PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE POWER CORPORATION ACT

The Government of Saskatchewan today introduced First Reading of amendments to The Power Corporation Act.

"These amendments allow SaskPower to respond to the ever-evolving electrical industry and to meet its commitment to provide safe, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible power to the residents of Saskatchewan," Minister Responsible for SaskPower Frank Quennell said.

The amendments clarify SaskPower's current exclusive franchise to transmit and sell electricity in Saskatchewan, by adding a definition of transmission and distribution to the Act. These clarifications will also help if SaskPower has to respond to a breach of its exclusive franchise.

"The biggest impact of the proposed changes will be to make it easier for customers when they need SaskPower's approval to make common improvements to electrical systems on their own property," Quennell said. Until now, SaskPower has been guided in this area by a corporate policy, which was not clearly detailed in legislation.

The proposed amendments also clarify SaskPower's ability to ensure customers who interconnect into the corporation's system comply with its operating standards, particularly around safety issues. These amendments will help SaskPower maintain the reliability and security of the provincial electrical system, and also ensure smooth operations continue with utilities adjoining Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Larry Christie SaskPower Regina Phone: (306) 566-3167