The Yukon government is taking continued action to reduce electricity rates through an expanded Affordability Rate Relief program. The program, subject to legislative approval, replaces the current Affordability Rate Relief and the Winter Electrical Affordability Rebate programs that both end in March 2026.
The total investment in this expanded program represents an increase of about 240 per cent to the amount included in the main estimates budget 2025–26 and is part of the government’s mandate commitment to make electricity costs more affordable.
The total amount included in Budget 2026 to support the improved Affordability Rate Relief program is $13 million. The main estimates budget 2025-2026 included only $3.85 million for the Winter Electrical Affordability Rebate.
Budget 2026 will also include a proposed $2.625 million of rate payer support for the previous construction of the Mayo B Hydro Facility and Carmacks-Stewart Transmission Line.
This brings the total investment in rate relief associated measures in Budget 2026 to $15.625 million.
The Government of Yukon has advised the Government of Canada that Yukon families cannot bear the entirety of the costs for meeting the critical energy needs of the North and federal objectives of Arctic sovereignty and critical mineral development. The Government of Yukon has requested federal investments and partnerships in energy infrastructure to ensure a safe and reliable electricity system that strengthens Canada’s security and is affordable for northern families.
While the Government of Yukon is facing significant fiscal pressures and making tough choices, we know Yukon families are also in tough times. That is why through Budget 2026 we prioritized a significant expansion to the affordability measures. This initiative will provide real help to Yukoners struggling to cover their winter electricity bills. While developing a long-term plan to ensure reliable power infrastructure, we are asking the federal government to do their part to make sure Yukoners are not on the hook for the full cost of a safe and reliable northern energy system that benefits all Canadians.
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Funding included as part of Budget 2026 is subject to legislative approval.
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The Affordability Rate Relief program helps offset the approved 34 per cent increase in Yukoners’ electricity rates proposed in the 2025–27 General Rate Application.
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Main estimates budget 2025–26 included $3.85 million for the Winter Electrical Affordability Rebate.
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In December 2025, the Government of Yukon added an additional $1.6 million to further expand affordability measures in Supplementary Estimates Budget 2025.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Andrew Anderson
Communications, Yukon Development Corporation
867-332-0138
[email protected]