New SaskPower Program Aims to Lower Energy Bills in Northern First Nations Communities | The Canadian News

A new SaskPower program hopes to reduce high energy bills in First Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan.

Crown Corporation announced Monday the Northern First Nations Home Remodeling Program, designed to provide a series of free home renovations to eligible customers.

A home appraisal could result in a variety of improvements. That includes improved insulation, improved plumbing, and even LED light fixtures aimed at saving energy and money.

“Not all parts of the province have been blessed with the ability to heat their homes with natural gas. Many communities in the north depend on electric heating, which is more expensive, ”says Scott McGregor, SaskPower media relations consultant. “This program is certainly designed to help offset those costs and help lower energy bills.”

According to SaskPower, the program is open to qualified First Nations communities in the north of the province that use electrical heat as their primary source of heating.

“It is a program that is designed for eligible Northern First Nations to work directly with us,” said McGregor. “From there, the community would find eligible residents within the community. So when the community contacts us, we verify their eligibility and then send one of our consultants for the free advisory meeting. “

Participants will be visited by an energy efficiency advisor who will discuss their energy use and identify which modifications will have the greatest impact on their usage and bills, McGregor said. Advisors will also provide one-on-one energy advice.

He added that SaskPower has already identified a number of communities that meet the initial requirements, such as: Big Island Lake Cree Nation, Birch Narrows Dene Nation, Black Lake Denesuline First Nation and Canoe Lake Cree First Nation.

SaskPower expects the program to cost $ 3.77 million and that 75 percent of the cost will be covered by funds from the federal government.

The program will be available until March 31, 2024 in association with the Low Carbon Economy Fund of the Canadian government.