A market snapshot
released last week by the Canada Energy Regulator shows Saskatchewan people would pay, on average, $178.90 for 1,000 kilowatt hours. In British Columbia, that rate would be $131.90 and Hydro customers in Manitoba would pay just $109.50. In Quebec, the rate would be nearly $100 cheaper than Saskatchewan at $82.90.
“The bottom line is we’re already paying so much for power — and now Scott Moe’s failure to manage our Crowns and plan for the future is going to cost families, farms and small businesses,” Beck said. “If these guys understood how hard Saskatchewan people are struggling to make ends meet, they would pass our bill to stop the rate hike today.”
In December, Moe lied in the Legislature and said no power rate hike was being considered. Then, the hike was announced on Jan. 2 and took effect as of Feb. 1, costing customers $136 million annually.
Prince Edward Island is the only province where people pay more for power than Saskatchewan as do users in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
“There is a better way,” said Aleana Young, Saskatchewan NDP SaskPower Shadow Minister. “We can provide cheaper and more reliable power, improve business competitiveness and become a net exporter of power.
“Frankly, Saskatchewan has so much potential when it comes to power generation — Scott Moe and his incompetent ministers are squandering all of that opportunity and future generations will pay the price.”
Last week, Carla Beck’s team introduced Bill 612, The Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act, which would reverse the power rate hike and stop another planned increase on car insurance that will impact 98 per cent of vehicles on Saskatchewan roads.
At the time of the bill’s introduction, Moe’s House Leader attempted to block it only to be overruled by the Speaker.
On Monday, Scott Moe’s team blocked an attempt to move the Bill forward.
“We won’t let up,” Beck said. “I want Scott Moe to hear this — our team will continue to go into that House every day to put a stop to his rate hikes, his tax hikes and his fiscal disaster.
“We will do everything we can to make life more affordable for people. It’s time for change.”