Sask. NDP urges government to scrap proposed SaskPower rate hike

The Sask. NDP says the proposed SaskPower rate hike would add more than $135M to power bills and points to rising debt. Jacob Carr reports.

The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the provincial government to abandon a proposed power rate increase that would see SaskPower customers face a 3.9 per cent hike in each of the next two years.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday outside SaskPower’s Regina headquarters, Saskatchewan NDP MLA Aleana Young said the plan would raise electricity bills by more than $135 million over the next year.

“I’ve said it before; I’ll say it again. 3.9 per cent rate hike this year, 3.9 per cent rate hike next year. This is the crack in the dam,” she said.

“This is the beginning of the wild, wild flood of mismanagement at SaskPower thanks to the Sask. Party.”

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Concerns over the proposed increase have also been raised by the province’s farming community.

Scott Hermus, District Five director with the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, said the higher rates would cost him hundreds of dollars more each year in power costs alone.

“SaskPower built a brand new big, huge facility in Tisdale, offices, big shop, the whole kit and caboodle. If we did that on our farm, we would obviously have to pay for it. They just build it and raise the raise the rates by 3.9 per cent,” Hermus said.

“If it’s going into new offices and shops, maybe we should know that.”

In a statement to CTV News, the Minister responsible for Crown Investments Corporation said the government has laid out a responsible plan that prioritizes affordability while ensuring energy security for Saskatchewan residents.

The NDP maintains the government has underfunded SaskPower for years, forcing it to rely on rate increases and other revenue sources.

“This is not sustainable,” Young said. “People in Saskatchewan cannot afford another rate hike while many are already struggling to afford their bills.”