Orders

IN THE MATTER OF

the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, Chapter 473

and

FortisBC Energy Inc.

The Fraser River South Arm Crossing Upgrade Project Final Report

and Approval for Inclusion of Final Costs into Rate Base Proceeding

An Application for Participant Assistance/Cost Award

BEFORE:               L.F. Kelsey, Commissioner

                                N.E. MacMurchy, Commissioner                               October 18, 2012

                                B.A. Magnan, Commissioner

                                R.D. Revel, Commissioner

O R D E R

WHEREAS:

A.      On April 30, 2012, FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) filed a final report for the Fraser River South Arm Crossing Upgrade Project, pursuant to Order C-2-09, and requested approval of a Settlement Agreement and final costs of $34 million to be included in rate base; 

B.      On June 29, 2012, by Order G-93-12, the British Columbia Utilities Commission (Commission) established a written hearing process for the proceeding;

C.      The British Columbia Pensioners’ and Seniors’ Organization (BCPSO) was the only registered intervener in the proceeding;

D.      Commission Order G-72-07 established Guidelines for PACA applications;

E.       On September 19, 2012, BCPSO submitted its final application and costs for Participant Assistance/Cost Award (PACA) funding to the Commission;

F.       By letter dated October 10, 2012, FEI stated it has reviewed the PACA application, and has no objections or comments on the PACA application submitted;

G.     Pursuant to the PACA Guidelines the Commission determines the entitlement to a full or partial award taking into account the criteria in the Guidelines, the information provided by the participant and variances in estimates provided.  The Commission is satisfied that the BCPSO should receive a Participant Assistance Cost Award to recover costs related to this proceeding.

NOW THEREFORE the Commission orders as follows:

1.       Pursuant to section 118 (1) of the Utilities Commission Act, the Commission awards funds in the following amounts to BCPSO for their participation in the proceeding:

2.       FEI is directed to reimburse BCPSO for the amounts that have been awarded in a timely manner.

DATED at the City of Vancouver, in the Province of British Columbia, this          18^th           day of October 2012.

                                                                                                                                BY ORDER

                                                                                                                                Original Signed by:

                                                                                                                                L.F. Kelsey

                                                                                                                                Commissioner