EmPower the Yukon. Using Community Renewable Energy in the Transition to Energy Resilience: A Social Enterprise Approach

Abstract

This article demonstrates how community renewable energy (RE) can lead the Yukon towards energy resilience. As shown in other areas of Canada and abroad, community RE delivery through social economy businesses can be a bridge between government programs and provision of renewable technologies to communities. Through identifying the opportunities and barriers in the Yukon, this study demonstrates that social enterprise delivery of community RE will create energy resilience in Yukon communities, while empowering their residents. From the themes of the role of the state, community connection, Yukon cultural influence, technical considerations, and social enterprise start-up, a framework emerged for social enterprise delivery of community RE in the Yukon. This implementation framework, entitled “EmPower the Yukon,” is comprised of factors important for success and includes starting small, harnessing the power of government, finding community champions, working with community development corporations, and leading with both the heart and mind. The research has shown that empowering Yukoners to become involved in the transition to energy resilience is the best way to ensure successful social enterprise delivery of renewable energy projects.