Carbon tax blamed for rising electric bills

Saskatoon residents can expect to pay about $18 more this year on their utility bills as a result of costs arising from the federal government’s carbon tax, city hall says.

City council approved rate increases on Monday for Saskatoon Light and Power, the city ’s electrical utility. Its rates mirror those of Saskpower.

The new rates kick in on Monday.

A city news release noted the provincial government is challenging the federal carbon tax in court.

The provincial government has said the carbon taxes collected will be placed in a trust and residents could get their money back if the court challenge is successful, the release says.

Also starting April 1, the city’s new utility bills will clearly identify the carbon tax charge.

The new bills also will be shorter, with billing sections that provide more clarity.

Residents who want more information about how their charges were calculated are expected to have access next week to a new online consumption calculator on the city’s website at saskatoon.ca/ utilityrates.

Saskatoon residents are served by both Saskpower and Saskatoon Light and Power, which has traditionally imposed rates identical to those of the provincial Crown corporation. Saskpower customers are mostly located outside Circle Drive.