Summary

The Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act would prevent SaskPower and SGI from implementing rate increases proposed in their 2026 and 2027 rate applications, freezing rates at January 1, 2026 levels until the Rate Review Panel issues recommendations. The bill also requires the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation to publish five-year rate increase projections for all CIC subsidiary Crown corporations in annual reports.

This bill would freeze SaskPower electricity rates and SGI auto insurance rates at their January 1, 2026 levels by blocking the rate increases both corporations have proposed for 2026 and 2027. The freeze would remain in effect until the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel completes its review and makes recommendations to cabinet. The bill also creates a new reporting requirement: starting within one year of the bill becoming law, the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation would have to include five-year rate projections for every Crown corporation under CIC in the annual report. This would apply not only to SaskPower and SGI but to all CIC subsidiaries. The bill does not specify what happens after the Rate Review Panel issues its recommendations, nor does it provide funding or operational direction for maintaining services during the rate freeze.