Saskatchewan’s Official Opposition is urging the Sask Party government to scrap to proposed almost 23 per cent utility rate hike for SaskEnergy over three years. SaskEnergy has requested the rate hike of the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel.

NDP Critic for SaskEnergy, Erika Ritchie, says helping families make ends meet while costs are rising should be the government’s top priority. She suggests, “The last thing the Sask Party should be doing is shocking homeowners by raising the cost of energy 16.8 per cent with three weeks notice.” That’s the proposed percentage increase for the first year, which, if given the green light, would begin on August 1st. Nest year there would be a 2.9 per cent increase and another 3 per cent in 2024.

Also, if SaskPower’s rates are approved, they are set to increase four per cent this year and another four per cent next year.