SaskPower Power Generation Partner Program

On October 4, 2018, SaskPower announced the Power Generation Partner Program (the “PGPP”). The PGPP supports the development of new, small renewable, and carbon neutral non-renewable, energy projects throughout Saskatchewan. The PGPP also supports the generation of electricity using a qualified energy resource and the sale of all of the electricity produced back to SaskPower. The purpose of the PGPP is to help SaskPower meet its goal of reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy generation in Saskatchewan, while maintaining the safety and reliability of SaskPower’s electrical system.

An applicant seeking to qualify for the PGPP must be one of either (i) an existing SaskPower Customer over the past 12 months; ii) a corporation, partnership (including limited partnership), cooperative, or non-profit corporation, where at least 80% of the interests or shares are owned by SaskPower Customers or a First Nation(s); or iii) a First Nation or First Nations.

The energy generated from a proposed project must be from a renewable energy resource, such as solar, low-impact hydro, biomass/biogas, or geothermal energy, or from a carbon neutral non-renewable energy resource, such as flare gas or waste heat recovery. The technology used must be readily available in commercial markets and for commercial use.

Projects operating under the PGPP must be located in SaskPower’s franchise area in Saskatchewan, which excludes Saskatoon and Swift Current. Qualifying projects must not jeopardize native plants, wildlife, or their habitats. SaskPower may reject projects with actual, apparent, or deemed risk of negative environmental impact. Further, an applicant must provide evidence of the right to use the proposed location or site for a period consistent with the term of the Project Contract.

The size of a proposed project that derives energy from renewable energy resources must have an alternating current (AC) Nameplate Capacity that is greater than 100 kilowatts (kW), up to and including 1 megawatt (MW) per year. Alternatively, projects utilizing carbon neutral non-renewable energy resources must have a combined total AC Nameplate Capacity that is greater than 100 kW, up to and including 5 MW per year.

Applicants must engage in a telephone conference or meeting with SaskPower before submitting an application to discuss eligibility criteria, the application process, timelines, and interconnection costs. Applicants may do so by contacting SaskPower at customergeneration@saskpower.com.

Our Contacts:

Patricia is an experienced commercial and corporate partner and is the lead for the Regina corporate department. She has a broad range of experience handling and advising on corporate governance matters, securities and equity financing, commercial and residential real estate transactions, sales and acquisitions, financing, and development.

Christopher is a partner practicing in the firm’s Saskatoon office where he maintains a commercial transactions and project development practice focusing on Saskatchewan key economic sectors – energy, natural resources and agricultural.

This information was compiled with the assistance of Regina Student at Law, Brendan J. Campbell.

About McKercher LLP:

McKercher LLP is one of Saskatchewan’s oldest and largest law firms with offices in Saskatoon and Regina. Our deep roots and client-first philosophy have made our firm rank in the top 5 in Saskatchewan by Canadian Lawyer magazine (2017). Integrity, experience and capacity provide innovative solutions for our clients’ diverse legal issues and complex business transactions.

This post is for information purposes only and should not be taken as legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances.  Counsel should be consulted concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.