Government of Yukon

Letter to the Editor on Independent Power Production

Published in the Whitehorse Star on Friday, October 9, 2009

I am writing to clarify facts around the topic of Independent Power Production (IPP).

An IPP policy would not in any way privatize Yukon’s public assets.

Rather, the policy would offer both Yukon utilities increased options as to how to meet future energy demand in the territory.

Working with both the Yukon Energy Corporation and The Yukon Electrical Company Ltd, the Yukon government will seek public input on IPP and Net Metering policies to ensure that the resulting policy reflects the needs of Yukoners.

Consultation this fall will be a step towards developing a policy that will facilitate the purchase of electricity from independent power producers and allow individuals to connect renewable energy sources to the grid.  We encourage Yukoners to participate during this consultation, so check local listings to learn how you can take part.

IPP and Net Metering policies are needed to make it viable for independent power producers and electricity customers to generate clean, renewable electricity for sale to Yukon’s existing utilities.

A more diversified mix of power producers will serve to strengthen Yukon’s energy security, keep electrical rates low, and make the electrical system more reliable.
There was widespread public support for IPP and Net Metering during the 2008 public consultation on the Energy Strategy for Yukon.

The Government of Yukon reflected this public interest by identifying IPP and Net Metering as a priority action in the Energy Strategy for Yukon when it was released in January 2009.

As the Yukon government takes the necessary steps to fulfill the commitments made to Yukoners, I would like to encourage constructive debate and discussion on the issues grounded in accurate facts.

Yours truly,

Archie Lang
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources