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Yukon Power Grid Stressed By Deep Freeze As Record Demand Nears Capacity

ATCO says Whitehorse is not at imminent risk of rolling blackouts.

Overview

  • Peak demand hit 123 megawatts on Monday, compared with about 140 megawatts of generation in ideal conditions, the energy minister said.
  • Utilities report Yukoners are using 80 to 90 percent of available supply and urge conservation during peak hours.
  • Industrial customers and several communities have been moved to diesel generation to reduce load on the territorial grid.
  • Rolling blackouts remain a last-resort option, and residents are being asked to prepare 72-hour emergency kits and limit non‑essential electricity use.
  • An exhaust leak caused hours-long outages in Haines Junction as temperatures near or below –50 C persisted under an Arctic high-pressure system.