New regulations under Public Utilities Act approved

The Government of Yukon has approved two new regulations under the Public Utilities Act that will allow the Yukon's public utilities to purchase renewable electricity generated in British Columbia.

The change enables the Yukon’s utilities to buy power from Tlingit Homeland Energy Limited Partnership’s hydroelectric expansion project in Atlin and the Daylu Dena Council’s solar farm located in Lower Post.

This approach is consistent with a similar regulatory change allowing the sale of electricity from the Yukon’s independent power producers and micro-generators to the Yukon’s utilities.

The Yukon’s public utilities are now able to access additional sources of electricity from outside the territory to help meet local demands for affordable, reliable and clean electrical energy. Renewable energy projects both inside and outside the territory are important to address climate change, reduce fossil fuel use and increase renewable electricity available in the Yukon.

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker

Securing new sources of dependable winter electricity remains a top priority for Yukon Energy. These amendments are another key step towards connecting these sources to the Yukon grid.

Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Yukon Energy Corporation Chris Milner

ATCO Electric Yukon welcomes the approval of these regulatory changes. We look forward to introducing more renewable energy onto the Watson Lake grid, a crucial step in reducing reliance on diesel-powered electricity and embracing cleaner alternatives.

Vice President of Northern Development and Indigenous Relations of ATCO Electric Yukon Jay Massie

Quick facts 
  • The Government of Yukon adopted the two new regulations under the Public Utilities Act per Order-in-Council 2023/143.

  • If and when completed, the Atlin hydroelectric expansion and the Lower Post solar projects could help achieve the Our Clean Future commitments of reducing the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and increasing renewable electricity in the Yukon.

Media contact 

Renée Francoeur
Cabinet Communications
867-334-9194
renee.francoeur@yukon.ca

 

Holly Dalrymple
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-333-0820
holly.dalrymple@yukon.ca

News release #: 
23-508