Responsibility
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are found wherever there is electricity. Acknowledging and addressing concerns about EMF is an important part of SaskPower’s commitment to deliver safe, reliable electricity to our customers in an environmentally responsible manner.
What are EMF?
Electric fields are produced by voltage and formed whenever a connection is made with an outlet, whether or not the appliance is turned on. The higher the voltage, the stronger the electric field. Electric fields are measured in volts per metre (V/m).
Magnetic fields are produced when an electric current is actually flowing through an appliance or wire. The greater the current in the wire or appliance, the stronger the magnetic field. Magnetic fields are measured in gauss (G) or tesla (T).
When you plug the power cord of an appliance into a wall socket, the connection creates an electric field along the cord. When you turn the appliance on, the flow of electricity through the cord also creates a magnetic field. The electric field remains even when the appliance is turned off.
As your distance from the source of either an electric or magnetic field increases, the force of the field decreases rapidly. Electric fields are easily shielded or weakened by objects such as trees and buildings; magnetic fields, however, are not easily shielded.
International health agencies and a large number of independent scientific bodies have been unable to establish from their research reviews that there is a health risk from exposure to EMF. Scientists and health agencies, however, agree that more research is required to fully resolve the complex technical questions associated with the issue. SaskPower continually monitors research into the possible biological and health effects associated with the fields created by electrical facilities to determine whether EMF are in fact harmful. As a member of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA), the corporation closely follows EMF research conducted by universities, government and other scientific bodies.
While concerns about EMF are being addressed through research, the corporation continues to provide reliable and affordable electrical service to its customers. SaskPower designs and operates its electrical generation, transmission and distribution systems to comply with recognized standards including those issued by the Canadian Standards Association. Our commitment to the issue of EMF includes the following measures:
To support employee and public education on EMF;
Upon request, to provide EMF measurements in and around residential, commercial and public buildings as well as SaskPower facilities, and provide typical EMF readings for common types of electrical equipment;
To provide estimates of EMF levels for proposed SaskPower electrical facilities;
To cooperate fully with regulatory agencies established by federal and provincial governments and other electrical utilities to review or consider limits on EMF exposure;
To participate in communication forums and regulatory proceedings to remain current on all EMF-related issues.
SaskPower recognizes that EMF is a complex issue with important ramifications for both the corporation and the customers it serves. Therefore, SaskPower’s position will be periodically reviewed to determine its appropriateness in view of ongoing research.
On request, our regional staff will take EMF measurements in and around
residential, commercial and public buildings. For further information, please
email Environmental
Programs or call us at
306-566-2903 (Regina) or 1-800-667-4749 (toll free in Saskatchewan).
You can also download a brochure about EMF, or request a brochure be mailed to you.
