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ATCO Electric Yukon Gets $7.5M to Fix Billing Issues with Smart Meters

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 10:59

By Panebi Wilson

ATCO Electric Yukon will receive up to $7.5 million from Ottawa’s Smart Renewables.

The utility acknowledged it has faced issues with inaccurate meter readings since 2023, leading to widespread estimated billing and unexpectedly high charges for Yukoners, especially during extreme cold when meters were inaccessible.

ATCO Electric Yukon will receive up to $7.5 million from Ottawa’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to expand Advanced Metering Infrastructure across the territory, after years of customer frustration over high bills and inaccurate readings.

The utility acknowledged it has faced issues with inaccurate meter readings since 2023, leading to widespread estimated billing and unexpectedly high charges for Yukoners, especially during extreme cold when meters were inaccessible. The smart meters securely transmit usage data to reduce estimates, improve outage response, and strengthen grid reliability.

According to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, Federal funding will help offset upgrade costs to limit impacts on rates. “Modernizing Canada’s electricity systems is essential to building a stronger economy,” he said.

Jay Massie, Vice President of Northern Development and Indigenous Relations, said: “We have heard our customers, and we know how important accurate, reliable billing is.” Over 21,000 meters will be replaced by the end of 2028.

Installations are complete in Old Crow, Carmacks, Pelly Crossing, Ross River, Beaver Creek, Burwash Landing, Destruction Bay, and Whistle Bend, with about 15 per cent done territory-wide.

Photo, names of the people left to right :

Jay Massie, Vice President, Northern Development & Indigenous Relations, ATCO

Cathy MacDonald, CEO, Naka Power Utilities (NWT)

The Honourable Ted Laking, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Government of Yukon

The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Government of Canada

The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Government of Canada

Darrell Beaulieu, President and CEO of Denendeh Investments Inc.

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