SaskPower Invests $1.15 billion into Province’s Power Infrastructure
SaskPower, Saskatchewan’s Crown utility company, has announced that it plans to invest $1.15 billion in the coming fiscal year to modernize and sustain the province’s power infrastructure.
This capital investment represents an increase of $98 million compared to last year. SaskPower CEO Rupen Pandya emphasized the importance of having the right infrastructure in place as the world moves away from carbon-based power generation, stating the right investments now will enable SaskPower to provide reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective electricity to customers in the years and decades to come.
Of the $1.15 billion investment, $514 million is allocated for maintenance and upgrades of existing power transmission, distribution, and generation infrastructure, while $505 million will go to growth projects. The growth projects include new natural gas plants such as the Great Plains Power Station and the planned Aspen Power Station, which will be located near Lanigan. An additional $129 million will be used for smart meter deployment and work on large projects, including SaskPower’s Logistics Warehouse Complex in Regina.
Other planned capital projects for the upcoming fiscal year include the ongoing refurbishment of the E.B. Campbell and Coteau Creek hydroelectric power stations and the expansions of the Ermine and Yellowhead Stations. SaskPower also plans to upgrade transmission lines at the substations in Hudson Bay, Prairie River, and Spiritwood, as well as rebuild rural power lines and replace wooden poles.
The investment in Saskatchewan’s power infrastructure aligns with the province’s goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The province aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. SaskPower’s investment will help the province achieve this goal by expanding its renewable energy capacity and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.