Saving Electricity, Saving Money

We know there’s a growing demand for power from all our customers, whether it’s a single home, a small business or a mine. One of the most inexpensive, environmentally friendly resources is conservation. Each of us can play a role in reducing electricity consumption.

Here’s what Yukon Energy has been doing to help create a conservation culture.

Need a reminder? Click here for a list of some great tips on how you can save electricity.

Internal Conservation Program

We’ve had an energy audit done on six of our buildings, and a benchmark study completed of 25 of our facilities in Whitehorse and Dawson City. Based on the findings, we’re starting with lighting upgrades and heat recovery in our Whitehorse headquarters. To help us manage our own electricity consumption, we’re using a system developed by the Yukon government and the City of Whitehorse. It will provide snapshot reports of how much energy our buildings are using and compare that to national benchmarks and historical usage of those buildings.

Partnering for Conservation

Yukon Electrical Company Limited

Throughout 2011 and 2012 Yukon Electrical Company Limited and Yukon Energy have worked together on pilot projects like LED streetlights and public education such as Natural Resource Canada’s Dollars to $ense Energy Management workshops. In collaboration with the Yukon government, both utilities are developing a comprehensive five-year plan to help our customers reduce electricity use and save money. Watch for a draft of the plan this fall.

Alexco

In 2011, we helped Alexco Resource Corporation complete an energy audit on the Bellekeno mine. An overview of recommendations and the steps Alexco is taking to reduce its electricity use can be found on our website.

City of Whitehorse

In May 2012, we partnered with the City of Whitehorse on its own internal audit.

Department of Education

We’re working with Yukon’s Department of Education and Yukon Electrical Company Limited to install electricity usage meters in two Whitehorse schools and Robert Service School in Dawson City. The project includes computer kiosks so students, parents and teachers can see how the school is using energy.

Department of Environment

This summer, Environment Yukon partnered with the Yukon Conservation Society and Yukon Energy to offer Conservation Kids workshops across the territory.

Energy Solutions Centre

Did you know it can cost $100 a year or more to run an older fridge? Yukon Energy is assisting the Yukon government’s Energy Solutions Centre in offering a fridge and freezer retirement program. You get up to two old appliances hauled away free of charge, plus you’ll receive $50 towards the cost of each new fridge or freezer that you purchase!