Businesses that generate renewable electricity can sell it to Yukon’s utilities under the Independent Power Production Policy.
You can become an independent power producer (IPP) through:
- the Standing Offer Program;
- a call for power; and
- unsolicited proposals for projects greater than 2,000 kilowatts.
To discuss becoming an independent power producer through an unsolicited proposal, email [email protected].
Standing Offer Program
This program accepts projects that generate between 30 kilowatts and 2,000 kilowatts.
Program pause
The Standing Offer Program is not accepting new applications at this time. A study is underway on how to better integrate energy from microgeneration and independent power production.
Yukon Development Corporation is reviewing the Independent Power Production policy to support winter energy needs and improve options for diesel-reliant communities.
Purchase rates
The current purchase rates are:
- Yukon Integrated Grid: $0.1837 per kilowatt hour
- Watson Lake: $0.2268 per kilowatt hour
Standing Offer Program limits
There’s an annual limit of how much electricity can be purchased by utilities from independent power producers. Your project must fit within the remaining annual limit. The annual limit may change as new projects are approved or confirmed and as energy demand changes.
Independent power production (IPP) program queue as of May 1, 2025
Number of projects | Site generating capacity (megawatts direct current) | Estimated annual energy (gigawatt hour) | Percentage of program cap (40 gigawatt hour) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Independent power production's connected to the Yukon Integrated System | 7 | 12.74 | 20.08 | 50.3 per cent |
Independent power production's connected to a Micro Grid-Diesel | 4 | 2.96 | 3.01 | Not applicable |
Independent power production's with executed Energy Purchase Agreements; not yet connected | 1 | 4.7 | To be determined | Not applicable |
Total | 12 | 20.40 | 23.09 | 50.3 per cent |
For Watson Lake as of August 1, 2022:
- Annual limit: 2,100 megawatt hours
- Expected annual contribution: 2,100 megawatt hours
The program is not accepting new applicants in Watson Lake.
Other locations
Projects in these communities are not eligible due to their smaller electrical loads:
- Old Crow
- Burwash Landing
- Destruction Bay
- Beaver Creek
You may still qualify under other government energy programs. Contact the Yukon Development Corporation to discuss options.
Become an independent power producer
The steps to becoming an independent power producer include:
- meeting with Yukon Development Corporation to review your project;
- submitting a preliminary eligibility and feasibility assessment;
- undergoing a system interconnection study;
- applying for permits and an Electricity Purchase Agreement with the utilities; and
- seeking YESAB approval, if required.
The Standing Offer Program Rules outline the full process.
Contact the Yukon Development Corporation to arrange a meeting.
- By phone: 867-332-4944, toll free in Yukon 1-800-661-0408 and ask to be transferred
- Email: [email protected]
Forms and additional information
The forms and additional information you’ll need to apply to become an independent power producer are available on the Yukon Energy and ATCO Electric Yukon websites:
- Standing Offer Program Rules
- Pre-application form
- Application form
- Statement of Project Changes form
- Standard Electrical Purchase Agreement
- Conflict of Interest Statement form
- Contractor Standards for Ethical Conduct
- Confidentiality and Compliance Agreement
Other ways to develop an independent power production project
Under the Independent Power Production Policy, there are 2 other ways to develop an independent power production project.
Unsolicited proposals
This is mainly for projects outside of Whitehorse. You can propose a project to your local utility at any time. They decide whether to proceed. The Yukon Development Corporation can help guide this process.
Call for power
If there is a need for new electrical generation above the Standing Offer Program limits, Yukon Energy may release a call for power to incorporate large-scale projects into the Yukon’s electrical system.
Read the Independent Power Production Policy to understand more about these processes.
Program review
In 2022, the Government of Yukon commissioned a review of the Independent Power Production program. Read the program review report.
If you have questions, email [email protected] or phone 867-332-4944, toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408.