Yukon Energy seeks first retail rate increase in 13 years

subscribe

Yukon Energy Corporation has filed an application with the Yukon Utilities Board for its first retail rate increase since 1999.

The corporation has asked for a 6.4 percent increase for all customer classes residential, commercial, industrial and government in 2012 and an additional 6.5 percent raise in 2013. The increases would impact both Yukon Energy and Yukon Electrical customers.

"Over the last 13 years weÂ’ve done everything possible to keep electricity costs low. In fact we were even able to secure a 2.47 percent rate decrease for our customers when the Minto mine came on-line," Yukon Energy President David Morrison said. "However the cost of keeping aging infrastructure efficient, up-to-date and safe for Yukoners has increased faster than electricity rates, making our current path unsustainable."

Increased energy consumption in all sectors has strained Yukon Energy's power grid, and has depleted the corporation's surplus hydro. While Yukon Energy's new hydro assets Mayo B and the Aishihik third turbine have helped address this problem, expensive diesel generation is still needed to supply an increasing share of the new demand.

"Thirteen years is a long time to go without a rate increase," Morrison added. “The last time we raised rates, Gretzky was playing for the Rangers and gas was 60 cents a liter. Meanwhile, salaries have gone up and the cost of our materials keeps climbing."

"Given these factors, seeking rate increases is the responsible thing to do," said Morrison. "However even with higher rates there are many steps Yukoners can take to keep their bills affordable. We will work with customers to provide them with the tools and information they need to have more control over their electricity bills."

Related News

montana power lines

Investing in a new energy economy for Montana

BILLINGS - Over the next decade, Montana ratepayers will likely invest over a billion dollars into what is now being called the new energy economy.

Not since Edison electrified a New York City neighborhood in 1882 have we had such an opportunity to rethink the way we commercially produce and consume electric energy.

Looking ahead, the modernization of Edison’s grid will lower the consumer costs, creating many thousands of permanent, well-paying jobs. It will prepare the grid for significant new loads like electric transportation, and in doing so it will reduce a major source of air pollution known to directly threaten the…

READ MORE
fukushima nuclear plant

Spent fuel removal at Fukushima nuclear plant delayed up to 5 years

READ MORE

bangkok electric train

Power bill cut for 22m Thailand houses

READ MORE

Germany's Energy Crisis Deepens as Local Utilities Cry for Help

READ MORE

ev charger

Honda Accelerates Electric Vehicle Push with Massive Investment in Ontario

READ MORE