Yukon Energy has a proposal to use liquefied natural gas (LNG) to replace our back-up diesel generators. At the same time we would continue searching for new cost effective renewable sources of electricity.
Why LNG? We currently use diesel for back-up generation: to help restore electricity during power outages, to supplement our hydro in very cold weather, and during droughts. But some of the diesel units are old and have reached the end of their lives. Since we are mandated to provide a back-up system, we have no choice but to replace these aging generators. The question is: with what?
After a lot of research and input from Yukoners (LNG was one of the energy options Yukoners asked us to look into further at our Energy Charrette in 2011) we've concluded that a switch from diesel to natural gas generation is the responsible thing to do for economic, operational and environmental reasons.
We're planning a series of Open Houses to share with you what we've learned about LNG, and to talk to you about a proposal we have to retire two of our oldest Whitehorse diesel units and replace them with natural gas generators. We hope you can attend one of these sessions:
July 2nd at the Nakwat'a Ku Potlatch House
For citizen of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation
6 - 9 p.m.
July 3rd at the Old Fire Hall, Whitehorse
For citizens of the Ta'an First Nation
6 - 9 p.m.
July 8th at Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre, Whitehorse
For the general public
4:30 - 8:30 p.m.