REGINA - Residential power users in Saskatchewan could be paying about $6 more a month for electricity next year.
SaskPower has asked for a five per cent rate increase that would take effect March 1.
The provincially owned power company says the increase is needed to keep up with growing electricity demand, environmental commitments and investment in an aging electrical system.
If approved, this will be the third rate increase for SaskPower in the last three years. In total, rates will have been raised 19.8 per cent.
The Saskatchewan New Democrats estimate that the increase over five years has and will cost the average urban household $250 per year.
SaskPower CEO Mike Marsh says the company has invested more than $6 billion in capital projects and power purchase agreements over the last five years.
The request for a rate increase still needs to be approved by the Saskatchewan rate review panel.
The panel advises the government about the reasonableness of a rate change.
If approved, SaskPower will generate an additional $125 million per year from this rate increase.
With files from CTV Regina's Wayne Mantyka
