February 13, 2017 – SaskPower has announced the beginning of a competitive procurement process to add wind power to the electricity supply mix, and site considerations for a possible natural gas plant.

“We’re committed to making sure our province has the power it needs, when it needs it,” said Gordon Wyant, minister responsible for SaskPower. “The addition of wind projects will help us reach our goal of up to 50 per cent of power from renewable sources by 2030. As well, being prepared for the possibility of adding another natural gas plant will help ensure the supply of baseload power, available 24/7, is enough to meet Saskatchewan’s needs well into the future.”

SaskPower has begun the competitive process to buy up to 200MW from independent power producers. The Request for Qualification Stage is underway, with the Request for Proposal stage beginning later this year.

It’s expected the project will be in service in late 2020, the utility stated.

In addition, SaskPower is considering where to locate the province’s next natural gas plant, which could be needed as early as 2022. Four general areas are being considered—West Sherwood (north of Regina), Rowatt, Belle Plaine and the Moose Jaw Industrial Park. SaskPower said open houses will be held in the areas to gather public input.