Energy Poverty / Utility Affordability
Status: Monitoring
Affordability is a household's ability to pay utility fees without limiting access to essential goods and services. Households that experience energy poverty and utility affordability challenges are more likely to be affected by utility cut-offs, rising costs, and impacts from climate change such as floods and heat waves. These households are also less likely to be able to access incentives to improve the efficiency, comfort, and sustainability of their homes.
Where are we now?
There are currently no subsidy programs specific to City utility fees. However, there are several subsidy programs available for income qualified residents that can help decrease monthly costs overall.
- Leisure Access
- Low-income Bus Pass
- Discounted Bus Pass
- Subsidized Spay & Neuter Program
- Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program
- Home Energy Loan Program
- Energy Assistance Program
What Are We Doing?
The City of Saskatoon partnered with SaskPower to provide the Energy Assistance Program, offering income qualified residents free energy coaching and upgrades like lightbulbs, thermostats, and more. This program saves participating households approximately $230/year on utility bills.
What Can You Do?
Improving the energy or water efficiency of your home can help save you money while reducing greenhouse gases and making it more comfortable. Check out the City’s Home Energy Loan Program, Energy Assistance Program, or the Government of Canada’s Greener Homes Grant.
For more information on energy poverty in Canada, please visit https://energypoverty.ca/.
Did You Know?
In Saskatoon, 16% (13,580) of households have a high home energy cost burden, meaning they spend more than 6% of their income on energy.