ORDER NUMBER
G-338-22
IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473
and
FortisBC Energy Inc.
Application to Extend the Gas Supply Mitigation Incentive Program
For the Period November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2025
BEFORE:
E. B. Lockhart, Panel Chair
C. M. Brewer, Commissioner
A. C. Dennier, Commissioner
on November 25, 2022
ORDER
WHEREAS:
A. On August 30, 2022, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) filed an assessment report and application with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC), seeking approval pursuant to section 63 of the Utilities Commission Act (UCA) for a review and an extension of the Gas Supply Mitigation Incentive Program (GSMIP), for a three-year term for the period November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2025 (Application);
B. In the Application, FEI proposes continuation of the existing GSMIP model and Term Sheet, with limited changes, to be effective November 1, 2022;
C. By Order G-163-11 dated September 22, 2011, the BCUC approved the GSMIP for the period from November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2013;
D. By Order G-174-13 dated October 24, 2013, pursuant to section 63 of the UCA, the BCUC approved extending the GSMIP for a three-year term for the period November 1, 2013 to October 31, 2016 and approved including the mitigation activities performed by FEI on behalf of FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc. in the 2013-2016 GSMIP;
E. By Order G-141-16 dated August 29, 2016, the BCUC approved extending the GSMIP for a three-year term for the period November 1, 2016 to October 31, 2019;
F. By Order G-232-19 dated September 26, 2019, the BCUC approved the extension of the GSMIP for a three-year term for the period November 1, 2019 to October 31, 2022, and directed FEI to file a report providing a comprehensive assessment of the GSMIP, term sheet and model at least 60 days prior to expiry of the approved three-year term;
G. By Order G-288-22 dated October 14, 2022, a written comment process was established, including one round of BCUC Information Requests (IRs), an opportunity for letters of comment, and FEI’s response to any letters of comment;
H. On November 9, 2022, FEI submitted its responses to BCUC IR No. 1, and on November 18, 2022,FEI requested the BCUC proceed to approval of the Application as no letters of comment have been submitted; and
I. The Panel has reviewed the submissions and considers that approval is warranted.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 63 of the UCA, the BCUC orders the following:
1. The GSMIP extension proposed by FEI, including the GSMIP, term sheet and model, is approved for a three-year term for the period November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2025.
2. FEI is directed to file a report providing a comprehensive assessment of the GSMIP, term sheet and model at least 60 days prior to expiry of the approved three-year term.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 25th day of November 2022.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
E. B. Lockhart
Commissioner