REGINA — A new study suggests the provincial government's Saskatchewan First Energy Strategy and Supply Plan could increase future costs for homeowners and businesses.
A study funded by the NDP and prepared by Energy Super Modelers and International Analysts suggests the province supporting a net-zero grid with nuclear energy starting in 2035 could increase the cost of electricity by six to seven cents per kilowatt-hour.
“Saskatchewan people cannot afford these already high rates to double, to increase by 100 per cent,” said Saskatchewan NDP MLA Aleana Young at a media event on Friday.
As part of its energy plan, the province is investing over $900 million to extend the life of several coal plants until 2050.
“Ending coal-fired generation by 2030 would risk the reliability and affordability of the provincial electrical system. Extending the life of our coal-fired assets will ensure that we have reliable baseload power as a secure bridge to nuclear power generation,” states the plan.
The cost from the study takes into account the province’s coal refurbishment plan.
Young said this study shows affordability wasn’t in mind for the energy plan.
“Saskatchewan needs an affordable, flexible and reliable plan for power generation going forward. That's certainly not what we see from the government.”
The study also noted that constraining buildout with higher capacity requirements could lead to higher rates.
“[We] over-rely on imports. We are not creating jobs in Saskatchewan. We are not creating job security. We are not creating energy security,” said Young.
Energy advocates have also called into question whether the government's decision to extend coal plants means Saskatchewan’s commitment to procure 3,000 MW of abundant, affordable wind and solar energy by 2035 is still happening.
“I think the only reason other than ideology that the government of Saskatchewan has put a moratorium on renewables is that they have not found a way to tax the fuel source,” said Young.
SaskToday reached out to the government for a response, but received no answer by publication time.
The NDP said they plan to present a proposal for affordable energy in the coming weeks.
