The Carmacks to Stewart Crossing Transmission Line was a major project for Yukon Energy. It involved building a new 138 kv transmission line from Carmacks to Stewart Crossing in the Central Yukon (approximately 172 kilometres long), with a spur line to the Minto mine. It allowed us to connect our northern and southern grids. Having one integrated transmission system has given us the ability to better manage our power.
Stage 1 of the project, from Carmacks to Pelly Crossing and a spur to the Minto mine, was completed and energized in November 2008. This has allowed us to provide the mine and the community of Pelly Crossing with surplus hydro power (previously both were on diesel). It has led to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of between 25,000 and 30,000 tonnes per year.
Stage 2 of the line, from Pelly Crossing to Stewart Crossing, was completed in June 2011. The federal government committed up to $71 million in funding for the line and for the Mayo B project.
The transmission line project resulted in substantial economic benefits for Yukon. It's estimated that approximately 200 Yukoners worked on Stage 1 of project in one way or other, with a similar number involved in Stage 2 of the project directly or indirectly.
