ORDER NUMBER
G-184-20
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
Net Metering Ratepayers Group and British Columbia
Community Solar Coalition
Complaint Regarding BC Hydro’s Abuse of Process in Improper Comments on PACA
Applications
BEFORE:
W. M. Everett, QC, Panel Chair
D. A. Cote, Commissioner
R. I. Mason, Commissioner
on July 10, 2020
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On June 15, 2020, Net Metering Ratepayers Group (NMRG) and British Columbia Community Solar Coalition (BCCSC) filed a complaint with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) (Complaint). NMRG/BCCSC requested that the BCUC inquire into an alleged abuse of process by British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) in its comments dated June 4, 2020 regarding Participant Assistance Cost Award (PACA) applications received in the Application to Amend Net Metering Service under Rate Schedule 1289 proceeding (Net Metering proceeding);
B. In the Complaint, NMRG/BCCSC alleges, among other things, that BC Hydro improperly used the comment process in PACA to make a collateral attack on NMRG and BCCSC’s joint final argument in the Net Metering proceeding. NMRG/BCCSC submits that BC Hydro’s reply argument within the Net Metering proceeding was the only proper procedural opportunity to address specifics of NMRG/BCCSC’s final argument; and
C. The BCUC has reviewed the Complaint and finds that further process is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE the BCUC requests BC Hydro to provide comments on the Complaint by Friday, July 24, 2020, with further process to be determined. The Panel makes no determination on the availability of PACA for this proceeding at this time.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 10th day of July 2020.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
W. M. Everett, QC
Commissioner