Corporate Governance
SRRP will ask for additional information to assist in its review, and a public interaction component is provided through public meetings. SaskEnergy filed an application for a commodity rate decrease from $3.65 per GJ to $2.65 per GJ in September 2018, while at the same time seeking a 3.7 per cent increase in its delivery service rate. On November 1, 2018, the commodity rate was lowered from $3.65 per GJ to $2.95 per GJ as an interim rate while the SRRP conducted its review. After review, the SRRP recommended a 3.4 per cent increase to the delivery service rate and that the commodity rate decrease from $3.65 per GJ to $2.575 per GJ. In March 2019, Cabinet approved these recommendations, effective April 1, 2019. TransGas’ proposed rate changes are discussed through the TransGas Customer Dialogue, a proxy with representatives from the producer, industrial end-user and gas marketer communities. After rate changes are discussed through Dialogue, they are provided to the Provincial Cabinet for approval. TransGas’ latest rate change was effective May 1, 2018, with an increase to both the transportation and storage rates by 5.9 per cent. Employee Communications SaskEnergy employees are the most credible people to tell its story and the Corporation regularly communicates with its workforce of more than 1,100 employees to provide prompt and accurate information. Communication focuses on initiatives and updates related to SaskEnery’s Business Plan and aims to increase employee understanding of the delivery of essential energy to customers, enhance understanding of the natural gas industry as a whole, increase knowledge of SaskEnergy’s safety practices and environmental stewardship, and make employees better able to engage in meaningful discussions about the natural gas industry with friends, family and acquaintances. Recognizing the value of face-to-face communication, SaskEnergy relies on Senior Leaders, managers and supervisors to share messages within and across work teams in regular meetings and discussions, as much as possible. Other communication methods include company- wide email messages (InfoFlashes) and a corporate intranet site (innergy), which allows employees to access information related to the Corporation, stay informed on upcoming events and initiatives, comment on and ‘like’ articles, and visit sites for specific department- related information. SaskEnergy also produces corporate videos that serve as informative, educational tools to keep employees up-to-date on major projects and initiatives that are taking place within the Corporation.
• Annual disclosure through Crown and Central Agencies, a public legislative committee of government, of all payments greater than $50,000 to employees and suppliers, and of all grants, donations and sponsorships greater than $5,000. • Appearances before public committees of the legislature, including Crown and Central Agencies, by senior executive to answer questions relating to the business of the Corporation in preceding years. • Compliance with public requests for information, SaskEnergy also works cooperatively with CIC, the office of the Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy and Executive Council Communications to generate dialogue, understanding and support for corporate initiatives that affect stakeholders. These communications tools include briefing notes, face-to-face meetings and other information packages to ensure elected officials are able to represent the Corporation in the public and through the media, by speaking knowledgably on issues regarding the business operations of SaskEnergy. The Corporation is also expected to respond expediently to correspondence and case work submitted by the office of the Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy. Project-based Communications SaskEnergy’s distribution, transmission and storage projects can impact the communities in which they are occurring. In addition to fully complying with all legal and regulatory considerations, SaskEnergy will typically hold consultations with affected stakeholders in areas where projects are of greater scope or longer duration. Such communications initiatives include public open houses and meetings with local municipal councils, First Nations representatives and other stakeholders. These initiatives allow company officials to explain the environmental impacts of proposed activities, including proposed mitigation plans. They also provide opportunities to enhance general understanding of balancing the interests of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. the projects economic benefits and of natural gas as a heating source. Because Saskatchewan has approximately 75 First Nations Bands and 11 Métis Regions, a dedicated Indigenous Engagement group exists to better foster consultation, dialogue and relations. Regulatory Communications SaskEnergy is required to file any applications for delivery and commodity rate changes with the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel (SRRP), an advisory panel that provides formal recommendations to the Provincial Cabinet. The applications are available to the public. Typically, the
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