Pipeline Online: Crown sector delivers dividends, investment while maintaining low utility costs

By Brian Zinchuk

Saskatchewan’s commercial Crown corporations delivered millions of dollars in dividends to the province while continuing to provide some of the lowest utility rates in Canada, according to the 2025-26 annual reports tabled June 23.

The reports show Saskatchewan maintained the second-lowest residential utility bundle in the country during the fiscal year, while the Crown sector contributed $68 million in dividends to the province’s General Revenue Fund. The money supports government priorities including health care, education, community safety and affordability initiatives.

The province also provided $187 million to SaskPower to help keep electricity rates affordable for customers.

Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison said the past year highlighted the value of Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations, pointing to employee responses during the devastating northern wildfires and efforts to maintain affordable energy.

He also highlighted the province’s Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, along with the removal of the federal carbon tax from power bills, which the government says reduced electricity bills by 11 per cent.

The reports also show the province secured nearly $4.5 billion in investment during 2025-26, far exceeding its $1 billion target. Collaboration between Crown corporations and government agencies generated $69.5 million in cost savings through shared initiatives, including SaskTel and SaskPower projects such as the Northern Broadband Project and Pole Sharing initiative.

SaskPower invested $1.7 billion to modernize and expand Saskatchewan’s electrical system and launched its Coal Life Extension Program. SaskTel invested $136.3 million to expand its wireless network, extending 5G service to more than 930 sites and reaching 94 per cent of Saskatchewan’s population.

The Crown sector also continued to support Saskatchewan businesses through procurement. During the fiscal year, Crown corporations purchased $1.5 billion in goods and services from Saskatchewan suppliers.

Indigenous procurement increased to $152 million, representing 7.1 per cent of total Crown purchasing and an increase of more than $26 million over the previous year.

More than 11,000 employees work across Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations, providing essential utility and communications services throughout the province.

The 2025-26 Crown Investments Corporation annual report is available on the corporation’s website.