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Yukon Energy Corporation estimating Low Water Levels

Tuesday, 21 April 2020 18:36

Yukon Energy is letting Yukoners know that there is less water available this spring to generate electricity compared to normal years.

Drought conditions and low snow pack levels across much of Yukon in 2019 resulted in lower than normal levels at all three hydro reservoirs this spring. 

Colder-than-normal temperatures between January and April this year also caused inflows to the territory's hydro reservoirs to be lower than normal for this time of year, and resulted in more hydro power to be needed earlier in the year.

Running a hydro operation means being at the mercy of available water. With less water available to generate the power Yukoners need right now, Yukon Energy is using LNG and diesel to fill the gap. Unfortunately, one of the LNG units is also out-of-service for repairs after a piece of equipment failed over the Easter weekend.

Andrew Hall, President and CEO of Yukon energy says the double whammy means more use of diesel generators.

Yukon Energy recognizes that diesel units are louder than hydro and LNG units, so they are installing noise monitors in Riverdale and continually assessing water levels and inflows to minimize the use of diesel units.


 

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