Yukon and Whitehorse double emergency grid-relief capacity for winter

The Yukon government and City of Whitehorse have doubled emergency electricity demand reduction to 2.8 megawatts from 1.4 megawatts last winter by adding buildings that can switch to backup generators when the grid is strained. New participants include the Jim Smith Building, Copper Ridge Place, Yukon University, the Justice Centre and Whitehorse's Public Safety Building. Peak demand hit 127 megawatts in December 2025, using over 90% of supply and nearly forcing rolling blackouts. Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Ted Laking said the territory is stronger, but the measure will not cover every risk scenario. Rotating outages remain a last resort.