Government reduces SaskPower 2017 rate increase

Saskatchewan residents will be paying slightly less for power in 2017 than originally thought, as the Government of Saskatchewan announces its decision about SaskPower’s multi-year rate application.

Rates will be adjusted as follows:

The increase of 5.0 per cent effective July 1, 2016, has been approved.  This will not affect current billing, as it has been in effect on an interim basis.

The increase effective January 1, 2017, will be reduced to 3.5 per cent from 5.0 per cent.

Cabinet agreed with the thorough review of SaskPower’s rate application by the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel, which also made the above recommendations.

“SaskPower understands its customers need reliable power,” Minister responsible for SaskPower Gordon Wyant said. “In light of the challenges with maintaining and growing the electricity system, as well as keeping up with demand and meeting targets for renewable generation, additional funding is needed to provide that reliable power to the people of Saskatchewan.  SaskPower has been making historic investments to maintain and improve our province’s electricity system to ensure it meets the growing need for power.”

Investments in SaskPower’s generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure in the coming years include (costs approximate):

Pasqua to Swift Current transmission line ($260 million)

Kennedy to Tantallon transmission line ($113 million)

Construction of Chinook Power Station ($680 million)

Distribution customer connects ($509 million)

E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station life extension ($245 million)

Wood pole remediation ($498 million)

“We understand the economy is in a challenging state right now, and we are committed to providing safe, reliable power to our customers in as cost-effective a manner as possible,” SaskPower President and CEO Mike Marsh said. “The approved rate increases provide us with the necessary financial certainty to make sure we have the power our customers need when they need it.”

The 2016 rate increase took effect July 1, 2016 and resulted in an increase of $6 per month for the average residential customer. The 3.5 per cent increase will mean an additional $4 per month for these customers in 2017.