BCUC

NEWS RELEASE – BCUC Accepts FortisBC’s 2022 Long Term Gas Resource Plan

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
FortisBC, Climate change, Natural gas, GHG, BCUC, Policy, Transport, Carbon, Investment, Liquefied natural gas, Guide, Renewable energy

In its application, FortisBC indicated that its plan had been shaped by developments in climate change policy.

Key Points: 
  • In its application, FortisBC indicated that its plan had been shaped by developments in climate change policy.
  • Specifically, the CleanBC plan and Roadmap to 2030, which set out the BC government’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the province.
  • A long-term resource plan looks ahead at the next several years of energy demand.
  • Long-term resource plans must include an estimate of demand, a plan to reduce demand, and a plan for energy purchases and facilities required to meet demand.

NEWS RELEASE – BCUC Issues Decision on FortisBC’s Revised Renewable Natural Gas Program

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
FortisBC, GHG, BCUC, Life, BERC, Government, RNG, Renewable energy

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) issued its decision on FortisBC Energy Inc.’s (FortisBC) revised Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) program.

Key Points: 
  • VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) issued its decision on FortisBC Energy Inc.’s (FortisBC) revised Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) program.
  • After a public review, the BCUC approved the continuation of the voluntary RNG program with some adjustments, including renaming the Biomethane Energy Recovery Charge (BERC) to the RNG Charge.
  • Eligible customers who voluntarily sign up for the RNG program will continue to pay the conventional natural gas rate, plus $7 per gigajoule.
  • Natural gas vehicle and transportation service customers will now be charged based on the average cost of RNG supply.

BCUC Approves Energy-based Rates for BC Hydro Electric Vehicle Charging Service

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
EV, BC Hydro, BCUC

For more information about the BCUC’s decision or BC Hydro’s application, please see the proceeding page .

Key Points: 
  • For more information about the BCUC’s decision or BC Hydro’s application, please see the proceeding page .
  • On July 28, 2023, BC Hydro applied to the BCUC seeking, amongst other things, interim and permanent approval for time-based EV charging rates as well as new energy-based rates, in part because its existing rates did not recover the full cost of providing EV charging service.
  • In December 2023, the BCUC approved the following time-based rates on an interim basis, exclusive of any applicable rate rider adjustments, effective January 1, 2024.
  • These interim rates were set pending the BCUC’s final determination on BC Hydro’s application, which was issued today.

BCUC Accepts BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Indigenous peoples, BC Hydro, Growth, IRP, Guide, Electricity, BCUC, Kilowatt-hour, Integrated Resource Plan, Renewable energy

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) accepted BC Hydro’s Updated 2021 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which anticipates BC Hydro's load and resource needs and guides decisions on its electricity system over the next two decades.

Key Points: 
  • VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) accepted BC Hydro’s Updated 2021 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which anticipates BC Hydro's load and resource needs and guides decisions on its electricity system over the next two decades.
  • After a public review process, the BCUC determined that: BC Hydro’s IRP is in the public interest and aligns with the BC government’s energy objectives; BC Hydro provided sufficient information to meet the filing requirements of a long-term resource plan; and its supporting analysis for its near-term actions and range of long-term scenarios was reasonable.
  • The BCUC also appreciated BC Hydro’s shift to a more flexible planning and resource development process.
  • Long-term resource plans must include an estimate of demand, a plan to reduce demand, and a plan for energy purchases and facilities required to meet demand.

BCUC Rejects FortisBC Energy Inc. Okanagan Capacity Upgrade Project

Retrieved on: 
Friday, December 22, 2023
Public, FortisBC, Squat toilet, Growth, BCUC, Population growth, CPCN, Natural gas, Oil

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) denied FortisBC Energy Inc.’s (FortisBC) application for its Okanagan Capacity Upgrade project, which includes the construction, installation, and operation of approximately 30 kilometers of new natural gas pipeline.

Key Points: 
  • VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) denied FortisBC Energy Inc.’s (FortisBC) application for its Okanagan Capacity Upgrade project, which includes the construction, installation, and operation of approximately 30 kilometers of new natural gas pipeline.
  • In its application, FortisBC stated that the pipeline expansion project is needed to meet its forecast increase in demand for natural gas in the Okanagan region due to population growth.
  • Following an open and transparent public review process, the BCUC denied a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Okanagan Capacity Upgrade project because it determined that the project was not necessary for public convenience or in the public interest.
  • Given the estimated project cost of $327 million, the BCUC determined that it would not be prudent to approve the Okanagan Capacity Upgrade project at this time.

BCUC Approves BC Hydro’s Optional Residential Time-of-Use Rate

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Rate, Electricity, Kilowatt-hour, Investment, BCUC, BC Hydro, Comment

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) approved an Optional Time-of-Use Rate (Optional TOU Rate) for BC Hydro’s residential customers.

Key Points: 
  • VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) approved an Optional Time-of-Use Rate (Optional TOU Rate) for BC Hydro’s residential customers.
  • The Optional TOU Rate will also be available to BC Hydro's net metering customers for deliveries from BC Hydro only.
  • BC Hydro has been directed to file an evaluation report with the BCUC on the Optional TOU Rate no later than March 31, 2029.
  • On February 27, 2023, BC Hydro filed its Optional TOU Rate Application pursuant to sections 58 to 61 of the Utilities Commission Act , seeking approval of Rate Schedule 2101 – Residential Service – Optional TOU Rate.

BCUC Approves Permanent 2023 Rates for Nelson Hydro Rural Customers

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Public utilities commission, UCA, Wildfire, Electricity, City, COSA, Investment, BCUC, Comment

The BCUC approved Nelson Hydro’s request to increase its rates by 9.87% for rural customers on a permanent basis, effective January 1, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • The BCUC approved Nelson Hydro’s request to increase its rates by 9.87% for rural customers on a permanent basis, effective January 1, 2023.
  • Nelson Hydro’s 2023 rates reflect changes in how rates are calculated between rural and urban customers based on Nelson Hydro’s cost of service analysis (COSA ) decision.
  • The BCUC conducted an open and transparent review of Nelson Hydro’s application and considered evidence from ratepayer groups, customers, and Nelson Hydro, as well as letters of comment from the public before issuing its decision.
  • The BCUC is reviewing Nelson Hydro’s 2024 rates application and has approved Nelson Hydro’s request for an interim rate increase of 6.2%, effective January 1, 2024.

BCUC Issues Final Report on the Regulation of Hydrogen Energy Services

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Hydrogen, Carbon, Regulation, Public utilities commission, Government, UCA, Dive (Belgian band), Heat, Electricity, Inquiry, Final, BCUC, Transport, Natural gas

In November 2022, the BCUC established the Hydrogen Inquiry to examine its role in regulating hydrogen as an energy resource, following the release of the BC government’s BC Hydrogen Strategy and the emergence of hydrogen energy services throughout the province.

Key Points: 
  • In November 2022, the BCUC established the Hydrogen Inquiry to examine its role in regulating hydrogen as an energy resource, following the release of the BC government’s BC Hydrogen Strategy and the emergence of hydrogen energy services throughout the province.
  • The Hydrogen Inquiry gathered information about hydrogen energy services in BC, determined whether providing hydrogen energy service falls under the definition of a public utility in the Utilities Commission Act (UCA), and determined a suitable scope for efficient and effective BCUC regulation of hydrogen energy services.
  • The BCUC’s Final Report included the following key findings:
    A person who provides hydrogen energy services for compensation falls under the definition of public utility in the UCA.
  • The Hydrogen Inquiry Final Report was prepared following the January workshop, taking into consideration written submissions from parties involved in the hydrogen energy industry and feedback received on the Hydrogen Inquiry Draft Report.

Fortis Inc. Releases Third Quarter 2023 Results

Retrieved on: 
Friday, October 27, 2023
TEP, Government, Gold, BCUC, AUC, Government of Canada, FortisBC, Coal, Saunders-Roe Princess, MISO, Fortis, ITC, Carbon, Arizona Corporation Commission, ROE, GAAP, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Investment, Other Electricities, Ministry of Energy (Alberta), PAR, Growth, Common, National Capital Planning Commission, Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, PBR, Income tax, Silver, Non-U.S. operators of the M60 Patton, Corporation, Electricity, Economic development, GHG, Lake Erie, Inflation, Acceleration, Renewable energy, Airline, Bank, Reinsurance

ST. JOHN'S, Newfoundland and Labrador, Oct. 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX/NYSE: FTS), a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry, released its third quarter results1.

Key Points: 
  • In August 2023, FortisBC Energy commenced construction of the Eagle Mountain Woodfibre Gas Line project.
  • In October 2023, TEP announced the Roadrunner Reserve project, the largest battery energy storage system in TEP's portfolio.
  • The ROE for 2024 is expected to be determined in the fourth quarter of 2023, with updates annually thereafter.
  • Fortis presents these non-U.S. GAAP measures because management and external stakeholders use them in evaluating the Corporation's financial performance and prospects.

BCUC Orders BC Hydro to Refund Annual Charge to Gitga’at First Nation

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 18, 2023
UCA, Public utilities commission, BCUC, Annual, First Nations, Remote, Integrated Electrical Services, British Columbia Utilities Commission, GFN, BC Hydro, Hearing

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) directed BC Hydro to refund $693,000, plus interest, in payments it collected from Gitga’at First Nation (GFN).

Key Points: 
  • VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) directed BC Hydro to refund $693,000, plus interest, in payments it collected from Gitga’at First Nation (GFN).
  • On April 5, 2022, the BCUC received a complaint from GFN about the annual charge and established a hearing to review the complaint.
  • Following an open and transparent public review process, the BCUC determined that the annual charge BC Hydro collected from GFN is a rate for electricity service.
  • The BCUC directed BC Hydro to refund GFN the entirety of the annual charge it has collected since 2014, plus interest, within the next six months.