Hydro plays a key role in Yukon’s electricity mix. Historically, we’ve generated over 90% of the electricity in Yukon using water.
Running a hydro operation means being at the mercy of available water. We have three hydroelectric generation facilities in Whitehorse, Aishihik and Mayo.
Drought conditions and low snow pack levels across much of Yukon in 2019 has resulted in lower than normal water levels at all three of our hydro reservoirs this year. Colder-than-normal temperatures between January and April 2019 also caused inflows to each of the hydro reservoirs to be lower than normal for this time of year and for more hydro power to be needed during those months. As a result, less water is available to generate the power Yukoners need this spring and we are having to use LNG and diesel to fill the gap.
Unfortunately, one of our LNG units is also out-of-service for repairs meaning we’re having to use more diesel across the territory. We recognize that our diesel units are louder than our hydro and LNG units, so we are installing noise monitors and continually assessing water levels and inflows to minimize how much we run the diesel units.
Please see the document below for more information about snowpack levels this year.
With every simple conservation choice we make, we reduce the need to use LNG and diesel to generate electricity and save more of Yukon’s resources for the future. Make simple choices – turn off the lights when you leave a room, take a five-minute shower instead of 10, use LEDs instead of incandescent lights. In addition to being good for the environment, these simple acts also save you money each month by lowering your power bill. Electricity conservation makes your life better — in real, everyday ways. For more energy conservation tips, visit inchargeyukon.ca.
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