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Powering Canada’s Future: Federal measures helping build Saskatchewan’s 21st century electricity grid

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REGINA, SK, Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ – In the 21st century, a reliable and affordable clean electricity grid is the backbone of a strong economy. Today, more than 80% of Canada’s electricity is generated from clean sources like hydropower, wind, solar, and nuclear—and it’s a big part of the reason why companies are choosing to invest in Canadian workers and business. In Saskatchewan, companies like Jansen, which mines potash, are cleaning their operations and meeting global potash demand. By taking action to expand clean power, new economic opportunities are being unlocked while workers and families can get ahead with lower energy bills. As we build more power to meet our growing energy needs, lower power rates are front and centre.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced a suite of over $265 million job-creating investments into SaskPower and Saskatchewan clean electricity projects to address our shared priorities and build a clean future.

Investing to build more renewable power

The Government of Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) is delivering over $12 million in job-creating federal investments for local and Indigenous-led renewable power projects, including:

Over $2.7 million for the 1.4-megawatt Cosette Solar Project in Estevan, owned in part by White Bear First NationsNearly $2.7 million for the one-megawatt NM Solar Project in Lomond No. 37, owned in part by White Bear First Nations$2 million for the 100-megawatt Prairie Coast Solar Project in LajordOver $1.8 million for the one-megawatt Kiyam Solar Project near Gladmar, partly owned by Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First NationOver $1.8 million for the one-megawatt Iskotew Solar Project near Alsask, partly owned by Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation. Over $1.3 million for the 500-kilowatt (AC) La Plonge Solar Project with English River First Nation

Once fully completed, these solar projects would provide electricity equivalent to powering nearly 20,000 homes every year—more than Saskatchewan’s third-largest city, Prince Albert. To date, this federal fund has delivered over $90 million in support for job-creating clean power projects across Saskatchewan, primarily with Indigenous partners. These projects will enable local economic growth and deliver clean, affordable energy to communities while advancing economic reconciliation, and we will continue to work with the people of Saskatchewan to ensure future power demand is met with clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

Modernizing and upgrading Saskatchewan’s grid

The Government of Canada’s Future Electricity Fund is transferring over $256.7 million to SaskPower for a range of job-creating, clean power projects, which will grow and modernize the provincial energy grid while getting costs down for ratepayers and driving reliability. Through the fund, Indigenous clean energy projects will receive $42 million. This includes:

Nearly $70 million for over 6,000 km of critical rural power line reliability upgrades, including replacement of aging installations and system upgrades.Over $55 million for a 60 megawatt/60-megawatt hours battery storage system and associated technologies to help manage peak demand and integrate renewables.Nearly $80 million for a new substation and two 240-kilowatt transmission lines connecting the province to the Southwest Power Pool in the United States, facilitating 500 megawatts of additional transmission service.Over $9 million to support consumer and household energy efficiency programs, including SaskPower’s new Energy Efficiency Discount Program that helps pay for ENERGY STAR appliances, home insulation, and other cost-saving measures for families.Over $20 million to help retrofit Northern First Nations’ homes and help new buildings achieve higher cost-saving energy efficiency performance standards.Over $5 million to develop power generation in remote and northern communities, while replacing aging distribution infrastructure.Nearly $14 million to add 400 megawatts of wind power and 300 megawatts of solar generation in south-central Saskatchewan by 2027. So far, a portion of this funding has been allocated to support the implementation of a 200-megawatt wind facility project partnership between Innagreen Investments and Awasis Nehiyawewini Energy Development Limited and a 100-megawatt solar project partnership between Iyuhána Solar LP and Ocean Man First Nation.And additional investments to train more Indigenous power line technicians alongside the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies.

As demand for electricity grows, the opportunity to power our communities and the world with clean, affordable, and reliable power is a win-win-win—for workers, for affordability, and for the environment. The Government of Canada’s plan is working to drive greenhouse gas pollution down while the economy grows and inflation cools. Together, with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, municipalities, industry, and workers, the Government of Canada is seizing the opportunity ahead to build a strong economy with good-paying sustainable jobs, low energy bills, and to ensure a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren.

Quotes

Canada works best when Canadians work together. As someone with deep roots in Saskatchewan, I know that these investments in Saskatchewan’s electricity grid will create jobs and ensure the province remains a destination of choice for investors looking to expand their operations. From Indigenous solar projects to small modular reactor permitting and transmission upgrades the federal government will be a partner and staunch supporter to ensure that we build up and power a strong and reliable 21st century economy, without making compromises on affordability.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“We are Powering Canada Forward by unlocking opportunities in every province and territory, leveraging their unique strengths to rapidly grow and responsibly decarbonize their grids. Thanks to a suite of historic investments, industrial pricing returns, permitting reform, demand-side measures, and other federal actions, we are already seeing great progress to support Saskatchewan’s growing demand for electricity. The Government of Canada is proud to partner with other governments, utilities, workers, and local and Indigenous communities to help unlock economic opportunities that cut power bills, create good jobs, and build a strong and sustainable economy.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“White Bear First Nations is excited to announce a new solar energy project that aims to harness the power of the sun. This initiative represents a step toward our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our people. This project reflects our values of respecting the land and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. We believe that investing in renewable energy is vital for both our community’s health and the health of our planet. The project has been made possible through a partnership with Compass Energy and funding support from government grants. We look forward to participating in developing additional solar and other renewable projects in the Nations traditional territory.”
– Chief Jonathan Pasap, White Bear First Nations

“The revenue received from this program was instrumental to make the project a reality. In order to have a positive impact on the development corporation of Misty Ventures, it is these two projects that give us the opportunity to benefit for 20 years in partnership with SaskPower and the Power Purchase Agreement. We are very grateful for the support from the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program and Natural Resources Canada!”
Robert Daniels, President and Chief Executive Officer, Misty Ventures Inc., the Economic Development branch of Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation

Quick facts

In addition to these measures, Minister Wilkinson announced the furthering of the Government of Canada’s permitting of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Saskatchewan first announced earlier this year, and underlined the good progress achieved to date by Canada and Saskatchewan in renewing the equivalency agreement on phasing out coal-fired electricity in the province.Saskatchewan has some of the highest wind, solar, and geothermal potential in Canada, in addition to having the conditions for an end-to-end nuclear fuel supply chain. The Government of Canada is working to help provincial partners unlock barriers to achieving their own energy plans while Powering Canada’s Future.The Government of Canada has delivered a historic suite of over $75 million in previously announced investments in Indigenous-led clean power projects in Saskatchewan, including with the Ochapowace Nation, Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Star Blanket Cree Nation, Cowessess First Nation, the nine First Nations of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council, and the First Nations Power Authority of Saskatchewan.Independent experts from Clean Energy Canada forecast that there will be over 130,000 clean energy jobs added in Saskatchewan between 2025 and 2050.Findings from the Canadian Climate Institute demonstrate that a model of the federal Clean Electricity Regulations for a clean, reliable, and affordable grid is achievable in Saskatchewan, and in fact, provides a lower-cost pathway than SaskPower’s 2050 net-zero plans when accounting for signaled federal investment. These findings by Dr. Brett Dolter were reviewed by Tim Eckel and John Wright, Former President and Chief Executive Officer of SaskPower.Powering Canada’s Future combines historic investments and balanced, fair regulations to ensure new electricity production in Canada is built with the affordable, reliable, clean, and renewable energy sources that Canadians expect.Across Canada, electricity operators are taking advantage of the more than $60 billion over the next decade in federal support to help build 21st century electricity grids.All G7 countries have committed to build a net-zero grid as a foundational measure for enabling achievement of net zero economies by 2050.Electrification is helping to save families money on their energy bills, such as by driving hybrid trucks or installing all-season heat-pumps that have lower operating costs. These cost-saving technologies are supported by purchase incentives and rebates programs from the Government of Canada, helping to put hundreds of dollars more in the pockets of Canadian families every month.Besides significant cost savings, several studies have found that clean electricity can enable lower and more stable electricity bills, since the shift away from fossil fuel electricity also protects ratepayers from volatile electricity prices caused by global price shocks associated with coal and natural gas-powered electricity. For example, Manitoba, Quebec, British Columbia, and Ontario largely operate cleaner electricity grids that provide stable and affordable power and energy reliability during the coldest winter days.The Future Electricity Fund is comprised of proceeds collected from electricity-generating facilities covered by Canada’s Output-Based Pricing System, which is the regulatory trading system for industry under Canada’s carbon pollution pricing system. The federal Output-Based Pricing System is designed to ensure there is a price incentive for industrial emitters to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and spur innovation.

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Backgrounder: The Government of Canada Announces Over $256.7 Million in Fund for Clean Electricity Projects in Saskatchewan

Associated links

Federal Support for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Development in SaskatchewanCanada Sparks Progress on Clean Electricity With Federal Funding in SaskatchewanThe Road to Net-Zero Electricity in Saskatchewan – Canadian Climate InstituteCanada’s Interim Sustainable Jobs Plan2030 Emissions Reductions Plan

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s X page

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Facebook page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada’s Facebook page

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s LinkedIn page

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Instagram page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

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Sidus Space Announces Closing of Offering

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sidus Space, Inc. (Nasdaq: SIDU) (“Sidus” or the “Company”), an innovative space and defense technology company, today announced the closing of its previously announced best-efforts offering of 13,453,700 shares of its Class A common stock (or pre-funded warrants (“Pre-funded Warrants”) in lieu thereof). Each share of Class A common stock (or Pre-funded Warrant) was sold at an offering price of $4.35 per share (inclusive of the Pre-funded Warrant exercise price) for gross proceeds of approximately $58.5 million, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and offering expenses. All of the shares of Class A common stock and Pre-funded Warrants were offered by the Company.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

ThinkEquity acted as sole placement agent for the offering.

The securities were offered and sold pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-292839), including a base prospectus, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on January 20, 2026, and declared effective on February 4, 2026. The offering was made by means of a written prospectus. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus related to the offering have been filed with the SEC and made available on the SEC’s website. Copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may also be obtained, when available, from the offices of ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41st Floor, New York, New York 10004.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Sidus Space

Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) is an innovative space and defense technology company offering flexible, cost-effective solutions, including satellite manufacturing and technology integration, AI-driven space-based data solutions, mission planning and management operations, AI/ML products and services, and space and defense hardware manufacturing. With its mission of Space Access Reimagined®, Sidus Space is committed to rapid innovation, adaptable and cost-effective solutions, and the optimization of space systems and data collection performance. With demonstrated space heritage, including manufacturing and operating its own satellite and sensor system, LizzieSat®, Sidus Space serves government, defense, intelligence, and commercial companies around the globe. Strategically headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast, Sidus Space operates a 35,000-square-foot space manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing facility and provides easy access to nearby launch facilities. For more information, visit: sidusspace.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected trading commencement and closing dates. The words ‘anticipate,’ ‘believe,’ ‘continue,’ ‘could,’ ‘estimate,’ ‘expect,’ ‘intend,’ ‘may,’ ‘plan,’ ‘potential,’ ‘predict,’ ‘project,’ ‘should,’ ‘target,’ ‘will,’ ‘would’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: the uncertainties related to market conditions and other factors described more fully in the section entitled ‘Risk Factors’ in Sidus Space’s prospectus supplement and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Sidus Space, Inc. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts

Investor Relations
Investor-Relations@sidusspace.com

Media
press@sidusspace.com

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SOURCE Sidus Space, Inc.

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Ezee Fiber Connects First Customers in Santa Fe, Accelerates New Mexico Expansion

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HOUSTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ezee Fiber, a fast-growing fiber internet company delivering 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service, announced it has connected its first customers in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This milestone marks the company’s first major step in building its Santa Fe network and expanding multi-gigabit, symmetrical fiber service across the state.

Installations are now underway, giving residents access to Ezee Fiber’s high-performance network, which features symmetrical multi-gig speeds, no data caps, no hidden fees and transparent lifetime pricing. The company also emphasizes locally staffed customer support and a reliable, high-quality experience that sets it apart from legacy providers.

“We’re excited to bring our modern, 100% fiber network to homes the state capital,” said Carlos Rosas, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Southwest Region at Ezee Fiber. “Communities deserve more than basic connectivity. We are focused on delivering ultra-fast speeds, reliability and long-term infrastructure that supports how people live and work today.”

Ezee Fiber began expanding in New Mexico in 2024 and continues to scale rapidly. In addition to Santa Fe, the company is building fiber infrastructure in Albuquerque and surrounding communities, with service activating on a rolling basis as construction is completed.

Residents can expect construction activity to move efficiently through neighborhoods. Ezee Fiber will provide advance notice before work begins and will restore all areas in line with municipal requirements and industry best practices.

Residents can check availability and learn more at ezeefiber.com.

About Ezee Fiber

Ezee Fiber is a rapidly growing fiber internet company delivering premium multi-gig service to residential, business, and government customers over a 100% fiber-optic network—at exceptional value.

The company’s carrier-grade infrastructure spans Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, Oregon, Michigan and Washington, supported by local teams who live and work in the communities they serve. Ezee Fiber’s industry-leading speeds, award-winning customer service, and transparent pricing model set the company apart. Learn more at www.ezeefiber.com.

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SOURCE Ezee Fiber

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CFA Institute calls for functional, proportionate AI oversight to safeguard UK retail investors and market integrity

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LONDON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has published its response to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Review into the long-term impact of artificial intelligence on retail financial services (the “Mills Review”). CFA Institute welcomes the FCA’s technology-neutral approach, while urging greater operational clarity to ensure responsible AI deployment.

In its submission, CFA Institute supports anchoring AI oversight within the UK’s existing principles-based framework, including the Consumer Duty and the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), rather than introducing a standalone AI rulebook. However, it emphasizes that supervisory expectations must be clearer and more practical as AI systems move from assistive tools to advisory functions and, ultimately, autonomous agents.

CFA Institute argues that regulation should follow what AI systems do for consumers, not how they are labelled or constructed. AI-enabled retail interfaces may generate “advice-like” outcomes, such as personalized product steering or portfolio construction guidance, without formally crossing regulatory thresholds. A substance-over-form approach is therefore essential to prevent regulatory arbitrage and ensure consistent consumer protection.

While the Consumer Duty provides a robust foundation, CFA Institute calls for AI-specific articulation of how its four outcomes apply where decision-making is increasingly delegated to automated systems. In particular, the response highlights a risk of automation bias, which may reduce effective consumer outcomes, especially among vulnerable customers.

Firms should be expected to test, monitor and evidence outcomes based on how consumers actually use AI systems in practice, not solely on how they are intended to function.

The submission also identifies a potential governance gap where firms report formal accountability for AI systems yet lack deep operational understanding of complex or third-party models. CFA Institute recommends clearer expectations around what “reasonable steps” and “meaningful oversight” mean under SM&CR and SYSC when AI is deployed in material retail use cases.

It further calls for:

A proportionate, tiered governance framework aligned to the assistive–advisory–autonomous spectrumClear allocation of end-to-end accountability for consumer outcomesReinforced oversight of third-party AI dependencies and operational resilience risks.

Although retail-focused, the response underscores broader market structure implications, including model concentration, correlated behavior, and third-party dependencies that could amplify volatility in stressed conditions. CFA Institute encourages close coordination between the FCA and the Bank of England, as well as continued alignment with IOSCO and the Financial Stability Board, to reduce fragmentation and support the UK’s global competitiveness.

Finally, CFA Institute stresses that responsible AI adoption depends on developing “hybrid” talent, professionals who combine technological fluency with fiduciary judgement and market expertise. Strengthening professional standards and supervisory capability should form part of the UK’s long-term AI competitiveness strategy.

Olivier Fines, CFA, Head of Advocacy and Capital Markets Policy at CFA Institute, said: “Artificial intelligence has the potential to expand access, improve efficiency and strengthen retail financial services, but only if trust and accountability remain firmly at the center.

“The UK’s principles-based framework is advantageous. The priority now is operational clarity: clear guidance on how the Consumer Duty and SM&CR apply when decision-making is increasingly delegated to AI systems.

“Regulation should follow function, not technological form. Where AI systems effectively shape or execute consumer decisions, protections must apply in substance, not just in label.

“We encourage the FCA to provide practical supervisory guidance by the end of 2026 and to continue close dialogue with industry and international standard-setters. With proportionate safeguards, meaningful oversight and investment in hybrid professional skills, the UK can play a leading role in responsible AI-enabled finance while preserving market integrity and public trust.”

About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 9 offices and 157 local societies. Find us at https://www.cfainstitute.org/ or follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe on YouTube.

 

 

 

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