Whitehorse, Yukon – Yukon Energy has received a new 20-year water use licence, authorizing continued operation and generation of hydroelectricity at the Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station (WRGS) through to 2045.
The WRGS, more commonly known as the Whitehorse dam, is the Yukon’s main source of summer electricity and a significant source of winter electricity. Power generated at Yukon Energy’s hydro facilities in Whitehorse, Aishihik, and Mayo is the primary supply of renewable electricity in the Yukon, allowing more than 90% of Yukon Energy’s electricity generation to be renewable on average over the past 25 years.
New licence terms for the Whitehorse dam focus on:
Monitoring and mitigating effects of the facility on salmon and fish, wildlife and wetlands, erosion and sedimentation, and culture and heritage;
Maintaining ongoing structural integrity and safety of the WRGS and Lewes Control Structure;
Working closely with First Nation governments and community groups in the project area; and
Accountability through regulatory check-ins with the Yukon Water Board every five years.
These changes reflect years of meaningful dialogue with Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council throughout the assessment and relicensing processes.
“This new 20‑year licence provides certainty that Yukoners will continue to benefit from renewable energy in the decades ahead, while we continue to work with First Nation governments and local communities to advance solutions to reduce effects of the facility and improve operations year-over-year."
- Chris Milner, CEO and President of Yukon Energy
Comments
Be the first to comment