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SaskEnergy rate hike approved by review panel

Oct 4, 2017 | 1:37 PM

As the temperature begins to fall, your bill to heat your home could be on the rise.

The Saskatchewan rate review panel has recommended an increase in the delivery portion of energy bills for SaskEnergy customers.

This rate increase will see residents pay an average of $1.42 more per month — an increase of $17 annually.

The 3.3 per cent residential hike would be lower than what SaskEnergy was asking for.

The crown corporation was originally seeking a 3.6 per cent increase, which would reach an average of $1.65 per month for a residential customer. It was also seeking a 2.4 per cent increase for small businesses, a 3.5 per cent increase for large commercial customers and a 2.4 per cent increase for small industrial customers.

They told the review board there was need for an increase in the delivery charge due to increased capital spending, transportation and storage costs for natural gas. The crown also pointed to rising net incomes in households across the province.

Across all sectors, the review panel is recommending a 2.95 per cent increase.

Cabinet still has to approve the changes, which would take effect Nov. 1.