Two-Year Freeze on Power and Auto Rates

Summary#

This bill aims to stop power and car insurance rate hikes for a set period and make future rate changes more transparent. It tells the minister in charge of Crown companies to reject 2026 and 2027 rate increase requests from SaskPower and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), and to keep current rates in place until the review panel gives advice to the provincial cabinet. It also requires a five‑year outlook on possible rate changes every year.

• Blocks SaskPower and SGI from raising rates in their 2026 and 2027 applications.
• Keeps electricity rates and SGI car insurance premiums at January 1, 2026 levels until the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel issues recommendations.
• Requires the minister to publish a five‑year projection of rate increases for every Crown company in the ministry’s annual report.
• Takes effect as soon as it is signed into law.

What it means for you#

• Households

  • Your power rate would stay at the January 1, 2026 level through the 2026–2027 applications. Your bill could still change if you use more or less electricity.
  • Your SGI car insurance premium would not go up because of a general rate increase in 2026 or 2027. Your individual premium could still change for reasons like at‑fault crashes, tickets, vehicle changes, or optional coverage.

• Drivers and vehicle owners

  • More predictable insurance costs in 2026 and 2027. Any broad premium change would wait until after the panel’s advice, and the minister must disregard the companies’ requested increases for those years.

• Small businesses, farms, and community groups

  • Power rates and SGI premiums would be held at January 1, 2026 levels during the 2026–2027 cycle, helping with budgeting.
  • Organizations with large power use (shops, restaurants, grain dryers, arenas) would see short‑term relief from rate hikes.

• Cities, schools, and hospitals

  • Lower pressure on operating budgets from electricity and SGI insurance in 2026–2027 compared with possible increases.

• Everyone

  • You would get a yearly five‑year projection of possible rate changes for all provincial Crown companies (like SaskPower and SGI). This can help households and businesses plan ahead.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents’ View#

• Helps families, seniors, and small businesses manage costs during a period of high living expenses.
• Provides cost certainty for two years, which can support budgeting and planning.
• Encourages SaskPower and SGI to find savings and improve efficiency instead of raising rates.
• The five‑year projections add transparency so people can see what may be coming and why.
• Keeps rates steady while the independent review panel does its work and provides advice.

Opponents’ View#

• Politicians overriding or pre‑judging rate requests could weaken the independent review process.
• Holding rates flat may leave SaskPower and SGI short of money to maintain systems, pay claims, or invest, which could affect service quality.
• Freezing rates now could lead to bigger increases later (“rate shock”) if costs build up.
• If costs rise (fuel, repairs, storm damage, or claim payouts), Crowns may need to borrow more or cut other spending, which can affect the province’s finances.
• The wording may create confusion about how the freeze interacts with the existing panel process and cabinet decisions.