Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai speaking at the 2024 Western Premiers Conference in Whitehorse in June. Photo Courtesy: Macklen Linke CKRW
Whitehorse, YT – The Yukon and British Columbia governments have signed a new agreement to explore linking power grids in a move Premier Ranj Pillai says will strengthen Canadian self-sufficiency.
The memorandum of understanding, signed Thursday during a meeting with northern and western premiers in Yellowknife, sets out a framework for collaboration as both governments begin planning the proposed Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect project. If built, the transmission line would allow electricity to flow between the two jurisdictions for the first time.
Premier Pillai says the initiative builds on B.C.’s North Coast Transmission Line and is a “generational investment.” The project has already secured $40 million from the Federal Government with an additional $13 million from the Yukon Government to help with early planning.
Yukon’s power grid is not connected to the North American system and relies heavily on diesel during peak winter months. The territory is facing growing energy demand, and Yukon Energy has announced plans to invest $100 million in new thermal plants over the next five years.
