NET METERING PROGRAM ENCOURAGES GROWTH OF GREEN POWER

SaskPower has launched a net metering program to further the development of environmentally responsible power in Saskatchewan.

The program will allow customers who want to generate their own electricity to send any excess back to the electrical grid for a credit on their power bill.

The provincial government has allocated $300,000 to help those who wish to participate in the net metering program offset the cost of purchasing the required generating equipment. The funding will be administered by the Saskatchewan Research Council.

"By encouraging the development of more small-scale green power, we are taking a significant step forward in advancing the province's green energy initiatives outlined in the Saskatchewan Green Strategy and the Saskatchewan Energy and Climate Change Plan," Premier Lorne Calvert said.

Net metering refers to the offsetting of a customer's electricity consumption against the electricity that customer generates. This applies to customers who want to generate their own environmentally responsible electricity - from sources such as wind, solar, low-impact hydro, waste heat recovery or biomass. The electricity is measured through a certified bi-directional meter, installed by SaskPower.

"This program will build on work SaskPower started with its Small Power Producers Policy," Minister responsible for SaskPower John Nilson said. "It will help us achieve our goal of having 30 per cent of Saskatchewan's electricity from renewable sources by 2020."

The net metering program is part of the recently expanded Green Power Portfolio - which also includes the development of additional wind generation, more waste heat recovery and biomass projects, and energy and conservation programs.

More information about the net metering program is available at www.saskpower.com.

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For more information, contact:

Larry Christie
SaskPower
Regina
Phone: 306-566-3167
Email: lchristie@saskpower.com
Cell: 888-536-0000