Natural gas consumers can now save energy costs and upgrade heating equipment through prime rate loans available through the SaskEnergy Network of natural gas retailers and contractors across Saskatchewan.

As the first initiative announced under the provincial Greenprint for Energy Conservation, loans of up to $10,000 will be available for higher efficiency natural gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and clothes dryers.

"Through this program, SaskEnergy and its private sector partners are taking a leadership role to help the people of this province save money on their heating bills," Crown Investments Corporation Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "The long-term benefits to consumers and to the environment make this a positive solution for Saskatchewan people."

"The full Greenprint for Energy Conservation will be unveiled later this fall, but considering summer is the ideal time for home improvements, we felt it necessary to give Saskatchewan people some immediate assistance with home heating conversions," Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Mines Peter Prebble said. "The average Saskatchewan family using a $3,500 loan for a higher efficiency furnace will save more than $400 by financing at prime rate compared to typical unsecured loan rates."

"Over the last few years, we have developed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with SaskEnergy," Mechanical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan member Mike Berkes said. "We look forward to the benefits this program will create for Saskatchewan natural gas consumers."

"We're proud to support this initiative and we recognize what the prime rate loan program will mean to customers and natural gas retailers and contractors in this province," Natural Gas Appliance and Equipment Dealers Association member Jerry DeClare said. "It's all about opportunity and looking forward to the future for those in our industry and the province as a whole."

The current prime rate is six per cent. The prime rate in effect at the time of application will be fixed for the duration of the loan, to a maximum of five years.

The SaskEnergy Network includes 95 members across the province, offering a variety of natural gas appliances and equipment. Members plan to assist approximately 2,500 customers through this program.

A list of SaskEnergy Network members and other energy saving tips are available on SaskEnergy's website at www.saskenergy.com.

Premier Calvert announced the development of a Greenprint for Energy Conservation in May. It will be unveiled later this fall and contain practical measures that will help Saskatchewan people reduce their energy consumption and meet the challenge of high energy prices. For more information on the Greenprint for Energy Conservation call 1-800-668-4636, or visit the Saskatchewan Energy and Mines Website at www.gov.sk.ca/enermine and click on 'What's New'.

Doug Kelln
SaskEnergy
Regina
Phone: (306) 777-9568