(Image Credit: Prairie Sun Solar/Facebook)

By paNOW Staff

renewable resources

Northern Saskatchewan feels impact of global oil crisis, solar seen as a solution

Mar 27, 2026 | 9:25 AM

Even as there’s hope for an easing of conflict in the Middle East, oil and gas prices remain volatile. In northern Saskatchewan, the effects are being felt in everyday life, from grocery bills to transportation costs.

Brent Bushell, GM and CEO of the Meadow Lake Co-op Association, which operates grocery stores in Meadow Lake, Buffalo Narrows, and Île-à-la-Crosse, said as you go further North, there are more transportation costs.

“We all live and die by that transportation whether it’s groceries, fuel, or other goods,” he said.

To help offset rising costs, Bushell said the Co-op is taking steps to minimize the impact on customers.

“Making sure that, you know, you’re well stocked so that you aren’t ordering as many trucks or as much distribution transportation as possible,” he said.

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While the Co-op works to manage prices in the North, other businesses see the oil crisis as a opportunity to market renewable energy.

Brendan Owens, owner of Prairie Sun Solar, said rising fuel costs naturally drive interest in alternatives.

“Renewable options are the equation there that helps align with that, whether that be solar panels for your home or your farm, to reduce your electricity costs, or comparing EVs to standard gas and diesel vehicles, your energy consumption is significantly lower.”

Owens said solar power offer price stability in contrast to volatile oil and gas markets. Solar panels on homes can bring the average cost of power down to about 7 cents a kilowatt hour, he said.

“If you’re drawing energy from the grid, currently you’re paying about 16 cents a kilowatt hour, plus adding in local GST, PST, if there’s a municipal tax. So, some areas and jurisdictions, you’re up to 20 cents a kilowatt hour.”

He added having your own solar panel system makes you immune to any rate increases and can insulate users from future oil disruptions.

“And as long as the sun comes up, it’s free renewable energy every single day,” he said.

The province has already been investing heavily in solar power and operates eight wind farms, as it works to modernize its electricity grid and move away from coal. The goal is to add up to 3,000 megawatts of new renewable generation by 2035.

It’s unclear how long oil prices will stay volatile, since the direction of the conflict in the Middle East keeps changing. Earlier this week, Iran dismissed a U.S. plan to pause the war and issued a counterproposal as Tehran and Tel Aviv keep firing at each other. Meanwhile, prices at the pump remained high across Saskatchewan at 166.9/L.

Owens anticipates growing interest in solar as fuel prices fluctuate.

“Everyone who pays power bills, whether for a home, rental or business, can see major savings. If your bill is $200 a month, solar could reduce that to $30 or $40,” he said, adding the cost of installing solar is the lowest it’s ever been while the efficiency of panels is the highest.

He also pointed to policies like 30 per cent refundable tax credits for commercial businesses that make adoption even more appealing.

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 panews@pattisonmedia.com