Yukon Energy will look at the possibility of buying hydro power from Atlin, B.C.
A feasibility study will be jointly financed by Yukon Energy and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, according to an agreement reached recently by the two parties.
The First Nation owns the Surprise Lake hydro facility near Atlin.
The Taku River Tlingit invested in the revival of the historic power plant, and currently sells the electricity to BC Hydro to power the town of Atlin.
The capacity of the plant is more than the town requires, and it could be expanded, said Janet Patterson, spokesperson for Yukon Energy.
Whether the project goes forward will depend on if it can save enough money for Yukon Energy and make enough money for the First Nation to justify the construction of transmission lines between Atlin and the Yukon.
“It’s really early days. It’s just doing some research to find out whether this is a possibility for us,” said Patterson.
David Morrison, president of Yukon Energy, was not available for an interview by press time.
The spokesperson for the Taku River Tlingit is in the field this week and unavailable for comment.
(Jacqueline Ronson)