We are often asked, “Why serve mines, since they require so much electricity?” Yukon Energy has an obligation, within reason, to serve all customers connected to our grid—whether that customer is a mine, a subdivision, or a single residence.
It’s also important to remember that all Yukoners on the transmission grid benefit today from legacy hydro assets that were originally built decades ago to serve mines.
Some people believe that, without mines, the territory would have enough renewable power to meet all electricity needs year-round, without relying on thermal generation. That is not the case. Even if no mines were operating, Yukon Energy would still likely need to supplement hydro generation with diesel or LNG during the coldest periods of the year.
During the winter, Yukon Energy’s priority is to keep Yukoners safe by ensuring the electricity needs of residential and commercial customers are met. When the electricity system is under strain, mines are required to have sufficient self-generation capacity to keep critical systems operating when they are directed to disconnect from the grid.
Learn more about how we manage peak winter electricity demand here.