction is taking place. If they absolutely must enter the worksite area, they must wear safety clothing and to prearrange access with the on-site project manager. Contact information for the project manager will be posted at worksite access points along the Klondike Highway, or can be obtained by contacting Yukon Energy. Contact: Janet Patterson Supervisor, Communications Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
Media Releases
Mar 12, 2010  Comment

Yukon Energy; Kiewit Sign Construction Contract for Mayo B

Yukon Energy has awarded the construction contract for the Mayo B project. The contract, worth $85.4 million, was given to Peter Kiewit Sons Co. this morning. “Through our normal competitive bid process we initially hired Kiewit almost a year ago to be involved in the planning and design of Mayo B,” Yukon Energy president David Morrison said. “We felt that involving a construction company early in the process would help minimize risks associated with cost and schedule.” “Since then, Kiewit’s input and expertise has proven to be invaluable to the advancement of the Mayo B project, so we are happy today to finalize a contract and to continue working with them during construction,” Morrison added. Over the past several months, Kiewit worked with Yukon Energy’s engineers to finalize the most cost-effective and efficient design. It also helped with the tender process for the turbine/generator package and worked with Yukon Energy to determine firm costs for Mayo B. “We are extremely pleased to be working with the Yukon Energy on the Mayo B hydroelectric project,” Peter Kiewit Sons Co. Senior Vice-President Greg Dixon said. “Yukon Energy has developed a unique alliance contracting model that has created a strong working partnership between Kiewit, the local community of Mayo, the First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun (NND) and the energy company.” “The traditional bid-build contracting model has been challenging on complex hydro projects and Yukon Energy should be commended for its strong leadership in promoting this new and exciting approach,” Dixon said. “As the project proceeds, the hydroelectric industry will be watching with keen interest as this innovative contracting model may shape the future of hydro projects across Canada.” Land-based construction of Mayo B is expected to start this summer, subject to a review by the Yukon Utilities Board and the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board. The water-based work is planned for the summer of 2011. Mayo B is expected to be completed no later than March 2012. Yukon Energy and Kiewit will be working with the NND and the community of Mayo to plan for local employment and business opportunities during the construction. Yukon Energy expects to sign a Project Benefits Agreement with the First Nation very soon. Mayo B is being made affordable due to a $ 53.35 million contribution from the Federal government’s Green Infrastructure Fund as well as $30.15 million from the Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon government. The other $36.5 million will be paid for by electrical customers. However because the cost will be spread over the lifetime of the project (50+ years) there will not be a rate increase as a result of the Mayo B project. Contact: Janet Patterson Supervisor, Communications Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
Media Releases
Apr 30, 2010  Comment

Yukon Energy and Na-cho Nyak Dun Sign Major Project Agreement

Na-cho Nyak Dun First Nation and Yukon Energy have signed a Project Agreement for the Mayo hydro enhancement project (Mayo B). The agreement was signed yesterday in Mayo. It represents the mutual and beneficial interests shared by YukonEnergy and the First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun and the importance of this project for Yukon’s future energy needs. “The signing of this agreement is the first step in our First Nation receiving revenues from a utility for many years into the future and it gives us the opportunity to invest in the ownership of the new hydro electric generating facility,” Chief Simon Mervin said. “The Agreement will, in turn, provide a long-term source of income for our nation and there will be employment and contracting opportunities,” Councillor Mary McMahon explained. “Yukon Energy believes this agreement demonstrates our interest in working with The Na-cho Nyak Dun to ensure local benefits and it enables the First Nation to invest in being a part of building a clean energy future for Yukon,” said David Morrison, President and CEO of Yukon Energy. Along with an investment opportunity, the Na-cho Nyak Dun has an opportunity for substantial economic benefits through sub-contracts and employment opportunities. In addition to the Project Agreement with Na-cho Nyak Dun, Yukon Energy recently signed a construction contract with Peter Kiewit and Sons Ltd. (Kiewit) to build the Mayo B project, which includes the building of a new powerhouse and water conveyance. Kiewit has hired a Na-cho Nyak Dun liaison person to coordinate the hiring of about 120 people. Construction of the Mayo B project will not begin until the Yukon Environmental Social Economic Board process is complete and Yukon Energy has received all of the permits necessary for construction. The Mayo B project is funded in part by Federal government’s Green Infrastructure Fund and a financial commitment from the Yukon government and Yukon Development Corporation. The Mayo B power house brings power generation on site to 15 megawatts without the need for a new dam. -30- For more information contact: Janet Patterson                                                          Communications, Yukon Energy Corporation              (867) 393-5333                                                          janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca    Anne Leckie Executive Director First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun (867) 996-2265
Media Releases
Jun 04, 2010  Comment

Permits in Hand; Mayo B Construction Set to Begin

Yukon Energy has received all the permits necessary to start groundwork on the Mayo B project, and construction will begin later today or tomorrow. Initial work will include clearing and grubbing (removal of stumps, roots and shrubs) of the area where the penstock will be located. Last month Yukon Energy received a favourable response to the project from both the Yukon Utilities Board and the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB). However the energy corporation needed some permits and final approvals before moving ahead with construction. Those came yesterday and today in the form of an energy project certificate, a land use permit, and decision documents from the Yukon and federal governments accepting YESAB's recommendations. “We are extremely pleased to have these final hurdles behind us,” Yukon Energy President David Morrison said. “It’s taken a huge amount of time and effort by a great many people to reach this stage and I would like to thank everyone who has worked to advance this project.” Mayo B will increase the ability to generate clean power from five megawatts to approximately 15 megawatts without the need for a new dam. The project will offset greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 25,000 tonnes a year. “It’s our job to provide Yukoners with enough clean, affordable and reliable electricity to keep the lights on and keep businesses thriving,” Morrison added. “Mayo B fits that mandate. It enhances our existing hydro infrastructure, supplies additional clean energy and has a small environmental footprint.” The project will create job opportunities for approximately 150 people over the next two years, most of whom will be Yukoners. Peter Kiewit Sons Co., the construction contractor, has set up a hiring office in Mayo and is working with the First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun and the community of Mayo to ensure local employment and business opportunities during construction. While land-based construction of Mayo B is starting now, the water-based work won’t take place until the summer of 2011. Mayo B is expected to be completed no later than March 2012. Mayo B is being made affordable due to a $ 53.35 million contribution from the Federal government’s Green Infrastructure Fund as well as $30.15 million from the Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon government. The other $36.5 million will be paid for by electrical customers. However because the cost will be spread over the lifetime of the project (50+ years) there will not be a rate increase as a result of the Mayo B project. Contact: Janet Patterson Supervisor, Communications Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca

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