A proposed high-voltage transmission line connecting the Yukon to the North American power grid could unlock billions in economic growth, create thousands of jobs and dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report from the Yukon Development Corporation (YDC).

The $4-billion project, still in early planning, would link the Yukon’s isolated energy system to the Western continental grid at Bob Quinn Lake, B.C.

If built, the Yukon-B.C. grid connect could generate up to $7.6 billion annually in long-term economic benefits, support 36,000 jobs over 50 years and help replace nearly five million litres of diesel fuel each year in six northern communities, according to the report.

The Yukon currently operates on a stand-alone power system, relying mostly on hydroelectric

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