Recreation Facilities Power Costs
Res #: 21-23M
Number: 21
Year: 2023
Midterm: Yes
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: SaskPower
WHEREAS the cost of running a recreational facility is growing exponentially each year.
WHEREAS recreational facilities in small communities are most often run by volunteers and fundraising revenue which is stretched thin in today’s economy.
WHEREAS the imposed carbon tax added to power bills has increased by 3% in 2023 and SaskPower increased rates by 4% in September 2022 and another 4% in April 2023.
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby SaskPower to reduce rates for recreational facilities run by volunteer organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that SARM lobby the provincial government to provide more funding opportunities for volunteer organizations running recreational facilities via fundraising efforts.
Responses From: Government of Saskatchewan
June 20, 2024
The resolution suggests that SaskPower reduce rates for recreational facilities run by volunteer organizations. That the Provincial government provide more funding opportunities for volunteer organizations running recreational facilities via fundraising efforts.
To address previous concerns about the impact of demand charges on seasonal recreations facilities, SaskPower developed a seasonal demand relief solution in May 2023. This billing change will reduce demand related charges on a permanent basis for most seasonal facilities, including skating rinks.
This initiative will benefit approximately 1,400 accounts and save the average impacted customers about $1,140 per year.
SaskPower remains committed to keeping electrical rates as low as possible and supporting our municipal customers to lessen electricity and demand costs related to the operation of ice rinks.
SaskPower considers SARM an important stakeholder now and into the future.
Hon. Dustin Duncan – Minister Responsible for SaskPower, Government of Saskatchewan
