Proposed 2015 power rate increases trimmed back

The Saskatchewan cabinet has approved power rate increases, but they're somewhat lower than expected.

On Wednesday, the government said an average 5.5 per cent increase recommended by the province's rate review committee for 2014 is OK.

However, it trimmed back the proposed 2015 increase — to 3 per cent from the recommended 5 per cent.

The government said the lower rate hike is due to an improved financial outlook for SaskPower.

The increases work out to about $5 a month for 2014 and another $3 a month in 2015.