Aishihik Relicensing Project

Since 1987, Yukon Energy has owned and operated the Aishihik hydro facility. The hydro facility is a key power plant in Yukon’s electricity system. It provides 25 per cent of the renewable electricity available on the Yukon grid, including about 40 per cent of the electricity Yukoners need each winter.

Yukon Energy was issued its 5-year water use licence for the Aishihik hydro facility on December 21, 2022. The licence expires on December 31, 2027. Yukon Energy is now seeking a long-term licence so it can continue to operate the facility. Yukon Energy is seeking a long-term licence to enhance energy security, support comprehensive and sustained monitoring, and distribute project costs over a longer period to help reduce the impact on electricity bills. The new water use licence will outline the regulations that we must follow, including the amount of water we can store and use in Aishihik and Canyon Lakes, operating guidelines, as well as how we monitor and mitigate impacts of operating the facility, and adapt to changing climate and environmental conditions over time.  

To get a new water use licence, Yukon Energy must submit a Project Proposal to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB). To help inform the Project Proposal, Yukon Energy will be conducting engagement activities. More information will be shared on this page in early 2026. In the meantime, feedback can be sent to communications@yec.yk.ca.

Working together

New agreements for a collaborative approach to operation of the Aishihik Generating Station were signed July 21, 2022 between Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN), the Yukon government, and Yukon Energy. These agreements supported the renewal of our previous water use licence for a five-year term (2023-2027). They are also are a commitment to a renewed relationship and a shared path forward regarding the long-term operation of the Aishihik Generating Station. They represent our commitment to work together in a way that respects the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations land, water and people, while maintaining the benefits of renewable energy produced by the facility.