Saskatchewan NDP Leader Cam Broten is pledging to lower taxes and utility costs leading up to next month's provincial election.

Under the NDP, Broten said the basic personal tax exemption would be increased by $500, while a one per cent tax increase would be implemented for individuals making more than $175,000 a year.

The plan, according to the New Democrats, would lower taxes for nearly 70 per cent of people in Saskatchewan.

"Despite years of record revenue, the Sask. Party let middle-class and low-income families down when it came to the cost of living," said Broten.

"I hear frustration and disappointment from people all over the province who say that a select few benefited from the boom — and the rest of us are just paying more."

Broten has also promised families a break on their utility bills with a plan to match or beat the lowest cost of utility bundles in the nation by the year 2020. He cited Manitoba as an example, saying that on average, Saskatchewan families are paying $400 more annually in utility costs than the neighbouring province.

"The New Democrat government will protect our crown corporations from privatization and use our crowns to deliver the lowest cost utility bundle in all of Canada," Broten said.

The NDP points to cost increases for utilities under the current government as incentive for slashing costs. In a press release, Broten said there has been a 35 per cent increase in electricity costs since the Sask. Party took power.

He also promised to protect SaskTel and its customers by prohibiting the service provider from adopting usage-based internet billing in the future.

"With the Sask. Party, we're all paying more, and getting less," said Broten. "It's time to refocus the priorities on everyday Saskatchewan families. These adjustments are modest, but they're a step in the right direction."