Evacuees spared on overdue bills

People forced out of their homes by wildfires across northern Saskatchewan are getting temporary relief on overdue payments. Premier Brad Wall says the province’s Crown utilities and its insurance company SGI are waiving bills, premiums and driver’s licence fees until Sept. 1. He says SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy won’t go ahead with collection actions on overdue accounts and won’t disconnect utilities for non-payment. As well, customers are to receive a future credit for about a month’s worth of fixed-service delivery fees. Licence plates and driver’s licences that may expire during the evacuation period will be extended.