Utilities board approves Whitehorse LNG conversion

The Yukon Utilities Board has approved Yukon Energy's plan to convert its back-up diesel generators in Whitehorse to liquified natural gas.

The approval comes with no conditions. The board says the switch to liquified natural gas will save customers millions of dollars in the long run.

While interveners voiced concerns about the cost of LNG, the board says there is no evidence to dispute Yukon Energy's forecasts.

The project is still awaiting a final recommendation from the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board, but a draft report released earlier this year says the project should go ahead.

This morning about 20 protesters lined the road along Robert Service Way where the LNG facility is to be built.

Rudy Sudrich says the government should be looking to greener energy. He's frustrated the government purchased LNG generators before the approval process is complete.

"The government, it's doing whatever they want," he said. "They spent the money already and are trying to push it through."

Protesters also lobbied in front of the Yukon Legislature over the noon hour.

Yukon Energy plans to begin construction next month, with the LNG generators being operational by this winter.