SaskPower has more than doubled funding of the Farmyard Line Relocation Program for 2021-2022 and is currently accepting applications from eligible landowners.

Established in 1995, the Farmyard Line Relocation Program allows farmers and producers to have power lines buried or moved from their farmyard at a subsidized cost. This year, SaskPower is increasing its funding from $2 million to $5 million. This is enough funding for approximately 300 projects.

Under this program, SaskPower contributes 75 per cent and landowners pay 25 per cent of the total construction cost to a maximum of $2,000.

“Safety is SaskPower’s top priority and the Farmyard Line Relocation Program is about making Saskatchewan safer,” said Shawn Schmidt, Vice President of Distribution and Customer Services at SaskPower. “Line contacts involving farm machinery happen in farmyards each year and one way to help prevent this is to move these power lines underground. This is why SaskPower is investing $5 million over the next year in the program.”

Approved applications will be carried out subject to construction schedules on a first-come, first-paid, first-served basis. Interested landowners can learn more or apply by calling 1-888-757-6397 or visiting saskpower.com/farmyardlines. Landowners should note the program is eligible for farmyards and is not open to power lines in fields.

SaskPower saw 17 line contacts involving farm machinery in farmyards last year and is currently reporting approximately 7 for this year (as of July 26). In addition to moving power lines underground, farmers are encouraged to take precautions such as lowering their equipment and carefully planning their route around power lines and poles located in the field during this farming season. To learn more about how to remain safe when operating farm equipment around power lines, visit saskpower.com/lookupandlive.

At a glance...

• SaskPower has increased funding of the Farmyard Line Relocation Program from $2 million to $5 million for 2021-2022
• Eligible landowners can apply to have power lines buried or moved from their farmyards at a subsidized cost
• More information about the Farmyard Line Relocation Program can be found at saskpower.com/lookupandlive