The Saskatchewan New Democratic Party is mounting strong opposition to a proposed electricity rate increase from the provincial Crown utility, SaskPower. The official opposition argues the hike would impose an additional financial burden exceeding $135 million on the people of Saskatchewan, pointing to the corporation's escalating debt as a key concern.
Financial Burden on Households and Businesses
The proposed rate adjustment, if approved, would directly increase power bills for residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the province. The NDP's calculation of a $135 million-plus total impact highlights the significant scale of the potential hike. This comes at a time when many Saskatchewan residents are already grappling with high costs of living, making any increase in essential services like electricity a sensitive economic issue.
Debt Concerns Fuel Opposition
Central to the NDP's argument is the financial health of SaskPower itself. The party has drawn attention to the utility's rising debt levels, suggesting that the proposed rate increase is a symptom of broader fiscal management problems. Instead of passing costs onto consumers, the opposition implies that the government and the Crown corporation should explore other avenues to ensure financial sustainability and affordable power for the province.
The call to scrap the hike was made public on January 07, 2026. The NDP's position sets the stage for a political debate over energy affordability, fiscal responsibility, and the management of Saskatchewan's major public utilities. The government's response to this pressure will be closely watched by ratepayers and stakeholders throughout the province.
