October 6, 2017 — SaskPower has launched a pilot to test commercial and industrial smart meters as a part of its larger grid modernization program.

SaskPower and a third party have completed safety testing on the non-residential smart meters that are being installed. About 500 will be installed on the sites of two participating industrial customers and a number of SaskPower and SaskEnergy facilities.

“This next step towards a new, smarter power grid will help SaskPower provide service that is more adaptable and reliable for today, and generations to come,” said Mike Marsh, president and CEO of SaskPower.

The company says the pilot will allow SaskPower to test the functionality and software used by the meters and data communication network over the next year.

“Our vision is for a Saskatchewan smart grid in 5-10 years that will allow customers to closely monitor their power use and make conservation choices; help SaskPower identify and address power outages faster than ever before; and provide actual monthly bills to our customers, not estimates,” said Marsh.

Residential smart meter deployment is not planned until at least 2018-19.