IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 196, Chapter 473
and
Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (PNG-West Division) and Pacific Northern Gas (N.E.) Ltd.
(Fort St. John/Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge Divisions)
Application for Capital Structure and Equity Risk Premium
Application for Participant Assistance/Cost Awards
BEFORE: L.A. O’Hara, Panel Chair/Commissioner
M.R. Harle, Commissioner May 28, 2010
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. By letter dated July 16, 2009, Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. and Pacific Northern Gas (N.E.) Ltd. [collectively (PNG)] filed with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (the Commission) an application for Capital Structure and Equity Risk Premium (CAP/ROE Application); and
B. By Order G-13-10 dated January 19, 2010, the Commission established a regulatory timetable for a Written Hearing process, but the timetable also provided parties with the opportunity for the review to go to a Negotiated Settlement Process (NSP) if required. By Commission Letter L-28-10 dated April 1, 2010, the Commission accepted the preferences expressed by the major parties and varied the regulatory timetable established in Order G-13-10 to enable an NSP to take place commencing April 26, 2010; and
C. The NSP discussions took place on April 26 and 27, 2010. A Negotiated Settlement Agreement (NSA) was reached among the participants and circulated to all Registered Interveners and the Commission on May 12, 2010; and
D. The Commission approved the NSA by Order G-84-10 dated May 20, 2010; and
E. On May 12, 2010, the British Columbia Old Age Pensioners’ Association et al. (BCOAPO) filed an application for PACA with respect to its participation in the proceeding; and
F. On May 28, 2010, PNG informed the Commission that it believes BCOAPO’s participation in the CAP/ROE Application proceeding warrants an award at the level set forth in their submission to the Commission; and
G. The Commission has reviewed the BCOAPO application for cost awards with regard to the criteria and rates as set out in Order G-72-07 and has concluded that the PACA application from BCOAPO be approved.
NOW THEREFORE pursuant to section 118(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, the Commission awards $9,103.50 to BCOAPO for its participation in the proceeding:
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this First day of June, 2010
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
L.A. O’Hara
Panel Chair/Commissioner