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Feb 09, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Files Power Purchase Agreement with Yukon Utilities Board

Yukon Energy has submitted to the Yukon Utilities Board a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the supply of electricity to the Minto mine. The energy corporation and Minto Explorations Ltd. finalized the PPA last night. “Completing a PPA and filing the agreement with our regulator is a major accomplishment for the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Line project,” Yukon Energy president David Morrison said. “It also fulfills a promise we made to Yukoners that they would have an opportunity through the Yukon Utilities Board process to scrutinize the deal. “We believe we have an agreement that not only protects Yukoners from any rate increases as a result of the line, but that will also bring significant benefits to the territory over the long term,” Morrison added. The transmission line would allow Pelly Crossing residents to switch from diesel to hydro for their electricity. It would also reduce greenhouse gases by between 22,000 and 29,000 tonnes per year by displacing the Minto mine’s on-site diesel generation. Minto plans to use diesels to supply its power until the transmission line is built. Key elements of the agreement include: a promise that no individual ratepayer will see an increase in their rates due to the Carmacks-Stewart transmission line project. provisions for a $7.2 million contribution by Minto to Stage One of the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Project. Minto will pay 100 percent of the cost of the spur line to the mine site (estimated at $3.8 million) in equal blended monthly payments of interest and principal over the first seven years of service. a “take or pay” obligation, which commits Minto to purchasing a minimum of $24 million worth of power from Yukon Energy within the first eight years of serving the mine, along with security over the mine to ensure payments are made. Minto will provide $850,000 to be placed into a Yukon Energy fund to cover decommissioning costs at the end of the mine’s life. A proposed new firm power rate for the Minto mine of approximately 10 cents per kWh. A proposed Secondary Energy rate of six cents per kWh available for the processing of low grade ore, if there is surplus electricity after Yukon Energy serves its firm customers and its regular Secondary Sales customers (in other words, Minto would be third in line for surplus power) Yukon Energy will purchase Minto’s four 1.6 megawatt diesel generators for $2.24 million, with the energy company making equal blended monthly payments of interest and principal over the first seven years of service. The Power Purchase Agreement will not be effective until the YUB has given its approval, which is needed on or before the end of April in order for the energy company to finish building Phase 1 of the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Line by the fall of 2008. Yukon Energy also requires environmental and permitting approvals from, among others, the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board Executive Committee (YESAB). The power company filed a submission to YESAB on October 13, 2006 and has since become the first company in the history of YESAB to pass through the Executive Committee’s adequacy review stage. The next step, known as the screening phase, will see YESAB inviting public comment on the proposal. Stage One of the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Project includes a 138 kV transmission line from Carmacks to Pelly Crossing and a 25 kV to 35 kV spur to Minto.  A full copy of the Utilities Board application, including the Power Purchase Agreement, can be found here. -30- Contact:Janet Patterson                                                Communications SupervisorYukon Energy Corporation                                          (867) 393-5333                                                          janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca                

Media Releases
Feb 17, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Teams Up With Local Club to Re-open Nature Trails

Thanks to financial help from Yukon Energy Corporation and lots of hard work by a non-profit group in Dawson City, several over-grown recreational trails in the Klondike Valley are being made usable again. The Dawson City Sled Dawgs has plans to re-open six to eight local trails that have not been attended to in some time. Once brought back into use, the trails can be enjoyed by everyone from snowmobilers and mushers to skiers, hikers, joggers and dog walkers.    “Yukon Energy’s contribution will be a great help in paying for equipment rental and gas to do this work,” Sled Dawgs President Nadia Hapalo said. “The re-opened trails will give visitors another reason to come to Dawson and will give locals a good excuse to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.” “The members of the Dawson City Sled Dawgs do some tremendous community work, and we’re happy to be able to help them with this nature trail project,” Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said. The Dawson City Sled Dawgs has members in Dawson, Mayo, Watson Lake and Whitehorse. The group is dedicated to safe family oriented outdoor activities. -30- Contact:Janet PattersonSupervisor, CommunicationsYukon Energy Corporation(867) 393-5333janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca    

Media Releases
Mar 28, 2007  Comment

Government Re-Appoints Yukon Development Corporation Chair

The Yukon government has re-appointed Willard Phelps as chair of the Yukon Development Corporation. Phelps is a long-time Yukoner with many years of experience in the field of energy."We are fortunate that Mr. Phelps has agreed to continue in the role of chair for another three-year term," Archie Lang, minister responsible for the Yukon Development Corporation, said. "With Mr. Phelps' expertise and knowledge, he's the best person we could have found for the job."Phelps first became chair of Yukon Development Corporation in 2004. He is part of the family that originally started the Yukon Electrical Co. and has been involved in many aspects of the business. When he was leader of the Yukon government in the 1980s, he initiated the process to have the Northern Canada Power Commission's Yukon assets transferred to the territory. Under the Ostashek government, Phelps was the minister responsible for the Yukon Development Corporation and Yukon Energy Corporation.As chair, Phelps is responsible for working with the board of directors to oversee the operations of Yukon Development Corporation and its subsidiary Yukon Energy Corporation. -30- Contact:Roxanne VallevandCabinet Communications(867) 633-7949roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Media Releases
Mar 28, 2007  Comment

Yukon Government Extends Rate Stabilization Fund

The Government of Yukon is extending the current Rate Stabilization Fund for the next three months. This means that the government will continue to provide the electrical bill subsidy for Yukon residences and businesses until June 30."During this three-month period, the Government of Yukon will introduce a number of other initiatives which address energy efficiency and infrastructure development," Energy, Mines & Resources Minister Archie Lang said."This period will also allow the Yukon Energy Corporation to incorporate these new infrastructure and development initiatives into their upcoming plans," Lang added.The government expects to make announcements soon concerning further initiatives which will help Yukoners save on their energy bills and contribute to the goals of the Yukon government's Climate Change Strategy.The Rate Stabilization Fund was established to protect consumers from experiencing substantial electrical rate increases as a result of the Faro Mine closure in 1998. -30-  Contact:     Roxanne Vallevand  Darren Butt  Cabinet Communications Advisor  Communications, Energy, Mines & Resources  (867) 633-7949  (867) 667-5307  roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca  darren.butt@gov.yk.ca

Media Releases
Mar 30, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Awards Preliminary Work on Carmacks-Stewart Line

Yukon Energy has awarded a contract for the preliminary design of the proposed Carmacks-Stewart transmission line. Wardrop Engineering of Mississauga, Ontario won the contract over two other bidders. The value of the contract is just over $450,000. “Wardrop has an extensive 40 year international track record in the field of electrical utility engineering and design,” Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said. “It has done work for many electrical utilities across Canada and has also fulfilled contracts in Belize, the Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Barbados and the Bahamas, among other countries.”The scope of the work for Yukon Energy includes preliminary design work both for the Carmacks-Stewart line and the spur line to the Minto mine. The work will begin immediately and is to be completed by the end of July. This past summer, Yukon Energy sought out interested companies through an Expression of Interest notice. About a dozen firms responded and Yukon Energy narrowed that list down to five highly qualified companies that were invited to bid on the work. Of those five, three submitted bids. -30- Contact:Janet PattersonCommunications, Yukon Energy Corporation(867) 393-5333janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca  

Media Releases
Apr 02, 2007  Comment

AYC Partners with Yukon Energy Corp. to Offer New Award

The Association of Yukon Communities (AYC), in partnership with Yukon Energy Corporation, has created a new award to recognize leadership in sustainable community development in the territory. The annual Yukon Sustainable Community Award will be awarded to projects that demonstrate practical, innovative solutions that enhance the environmental sustainability of Yukon communities. The award will be in the form of two plaques: one for the recipients to keep and a second one that will be on permanent display in the AYC office and will include the names of all the award winners. “The Association of Yukon Communities feels it’s important to recognize the good work done in the area of sustainable development,” AYC Executive Director Tom Paterson said. “We’re very pleased to have Yukon Energy’s financial support for this initiative.” “We think this project is a good fit for Yukon Energy, since we too are continually striving to carry out our business in a way that is sustainable and both environmentally and socially responsible,” Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said. Winning projects must demonstrate innovation and excellence. Types of projects that will be eligible include, but are not limited to: Buildings Energy Residential development Solid waste Sustainable community planning Sustainable transportation Water (including waste water) Applications can be from any order of government with jurisdiction in the Yukon, Yukon non-governmental organizations, or a member of the private sector with offices in the territory. Applications for this year’s award must be submitted to the Association of Yukon Communities by April 23 for projects eligible during 2006. The winner will be selected by the board of the AYC, and the award will be presented at the Annual General Meeting of AYC held in DawsonCity, May 10-13. More details are available on the AYC web site at www.ayc.yk.ca. -30- Contact: Tom Paterson                                                   Janet Patterson                         Executive Director                                            Supervisor, Communications                   Association of Yukon Communities                    Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 668-4388                                                  (867) 393-5333 ayc@northwestel.net                                         janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
Media Releases
Apr 03, 2007  Comment

Yukon Allocates Money for Carmacks-Stewart Line to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

As part of its commitment to long-term sustainability and energy efficiency, the Yukon government will allocate up to $10-million in funding for Stage One of the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Project from Carmacks to Pelly Crossing. The funding is contingent on the Yukon Energy Corporation obtaining Yukon Utilities Board approval of the Power Purchase Agreement with Minto Explorations and receiving all necessary permits and approvals for the project. "The Yukon government is committed to the long-term efficiency and reliability of the territory's hydroelectric system, as part of our Climate Change Strategy," Premier Dennis Fentie said. "The government, in partnership with industry and the Yukon Energy Corporation, is participating in a number of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cutting down on the territory's dependence on diesel-generated electricity and developing sustainable energy projects." "Stage One of the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 24,100 tonnes per year, and more, if a second mine goes into production in the Carmacks area," Fentie added. "It will also end Pelly Crossing's reliance on diesel-generated electricity." The Yukon government will also work with Yukon Energy Corporation and industry to ensure that Stage Two can be constructed without any direct cost to other ratepayers. Stage Two will link the Whitehorse-Aishihik-Faro and Mayo-Dawson electricial grids by constructing the line from Pelly Crossing to Stewart Crossing. Connecting the grids will increase the flexibility and reliability of the entire electrical systems. It will also move the government one step closer to its goal of a Yukon-wide hydroelectrical grid. The Yukon government has designated the Carmacks to Stewart Crossing transmission line as a regulated project under part three of the Public Utilities Act and will forward Yukon Energy's forthcoming application for Energy Certificates for the project to the Yukon Utilities board for a public review. -30- Contact:Roxanne VallevandCabinet Communications(867) 633-7949roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Media Releases
May 14, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy-Minto Reach Amended Power Purchase Agreement

Officials of Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon Energy Corporation have reached a revised Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Minto mine, with support from the Yukon government. Certain provisions within the original agreement, reached between Yukon Energy and Minto Exploration in Feburary, were rejected recently by the Yukon Utilities Board. The board concluded that the risks related to the financing of Minto Exploration’s contribution to the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Line should not be borne by ratepayers. A revised agreement was signed by Yukon Energy and Minto Exploration this morning. The amended deal reflects changes required by the Utilities Board and provides Minto with the certainty it needs.  The main elements of the agreement include the following: The Yukon government has committed to take the necessary steps to fix the firm industrial rate agreed to in the original Power Purchase Agreement, as accepted by the Yukon Utilities Board on an interim basis, for four years with an escalator clause after the first year. The Yukon Development Corporation will assume the financing risks related to Minto Exploration’s capital cost contributions for both the main line and the spur, and also accept the risk that the amount of Minto’s contribution for the main line may increase beyond the present high cost estimates. The Take or Pay commitment has been reduced to reflect the length of time the firm industrial rate is fixed (four years).  Yukon Energy still intends to purchase the diesel units and, as suggested by the Utilities Board, will provide justification for that purchase in its next General Rate Application.   This afternoon, this revised agreement was submitted to the Yukon Utilities Board for review and consideration in the current Part 3 hearing on the Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Project.  -30- Contact:Janet PattersonYukon Energy/Yukon Development Corp.(867) 393-5333janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca      

Media Releases
May 17, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Expands Scholarship Program; Offers New Opportunities for Students

Yukon Energy has revised its scholarship program, to allow a broader range of students to take advantage of the educational funding offered by the energy company. Starting this year, it will provide scholarships for both pre-apprenticeship and post-secondary programs. “To our knowledge, no one else in the territory is offering scholarships for students entering pre-apprenticeship programs,” Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said. “With trades people so much in demand these days, we felt it was important to provide an incentive to those considering trades programs.” Yukon Energy is offering two $1,000 scholarships this year to Yukon residents entering a pre-apprenticeship or entry level program in the areas of electrician, power line technician, electronics technician, heavy duty mechanic, industrial instrument mechanic, industrial mechanics (millwright) or machinist. Yukon Energy will also offer four scholarships of $2,000 each to post secondary students studying electrical or maintenance engineering, electronic systems engineering, civil engineering, business administration and management studies. Two scholarships will go to first years students; the other two to students entering second year studies and beyond. Yukon Energy will continue its practice of awarding annual scholarships totaling $3,000 to beneficiaries of the First Nation of Ncho Nyak Dun and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. These scholarships were established as part of the Mayo to Dawson Transmission Line benefits agreement with the two First Nations. “Something that Yukon Energy tries to do is to establish a longer-term relationship with the students,” Patterson said. “Sometimes there are opportunities to offer them summer employment. One former scholarship recipient is now working for us on a more permanent basis as an electrical engineer in training.” Application forms and eligibility criteria can be found at yukonenergy.ca or are available from Yukon Energy offices, local schools, admission offices, guidance counselors, Yukon College and the First Nation offices in Mayo and Dawson City. The deadline to apply is June 29. -30- Contact:Janet PattersonCommunications, Yukon Energy Corporation(867) 393-5333janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca  

Media Releases
Jun 14, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Partners with Professional Dance Group for Clay Cliff Performances

“The clay cliffs are dusty and poetic, inviting and majestic,” says LINK Dance’s Artistic Director Gail Lotenberg. “They were made for dancers.”   Beginning on June 21, LINK Dance Foundation, in partnership with Yukon Energy Corporation, will present Dancing in the Streets 2007, a site-specific dance/theatre piece taking place along the Whitehorse Clay Cliffs.     The Clay Cliffs at Ogilvie Street and 8th Avenue will provide a powerful backdrop. Performances feature Heather Jones, Brian Fidler, Jordy Walker and the Groundwork Sessions breakdance crew. “It’s great to bring together the physical exuberance of the breakdancers with the sharply honed skills of mature professionals,” Lotenberg said.   “Dancing in the Streets has been presenting outdoor summer performances since 2004,” Lotenberg added. “Visibility and the goal of attracting new audiences have been central objectives of this program from the start. More recently, the program has grown into a performance series dedicated to advancing the craft of site-based dance.”   Performances will take place from June 21 to 23 and June 27 to 29 starting at 5:15 p.m.  Admission is by donation.   “This is a project that Yukon Energy Corporation is excited about and one that we’re happy to be a part of,” Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said. “The show’s theme ‘Generating Energy’ is of course a natural fit for us, but we also strongly support the fact that youth are being given the chance to work with professional artists.”    More information about Dancing in the Streets and LINK Dance Foundation can be found at www.linkdance.ca. -30- Contact: Gail Lotenberg                                                   Artistic Director, LINK Dance Foundation      (867) 633-5465                                                   inquiry@linkdance.ca     Janet Patterson Communications, Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca                                    

Media Releases
Aug 02, 2007  Comment

Fourth Wheel Causes Power Outage to Parts of the Southern Yukon

Yukon Energy is investigating the cause of a power outage last night in parts of the Southern Yukon. Most of Whitehorse, Faro, Ross River, Deep Creek and Mendenhall lost power just after 9:30 p.m. Power was restored to most places within an hour, although it was two hours before residents of Deep Creek and Mendenhall had electricity once again. Yukon Energy believes the cause of the outage was a problem with its number four hydro unit in Whitehorse. The unit is out of service today while staff work to determine the problem and how it can be fixed. In the meantime, power will be produced using the three other hydro units in Whitehorse and one of Yukon Energy’s Aishihik hydro generators.                                                                                            Contact: Janet Patterson Supervisor, Communications Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca

Media Releases
Aug 14, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Undertakes Major Whitefish Study

Yukon Energy Corporation is involved in an extensive fish monitoring program in the Aishihik area. Early results from the study indicate a very healthy Lake Whitefish population. The monitoring program is being carried out in partnership with the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, the Yukon government’s Department of Environment and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The first part of the initiative involved netting hundreds of adult Lake Whitefish from both Canyon and Aishihik Lakes. This occurred in late July and early August. Biologists took bone and stomach content samples and will spend the next several months studying the material to determine the age and maturity of the fish. Final results should be known by the spring. “Yukon Energy has been monitoring juvenile Lake Whitefish annually since the late 1990s, as a way of ensuring the health of the fish population and the overall health of Aishihik Lake,” Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said. “However this year, a more extensive program is being carried out. This initiative will help us determine if there is a correlation between the operation of the Aishihik Hydro Generating Station and the Lake Whitefish population.” “Depending on the results, operating conditions in our Aishihik water use license could be made stricter, kept the same, or lessened,” Patterson said. “However based on the number and size of fish caught, it appears our hydro plant is not adversely affecting the fish population. We’re very encouraged by these initial findings.” More than 900 Lake Whitefish were caught in nets for the study. Once samples were taken for research purposes, the fish were given to the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) to be shared with their membership. Yukon Energy funded a cultural camp at the north end of Aishihik Lake, where elders and other members of the CAFN gathered to dry the fish and take part in other cultural activities. Contact: Janet Patterson Supervisor, Communications Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
Media Releases
Oct 03, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Hands Out Scholarships to Ten Students

Yukon Energy has awarded scholarships totalling $15,600 to ten deserving Yukon students. Six of the students will receive $2,000 each to pursue post-secondary studies at various universities and colleges across Canada, and one student will receive $1,000 to take a pre-apprenticeship program. This is the first year that Yukon Energy has offered a pre-apprenticeship scholarship. “With trades people so much in demand these days, we felt it was important to provide an incentive to those considering trades programs,” Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said. “To our knowledge, we are the first company to offer such a scholarship in the territory.” In addition to the general and trades scholarships, members of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation can apply for scholarships as part of a benefits agreement related to the construction of the Mayo-Dawson transmission line. This year, two members of the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun will each be awarded $1,000 to study at post-secondary institutes and one Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation member is eligible to receive $600 to pursue post-secondary studies. “It’s important to Yukon Energy that we invest in and give back to the people and the communities we serve,” Patterson said. “Offering scholarships is just one of the ways we do that.” This year’s recipients are: Matthew Moffatt – Business Administration Sheng Choi - Engineering Boris Hoefs - Engineering Brendan Zrum – Mechanical Engineering Kaleb Dawe – Commerce/Business Administration Ben Steinberg - Engineering Avery Murray – Construction/Industrial Electrical Martin Slama – Business Administration Alexander Profeit – Science Roxanne Anderson – Social Work/Criminal Justice Go here to find out more about Yukon Energy’s scholarship program. -30- Contact: Janet Patterson Communications, Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca
Media Releases
Oct 11, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Board Approves Carmacks to Pelly Crossing Transmission Line

Yukon Energy’s board of directors has approved construction of a transmission line between Carmacks and Pelly Crossing, and a spur line to the Minto mine. The approval is subject to the signing of a project agreement with the Northern Tutchone First Nation, the receipt of all necessary permits and approval from the Yukon government. The board made the decision after reviewing updated project costs, permitting status and project schedules. “This transmission line gives us a firm customer for our surplus hydro,” Yukon Energy president David Morrison said. “It will allow Pelly Crossing residents to switch from diesel to hydro for their electricity needs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also the first phase of a plan to connect our northern and southern grids, which will result in more flexibility to meet customer needs.” “While the total price tag is higher than originally estimated, the economics are still there to make this a viable project for Yukon Energy and for ratepayers,” Morrison added. The cost of the main line from Carmacks to Pelly Crossing is expected to be about $27.8 million, with the Minto spur line costing approximately $8.8 million. Yukon Energy is now in a position to issue contracts for centerline surveying, clearing, and line construction. However they will be conditional on obtaining final permits and permission to proceed with the project. Yukon Energy is pleased to announce that the transmission line construction, valued at $17.3 million, will be awarded to a joint venture partnership between the Northern Tutchone First Nations, Valard Construction and Arctic Power. “By partnering on this project with two highly reputable and experienced line construction companies, we are confident that the Northern Tutchone Council will deliver a high quality product,” Morrison said. The right of way clearing contract will also go to the Northern Tutchone First Nations, jointly with J.V. Partners. That work is valued at approximately $3.4 million. The centreline survey contract, worth just under $693,000, will be awarded to Challenger Geomatics. The next major step in the transmission line project requires the completion of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board’s final screening report. Last month a draft report circulated for the public to review. The deadline for public comment was Oct. 1. The final report will provide recommendations to the Yukon, Selkirk and Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nations governments. Once the decision bodies have accepted the report, the necessary permits can be granted and centerline survey and line clearing work can begin. Yukon Energy anticipates the clearing to start by late this fall, with construction to begin in the spring. The transmission line should be operating by late 2008. Yukon government's release on this subject to be found here. Contact: Janet Patterson Supervisor, Communications Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca

Media Releases
Oct 15, 2007  Comment

Yukon Energy Pledges Van and Money to Local Food Bank

Yukon Energy will donate a van and $10,000 in cash to a food bank that will open its doors in Whitehorse next year. The energy corporation made the announcement this morning during the kickoff to Poverty and Homelessness Action Week. “Yukon Energy feels strongly that we have an obligation to give back to the people and communities we serve,” Yukon Energy spokesperson Janet Patterson said. “More and more, we are turning our focus to helping those with the most need. That’s why, when we heard about plans to establish a food bank in the territory, we knew this was a project we wanted to be a part of.” “The generosity of Yukon Energy Corporation in helping to significantly ‘kick start’ the implementation of the future Whitehorse food bank has been remarkable,” said Ross Findlater, a co-chair of the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition. The food bank, once opened, is expected to serve many hundreds of Yukoners. Contact: Janet Patterson Communications, Yukon Energy Corporation (867) 393-5333 janet.patterson@yec.yk.ca

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