Yukon Officials Warn of Possible Rotating Blackouts Amid Cold Snap

URGENT UPDATE: Yukon officials are warning that rotating blackouts could be necessary if the power grid faces another severe cold snap. Residents in Whitehorse must prepare for potential outages as the territory’s energy demands surge.

During a briefing on January 7, 2026, Yukon Energy Minister Ted Laking confirmed that the grid was severely tested last month, reaching an all-time peak demand of more than 50 megawatts on December 22, 2025. This demand eclipsed a previous record set just weeks earlier.

With temperatures plunging to a staggering -52°C, the strain on the power grid was immense. Katherine Babcock, director of maintenance at Yukon Energy Corp., highlighted that power usage is escalating annually, with a notable increase of three megawatts from November 2024 to November 2025.

Officials outlined emergency procedures, indicating that residents may be asked to limit electricity use during peak demand periods. Babcock cautioned that while power generation operated close to its limits, the exact threshold before rolling blackouts is uncertain. “It’s a big unknown how much the public would reduce use when called upon,” she stated.

The Whitehorse Power Centres Project is a critical initiative aimed at addressing these power challenges. This plan includes the construction of two new thermal power centers, powered by either diesel or liquefied natural gas, along with a new substation to meet growing energy demands.

Babcock explained the significant difference between daytime demand peaks and nighttime lows, which can vary by 20 to 30 megawatts. “If we need that support during the day and if the public can reduce load similar to nighttime usage, we could avoid rotating outages,” she added.

Officials stress the importance of community cooperation in energy conservation efforts. If residents respond adequately to calls for reduced power usage, the likelihood of outages diminishes. However, Babcock warned that insufficient reductions could bring the territory closer to mandatory rotating blackouts.

As Yukoners brace for potential challenges ahead, staying informed and prepared will be crucial. Authorities will continue monitoring the situation closely as the cold weather persists. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from Yukon Energy for the latest information on power usage and grid conditions.

This report underscores the pressing need for effective energy management in Yukon amidst extreme weather challenges. Stay tuned for further developments as officials respond to this urgent situation.