Now On Video | Thursday, September 29, 2011

Earlier this summer we told you about an information session we offered to help you learn how to use our Marsh Lake boat lock. We have now had a short instructional video produced about using the lock system. We hope you find it useful. Thank you to local photographer Cathie Archbould for putting this together for us.

Meter Reading | Wednesday, September 28, 2011

We hope that you've been following the Kitchen-Kuiack household as they continue on their quest to reduce their energy consumption. They are one of six families taking part in a national energy diet challenge. In the latest installment, the youngest member of their family demonstrates how to read an energy meter.

Full Tanks | Wednesday, September 28, 2011

With the leaves turning colour and freshness permeating the morning air, you know winter is not far away. It’s comforting to know that on the cold days ahead will we have sufficient water to operate our turbines, old and new. All our reservoirs, or ‘tanks’ are full. Click on the links below to see water level charts for each lake.

Aishihik Lake: High snow pack last winter and high rainfall this summer has resulted in water levels rebounding a great deal this year. Even with having to operate the Aishihik hydro plant for most of the summer due to the shutdown of Mayo A, the lake is at near full supply level. 

Marsh Lake: The water levels have gone from low supply right up to near full supply. Contrary to what you might think, our rainy summer didn’t really contribute to that. Summer precipitation is only one component that makes up the annual inflow, snowfall and glacial melt being the other two. What did help was that we closed some of the Marsh Lake control structure gates once our license allowed us to do so (mid-August) and that meant we were able to store enough water to reach our Full Supply Level.

Mayo Lake: This past spring we saw Mayo Lake at low levels not seen in over 25 years. Through a combination of careful management of the reservoirs, summer rain, and the prolonged shutdown of the hydro plant because of our work on the Mayo B project, the lake level went from low supply level right over the full supply level.
 

Improvements at the Boat Lock | Thursday, September 22, 2011

We are making some improvements to our boat lock at the Marsh Lake control structure. We are replacing some old wood in the area where you tie up your boat, and we are installing new ladders that will make it easier for you to climb out of your boat to use the manual lock system.

These improvements are being done starting tomorrow and should be completed by the end of the day on Monday. During this time, you may experience some short delays when using the lock.

Saving Energy: the Baby Shower | Monday, September 19, 2011

Find out how the Kitchen-Kuiack family is doing so far with their Energy Diet contest. This week's entry centres around a baby shower.

Got any energy saving tips for them and for the rest of us? On an energy diet of your own? We'd love it if you would share your stories and suggestions on this blog.

The Energy Diet Challenge | Monday, September 12, 2011

The Kitchen/Kuiack household from the Marsh Lake area is setting an example for all of us. They are taking on the Energy Diet Challenge, an initiative set up by Shell Canada and Canadian Geographic. They are one of six families from across Canada going head to head to see how much energy they can save over the next three months. At stake are some great prizes, including a new hybrid car, and more importantly, a cleaner environment.

We encourage you to follow their blog, and send them words of encouragement. Perhaps you have some tips you'd like to pass along to them.

You might also consider going on an energy diet of your own. If you do, please tell us about your challenges and triumphs through this blog or through our Facebook page.

Photo: Energy Diet website.

Dollars to Sense Workshop | Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Looking to save some money on energy? We are partnering with Yukon Electrical Company Ltd. and Natural Resources Canada to offer another energy management workshop. This will be very similar to one we hosted in the spring.

Participants will learn how to identify energy savings opportunities and will be offered some low cost or no cost ways to save energy. This workshop is ideal for small business owners and First Nation and Municipal decision makers...essentially anyone responsible for making energy-related decisions.

It's taking place on October 26th at the Gold Rush Inn in Whitehorse. Cost is $25 for the day and registration deadline is October 19th. Questions? (867) 393-5313 or stephanie.whitehead@yec.yk.ca. The registration form can be found here.

Fishladder Podcast | Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Our Whitehorse Rapids Fishladder is featured on this week's episode of "My Yukon Life". Check it out!

Partnering With Alexco on Energy Conservation | Tuesday, September 6, 2011

We've talked on a number of occasions on this blog about the fact that energy conservation is a critical element in helping us meet Yukon's growing need for electricity. The more we all save, the less new generation we will need to find. We're working with all customers classes on various energy conservation projects. Today we are happy to tell you about a new project we are undertaking in partnership with one of our industrial customers, Alexco Resource Corp. We are working with them to have an energy audit done at the Bellekeno mine, mill and camp. The goal is to help the mining operation reduce its current yearly electrical power consumption and peak demand load.

The energy audit will be done by Demand Side Energy, a Winnipeg firm that specializes in industrial audits. It will document past and current electricity use, compare that usage to other similar operations, and provide recommendations for energy saving opportunities. The auditing company will also provide a proposal for managing peak load.

The audit will be done next week. We expect the report to be completed by the end of this year. Alexco Resources will share the cost of the audit with us 50-50. If as a result of the audit, Alexco implements energy conservation measure that reduce their current annual consumption, we will reimburse them an additional 25 percent of the audit cost.