IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program
Natural Gas Vehicle Incentives Review
BEFORE: A.A. Rhodes, Panel Chair /Commissioner
D.A. Cote, Commissioner November 4, 2011
M.R. Harle, Commissioner
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On March 31, 2011, FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc. (FEI/FEVI, the Companies) submitted their Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Program 2010 Annual Report as a compliance filing in accordance with British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) Order G-36-09. In the cover letter to the Report, FEI/FEVI request the Commission address the Companies’ use of EEC funds as incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs) at the earliest possible date;
B. On April 18, 2011, the Commission issued Letter L-30-11 which indicated the Commission would initiate a regulatory process to review the Companies’ use of EEC funds as NGV incentives (the Review Proceeding);
C. By Order G-70-11 dated April 20, 2011, the Commission established a Regulatory Timetable for the written hearing of the Review Proceeding;
D. The written process for the Review Proceeding concluded with the filing of the Companies’ Reply Submission on June 16, 2011;
E. On August 15, 2011, the Commission Panel issued Order G-145-11 with Reasons for Decision regarding the Companies’ use of EEC funds as incentives for Natural Gas Vehicles;
F. On June 24, 2011, the Commercial Energy Consumers Association of British Columbia (CEC) applied for Participant Assistance/Cost Award (PACA) funding with respect to its participation in the proceeding;
G. On July 13, 2011, the BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) applied for PACA funding with respect to its participation in the proceeding;
H. By letter dated September 27, 2011, FEI/FEVI advised the Commission that in their view, the PACA applications are not unreasonable and they have no objection to the amounts sought therein;
I. The Commission has reviewed the PACA applications with regard to the criteria and rates set out in the PACA Guidelines in Commission Order G-72-07.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 118(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, the Commission orders as follows:
1. The Commission awards funds in the requested amount of $8,420.72 to the Commercial Energy Consumers Association of British Columbia, with respect to its participation in the FEI/FEVI proceeding.
2. The Commission awards funds in the requested amount of $6,049.52 to the BC Sustainable Energy Association, with respect to its participation in the FEI/FEVI proceeding.
3. FEI/FEVI are directed to reimburse the Applicants for the award amounts in a timely manner.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 7th day of November 2011.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
A.A. Rhodes
Panel Chair/Commissioner