Inuvik has 4-5 days of propane left mayor says

Inuvik Mayor Urges Energy Conservation Amid Propane Supply Concerns

The mayor of Inuvik, N.W.T., is confident that the town’s propane supply will not run out. However, he is urging residents to conserve energy where possible.

“We’re at a situation that’s manageable,” said Mayor Peter Clarkson on Wednesday. “I think everyone so far has been working really well together. And yeah, we’ll get through this.”

The town currently has about four to five days’ worth of propane on hand. Clarkson is hopeful that more propane will arrive soon.

On Tuesday, Inuvik Gas Ltd. issued an advisory asking residents to lower their home heating and find other ways to reduce energy use. This request was made due to an “unexpected fuel supply reduction” in the community of about 3,000 people.

The company did not provide details about the local fuel supply but stated that the community must reduce its reliance on propane “for the coming days.”

Propane is used to create natural gas for the community. According to Clarkson, the town consumes about 45,000 litres of propane daily, which is roughly one truckload.

Fuel is usually transported to Inuvik via truck through Yukon on the Dempster Highway. However, parts of the highway have been closed recently.

Clarkson noted that one fuel truck reached Inuvik on Tuesday with assistance from Yukon highway crews. “That gives us another day,” he said.

Several fuel trucks were scheduled to leave Whitehorse on Wednesday. Clarkson is hopeful that Yukon highway crews will help guide them through rough spots on the Dempster.

Clarkson attributed the dwindling propane supply to factors like the late freeze-up of the ice road crossing and blizzard conditions on the Dempster. He mentioned that Inuvik Gas “knows the exact answer” regarding the situation.

“Basically, it’s not one thing, it’s a number of things,” Clarkson said.

No one from Inuvik Gas has been available for an interview. The company stated on Tuesday that it is preparing a detailed statement.

Clarkson advised residents to continue looking for ways to reduce energy use in the coming days. Temperatures in Inuvik have been below –40 C and are expected to remain below –30 C until at least next week.

“I mean, certainly keep their homes heated. That’s a priority. The town is keeping the water lines heated,” Clarkson said. “But if there are things you can do to reduce your consumption to save on the natural gas, you know, great.”