Orders

ORDER NUMBER

G-341-20

IN THE MATTER OF

the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473

and

British Columbia Utilities Commission

Review of Thermal Energy Systems Regulatory Framework Guidelines

BEFORE:

R. I. Mason, Panel Chair

W. M. Everett, QC, Commissioner

T. A. Loski, Commissioner

on December 18, 2020

ORDER

WHEREAS:

A.      On August 28, 2013, by Order G-132-13, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) established a written public hearing for the review of a proposed regulatory framework for Thermal Energy Systems (TES);

B.      The BCUC by Order G-231-13 dated December 31, 2013, as amended by Order G-231-13A dated January 6, 2014, found that exemptions from certain provisions of the Utilities Commission Act (UCA) for TES providers properly conserves the public interest and requested approval from the Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) for certain exemptions, pursuant to section 88(3) of the UCA;

C.      On June 20, 2014, the LGIC approved Orders in Council 399, 400 and 401 giving advance approval to the BCUC to exempt certain TES from certain provisions of the UCA, as requested. On August 27, 2014, the BCUC issued Orders G-119-14, G-120-14 and G-121-14 providing certain exemptions from certain provisions of the UCA for: a) Micro TES providers; b) Strata owned TES; and c) Stream A TES providers, respectively;

D.      On August 28, 2014, by Order G-127-14, the BCUC approved and issued the Thermal Energy System Regulatory Framework Guidelines (TES Guidelines). Revisions to the TES Guidelines were approved on March 2, 2015, by Order G-27-15;

E.       Section 1 of the TES Guidelines states that the TES Guidelines may be revised or updated from time to time in order to incorporate lessons learned and adjust to evolving market circumstances and changes to the UCA. Over five years have elapsed since the issuance of the TES Guidelines;

F.       On December 20, 2019, by Order G-341-19, the BCUC established a regulatory timetable for the Review of Thermal Energy Systems Regulatory Framework Guidelines (Review), including a Transcribed Workshop scheduled for April 1, 2020, to continue April 2, 2020, if required;

G.      By Exhibit A-7 letter, dated March 9, 2020, the BCUC established the scope of the Review;

H.      By Order G-5-20 dated March 16, 2020, Order G-91-20 dated April 22, 2020, the BCUC amended the regulatory timetable for the Review due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and participants’ safety;

I.         By Order G-259-20, dated October 15, 2020, the BCUC established a regulatory timetable for the Review, which included a web-based Workshop, intervener written submissions (if desired), submissions on further process, and notification of intent to file Intervener evidence;

J.        On December 16, 2020, British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Organization et al. filed a request for an extension of the timeline to file Intervener written submissions to December 22, 2020; and

K.       The BCUC considers that amending the regulatory timetable for the Review is warranted.

NOW THEREFORE the BCUC orders that the regulatory timetable for the Review is amended, as set out in Appendix A to this order.

DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this          18^th              day of December 2020.

BY ORDER

Original signed by:

R. I. Mason

Commissioner

Attachment

British Columbia Utilities Commission

Review of Thermal Energy Systems Regulatory Framework Guidelines

*    Interveners who have already filed submissions may file supplemental written submissions (if desired)

** The notice to file evidence should include a description of the key issues intended to be addressed.