Tips & Tools
Select a word or phrase that describes you and see what other like-minded Yukoners are already doing.
Electricity conservation is a critical element in helping Yukon Energy meet Yukon's demand for power now and into the future. Every kilowatt saved is a kilowatt that we don't have to find through new generation.
Every Yukoner is unique and approaches conservation in their own way. How you go about it depends on your personality.
The Smiths are all about the plan, for the design of the house but also for day-to-day plans. Here are some of the ways they’ve reduced their electricity costs:
- plan for four clotheslines in the basement
- use a mattress warmer so we keep our bedroom temperatures low
- include a wood stove in the house design — and keep it stoked!
Bev Buckway is nothing if not practical. She started keeping an “energy log” and then made some changes around the house. She saw a reduction of about 20% overall in her consumption with a few small steps.
- change the light bulbs to energy-efficient ones
- put power bars everywhere to make sure things could really be turned off
- install programmable set-back thermostats
- reduce temperatures in the house overall
The Kitchen-Kuiack family took a disciplined approach to controlling their electrical bill, by adopting an "energy diet" attitude. They started with small steps (and knocked their electric bill back by over 30%).
- turn off everything you’re not using, especially lights.
- cut way back on Television watching
- hang clothes to dry rather than use the dryer
- shut down the old, inefficient hot tub
The folks at Whitehorse United Church like to demonstrate good (read: "sensible") stewardship. So when they saw the bill, they also saw the light — and changed the bulbs. Here are some enlightening things for you to consider:
- use ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures — they distribute light better and allow for dimming
- keep the curtains or shades open to use natural light inside the home
- switch to more efficient and longer lasting incandescent bulbs throughout your home or business
- install motion sensors to turn the lights off when no one is in the room
The guys at Integra Tire used to spend $1,500 twice a year just to change the canopy lights. So they switched to long-lasting LED lights. It made so much sense/cents they started making other changes.
- switch the exterior spotlights to LED
- switch out the fluorescents in the signage
- upgrade the inefficient compressor
As Housing Director at CAFN in Haines Junction, Terry Rufiange–Holway is driven to find creative ways of reducing impacts on our planet. Conserving energy can make a significant difference, so he's committed to:
- building with energy efficient techniques
- using energy-efficient lighting
- exploring alternative energies like solar and geothermal