Orders

ORDER NUMBER

G-305-24

 

IN THE MATTER OF

the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473

 

and

 

Pacific Northern Gas (N.E.) Ltd.

Tumbler Ridge Gas Plant Rehabilitation Project Section 44.2 Expenditures

 

BEFORE:

E. B. Lockhart, Panel Chair

B. A. Magnan, Commissioner

 

on November 21, 2024

 

ORDER

WHEREAS:

 

A.      On August 21, 2024, pursuant to section 44.2 of the Utilities Commission Act, Pacific Northern Gas (N.E.) Ltd. (PNG(NE)) filed an application (Application) with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) for acceptance of a schedule of anticipated capital expenditures for the Tumbler Ridge Gas Plant (TRGP) Rehabilitation Project (Project);

B.      The Project consists of the repairs to and replacement of certain equipment at the TRGP, a gas processing plant situated in PNG(NE)’s Tumbler Ridge service area, and has an estimated capital cost of $4.92 million;

C.      By Order G-251-24, dated September 26, 2024, the BCUC established a written hearing process and regulatory timetable for the review of the Project;

D.      By letter dated October 18, 2024, PNG(NE) requested a temporary suspension of the proceeding to allow PNG(NE) to evaluate a new proposal for an alternate gas supply arrangement, which could significantly impact the anticipated capital expenditures;

E.       By Order G-264-24, dated October 21, 2024, the BCUC adjourned the proceeding and directed PNG(NE) to provide an update by November 18, 2024;

F.       By letter dated November 18, 2024, PNG(NE) requested an extension of the adjournment of the proceeding for three months to allow for additional time to explore, evaluate and finalize the proposed gas supply plan. In the letter, PNG(NE) proposes to provide an update on or before February 18, 2025; and

G.      The BCUC has reviewed the PNG(NE) letter and considers that extension of the adjournment of the proceeding is warranted.

 

NOW THEREFORE the BCUC orders as follows:

 

1.       The proceeding remains adjourned.

2.       PNG(NE) is directed to provide an update with a recommendation on whether to resume the regulatory timetable with adjusted dates, extend the adjournment, or pursue different or additional steps, by Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this      21^st      day of November 2024.

 

BY ORDER

 

Electronically signed by Blair Lockhart

 

E. B. Lockhart

Commissioner