Energy
Our Vision:
We envision a sustainable energy future for the Yukon. Energy use and peak electricity demand must be drastically reduced by improving efficiency and conservation, and adopting smart technologies. Local, low-impact renewable energy projects must be developed to displace imported fossil fuels, reduce emissions and pollution, increase our energy security and resilience, and meet our energy needs – while providing economic development opportunities and revenue streams for communities.
YCS Energy Goals:
- To champion the transition from imported fossil fuels to sustainable energy, including low-impact hydroelectricity, wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy, through education, advocacy, and direct action.
- To ensure that Yukon achieves greenhouse gas emissions reductions consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) targets of 50% reductions by 2030 and a carbon-free economy by 2050. These targets are necessary to limit global average temperature rise to 1.5°C and thus avoid the worst effects of climate change.
Related News & Events
Thermal backup, or thermal backwards?
June 28, 2019
An op-ed in the Yukon News from our energy analyst, Cody Reaume.
The Solutions Economy with Shaun Loney
October 16, 2017
Learn more about this series of events in Whitehorse and Watson Lake.
Time for new energy at YCS – Anne saying goodbye!
December 20, 2017
A letter from departing Energy Analyst Anne Middler.
Speak up on the new Yukon Climate Change, Energy & Green Economy plan!
December 13, 2018
Yukon government is accepting comments until Dec. 17 on what its new Climate Change, Energy & Green Economy plan should look like. Read our recommendations and have your say!
Speak up: Yukon Energy Survey on new Diesel/LNG
May 31, 2019
We are deeply disappointed to see Yukon Energy deploying more thermal energy without comparable progress on renewable energy projects. We encourage everyone to have their say by filling out Yukon Energy’s survey.
A backwards step on saving energy from the Yukon Utilities Board
January 16, 2019
Read a fully-referenced version of our January 16 Yukon News editorial about a recent decision by the Yukon Utilities Board to end all Yukon utility efforts to reduce energy consumption in the territory.
Electric Thermal Storage (ETS)
YCS has an exciting new energy pilot project. Electric thermal storage, or ETS, involves heating something up – typically ceramic bricks – overnight using electricity, then releasing that heat gradually throughout the day to keep a space warm. The same amount of electricity is used as if the space were heated with electric baseboards or an electric furnace. What’s important, however, is when that electricity is used. Shifting a home’s electricity demand for space heating from daytime to nighttime reduces fossil fuel usage and makes the local electrical grid more stable.
Become a Solutionary
There are many ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and energy consumption! YCS has created videos and information dedicated to sharing how Yukoners have adapted and innovated to reduce their climate impact!
Learn more at: http://yes.yukonconservation.org/
Renewables
YCS believes that the Yukon must replace imported fossil fuels with local, low-impact renewable energy sources for thriving, resilient communities.
Fossil Fuels
YCS opposes new oil and gas development and instead promotes energy conservation and local renewable energy to displace fossil fuels.
Energy Consumption in Yukon
Transportation accounts for most of Yukon's greenhouse gas emissions (62%), and space heating is the Yukon’s second largerst source (18%). Learn more about solutions to reduce fossil fuel consumption from both sources.
