B R I T I S H C O LU M B I A U T IL IT IE S C O M M I S S I O N O R D E R a N U M B E R G-94-96 SIXTH FLOOR, 900 HOWE STREET, BOX 250 TELEPHONE: (604) 660-4700 VANCOUVER, B.C. V6Z 2N3 BC TOLL FREE: 1-800-663-1385 CANADA FACSIMILE: (604) 660-1102 IN THE MATTER OF the Utilities Commission Act, S.B.C. 1980, c. 60, as amended and an Application by Centra Gas Whistler Inc. and Complaints into Increased Propane Rates at Whistler, B.C. BEFORE: M.K. Jaccard, Chairperson; and ) L.R. Barr, Deputy Chairperson ) September 19, 1996 O R D E R WHEREAS: A. On July 29, 1996 Centra Gas Whistler Inc. ("Centra Gas") filed an application with the Commission to pass-through a rate increase of $2.193/GJ, to customers for propane grid service, effective SeptemberÊ1, 1996. The rate increase represents the forecasted cost of propane from September 1, 1996 to DecemberÊ31, 1997 compared to the cost currently recovered in rates. The proposed increase will amount to approximately 22Êpercent for the average residential customer; and B. During September, 1996 the Commission received complaints from customers concerning the proposed increase in propane grid service rates; and C. The Commission has reviewed the relevant information and has determined that the issue of propane supply and cost recovery at Whistler, B.C. requires further review. NOW THEREFORE the Commission orders as follows: 1. The Commission will hold a Public Informational Meeting at Whistler, B.C. on OctoberÊ3, 1996 commencing at 7:00Êp.m. The meeting will discuss Centra Gas' application to increase propane rates, the customer complaints and will explore available alternatives. 2. Centra Gas is directed to appear at the meeting, with informed Company representatives available to answer questions from customers in attendance. Centra Gas is to provide copies of its application, information on its propane acquisition efforts, and any other useful information it feels is necessary to provide answers to customer concerns. . . . /2
2 3. The Commission will delay its review of the pass-through application until the Public Informational meeting has been completed. 4. Centra Gas will arrange for publication of the Notice of Public Informational Meeting in each issue of the Whistler Question newspaper, in advance of the OctoberÊ3, 1996 meeting as set out in AppendixÊA to this Order. The advertisements are to be supplemented by the use of spot radio ads and community service announcements, as well as posting the Notice on community bulletin boards, so as to provide adequate public notice to customers in the Whistler service area. DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this ÊÊÊ20thÊÊÊday of September, 1996. Orders/CG-PrpneRates&TwnHallMtgB R IT I S H C O L U M B I A U T IL I T I E S C O M M I S S I O N O R D E R N U M B E R G-94-96 BY ORDER Original signed by: Dr.ÊMark K. Jaccard Chairperson
APPENDIX A to Order No. G-94-96 Page 1 of 2 NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING Into Propane Supply Costs for the CentraÊGas Whistler Grid System ISSUES ¥ Centra Gas has filed an application to pass-through a cost of propane increase of $2.193Êper gigajoule to customers of the Whistler propane grid system, effective SeptemberÊ1, 1996. For the average residential customer, their annual bill will increase by approximately 22Êpercent. ¥ A number of customers have complained about the proposed rate increase. ¥ The Commission requires that the issue of propane prices to grid system customers be explained by Centra Gas representatives at a Public Informational Meeting. ¥ The Commission will delay its review of the Application to increase rates until after the Public Informational Meeting. PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING FORMAT ¥ The Public Informational Meeting will be held at the Myrtle Philip Community Centre in Whistler, B.C. ¥ Centra Gas representatives will present the application, cover aspects of propane supply contracting, including the options to recover the forecasted increase in the cost of propane. ¥ Following the Centra Gas presentation, the meeting will be open to oral and written presentations by all interested and affected parties. Questions may be directed to Centra Gas officials. DATE, TIME AND LOCATION Thursday, OctoberÊ3, 1996 7:00 p.m. to completion Myrtle Philip Community Centre in Whistler 6195 Lorimer Street, Whistler Telephone: (604) 938-3133
APPENDIX A to Order No. G-94-96 Page 2 of 2 CLARIFICATION For those persons wishing to make a presentation at the Public Informational Meeting, a copy of the Centra Gas rate increase application will be available at the meeting and will also be available at the CentraÊGas office in Whistler,ÊB.C. Persons intending to participate in the Meeting who are uncertain as to the manner in which to proceed may (in writing, by telephone or facsimile), contact Mr.ÊRobert J. Pellatt, Commission Secretary or Mr.ÊPhilip Nakoneshny, Senior Financial Analyst - Petroleum at: British Columbia Utilities Commission Sixth Floor 900 Howe Street Box 250 Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2N3 B.C. Toll Free Telephone: 1-800-663-1385 Facsimile: (604)-660-1102 BY ORDER Original signed by: Robert J. Pellatt Commission Secretary
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