SaskPower is planning to increase rates by 4.9 per cent in 2013.

People could be seeing a higher SaskPower bill next year.

The provincial crown corporation is asking for a 4.9 per cent increase from the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel that, if approved, would take effect in January of 2013.

Such a hike could mean an extra $4 to $6 a month for residential users.

The utility wants to spend a total of $10 billion on the power system over the next 10 years.

SaskPower officials said that money would go towards updating old equipment in order to be able to accommodate the province's growing electrical needs, as well as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The company noted it has two major projects planned for 2013 — a carbon capture and storage project at the Boundary Dam Power Station, located near Estevan, and a 200 megawatt expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Power Station in Saskatoon.

The extra revenue from the rate hike would help pay for the upgrades.

The request goes to a review panel which makes recommendations for government. The final say on rates rests with the provincial cabinet.