Orders

ORDER NUMBER

G-126-25

IN THE MATTER OF

the Utilities Commission Act, RSBC 1996, Chapter 473

and

FortisBC Inc.

Complaint Regarding FortisBC Inc.’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Policy

BEFORE:

M. Jaccard, Panel Chair

E. A. Brown, Commissioner

on May 22, 2025

ORDER

WHEREAS:

A.      On May 7, 2025, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) received a complaint filed by the Town of Princeton (Princeton) regarding FortisBC Inc.’s (FBC) announcement that it would introduce a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy;

B.      On May 14, 20, and 22, 2025, the BCUC received additional complaints about FBC’s PSPS policy from the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, and the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, respectively (collectively, including the complaint filed by Princeton, the Complaints);

C.      On April 30, 2025, FBC issued a media release regarding the introduction of its PSPS policy, which FBC describes as a precautionary measure where electricity is shut off proactively in selected areas in advance of extreme weather to reduce potential ignition sources;

D.      Per Section 10.2.1 of the Terms and Conditions set out in FBC’s Electric Tariff (Electric Tariff) for Service in the West Kootenay and Okanagan Areas, FBC may suspend service of electricity whenever necessary to safeguard life or property, or for the purpose of making repairs on or improvements to any of its apparatus, equipment or work;

E.       The Complaints share similar concerns with FBC’s PSPS policy, stating that the policy has consequences for their communities, including impacting the local economy, impacting culture due to loss of traditionally preserved foods, hindering local residents’ access to basic necessities, and forcing the evacuation of high-risk individuals reliant on electrical service for medical equipment;

F.       On May 12, 2025, the BCUC issued Order G-115-25 which directed FBC to suspend implementation of its PSPS policy and file the PSPS policy with the BCUC;

G.      On May 20, 2025, FBC filed its PSPS policy with the BCUC and submitted its response to the complaint filed by Princeton; and

H.      The BCUC has reviewed the submissions to date and determines that the establishment of a regulatory timetable is warranted.

NOW THEREFORE the BCUC orders as follows:

1.       The regulatory timetable is established as set out in Appendix A to this order.

2.       FBC is directed, by Monday, May 26, 2025, to:

                                 i.            Make this order available on its website and on its social media platforms;

                               ii.            Provide a copy of this order to local governments and First Nations communities in areas affected by the PSPS policy.

3.       FBC is directed, by Wednesday, May 28, 2025, to provide to the BCUC written confirmation of compliance with Directive 2 of this order, including a list of all parties notified.

4.       In accordance with the BCUC’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, any party wishing to comment is invited to submit a Letter of Comment by the date established in the regulatory timetable. Letters of Comment must be submitted by way of the Letter of Comment Form available on the BCUC’s website at https://www.bcuc.com/Forms/LetterOfComment.

DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this        22^nd      day of May 2025.

BY ORDER

Electronically signed by Mark Jaccard

M. Jaccard

Commissioner

Attachment

FortisBC Inc.

Complaint Regarding FortisBC Inc.’s Public Safety Power Shutoff Policy