This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon, Yukon Energy and ATCO Electric Yukon.
As the snow recedes, the Government of Yukon, Yukon Energy and ATCO Electric Yukon are recognizing and thanking Yukoners who did their part to reduce peak electricity use on the coldest days this winter.
Yukon residents answered the call to reduce non-essential electricity usage during peak periods and made a measurable difference to overall grid stability. Yukon Energy issued public advisories December 10 and 12, and the Government of Yukon issued a public advisory December 23, and the grid experienced a three to five megawatt (MW) reduction in electrical load. In December 2025, the total capacity of the Yukon's electricity system was about 140 MW.
At one point last December, Yukoners were using over 90 per cent of all available power. At this level of demand, there is a slim margin to respond to unexpected issues. An electricity grid operating at its limit increases the risk of rotating power outages. Reductions in non-essential electricity use in homes helps reduce this risk.
Electricity demand is expected to increase by approximately 40 MW by 2030. The Government of Yukon is developing a Winter Reliable Energy Plan to protect the integrity of the electrical grid and ensure reliable power for Yukoners. The plan includes new power generation through the Whitehorse Power Centres as well as initiatives to reduce electrical demand such as home incentives through the Dependable Grid Program.
Thank you to Yukoners who stepped up to reduce electricity use on the coldest days of this winter. When our electrical grid was under strain, your actions made a difference. Even as the weather warms, we will continue to focus on building a safe and reliable power grid for the winters to come.
We appreciate the Yukoners who helped reduce strain on the electricity system last winter. Their collective efforts made a real difference and helped us keep power flowing on the coldest of days. With an isolated electricity system, we all play a role in supporting energy security by reducing peak demand and increasing the supply of firm power when it matters most. Yukon Energy is continuing to advance the Whitehorse Power Centres to ensure a safe, reliable grid for the winters ahead.
Extreme cold puts significant strain on the Yukon electricity system and we appreciate customers who helped reduce that pressure by cutting back on non-essential electricity use during peak periods. Simple actions at home can help lower demand and reduce outage risk when the system is under the most pressure.
-
During the winter, electricity use normally peaks between 7 and 10 am and again between 4 and 8 pm.
-
Simple actions at home during these periods can help reduce peak use, including:
- turning electric heating down a few degrees;
- reducing hot water usage if electrically heated;
- run major appliances such as dishwashers outside of peak times; and
- use a block heater timer for warming a vehicle.
-
Other energy savings tips are available at: Energy Saving Tips | Yukon Energy
-
Through the Dependable Grid Program, Yukoners can apply for rebates to reduce home electricity use to reduce pressure on the grid and enhance household resilience: Apply for a rebate to reduce home electricity use
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Andrew Anderson
Communications, Yukon Development Corporation
867-471-0798
[email protected]
Keely Bass
Communications, Yukon Energy
867-332-1854
[email protected]
Erin Newell-Lupien
Communications, ATCO Electric Yukon
780-264-7627
[email protected]