Old Crow Plant Replacement Project
ATCO Electric Yukon is building a new power plant in Old Crow to replace the original facility built in 1982. The new plant will increase power capacity, improve reliability, and ensure the community’s electrical system is ready to meet current and future needs.
Why This Project Is Needed
Old Crow is a fly-in-only community served by an isolated grid. The existing power plant is approaching end of life and can no longer meet the growing power supply demand. Over the past 10 years, demand has increased by approximately 45%.
The new facility (New Plant B) is a critical investment that will:
- Increase power generation capacity to serve homes and businesses
- Improve system reliability with new equipment, modern controls, and advanced technology
- Support community growth and connections for future customers
- Create opportunities for local labour, accommodation, and business participation during construction
Project Details
The New Plant B will include a brand-new generator and building equipped with a fully automated control system designed for reliability, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Key features include:
- Construction of a new power plant building, complete with:
- Relocated generator from the existing plant
- New, larger generator able to supply the peak community load
- Waste-heat recovery systems to capture and reuse heat for space heating
- Silencers on exhaust systems and low-speed radiators to minimize noise
- Modern controllers and switchgear, providing current safety features and remote automation, plus integration of the battery energy storage system (BESS) and renewable power generated by Sree Vyàa
- Connection to existing power system for full incomporation with existing Plant A (2016), tank farm, and subststion
- Design that allows for a future generator as community needs expand
- Elevated support structure to ensure facility is above expected flood levels
- Adequate restraints and flexibility to address local seismic hazards
Project Objectives
- Commission the new power plant by December 2027
- Increase load capacity and power generation reliability in Old Crow, YT
- Limit disruption to the public and existing operations throughout the construction process
Proposed Project Timeline
- Q4 2025: Engineering and design work begins
- Q1 - Q2 2026: Regulatory and environmental approvals (YESAB process)
- Q2 2026: Site preparation and pile construction
- Q3 - Q4 2026: Foundation and building construction
- Q1 - Q3 2027: Interior installation, equipment commissioning and system integration
- Q4 2027: Start-up, testing and full commissioning
