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BCUC Completes Stage 1 of Generic Cost of Capital Proceeding

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

To determine the allowed return on equity, the BCUC used multiple financial models and considered the most recent market data examined in the proceeding.

Key Points:

To determine the allowed return on equity, the BCUC used multiple financial models and considered the most recent market data examined in the proceeding.
Current rates for the utilities were approved on an interim basis, pending the outcome of Stage 1 of this Generic Cost of Capital proceeding.
The proceeding will now move onto Stage 2, which will determine the cost of capital for other utilities in BC.
In January 2021, the BCUC established an open and transparent public proceeding to review the Generic Cost of Capital for public utilities as there have been changes in the financial markets since the BCUC’s last review in 2016.

BCUC Launches Indigenous Intervener Capacity Fund Pilot

Retrieved on:

Thursday, August 31, 2023

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) has launched a pilot funding program to reduce financial barriers for Indigenous governments and organizations who want to participate as interveners in BCUC proceedings.

Key Points:

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) has launched a pilot funding program to reduce financial barriers for Indigenous governments and organizations who want to participate as interveners in BCUC proceedings.
This important initiative is one way the BCUC aims to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through our work and processes.
The BCUC’s Indigenous Intervener Capacity Fund (IICF) pilot program provides up to $5,000 to First Nations, the Métis Nation British Columbia, and eligible BC-based Indigenous not-for-profit organizations once they have been accepted to participate as an intervener in a BCUC proceeding.
Eligible organizations must be a registered BC-based not-for-profit organization; focus primarily on supporting BC Indigenous communities and/or Indigenous peoples, and; have a mandate from Indigenous governments and/or communities to advocate on their behalf.

BCUC Denies New Interim Rates for BC Hydro Electric Vehicle Charging Service and Establishes Streamlined Review Process

Retrieved on:

Friday, August 18, 2023

Intervention (law), Letter, Comment, EV, BCUC, Public, Measurement Canada, Nippon Charge Service, SRP, British Columbia Utilities Commission, Rate, BC Hydro, RS, Renewable energy, Compact Disc manufacturing

Current rates for EV charging service at BC Hydro fast charging stations remain in effect on an interim basis pending the outcome of the BCUC’s review.

Key Points:

Current rates for EV charging service at BC Hydro fast charging stations remain in effect on an interim basis pending the outcome of the BCUC’s review.
BC Hydro filed its Public EV Charging Service Rates Application with the BCUC on July 28, 2023.
The BCUC has denied BC Hydro’s new interim rates because the proposed rates are materially different than the current rates.
In its application, BC Hydro requested BCUC approval of the following time-based and energy-based EV charging rates:

Fortis Inc. Releases Second Quarter 2023 Results and Sustainability Update Report

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

In May 2023, FortisBC Energy received approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission ("BCUC") for its Advanced Metering Infrastructure project.

Key Points:

In May 2023, FortisBC Energy received approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission ("BCUC") for its Advanced Metering Infrastructure project.
The project is expected to commence in the second half of 2023.
FortisBC Energy also received approval from the BCUC in May 2023 for amended transportation rate schedules for the Eagle Mountain Woodfibre Gas Line project.
The Corporation released its 2023 Sustainability Update Report today, which summarizes recent progress and includes key performance indicators for 2022.

BCUC Modifies Review Process for BC Hydro 2021 Integrated Resource Plan

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Integrated Resource Plan, BCUC, British Columbia Utilities Commission, IRP, BC Hydro, Acquisition, Comment, Kilowatt-hour, Private law

BC Hydro filed an update to its 2021 IRP ( IRP Update ) with the BCUC in June 2023.

Key Points:

BC Hydro filed an update to its 2021 IRP ( IRP Update ) with the BCUC in June 2023.
Following its review of these two matters, the BCUC will determine the appropriate review process for the remaining portions of BC Hydro’s 2021 IRP.
BC Hydro filed its 2021 IRP with the BCUC on December 21, 2021.
On June 15, 2023, BC Hydro filed its 2021 Integrated Resource Plan Signposts Update (IRP Update), which amongst other things, included increased load and decreased supply forecasts, and a need for BC Hydro to acquire 3,700 GWh of new clean or renewable energy.

BCUC Orders Third-Party Investigation into BC Hydro Safety Practices and Culture

Retrieved on:

Friday, July 21, 2023

BC Hydro, Supplement, British Columbia Utilities Commission, BCUC, Safety, Culture

BC Hydro’s Post-Incident Report and Supplemental Information raise serious concerns for the BCUC regarding BC Hydro’s safety practices and culture.

Key Points:

BC Hydro’s Post-Incident Report and Supplemental Information raise serious concerns for the BCUC regarding BC Hydro’s safety practices and culture.
As a result, the BCUC has issued Order G-192-23 , directing BC Hydro to file an independent third-party report that should address, but is not limited to, the following:
BC Hydro’s culture of safety and compliance;
BC Hydro’s asset management practices; and
BC Hydro’s work procedures and quality control processes.
Immediately following the incident, the BCUC sought information from BC Hydro and instructed the utility to submit the results of an investigation into the incident.
On June 29, 2023, the BCUC requested further information pertaining to BC Hydro’s investigation and Post-Incident Report.

BCUC Determines Wyse Meter Solutions Inc.’s Status as a Public Utility

Retrieved on:

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Electricity, Wyse, UCA, British Columbia Utilities Commission, BCUC, Property management

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 28, 2023, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) completed its investigation into Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (Wyse) and determined that it is operating as a public utility and is subject to the BCUC’s regulatory oversight, per Order G-168-23 .

Key Points:

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On June 28, 2023, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) completed its investigation into Wyse Meter Solutions Inc. (Wyse) and determined that it is operating as a public utility and is subject to the BCUC’s regulatory oversight, per Order G-168-23 .
One purpose of regulating public utilities is to protect consumers by ensuring they are charged fair, just, and reasonable prices and can bring complaints and disputes, that are not addressed adequately by the utility, to the BCUC.
Section 1 of the UCA defines a public utility, in part, as a person or entity that owns or operates in BC equipment or facilities that produce, store, transmit, sell, or deliver energy to the public for compensation.
Following an open and transparent public review process, the BCUC found that Wyse meets the definition of a public utility under the UCA.

BCUC Completes its Inquiry into the Acquisition of Renewable Natural Gas

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) released its Final Report for Phase 2 of its Inquiry into the Acquisition of Renewable Natural Gas by Public Utilities in BC (RNG Inquiry).

Key Points:

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) released its Final Report for Phase 2 of its Inquiry into the Acquisition of Renewable Natural Gas by Public Utilities in BC (RNG Inquiry).
The BCUC established its RNG Inquiry in 2021 to examine several issues related to BC public utilities’ acquisition of RNG.
Customers who purchase RNG receive physical units of natural gas + environmental attributes associated with the production of biomethane.
In Phase 2 of the RNG Inquiry, the BCUC further explored notional delivery, the role of environmental attributes, and other matters.

BCUC Denies BC Hydro’s Proposed Residential Service Pricing Principles for Fiscal 2024

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

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After reviewing the evidence in the proceeding, the BCUC found that the modest affordability benefits for those residential customers in the lowest usage segments under BC Hydro’s proposed pricing principles would not outweigh the potentially significantly higher bill impact for the remaining residential customers not in those usage segments.

Key Points:

After reviewing the evidence in the proceeding, the BCUC found that the modest affordability benefits for those residential customers in the lowest usage segments under BC Hydro’s proposed pricing principles would not outweigh the potentially significantly higher bill impact for the remaining residential customers not in those usage segments.
Therefore, for high usage customers, the bill increase under the approved pricing principles is $14 to $104 less than the annual increase under BC Hydro’s proposal.
On March 21, 2023, the BCUC approved BC Hydro’s residential service pricing principles for fiscal 2024 on an interim basis, effective April 1, 2023.
The final rate changes for fiscal 2024 will be determined by the BCUC once it issues its final decision on BC Hydro’s Fiscal 2023 to Fiscal 2025 Revenue Requirements (Rates) Application currently under review.

BCUC Approves FortisBC’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project

Retrieved on:

Monday, May 15, 2023

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) for its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, per Order C-2-23 .

Key Points:

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) to FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) for its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, per Order C-2-23 .
FEI’s AMI project includes the replacement of approximately 1,100,000 residential, commercial, and industrial existing gas meters with new advanced gas meters and the installation of the necessary communication components to enable automatic meter readings, among other features.
The BCUC conducted an open and transparent public process to review FEI’s application to determine whether its AMI project was in the public interest.
During the proceeding, the BCUC reviewed participant submissions on several topics including alternative project options, the overall impact to ratepayers, project costs, potential benefits, and human health impacts.