It appears the high electrical bills in Southend are due to consumption and not external factors beyond the control of the community.
SaskPower says it has completed its own internal review, following a commitment from Minister Dustin Duncan, in the wake of complaints from the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, who did its own study, claiming the bills were much higher than other northern communities.
“A lot of has to do with high rates of power. Things being left on for example, in that community a lot of the power comes from electric heat. They don’t have natural gas there though, so not much can be done about that,” SaskPower media communication spokesperson Joel Cherry said.
Cherry confirmed that the utility’s equipment is working as it should. He said with consumption being the culprit, SaskPower is working with customers on decreasing electrical usage to get the bills down.
He suggested programs for home renovations to fix drafty windows and doors, shutting appliances, lights and electronics to help save money.
Cherry said the higher power bills in the summer are a catch-up payment.
He explained when there are not accurate meter readings, SaskPower will estimate usage. So, when the meter is read, the actual consumption will be used in the next billing cycle creating a larger payment.
(Photo: Southend Band Hall. MBC File.)