Frequently Asked Questions

We’re rebuilding parts of the province’s rural distribution system – the network of power lines that delivers lower-voltage power directly to homes, farms, and businesses.

Depending on the needs of the area, the new lines may include:

• Single-phase overhead or underground lines for individual properties or areas with lower demand.
• Three-phase overhead lines for areas with higher demand.

Overhead lines are typically built in the road allowance with 40-to 45 foot wooden poles, spaced about 90 metres apart. Underground lines follow the shortest path between neighbouring customers, often across fields.

Not always. To better serve the current and future needs of our rural customers, we are taking a more strategic approach.

Instead of simply replacing lines in the same locations, we’re extending three-phase overhead lines into areas with higher demand. These lines are more efficient and will serve as the backbone for smaller power line routes in the area that will mostly be built underground using our new 30-30-300 design standard:

• Max length of power line route: 30 miles.
• Max customers per power line route: 30 customers.
• Max expected load: 300 kVA (enough to power 30 to 60 homes).

Using this new approach will help improve power reliability, reduce outage response times, and support future growth.

We aim to build 3-phase power lines within road allowances. If that’s not possible, we may need access to private land and will work with landowners to secure easements before construction. Factors we consider when choosing which side of the road to use include:

• Road allowance width and location.
• Terrain like water bodies and trees.
• Existing services like water piping, communication cables, gas lines, pipelines, and other power lines.
• The number of road crossings required.

SaskPower is regulated to place poles half a metre, or about 18 inches, inside the edge of the road allowance, but the exact distance from the road edge can vary depending on how wide the allowance and road is.

We rebuild power lines based on safety, risk reliability, and infrastructure condition. Lines that cause frequent outages or can’t meet growing demand are prioritized. Our goal is to make upgrades where they’ll have the greatest long-term benefit for both our customers and SaskPower.