Between March 1 and September 1, 2021 SaskPower will be offering a one-time relief program to community rinks in Saskatchewan that waives a portion of their power bills.

“Ice rinks are at the heart of many Saskatchewan communities – but many have experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in the federally imposed Carbon Tax,” said Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. “This program aims to help these community rinks weather the storm.”

The Community Rink Relief Program waives all demand charges for eligible rinks. Rinks would still be required to pay for the power they use, their basic monthly charge, and applicable taxes. SaskPower anticipates the average rink will save about $1,600 per month while operating, and approximately $330 per month once shut down for the season.

Some of SaskPower’s commercial and industrial customers pay a demand charge because they often use a lot of power over a short period of time. The charge covers the cost of SaskPower having that extra generation capacity in reserve in case the business needs it. Ice rinks use a lot of electricity when their plants are running.

SaskPower expects to invest $700,000 in this program.

In order for a rink to be eligible, it must be an ice skating or curling rink that is community-owned, non-profit, and operated by a local municipality or First Nations community. 

For more information, or to apply for the program, visit saskpower.com/rinkrelief.

At a glance...

• SaskPower is offering a one-time relief program to community rinks in Saskatchewan
• Eligible rinks will have all demand waived between March 1 and September 1
• Eligible ice rinks must be community-owned, non-profit, and operated by a local municipality or First Nations Community