The Yukon and B.C. governments signed a memorandum to study a 765-km power line connecting Yukon to the North American grid, with Ottawa funding $40 million for a feasibility study. While touted as a "nation-building project" by Premier Ranj Pillai, Whitehorse engineer John Maissan warns the cost could exceed $3.2 billion, potentially leading to major rate hikes for Yukon consumers. Concerns also exist about B.C.'s ability to supply surplus power, given its own energy demands and plans to shut down natural gas plants. The project is linked to critical mineral development, particularly the massive Casino mine, which would require significant power.
Is the Yukon's ambitious plan to connect to B.C.'s power grid even a good idea?
Western Copper and GoldBritish ColumbiaCanadaYukonYESABYukon governmentAdrian DixJohn MaissanRanj PillaiSandeep SinghPlantsCasinos
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Yukon and B.C. governments signed a memorandum to study a 765-km power line connecting Yukon to the North American grid, with Ottawa funding $40 million for a feasibility study. While touted as a "nation-building project" by Premier Ranj Pillai, Whitehorse engineer John Maissan warns the cost could exceed $3.2 billion, potentially leading to major rate hikes for Yukon consumers. Concerns also exist about B.C.'s ability to supply surplus power, given its own energy demands and plans to shut down natural gas plants. The project is linked to critical mineral development, particularly the massive Casino mine, which would require significant power.
Trending- 1 2016: A study estimated the cost of a line to Iskut, B.C., at $1.7 billion.
- 2 Late last month: The Yukon and B.C. governments signed a memorandum to study the power line.
- 3 Earlier this week: Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai lobbied fellow premiers and federal cabinet ministers for infrastructure money.
- 4 Present: A feasibility study is underway, funded by $40 million from Ottawa. Engineers are raising concerns about the project's cost.
- 5 July: Western Copper and Gold is expected to file its environmental and socio-economic statement for the Casino project.
- Potential cost of the power line could balloon past $3.2 billion.
- Yukon consumers could face major electricity rate hikes.
- Uncertainty about B.C.'s ability to provide spare power due to its own energy demands and plant shutdowns.
- The project could enable critical mineral production with a minimized carbon footprint if hydro power is used.
- The Casino project, a major mine, is years away from regulatory approval and production.
What: A proposed 765-kilometre power line to connect the Yukon to British Columbia's power grid, currently undergoing a feasibility study.
When: The memorandum was signed late last month. Premier Pillai lobbied for funds earlier this week. A 2016 study estimated the initial cost. The Casino project's environmental statement is expected in July.
Where: Yukon, British Columbia (B.C.), Ottawa (Canada's capital), Whitehorse (Yukon), Iskut (B.C.), Carmacks (Yukon), and potentially California (where B.C. sells surplus power).
Why: The project aims to provide a new supply of electricity for the Yukon, support critical mineral development (such as the Casino project), and enhance energy security and resiliency for the territory.
How: The Yukon and B.C. governments signed a memorandum pledging to study the idea. Ottawa is providing $40 million for a feasibility study. Premier Pillai is lobbying for infrastructure money. Engineers like John Maissan are analyzing the potential costs and benefits, raising concerns about the project's financial viability and B.C.'s power supply capacity.