Saskatchewan farmers will pay an average of $18 more each month for electricity beginning June 1.
The government approved an 8.5 percent rate increase for SaskPower May 20. The utility originally requested a 13 percent hike.
When the request went to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel, the members suggested the corporation could reduce input costs and defer some expenses and recommended the smaller increase.
“The SRRP report contains a number of cost containment steps SaskPower needs to undertake as a result of the lower rate increase,” said crown corporations minister Ken Cheveldayoff.
“SaskPower will follow the recommendations including a two percent budget reduction in their operations, maintenance and administration spending.”
Residential customers will see their bills rise about $8 per month.
The increase comes two months after energy bills dropped by 21 percent, saving farmers about $30 per month and residential customers about $23.
