A proposed electrical interconnection between Yukon and British Columbia could do more than improve regional energy reliability. It could unlock new clean-energy development, support critical mineral projects,strengthen northern infrastructure, and generate long-term economic benefits across both jurisdictions.

Midgard Consulting Inc. was engaged by Yukon Development Corporation as a primary expert consultant during the project’s pre-feasibility phase. Our team authored Appendix A of the Shared Grid / Shared Benefits report, titled B.C.–Yukon Interconnect – Benefits Analysis and Strategic Infrastructure.

The analysis provided the core economic, policy, and engineering framework used to evaluate the broader benefits of a connected northern grid.

The Opportunity

Midgard developed the economic, policy, and engineering analysis used to assess the potential benefits of a B.C.–Yukon grid interconnection.

Our modeling estimated that the project could support:

• $7.6 billion per year in economic growth
• 36,000 long-term Canadian jobs

Benefits shared across both jurisdictions, with approximately 55% generated in British Columbia and the remainder in Yukon

Enabling Northern Development

The interconnection could provide reliable power to major mining and critical mineral projects, including Red Chris, Casino, and Schaft Creek. Midgard’s analysis found that the economic benefits enabled by mining alone could substantially exceed the estimated cost of the transmission line.

The project could also unlock approximately 2,000 MW of new wind, hydro, and solar generation by connecting northern resources to a larger electricity market.

Benefits Beyond Electricity

Construction and operation of the interconnection could support complementary investments in roads, highways, and telecommunications. Midgard also mapped potential transmission routes, mining projects, development opportunities, and geographic constraints across central Yukon and B.C.’s Golden Triangle.

Looking Ahead

The proposed interconnection is more than a transmission project. It is a strategic infrastructure opportunity that could strengthen energy reliability, support critical mineral development, enable renewable generation, and create long-term economic benefits across northern Canada.

Read more in Yukon Development Corporation’s SharedGrid / Shared Benefits Grid Connect report