Community Energy Association

The trusted independent advisor to local governments on climate and energy

Atlin Community Energy Plan

Bring your Energy to Atlin’s Future 

Atlin is changing, and its energy system needs to change along with it. This is why the Atlin Community Energy Plan is being updated in 2025.

What is a Community Energy Plan (CEP)? 

A CEP identifies current energy use in a community, projected energy needs in the future, and a roadmap for how energy will continue to be provided now and in the future. The CEP will consider how Atlin residents use energy – to get around, heat and cool buildings, and power appliances – and the sources of that energy. A CEP is critical for making sure that safe, reliable, affordable, and clean energy continues to be produced locally – while reducing reliance on diesel and other trucked-in fossil fuels.

How is Atlin currently ‘ENERGIZED’? 

Atlin is fortunate that much of its electricity comes from a hydroelectric power-generating facility east of the community, harnessing the energy of the streamflow between Surprise Lake and Atlin Lake.  When it was built in 2008, it was the first 100% Indigenous-owned green power facility in Canada.  

Atlin currently imports diesel for supplementary power generation, and additional fossil fuels for vehicles, boats, and to heat buildings. Many homes also rely on firewood during the winter.  

Why is a new CEP needed now? 

Atlin’s first and (so far) only community energy plan is now more than 20 years old. Over the last several years, however, local electricity consumption has grown and started to outstrip the capacity of the community's hydroelectric facility, especially on the coldest days of winter. On those days, which are becoming more frequent, diesel generators are required alongside the hydroelectric facility to keep the power on in the community.

The growth in electricity demand is sure to continue as electricity becomes the go-to energy source for transportation and the heating and cooling of buildings.

The CEP will help the community be prepared for this growth and the uptake of new technologies.

Thank you!

The Atlin Community Energy Plan is being led by the Xeitl Limited Partnership, which operates the existing Atlin hydro system. Funding for the CEP has been provided by the New Relationship Trust.  

Community Participation

In September 2025, representatives of CEA and the University of Northern British Columbia visited Atlin to connect with residents about energy, how Atlin currently produces electricity, and collect residents' feedback on their energy priorities for the future.

School Tour of the Hydro System

Stuart Simpson, senior project manager with the Taku Group of Companies, explains how the local hydro system starts with run-off from Surprise Lake. Students from grades 4-12 in the Atlin School participated in the tour.

 

Community Input

Sessions at the Atlin rec centre provided an opportunity for local residents to learn about Atlin's energy system and share their perspectives on local priorities. Residents indicated their support for local energy self-sufficiency and to stop using diesel as much as possible.

 

Community Survey

Thank you to those who completed a survey about their energy consumption in their home or businesses. The information will be used to shape the updated CEP.

Project Manager

Please contact us if you have questions about the Atlin Community Energy Plan.

Katherine McDougall
Climate Planning & Research Specialist
Email: kmcdougall@communityenergy.ca
Phone: 250 469 6783, ext 728