SaskEnergy Kicks Off $50 Million Expansion to Meet Surging Natural Gas Demand

SaskEnergy is investing nearly $50 million in a system expansion project to meet the growing demand for natural gas in eastern Saskatchewan. As natural gas consumption continues to rise, particularly in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, the Regina East Expansion Project is set to enhance gas capacity in the Yorkton and Regina areas. The project is part of SaskEnergy's broader efforts to ensure reliable, safe, and affordable energy for Saskatchewan's expanding population and economy.

Greg Ottenbreit, MLA for Yorkton, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Saskatchewan’s growing population and booming economy need safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas to heat our homes and fuel our industries. SaskEnergy’s investments in expanding natural gas capacity to the Yorkton area will support regional economic growth and keep our community strong and vibrant.” The project will not only support economic growth but also ensure the community continues to thrive.

SaskEnergy President and CEO Mark Guillet highlighted the company’s commitment to maintaining a reliable system that can meet current and future energy needs. “SaskEnergy must continuously monitor the capacity of our system to handle the province’s current and future demand. We are always looking at where we might need to expand or upgrade infrastructure to accommodate growth across the province,” Guillet said. The Regina East Expansion Project, according to him, is crucial for meeting customer expectations and supporting growing energy demands.

The expansion will include 11 kilometers of new gas lines and a new compressor site southeast of Regina, adding 14,000 GJ/day of capacity for the Yorkton area. The project will also reinforce system reliability for Regina. Completion is expected by late 2025, positioning the project as a forward-thinking solution for the region's energy future.

Mitch Hippsley, Mayor of Yorkton, praised the initiative, noting that the city’s rapid growth has increased commercial energy demands, which in turn boosts residential gas requirements. He commended SaskEnergy’s foresight in addressing these needs, calling it a crucial step for both Yorkton and the province’s development.

SaskEnergy’s annual natural gas delivery volumes have nearly doubled since 2009, largely due to industrial growth. Looking ahead, the company plans to invest $300 million in capital projects in 2024-25 to further support system reliability, safety, and customer demand.

SaskEnergy provides safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas to homes, businesses, and industries across Saskatchewan. With a 72,000-kilometre distribution network, the company serves over 400,000 customers. As a provincial Crown corporation, SaskEnergy has a strong foundation, delivering energy to Saskatchewan for more than seven decades.