IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
an Application for Participant Assistance/Cost Awards
in the Application by FortisBC Energy Inc.
Customer Choice Program
2011 Annual General Meeting Process
BEFORE: L.F. Kelsey, Commissioner October 7, 2013
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) obtained approval from the Commission in 2006 for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the Commodity Unbundling Project for Residential Customers (Customer Choice) in accordance with the government’s 2002 energy policy which would allow for unbundling of natural gas through gas marketing companies licensed by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission);
B. On April 24, 2012, the fourth Customer Choice Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held to discuss the concerns and suggestions of interested parties. Participants included representatives of FEI, the British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Organization et al (BCOAPO), gas marketers and Commission staff;
C. During the meeting, the group reached consensus on a number of items for discussion, including changes to the Code of Conduct for Gas Marketers and a scaled-back regulatory AGM process;
D. On May 28, 2012, the British Columbia Public Interest Advocacy, on behalf of its clients BCOAPO, applied for Participant Assistance/Cost Award (PACA) funding with regard to its participation in the 2011 AGM process;
E. On June 11, 2012, FEI advised the Commission it has no comments on the PACA amount BCOAPO submitted; and
F. The Commission has reviewed the PACA application with regard to the criteria and rates set out in the PACA Guidelines and is satisfied its approval warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 118(1) of the Utilities Commission Act the Commission approves:
1. A cost award in the amount of $3,024.00 for the British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Organization et al with respect to its participation in the fourth Customer Choice Annual General Meeting proceeding.
2. FortisBC Energy Inc. is to reimburse the Applicant for the amount awarded in a timely manner.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, In the Province of British Columbia, this 7th day of October 2013.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
L.F. Kelsey
Commissioner