ORDER NUMBER
G-60-19
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
Nelson Hydro
2019 Rural Rate Application
BEFORE:
R. I. Mason, Commissioner/Panel Chair
A. K. Fung, QC, Commissioner
T. A. Loski, Commissioner
on March 15, 2019
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On March 8, 2019, Nelson Hydro filed an application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for approval of a 2.94 percent general rate increase to all Rural customer classes, effective April 1, 2019 (Application);
B. Nelson Hydro is owned and operated by the City of Nelson and is exempt from regulation under the Utilities Commission Act (UCA) to the extent it is serving customers within its municipal boundaries. Accordingly, the BCUC’s review of the Application pertains solely to Nelson Hydro’s non-municipal, or rural, ratepayers;
C. In its Application, Nelson Hydro requests that the 2.94 percent general rate increase be approved on an interim and refundable basis, effective as of April 1, 2019, pending the outcome of the proceeding; and
D. The BCUC has commenced the review of the Application and considers that the requested interim rate should be approved.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to sections 59-61 and 89 of the UCA, the BCUC orders as follows:
1. Nelson Hydro’s requested rate increase of 2.94 percent that applies to all Rural customer classes is approved on an interim and refundable basis, effective April 1, 2019.
2. Nelson Hydro is directed to provide the BCUC with final certified copies of the amended interim rate schedules within 10 business days of enactment by the City of Nelson’s municipal council.
3. The BCUC will determine the manner by which any variance between the approved interim rates and permanent rates, including interest if any, will be refunded to or collected from Rural ratepayers at the time the BCUC renders its final decision on the Application.
4. The regulatory timetable for review of the Application will be established in due course.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 15th day of March 2019.
BY ORDER
Original Signed by:
R. I. Mason
Commissioner