Amid the harsh cold weather in Whitehorse, the possibility of facing rolling blackouts is looming. Ted Laking, the minister overseeing Yukon Energy, emphasized the critical need for energy conservation to alleviate strain on the grid. With temperatures plunging below -50 in some areas, the territory remains in the grip of severe cold, originating from Siberia, with no immediate relief in sight.
The current situation has pushed the grid to operate at near capacity, utilizing thermal and hydroelectric power sources along with a small portion of wind energy. Although Whitehorse has not yet reached the stage of requiring rolling blackouts, the demand for power hit a record high on Monday, surpassing the system’s capacity.
To ease the strain on the grid, Laking urged every Yukoner to reduce energy consumption by turning off lights, using appliances during off-peak hours, and avoiding excessive heating. In case rolling blackouts become necessary, they would be implemented gradually by neighborhood to provide the system with intervals of rest.
In preparation for potential emergencies, Laking advised residents to assemble 72-hour emergency kits containing essentials like flashlights, candles, blankets, and food supplies. The focus on grid limitations has prompted discussions on policy changes to address energy grid challenges in the coming months.
In a separate incident, power outage occurred in Haines Junction due to an exhaust leak at the generating station, coinciding with extreme cold weather conditions similar to Whitehorse. Although power has been restored in Haines Junction, Mayor Diane Strand emphasized the importance of small energy-saving actions, such as unplugging unused devices, to collectively make a significant impact in conserving power and ensuring community resilience.