SaskPower is set to re-launch the Net Metering Program on November 1st. In this new plan, people and businesses can generate up to 100 kilowatts of their own power to decrease their monthly power bills. 

Under the new progam, individuals will recieve credit in the amount of 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour for excess power generated, this down from 14 cents per kilowatt hour that was offered through the initial program. 

The reduction in credits isn't the only change to the revised program. As of November 1, there will no longer be a rebate for equipment or installation costs either, something that has raised concerns with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).

“Saskatchewan hometowns have embraced a leadership role in adopting carbon reduction strategies, and this includes using alternative energy sources to power municipal facilities,” said SUMA President Gordon Barnhart. “By eliminating rebates for installation costs and reducing credits for excess power, municipalities will face higher costs for green energy infrastructure, limiting innovation.”

In contrast to the previous program as well, there is no limit on program capacity, no program end date, and no specified contract length compared to the previous plans 10 year contract. 

“We know there is growing demand for solar self-generation in Saskatchewan,” said Mike Marsh, SaskPower President & CEO. “The updated program provides certainty and clarity for our customers who want to net meter while reducing the financial impacts on customers who do not have solar panels.”

Customers participating in the previous Net Metering program will be grandfathered under their current contract as long as there are no changes to their projects. At the end of the contract, these customers will become part of the new program.

The relaunch was in response to the high demand that caused the previous version of the program to hit its 16-megawatt cap two years earlier than expected. SaskPower paused the program to do a review and revise it to ensure its long-term financial sustainability.