Yukon Energy currently has a water use licence to use water from the southern lakes to generate electricity at the Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station (WRGS). We are seeking to renew our water use licence past May 31, 2025. To do this, we will be submitting a proposal to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board to renew our licence.
Why is this water licence important?
- Hydroelectricity is renewable
- Demand for electricity is growing
- While we are building new projects, it is critical we maintain what we have
- The Whitehorse Rapids Generating Station generates 80% of electricity we use in the summer, and 25% of the electricity we use in the winter
What are the operating conditions under the current water use licence?
Though we own the Whitehorse hydro plant, we do not own the Yukon River or the water the dam uses. The water use licence we are seeking outlines the guidelines and regulations that we must follow to protect the water and the Yukon River.
The existing water use licence contains several rules (“conditions”) that we must follow:
- Storage range (water levels)
- Operating restrictions
- Mitigation actions
- Adaptive management and monitoring
How do I get involved in the relicensing process?
We will be hosting open houses and distributing material until June 2023. These activities will provide you with the opportunity to provide your feedback.
Open houses
March 7
Whitehorse
Best Western Gold Rush Inn
7pm-9pm
March 8
Lake Laberge area
Hidden Valley Elementary School
7pm-9pm
March 14
Online via Zoom
7pm-9pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 872 0250 7394
Passcode: 024343
Dial by your location
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 780 666 0144 Canada
+1 204 272 7920 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdOcnTGmOe
March 16
Carcross
Haa Shagoon Hidi (Learning Centre)
7pm-9pm
Share your feedback
Please submit your comments through the online comment form below.