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 Acceptance of the Remote Community Electrification Program
2010 Annual Report
BEFORE: L.F. Kelsey, Commissioner
D.A. Cote, Commissioner February 17, 2011
D. Morton, Commissioner
O R D E R
WHEREAS:
A. On September 17, 2009, the Commission issued Order C-4-09A directing British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) to file an Annual Report on the Remote Community Electrification (RCE) Program and a streamlined process to review future projects under the RCE Program;
B. On June 11, 2010, BC Hydro filed the RCE Program Regulatory Review Proposal (the Streamlined Process). The RCE Proposal included BC Hydro filing a RCE Program Report on an annual basis;
C. On December 23, 2010, BC Hydro filed its RCE Program annual report (2010 Annual Report);
D. On January 7, 2011, the Commission issued Letter L-1-11 requesting comments as to whether a workshop is required for the review of the 2010 Annual Report;
E. On January 19, 2011, the BC Sustainable Energy Association and Sierra Club of British Columbia (BCSEA et al) responded to Letter L-1-11 requesting a workshop be held for the review of the 2010 Annual Report;
F. On February 1, 2011 BC Hydro requested the Commission not issue a determination setting out a requirement for a workshop for the review of the RCE Program 2010 Annual Report;
G. The Commission Panel has considered the comments filed, the 2010 Annual Report and the rising costs of the 20 year RCE program costs from $140 million to $185 million and determined a workshop for the review of the RCE Program 2010 Annual Report should be held.
NOW THEREFORE the Commission directs BC Hydro to hold a workshop for the review of the RCE Program 2010 Annual Report within 60 days of the date of this letter. Participants in the Workshop may file comments on issues arising from the Report within 14 days of the date of the Workshop, with a copy to BC Hydro, and BC Hydro may reply to the comments within 28 days of the date of the Workshop.
DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this 21st day of February 2011.
BY ORDER
Original signed by:
D. Morton
Commissioner