Yukon utilities provide briefing on electricity grid and emergency protocols

Press Release

January 7, 2026

This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, Yukon Energy Corporation, ATCO Electric Yukon and the City of Whitehorse.

In December, several weeks of temperatures between -30°C and -50°C drove peak electricity demand in the Yukon to a new record, with the grid operating at 91 per cent of its total capacity at one point.

Yukon Energy initiated its mutual aid protocol on December 10, asking industrial customers, such as mining operations, to voluntarily shift to their own generator power, as well as asking ATCO Electric Yukon to bring its diesel generators online. Yukoners were also asked to be mindful of their electricity use and shift electricity use outside of peak times.

For future cold weather incidents, there are additional mutual aid steps that can be taken if needed. This includes shifting large government buildings onto generator power, such as the Canada Games Centre and Whistle Bend Place, to reduce demands for electricity.

The next step would be for the Government of Yukon to issue an AlertReady alert message on cell phones, radio and TV asking all Yukoners to immediately restrict their electricity use to essential needs only.

After all these steps, if electricity demand approached the limits of available supply, the utilities would implement “rotating outages” to help prevent a widespread, prolonged outage. If this occurred, information would be shared via AlertReady, on Yukon.ca/emergencies and directly with local media and on social media about outage locations and public warming shelter options.

In the event of a prolonged cold-weather power outage, the Canada Games Centre has independent back-up power generation which would allow it to serve as a warming centre as well as a shelter if necessary.

The Government of Yukon, City of Whitehorse, Yukon Energy and ATCO Electric Yukon will continue to share information about how to prepare for cold weather, launching a public safety awareness campaign in January.

As Yukoners have seen, this winter has pushed our electricity grid close to its limits, and with our communities growing, we expect these peak demand pressures to increase over the coming winters. That is why we are taking decisive action to stabilize and plan for energy that our communities can rely on in the dead of winter. In the short term, the Government of Yukon, along with Yukon Energy, ATCO and the City of Whitehorse, have robust emergency plans to protect the electricity grid’s integrity and ensure the safety of Yukoners during extreme cold. In the medium and long term, we are actively developing a comprehensive Reliable Winter Energy Plan to strengthen and deliver lasting, resilient energy solutions. In the meantime, I encourage all Yukoners to prepare personal plans and a 72-hour kit for potential extended outages.

Minister responsible for Yukon Energy Corporation and the Yukon Development Corporation Ted Laking

Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. The City of Whitehorse has worked closely with partner agencies to ensure plans are in place to protect the health and safety of citizens in the event of an emergency, including a cold-weather power outage. It is equally important for citizens to be prepared for emergency situations. Make a plan, make a 72-hour kit, follow official sources of info to stay informed and remember to check in with your neighbours, friends and family members.

Mayor of City of Whitehorse Kirk Cameron

Safety is always our first priority as we work to provide reliable electricity that Yukon communities depend on. During extreme cold, our electrical grid can come under significant strain, and that’s why our teams take proactive steps, such as reinforcing the system, increasing staff availability and coordinating closely with Yukon Energy and the government. Our team works hard to keep the lights on through our cold Yukon winters and we’re grateful to customers for their conservation efforts and support as we manage these challenging conditions.

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

Quick facts

• The Yukon is an isolated grid, not connected to BC, NWT or Alaska. Demand for electricity is almost three times as much in the winter than in the summer. All this power must be generated in the territory.
• Rotating outages are short, planned power interruptions that move from one neighbourhood to another, reducing strain on the electrical system and helping ensure no community is without power for an extended period.
• Yukon Energy is the main generator and transmitter of electricity in the Yukon and directly services approximately 2,700 customers in Dawson, Mayo and Faro, plus industrial customers connected to the main electrical grid.
• ATCO Electric Yukon is the main distributor of electricity in the territory and services customers in Beaver Creek, Destruction Bay, Haines Junction, Southern Lakes, Watson Lake, Whitehorse, Carmacks, Ross River, Pelly Crossing, Stewart Crossing and Keno.
• During a power outage, turning off unnecessary lights and appliances, including hot water heaters, can help utilities restore electricity more quickly.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
867-335-2419
tim.kucharuk@yukon.ca

Julia Duchesne
Communications, Community Services
867-332-4188
julia.duchesne@yukon.ca

Matthew Cameron
Communications, City of Whitehorse
867-689-0515
matthew.cameron@whitehorse.ca

Keely Bass
Communications, Yukon Energy
867-332-1854
keely.bass@yec.yk.ca

Erin Newell-Lupien
Communications, ATCO Electric Yukon
780-264-7627
erin.newell-lupien@atco.com

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