The Government of Yukon has fully implemented the Independent Power Production policy, allowing First Nation governments, communities and entrepreneurs to generate renewable energy and feed it into the electrical grid to help meet local demands.
Renewable energy sources include hydro, solar, geothermal and biomass. Natural gas does not qualify as a renewable energy source under the Independent Power Production policy. The implemented policy provides clarity and regulatory certainty for the utilities and independent power producers while ensuring rates remain stable for utility consumers.
Paired with its sister program, the Micro-generation policy, the Independent Power Production policy encourages new energy generation to increase Yukon’s electricity supply and assists utilities in meeting the demand for affordable, reliable, flexible and clean electrical energy.
This is a true green energy policy that promotes a secure and sustainable energy future for Yukon. It supports the development of local energy infrastructure and will help increase the supply of renewable energy across the territory while reducing the reliance on non-renewable sources in our communities. I want to thank our partners ATCO Electric Yukon, the Yukon Energy Corporation and the Yukon Development Corporation for their input and hard work in helping us develop regulations, standards and purchase rates for the policy.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai
An independent power producer generates electricity only from renewable energy sources and can only sell it to the utilities.
A new regulation supports the policy by exempting micro-generators and independent power producers from being public utilities.
An Order-in-Council directs the Yukon Utilities Board on rates for purchasing electricity from independent power producers. It will form the basis of future electricity purchase agreements between the utilities and renewable energy project proponents.
Through the Innovative Renewable Energy Initiative, the Government of Yukon has supported the development of independent power producers, including the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation’s solar project in Old Crow and Kluane First Nation’s wind project in Destruction Bay.
Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7449
janine.workman@gov.yk.ca
Brigitte Parker
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3183
brigitte.parker@gov.yk.ca