As SaskEnergy progresses on its 2030 emissions reduction goal, it also continues to increase the reach of its energy efficiency programs, which assist Saskatchewan homeowners and businesses in reducing energy usage, saving money, and decreasing end-use emissions.
Highlighted in its 2022-23 Sustainability Report, released today, SaskEnergy invested an additional $1 million in its energy efficiency programs during 2022-23, providing residential and commercial customers with rebates to purchase high-efficiency heating equipment. Through these programs, customers reduced their annual energy consumption by 277,600 gigajoules, avoiding 19,225 tonnes in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
“SaskEnergy invested more than $4 million toward its energy efficiency rebate programs in 2022-23, demonstrating its commitment to helping customers decrease their energy usage and save money on their bills,” Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Dustin Duncan said. “Looking forward, SaskEnergy will continue to meet our province’s increasing energy needs while balancing its emissions reduction efforts with the ability to provide affordable energy to customers.”
By the end of 2022-23, SaskEnergy reduced its emissions from operations by 57,000 tonnes CO2e, or 11.5 per cent, compared to 2019 levels — putting the company well on its way to achieving its emissions reduction goal of 35 per cent by 2030.
“SaskEnergy has a clear path to achieving our goal of reducing emissions from operations by 35 per cent by the year 2030,” SaskEnergy President and CEO Mark Guillet said. “Numerous initiatives have contributed to our success so far, including the installation of emissions reduction devices on our compressors, higher-efficiency operational equipment on our system, and bringing more renewable electricity into our operations.”
SaskEnergy’s Sustainability Report also provides an overview of the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and performance, and includes an outlook on key indicators.
“SaskEnergy’s natural gas system has served the people of Saskatchewan for more than 70 years. We’ve built one of the safest, most reliable natural gas networks in the country and through our continued focus on sustainability, we will continue to serve the residents of this province for decades to come,” Guillet said.
Other highlights from SaskEnergy’s 2022-23 Sustainability Report include:
- More than 54,000 tonnes of CO2e per year are now being saved in emissions by customers who have participated in SaskEnergy’s energy efficiency programs since 2017-18. That’s equivalent to taking about 12,000 vehicles off the road each year.
- SaskEnergy worked with the Regina Airport Authority to install carbon capture equipment at the Regina International Airport. The technology captures and converts a portion of the carbon dioxide emissions from the boiler heating system into non-toxic pearl ash, which is then incorporated into a line of carbon-capture soaps.
- SaskEnergy supported 641 charitable and non-profit programs and events in 267 communities across Saskatchewan in 2022-23.
- SaskEnergy constructed its first large-scale solar project at its town border station in south Regina. The 176 solar panels at this site generate nearly 80,000 watts, which is enough to offset its annual power consumption.
- SaskEnergy added 85-watt solar panels, and seven-day battery capacity, at an additional 40 sites in 2022-23. Approximately 400 SaskEnergy sites throughout the province now include solar power and another 40 are targeted to have panels installed or upgraded throughout 2023-24.
- In 2022-23, SaskEnergy launched a new Online Account for customers, which provides expanded self-service options and the opportunity to engage with their accounts in a variety of ways.
- In 2022-23, SaskEnergy procured $246.8 million in goods and services from Saskatchewan vendors, making up 63 per cent of all purchase orders.
- SaskEnergy was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2023, along with recognition of being one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers.