SaskPower to Invest $108 Million in Power Grid Updates

June 2, 2016

SaskPower will be updating parts of the Saskatchewan power grid to decrease the number of power outages. Aging infrastructure causes approximately 34% of unplanned outages in Saskatchewan. 

“As the demand for power keeps growing, we not only need to build the grid, but we need to tend to our old poles, transformers and stations,” says SaskPower President and CEO Mike Marsh.

A major, high-voltage transmission line north of Saskatoon provides a much-needed alternate source for the area, meaning that power can be rerouted more easily during unplanned outages. In Regina, SaskPower continues to update the network of underground cables in the downtown core. SaskPower will continue working on underground power cables and transformer replacements over the summer months.

Rejuvenating cables involves injecting them with a liquid that fills cracks and insulates. This process is four to five times less expensive than replacing cables, and extends the cable life another 20 to 40 years.

SaskPower will also

• be replacing power transformers due to their age, condition and additional capacity requirements.

• continue a wood pole maintenance program in Assiniboia, Wynyard, northwest Regina and North Battleford

Image source: SaskPower.