LETTER NO. L-27-02 ROBERT J. PELLATT SIXTH FLOOR, 900 HOWE STREET, BOX 250 COMMISSION SECRETARY VANCOUVER, B.C. CANADA V6Z 2N3 Commission.Secretary@bcuc.com TELEPHONE: (604) 660-4700 web site: http://www.bcuc.com BC TOLL FREE: 1-800-663-1385 FACSIMILE: (604) 660-1102 Log No. 1274, 1270, 1238, 1170, 1160, 1151, 1144, 1120, 1068 June 28, 2002 Dr. Philip Kanigan 1767 Pass Creek Road Castlegar, B.C. V1N 4S5 Dear Dr. Kanigan: Re: Aquila Networks Canada (British Columbia) Ltd. (formerly known UtiliCorp Networks Canada (British Columbia) Ltd. ______________Recent Power Outage Complaints______________ This is in response to your original complaint of April 26, 2002 and subsequent letters and e-mails of May 14, 16, 20, and 24, 2002 to the Commission and Aquila. The Commission is satisfied with the June 15, 2002 response by Aquila and concurs with Aquila’s application of Electric Tariff Section 8.1 (attached). In particular, the Commission believes that the outages and surge damages were incurred as a result of trees contacting the feeder from which you are supplied. The Commission also considers that Aquila’s tree control and brushing programs are reasonable. Unfortunately customers experience surges on feeders from time to time, caused by lightning or line contacts, which are beyond the reasonable control of the Utility. Therefore, customers are advised to protect sensitive equipment with surge protectors. In regard to your e-mail of June 15, 2002 to Mr. Sinclair, residential customers in the Province are served from single-phase lines unless their load is great enough to warrant a three-phase supply (for example, if they are operating large motors). The issue of single vs. three-phase supply is irrelevant to the quality of service provided by the Utility. Yours truly, Original signed by: Robert J. Pellatt RJP/ac Attachment cc: Mr. George Isherwood Manager Rates & Contract Administration Aquila Networks Canada (British Columbia) Ltd. Mr. Corey Sinclair Manager, Municipal Relations Aquila Networks Canada (British Columbia) Ltd. Complt/Aquila/Kanigan, P.-Resp.
Electric Tariff TERMS AND CONDITIONS B.C.U.C. No. 1 Sheet TC18 7. LOAD CHANGES AND OPERATION (Cont’d) 7.4 Power Factor (Cont’d) install power factor corrective equipment to ensure that a lagging power factor of not less than 90 percent is maintained. The Company may refuse service for neon, mercury vapour, fluorescent or other types of outdoor lighting or display device which has a power factor of less than 90 percent or other detrimental characteristics. 7.5 Load Fluctuations The Customer shall operate its motors, apparatus and other electrical equipment in a manner that will not cause sudden fluctuation to the Company's line voltage, or introduce any element into the Company's system which in the Company's opinion disturbs or threatens to disturb its electrical system or the property or service of any other Customer. Under no circumstances shall the imbalance in current between any two phases be greater than five percent. The Customer shall indemnify the Company against any liability, loss, cost and expense occasioned by the Customer's failure to operate its electrical equipment in compliance with this section. The Company may suspend supply of electricity if the Customer fails to take remedial steps required by the Company to correct a disturbance. 8. CONTINUITY OF SUPPLY 8.1 Interruptions and Defects in Service The Company will not be responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever incurred by the Customer due to interruption, failure or defect in service or supply arising from causes outside the reasonable control of the Company (including strikes or lockouts), but will restore service or supply with reasonable diligence. All responsibility of the Company for electricity delivered to the Customer shall cease at the point of delivery, and the Customer shall indemnify the Company and save it harmless from all liability, loss and expense caused by or arising out of the taking of electricity by the Customer. The expense of any interruption of service to others, loss of or damage to the property of the Company through misuse or negligence of the Customer, or the cost of necessary repairs or replacement shall be paid to the Company by the Customer. Issued November 19, 2001 Accepted for filing UTILICORP NETWORKS CANADA BRITISH COLUMBIA UTILITIES COMMISSION (BRITISH COLUMBIA) LTD. By: R.H. Hobbs, Vice President By _______________________________________ Regulatory and Legislative Services Commission Secretary EFFECTIVE (applicable to consumption on and after) October 22, 2001
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