Saskatchewan residents have seen high increases on their SaskPower bills after the company applied rate hikes in 2022.
Following a petition from SaskPower, the Saskatchewan government approved these rate hikes.
“Our fuel and purchased power expenses have risen in the years since the last increase, primarily due to higher natural gas prices and the addition of renewable generation options — which we need to meet our target of reducing our greenhouse gas emission by at least 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. ”
According to NDP Leader Carla Beck, rising rates are forcing families to make difficult decisions, like reducing the amount of food they provide their kids, in order to pay their electricity bills.
In a public address on Thursday in Regina, Beck stated that “The Saskatchewan Party boosted energy prices by 23 percent with three weeks’ notice. Despite promising to reduce them during the campaign, they increased power costs by 8%.
She said that small local companies and families had been severely impacted by this.
Nicole Daniel, a single mother of two who works two jobs simply to try to make ends meet, was anticipated to join Beck.
Daniel was sadly unable to attend due to her tight work commitments.
Beck stated, “People, despite working themselves to the bone to make ends meet during an affordability crisis, are still coming up short due to no fault of their own. She is one of many people in this province who are being left behind by this government.
“She had her power cut off after falling behind on her rising utility bills.
She was unable to obtain a payment plan, therefore she was forced to pay the whole sum in order to heat her home for herself and her children. Because she does not have enough money to pay her rent, she is now in danger of being evicted.
Aleana Young, a SaskPower critic, said that price increases for utilities were the last thing that anyone needed.
In order to help maintain fair, reasonable, and predictable power and energy pricing for individuals and companies in this province, Saskatchewan is in need of an independent consumer advocate.
The only province in Canada, Saskatchewan, lacks an impartial consumer advocate for utilities and power.
The NDP’s demand for affordability relief for the province includes the creation of an independent consumer.
Residents of Saskatchewan would have easier access to payment arrangements, and anyone facing eviction due to rate increases would receive assistance from a neutral consumer advocate.
While Alberta was in the second round of utility rebates in July, according to Beck, Saskatchewan customers are still waiting.
People are having their utilities cut off, are in danger, or have already been evicted, according to Beck, therefore they cannot wait for this.
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Beck requests prompt action from the Saskatchewan government as colder weather is expected.
The Saskatchewan government retorted, “Saskatchewan people enjoy the lowest natural gas costs in the nation and have the second lowest utility bundle cost of all provinces.”
“There is a large capital expense associated with the transition to more renewable energy and infrastructure upgrades to assure higher dependability and sustainability.
Earnings from ratepayers and borrowing/debt at sustainable levels are necessary for reliability and sustainability.
SaskEnergy and SaskPower have both stated that they are eager to help with customers who are experiencing trouble paying their power bills, according to the government.
Disconnection only happens as a last choice after numerous attempts to get in touch, make a payment arrangement, and stick to that arrangement.
After rate increases, Saskatchewan people struggle to pay their electricity bills.
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