IN THE MATTER OF
the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473
and
An Application by
British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
for the Mica Gas Insulated Switchgear Project
BEFORE: R.J. Milbourne, Commissioner
P.E. Vivian, Commissioner March 16, 2010
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On August 5, 2009, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) applied (the Application) for acceptance by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (the Commission) that the expenditures in a capital expenditure schedule filed pursuant to section 44.2(1)(b) of the Utilities Commission Act (the Act) in respect of the Mica Gas Insulated Switchgear Project (Mica GIS Project) are in the public interest; and
B. The Mica GIS Project is estimated to cost $180.6 million and is scheduled to be completed in June 2013; and
C. By Order G-95-09 dated August 14, 2009, the Commission established a Written Public Hearing and Regulatory Timetable for the review of the Application; and
D. By Order G-127-09 dated October 28, 2009, the Commission revised the Regulatory Timetable for the review of the Application; and
E. The filing of evidence and submissions pursuant to the Revised Regulatory Timetable was completed when BC Hydro filed its Reply Submission on December 3, 2009; and
F. The Commission Panel has reviewed the Application, evidence and submissions, and concludes that it does not accept the Application as being in the public interest.
NOW THEREFORE the Commission Panel, pursuant to section 44.2(3)(b) of the Act, finds that the Mica GIS Project is not in the public interest and orders that the capital expenditure schedule having a Expected Cost estimate of $180.6 million is not accepted. The Commission Panel issues its Decision concurrently with this Order.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 16th day of March 2010.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
R.J. Milbourne
Panel Chair/Commissioner