SCOTT MOE’S SECRECY DRIVING ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AS POWER RATE HIKE SHOCKS INDUSTRY

Biggest Industries Warns Lack Of Transparency Is Putting Investment And Economic Growth At Risk
REGINA – A major Saskatchewan industry group is warning that Saskatchewan’s economic outlook is being torpedoed by unexpected power rate hikes, uncertainty around the Sask. Party’s secret coal plan and inconsistent signals from Scott Moe’s government.

In a submission to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel, the Saskatchewan Industrial Energy Consumer Association (SIECA) says SaskPower gave no indication “formal or otherwise” that a rate increase was coming, even during scheduled meetings just weeks before it took effect.

“A lack of transparency or adherence to established processes not only weakens confidence in Crown rate-setting but also creates broader uncertainty regarding the investment climate in Saskatchewan,” the letter reads. “These concerns are not isolated to SaskPower. Industry continues to experience uncertainty related to procedural inconsistency and reliability across other Crown entities as well.”

SIECA represents major employers across mining, agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare, responsible for billions of dollars of economic activity.

“The pay-first, ask-questions-later approach from Moe and his minister is eroding confidence in Saskatchewan’s economy,” said Carla Beck, Saskatchewan NDP Leader. “When businesses are left guessing whether or not they’ll be blindsided by rate hikes on virtually zero notice, investment slows, jobs are at risk and families pay the price.”

On Dec. 4, 2025, Moe told the Legislature that a rate increase was not being considered. Weeks later, the hike was announced on Jan. 2, 2026, and took effect on Feb. 1 and will cost Saskatchewan people an additional $136 million.

SIECA also takes issue with the Sask. Party government’s plan to retrofit the aging coal plants, warning that unclear costs, timelines and impacts are creating uncertainty for the business community and could have a chilling impact on investment, especially when natural gas is a more cost-effective alternative:

“The seriousness of insufficient industry consultation, combined with uncertain regulatory processes and reliability signals, poses real and immediate consequences for investment retention and future economic growth in Saskatchewan.”

“We know Scott Moe’s electricity plan is the most expensive and will cost the province money, competitiveness, and stability,” said Aleana Young, Shadow Minister for SaskPower. “The biggest industries are sick of the politicking. They’re threatening to vote with their feet - and their dollars.

“It’s time for change.”

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